Kerala is a state in the southwest of India, stretching nearly 600km down the country’s coast. It has an extremely varied terrain and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Covered in a combination of wet evergreen forests and highland deciduous forests Kerala is a lush and beautiful region to visit.
If you’re looking for a place to experience the natural beauty and abundance of wildlife that India has to offer, Kerala is the perfect destination.
Coastal Areas
Bordered by the Arabian Sea, coastal Kerala offers up some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam, Poovar, Varkala, Marari, and Cherai are just a few of the beautiful beaches you’ll come across in this region.
Kovalam is the most popular beach area in Kerala, and also the most active! It is not far from the capital, Trivandrum, and has accommodation to suit all budgets.
If you’re looking for somewhere more secluded, Varkala’s beaches and cliffs offer dramatic beauty and less crowds. Varkala is a calm and quiet temple town and is also home to a renowned natural spring, said to have medicinal properties to help cleanse the body of impurities.
Backwater Region
Stretching inland from the coast is Kerala’s famous backwater region. With 1500kms of connected rivers, lagoons, and canals, this environment is unique to this region of south west India.
It has become a popular spot for tourists, many of whom rent houseboats or kettuvallams to tour through sections of the waterways. These kettuvallams were traditionally used a grain barges but have since been converted into floating cottages. They include sleeping areas, western-style toilets, a dining area and a deck. The crew onboard prepares Kerala cuisine and guides travelers through the extensive systems of waterways. Though the kettuvallams provide travelers with comfortable amenities, there are usually no televisions or radios onboard, providing tourists with a chance to unwind, rewind, and take in the natural beauty surrounding them.
The Western Ghats
Further inland and running parallel with India’s western coast is the mountain range known as the Western Ghats. This area is home to 39 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 20 of which are in Kerala, and it is one of the world’s most significantly bio-diverse regions, offering travelers a wealth of options for viewing nature and wildlife.
One of the most popular national parks is Eravikulam National Park – the first national park dedicated in Kerala and the home to 126 species of bird and approximately 26 mammals, including tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, sambar deer, golden jackels, and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. This is an ideal spot for trekking and wildlife viewing!
Kerala offers travelers a unique and exotic experience. Beautiful beaches, emerald backwaters, lush hills, and exotic wildlife all combine to make Kerala a destination like no other!
If you’re looking to plan your next great adventure Contact your favourite Lloyds Travel Consultant for more information!
Learn more about available South India Tours here.