Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kerala
Why Go?
A sliver of a state in India's deep south, Kerala is shaped by its landscape - almost 600km
of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches, a languid network of backwaters and the spice
and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats. As relaxing as an ayurvedic massage, just set-
ting foot on this swath of soul-quenching green will slow your stride to a blissed-out amble.
Kerala is a world away from the frenzy of elsewhere, as if India had passed through the
Looking Glass and become an altogether more laid-back place.
Besides its famous backwaters, rice paddies, coconut groves, elegant houseboats and del-
icately spiced, taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Kerala is home to wild elephants, exotic birds and
the odd tiger; and crazily vibrant traditions such as Kathakali plays and snake-boat races.
Few visitors neglect to put Kerala on a South India itinerary - the biggest problem is
choosing where to linger the longest.
When to Go
Jan-Feb
Perfect beach and backwater weather. Ernakulathappan Utsavam festival in Ko-
chi (Cochin).
Apr
Kathakali at Kottayam and Kollam festivals, and the elephant procession in Thrissur.
Aug-Sep
End of the monsoon period: Onam festival, snake-boat races.
Best Wildlife-Watching
»
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (
Click here
)
»
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary (
Click here
)
