Kerala: The perfect getaway

Enjoy a boatride on the backwaters

Stunning backwaters, sparkling beaches, and luxurious resorts all make it one of the best places to escape from the humdrums of everyday life

By Natalia Ahmed

Published: Mon 9 Sep 2019, 9:39 AM

With the advent of school and people returning from the summer, plans for various winter trips have already begun. When it comes to tourist destinations, Kerala stands on top with its unrivalled luxury resorts set on the backwaters. For adventurous tourists, Kerala offers a number of stunning landscapes for hikes and treks.

Overflowing with greenery, Kerala is the perfect place to take a step away from the stresses of modern life and return to the beauties of Nature, and enjoy the calm that only natural resorts can offer.

One popular tourist destination is Alleppey, home to the Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple which was built during the 15th-17th centuries. The Alappuzha beach is a popular tourist attraction, as it has a network of freshwater rivers, lakes, and lagoons, resulting in lovely, clear water.

Every August, The Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place, encouraging local friendly competition, drawing in tourists to get a chance to see one of Kerala's popular boat races. This destination is perfect for water-lovers to enjoy the calm backwaters of Kerala, splash by the beaches, go for boat/kayak rides, or simply enjoy drifting in the lagoon.

For those interested in lush greenery, the place to visit is Wayanad. Wayanad is home to lovely waterfalls, caves, and other natural features. One popular spot is the Edakkal caves, with ancient cave drawings from the Mesolithic era, proving the existence of an ancient civilization in the area. These cave drawings are the only known examples in South India, making them a real treat to visit.

The hike alone is worth the trip, with gorgeous views and stunning scenery to greet you at every turn. The highest point of Wayanad is known as Lakkidi, and is home to a number of rare plants and animals, and is near Pookot Lake, a freshwater lake. This spot is ideal for picnics and afternoon treks, where one can enjoy the freshwater and lush nature.

Vagamon is a hill station located on the Idukki-Kottayam border, and is dotted with pine forests and meadows, making it an ideal location for day trips with the family. Vagamon also offers a number of hotels and resorts for those looking to get away from the city, and the Vagomon Lake is a must-visit. The lake is open to tourists, complete with pedal-boats and rowing boats that you can hire to go out on to the lake.

The forests, too, are lush, and often feature as locations for dramatic movie songs and music videos. The forests are also a perfect location for the family to stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh air. The higher cliffs in Vagomon are great spots for activities including paragliding and parasailing, and the forests offer lovely hiking and trekking trails, perfect for those looking to get away from the city.

For those who wish to stay in the realms of the modern, Kozhikode is the perfect place to visit. The city offers a number of stunning beaches, along with the Kadalundi bird sanctuary, where you can look at hundreds of native birds. The city also offers some delicious food, especially some Keralite classics, including Erachi Pathiri (Rice bread and meat fillings), Aradika (rice flour and mussels), and more. The fish is fresh, the food is flavourful, and the people are friendly, guaranteeing a pleasant visit. For those interested in the outdoors, Kozhikode also offers treks, hikes, kayaking trips, and fun beach outings - all rolled into one city.

Munnar is a town in Kerala, in the Western Ghats. A hill station and former resort for the British Raj, the town is surrounded by rolling hills and tea plantations, dating from the 19th century. Home to the Eravikulam National park, the park is a habitat for endangered species. The hill station is home to a number of lovely sights, including Lakkam Waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain peaks.