Top 5 Winter Escapes to Kerala

Chase away the winter blues in green and gorgeous Kerala

While most of us are getting ready for the cold this winter, there are some fantastic destinations to jet off to from October where you can enjoy balmy weather and gorgeous natural surroundings for a break in the lush green hills. One such area is South Indian jewel Kerala. Known as “God’s own country”, it will delight you with its richness of flora and fauna and there are many Kerala luxury tour packages you can book to relax and unwind in some of its best spots.

Winter is a great time to book Kerala tour packages as it will be an exciting holiday at off-peak tourist season, yet you can enjoy the best that the area has to offer without trampling feet at the most important sights. Read on for our top picks to look out for, whether you are booking it all yourself or designing a customized Kerala holiday package with a travel agent.

Alleppey – The Venice of the East

Without a doubt the top pick of best places to visit in Kerala, Alleppey is known for its backwaters and romantic network of canals. You can navigate these on a houseboat and enhance the experience even further by staying on one. Luxury tour packages often offer a houseboat stay with a private chef who will cook you dinner on the boat too!

Lie back and watch the world go by as you sail down the waters, checking in on the locals and feeling part of the beautiful surroundings. If you want to dial up the excitement, you can get an adrenaline rush by booking a speedboat or rafting too.

Munnar – The Tea Paradise

Munnar is a must-do for any tourist to Kerala. Its high-altitude setting at 1600 m above sea level allows the locals to grow exceptional varieties of tea. Prepare to be transported into a different world among the tea plantations, as well as enjoy walks through lush green forests and rolling hills. After visiting the Tea Museum, the next best thing is to enjoy a tea tasting. Munnar is an amazing outdoors destination to include in a customized Kerala holiday package, as it is home to the South Indian Everest, Anamudi Peak, towering over the area at 2,695 m. You can trek through Eravikulam National Park, climb hills and mountains, enjoy paragliding and a whole host of other activities in this beautiful region.

Wayanad – The Land of Paddy Fields

Another gorgeous mountain destination in the Western Ghats range, Wayanad is another one of the best places to visit in Kerala this winter. Dense forests combine with coconut plantations and rice fields, and you are surrounded by impressive rock formations and adjoining waterfalls where you can trek to yourself.

What is more, the area has a rich cultural heritage where you can visit some exceptional archeological finds like the Edakkal Caves with their ancient wall paintings. Don’t forget to ask your tour guide to take you to one of the Wildlife Sanctuaries!

Cochin – Queen of the Arabian Sea

This ancient spice trading centre was one of the first European colonies in India, when it became occupied by the Portuguese in 1503. From then on, its cultural richness has built on a medley of influences, including Dutch, British and Chinese, adding to the Indian dynasties’ heritage. Cochin is a great city destination to build into your customized Kerala tour package: take in the sights in the morning, go shopping in the afternoon, and end the day with a spectacular Kathakali Dance Performance.

Kovalam

Want to just lounge at the beach? Kovalam resorts are your destination this winter! The seaside here is absolutely breathtaking and temperatures will allow you to get a tan while relaxing in peaceful surroundings. When you’re not lying in the sunshine, visit the fishing harbor, the lighthouse and the Aquarium and learn about pearl production.

Moreover, you will be close to other sightseeing destinations like Trivandrum where you could take a day trip to take in palaces and temples if you are interested in seeing more.