Holiday destination
Kerala
Kerala, in southern India, is known as God's Own Country for its palm-fringed backwaters, tea-covered hills and relaxed pace. Cochin has a fascinating colonial quarter, Munnar is cool and green, and Thekkady is famous for spice gardens and wildlife. A houseboat on the backwaters around Kumarakom is a highlight.
Region: India
Trip types on sale: Tours.
Places
Cochin (Kerala)
Chinese fishing nets and the old Fort Kochi quarter.
View 1 holiday featuring CochinKerala Backwaters
Calm canals and lagoons explored by houseboat.
View 1 holiday featuring Kerala BackwatersKumarakom
A peaceful village beside Vembanad Lake.
View 1 holiday featuring KumarakomMunnar
Rolling tea plantations in the Western Ghats.
View 1 holiday featuring MunnarThekkady
Spice gardens and the Periyar wildlife reserve.
View 1 holiday featuring Thekkady
Best time to go
Who it suits
Getting there
Practical
- Time: 5 hours 30 minutes ahead of the UK in winter and 4 hours 30 minutes ahead in summer.
- Currency: Indian rupee
- Language: Malayalam; English is widely spoken.
Typical daytime highs
- Coast, October to March. Typical daytime highs around 31 to 33°C in the coast from October to March.
- Munnar hills, October to March. Typical daytime highs around 19 to 24°C in the Munnar hills from October to March.
These are typical ranges, not a forecast.
Things to do
- Stay on a houseboat on the backwaters
- Walk among the tea estates of Munnar
- See Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi
- Tour a spice garden in Thekkady
- Watch a Kathakali dance performance
- Try an Ayurvedic treatment
Questions
How long is the flight to Kerala?
About 11 to 12 hours from London to Kochi with one connection.
What is a backwater houseboat?
A traditional rice barge converted for gentle overnight cruising.
UK passport holders should check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.