Introduction: Experiencing the Many Faces of India
“Many travelers to India (and sometimes even Indians themselves) don’t realize the vastness and richness of our country. Its diversity can be explored by regions or cardinal directions, each offering a distinct ‘India’ that words alone cannot capture. You truly have to experience it yourself to understand. Discover unique features, cultures, and geographic wonders around every corner. This is why South India is a must-visit—and, if you ask me, there’s no better place to start (or end) than Kerala.”
The timeline:
I did it in 2016, right after monsoon left (after august) south india and moved upwards. That’s the clue for you to pack you bags. That my best suggestion to you.
The plan:
I have been planning this for months and it finally came along in the best time. A full stretch Kerala trip with Kanyakumari as an added bonus. I will not tell you what to do, but HOW to do it. How to plan your dream Kerala Trip.
Caution: Mine was too comprehensive. Needs high energy and will be quite tiring.
I chose the monsoon theme. I wanted to be in the middle of the action. This is the only place in India which offers monsoon as a tourism opportunity. I was lucky. I expected super heavy rains. Instead. I ended up right in between the rainy season and summer which was perfect.
Advantages in travelling in mid August:
- Rainfall almost over.
- Waterfalls at their fullest.
- Greenery all over the state.
- Backwaters, beach sides and rivers all very clean.
- Abundant coconuts to enjoy.
- Hotel rates brought down.
- Less crowd everywhere.
- Festive Preparation going on.
- Shopping becomes pocket friendly.
Our route map:
Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Panvel
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Trivandrum
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Kovalam
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Kovalam
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Thekkady
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Munnar
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Munnar
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Kochi
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Pune
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Why should you go by train ?
Konkan railways is different from all others. Amazing sights all the along. Beautiful waterfalls (some of them were huge). Lots of tunnels. Breathtaking rivers and bridges. Glimpses of the Arabian sea every now and then. It’s a journey everyone should make at least once in his lifetime. (We took the Sampark Kranti from Panvel, Maharashtra).
We disembarked at Thiruvanthapuram, Kerala. Also known as Trivandrum. Its the capitak of Kerala. The perfect base to start your vacation.
Our Journey through photographs:
First night: The capital city. Trivandrun
We stayed for the first night at Trivandrum. We visited the nearby beach. Also enjoyed good hospitality at our traditional hotel. I would recommend the same to you.
Other links for more details: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297637-d3705839-Reviews-Shanghumukham_Beach-Thiruvananthapuram_Trivandrum_Thiruvananthapuram_District_Ker.html
Beach pictures (we visited at evening):
Time at the hotel:
Staying at a traditional hotel is really an important aspect of your complete vacation so I would suggest you always stay in such hotels. We loved our lone light at the capital city and we already had a good taste of local cuisines since our hotel had some great chefs at work.
Hotel details: UDAY SUITES – THE GARDEN HOTEL
Next stop: Kovalam
Kovalam is renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches lined with swaying palm trees, where the Arabian Sea sparkles against golden sands, making it a haven for beach lovers and sunset chasers.
This one is my favourite beach stay till date. Where the essence of the beach is….the sunset.
No of days to stay: 1 night, 2 days (our recommendation).
— Why 2 days? Visit Kanyakumari from here on the 2nd day. Staying overnight is not recommended here.
Hotel: Should not be too far from the beach.
Food: Plenty of locals selling food alll along the beach. Alcohol is available (not openly but on request)
I can’t post enough pictures of this place. It is so photogenic. (Click to Enlarge)
Day trip from Kovalam to Kanyakumari and back with a stop at Poovar
Its a smart idea to make the trip to Kanyakumari from Kovalam. Thats our recommendation.
And we took a stop at Poovar Lake also to see some backwaters. This is optional.
Its a 86 km distance (Max 2:30 hours) from Kovalam. And this is a must visit. Also you cover a bit of Tamil Nadu too. And its worth it. My promise.
We took a boat ride at Poovar lake and you can do this under an hour. This is a different kind of boat ride which you wont find anywhere else. Riding in knee deep waters among coconal trees. Sometimes under shaded canopies formed by these trees.
At Poovar, what not to miss: Boat ride in back waters. I heard from the locals, that Poovar is better than Allepy which is overpriced and overcrowded. Your choise.
At Kanyakumari, What not to miss: The last point of India. And the sunset. And the Indian and Arabian ocean meeting each other.
Next stop: Alleppey
Stay: 1 night, 1 day
Hotel: Pozhiyoram Beach Resort
Although a relatively small island, Alleppey or Alappuzha stands tall amongst the best tourist spots inKerala. The reason isn’t difficult to fathom once you’ve witnessed the flawless beauty here. Often called the ‘Venice of the East’ owing to its serpentine network of canals and backwaters, Alleppey has grown from being a small town in Kerala to one of its biggest attractions. Much talked about, and not without reason, are the resplendent backwaters of Alleppey
We stayed right beside the sea and enjoyed staying at a cozy end-of-the-world kind of location.
We could walk to the beach anytime. Watch childre playing while the sun again sets for the day.
Next stop: Thekkady
Stay: One night
Hotel recommendation: Stay within the city
Thekkady, nestled in Kerala’s lush Western Ghats, is renowned for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can spot elephants, tigers, and exotic birds. With its spice plantations, scenic boat rides, and trekking trails, Thekkady offers a blend of nature, adventure, and tranquility. Its at a height of 900 to 1800 m above sea level.
The journey from Kovalam to Thekkady is also scenic as we spotted some waterfalls. And tea gardens on the sides (on the outskirts of the sanctuary). We had to take breaks to snap some pictures. After all, why not.
The highlight of this trip will be the wildlife sanctuary. Take the boat trip and try to spot some wildlife. We spotted a family of otters enjoying. And some deer and an elephant. I hope you are luckier.
Periyar Wildlife sanctuary
Next stop: Munnar
Munnar, Kerala, is a serene hill station famous for its rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and lush greenery. Known as the “Kashmir of South India,” it’s perfect for nature lovers, offering scenic views, trekking trails, and a cool, refreshing climate.
Living in a hill station surrounded by tea gardens. Thats the dream. And it will come true right here.I just have one photo I took from my hotel balcony. And that is enough to prove my words.
Stay recommendations:
- One night is enough.
- choose a hotel room with a view. No cost cutting on that.
- Get food on the way or from hotel restaurent. But enjoy the stay watching the hills, cluds and the gardens. That why you have come so far.
What to do at Munnar:
- Visit Tata Tea Museum (we felt it was a good experience) Note: Closed on Mondays
- Walk among tea gardens (where allowed)
Last Stop: Cochin/Kochi
This is our last stop. From here you can find your train or flight back home.
But there is a lot to do here too. And we loved a lot of things about this city.
- Walk along the port river and enjoy local food.
- Enjoy chinese fishing nets (we saw one or two).
- Enjoy some Kerala coffee while enjoying Ships entering or leaving the port. I found fried icecream for the first time right here. Loved it.
