Kerala information has mainly been provided by two very kind friends. Thank you for allowing us to share your lovely holiday.
Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches and tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Exotic wildlife, waterfalls, sprawling plantations and paddy fields. Enchanting art and magical festivals. One hundred percent literate people – a possible exaggeration, maybe! Historic and cultural monuments. Exotic cuisine. What more can you ask for?
The official website states the following. 'Kerala -India's most advanced class care health systems - India’s lowest infant mortality and highest life expectancy rates. The highest physical quality of life in India. Peaceful and pristine, and also India’s cleanest state’.
The information provided below, includes a 'Bales World-wide' tour, recommended by friends. Bales is a company which has been established for many, many years. The friends have had more than one good holiday experience with this established company Website A tour with Bales usually consists of a group of about eight people. In addition to this trip, we will also supply separate recommendations from other friends. This particular tour was approximately 12 days, leaving London Heathrow with Emirates via Dubai to Cochin.
If you are thinking about going to Kerala, do ask some simple questions, such as, ‘Do I like curries?’ You will get lots of yummy and delicious curries.
Recommendations and Information Provided for Holiday Research
Destination - Willingdon Island – Cochin
Cochin is built around a saltwater lagoon of the Arabian Sea and is one of India’s most attractive cities. The tour includes visiting the 16th century Church of St. Francis, the Paradesi Synagogue in the heart of Cochin’s Jewish Town, the Mattancherry Palace and the enormous cantilevered Chinese fishing nets characteristic of the Kerala coast.
The Taj Malabar Hotel A good 97 bedroom hotel offering magnificent views of the Cochin harbour Website
Munnar, KTDC Hill Resort, Kerala Located amongst tea plantations in the Cardamon Hills at 5.906ft.
Tea County Hotel 43 Bedroom Hotel. This hotel was formerly a summer retreat for the British during the Raj. Located in the Cardamon Hills, the hotel offers wonderful views of two adjacent valleys. All rooms have private facilities and also a coffee shop, currency exchange and laundry facilities. The hotel is run by the government and levels of service and general standards are not up to the same level as other hotels on this itinerary.
Periyar An amazing spot. Boat trip on Lake Periyar, a haven for birdlife. The Periyar Reserve This is a special reserve where there are at least 80 elephants and well worth a visit. During the short stay at Spice Village, there may also be time to visit a small spice plantation where one can learn about the many uses of spices both in medicine and local cuisine.
The Spice Village Thekkedy - Kumily Road, Thekkedy Website The accommodation consists of chalet style cottage accommodation in a fragrant spice garden in the heart of the Cardamon Hills. Facilities include a swimming pool.
KumarakomTransport to this delightful resort is via a short boat ride, before arriving at this perfect place to relax amidst palm trees and surrounded by water. From Coconut Lagoon, you are able to board a private houseboat or 'kettuvamom' for a memorable day cruising through the peaceful palm-fringed backwaters of Kerala, passing local farming and fishing communities along the banks of the narrow canals. The private houseboat has twin bedrooms with ensuite facilities. One night is spent on board before disembarking in Alleppey.
Coconut Lagoon Resort Kumarakom, Kottayam Website Accommodation features traditional character bungalows. Facilities include restaurant and swimming pool. The resort features a large outdoor swimming pool and an Ayurvedice spa. Weather permitting, the sunset over Vembanad Lake is an unforgettable site.
Marari Beach Club Restort Marankulam, Alleppey, Kerela Website
This resort is a short distance from Alleppey and is set in 30 acres of beautifully maintained rambling gardens with coconut palms and other exotic tropical fruit trees. .Each villa has its own small private garden area. The resort overlooks the Indian Ocean and is about a 2½ hour to Cochin.
The hotels on this tour were generally of a first-class standard, the exception being in the Tea County Hotel in Munnar.
Kerala
has a tropical climate but tends to be hot and humid all year round. The state
is touched by two monsoons, the south-west monsoon which arrives in June and remains
there until late September/early October and the north-east monsoon which arrives
in late October/early November and lasts until early December. The second monsoon
is the shorter and less severe. It is therefore important to select the best time
of year to visit.
Indian currency is decimalised with 10 paise to the rupee.
Check with your GP for up to date travelling requirements.
Visas are required to visit India and your passport should be valid for six months after your return date into the United Kingdom.
Official Tourist
Website
Casino
Group Hotels
Alastair
Sawday - India
Tour Operators
Audley
Travel - Tailor Made Holidays
If you visit Kerala, please let us have your comments together with accommodation and restaurant recommendations
Whilst we try to ensure details found on this site are accurate, we cannot guarantee that is the case. If any of the details are incorrect or the links are not operating please contact us and we will endeavour to amend details accordingly
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