Emerald backwaters, golden beaches and hilltop havens: Northern Kerala is India’s tranquil gem

There's a reason that Kerala is called 'God's Own Country'.

Brimming with tropical backwaters, waterfall-bound jungle, and a 600 km stretch of palm-fringed coastline, this Indian state is a biodiverse paradise. 

But to really appreciate Kerala, you need to head into the more untouched and unseen areas.

You’ll find opportunities to interact with local people as they go about their daily lives, whether that's on a sprawling coffee plantation or in one of the lesser-known backwaters. 

"It's not only about seeing the natural beauty of Kerala. Just imagine a traveller from Europe coming here, staying in a homestay, living with a family, having food prepared at home, and seeing the culture. With these experiences, you are creating stories, not only seeing the places," says Sikha Surendran, director of Kerala Tourism.

If you want to see Kerala differently, you might need more than the average two-week holiday so that you can move beyond where most travellers head to, as Surendran explains. “[Most visitors] usually focus on the centre, then go to the south.” Yet, she says, “the northernmost part of Kerala is pristine". 

Kerala's beaches and backwaters have always been the natural draw to South India

For a unique experience on the biodiverse backwaters, head to the popular Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, where you can stay in a local village and take a scenic boat trip into the narrow, calm channels and watch the fisher people quietly working. Or take a ride out on Ashtamudi Lake on one of the famous traditional houseboats with their pretty thatched roofs and wooden hulls. 

And, rather than go to the popular backwaters found in Alleppy, why not instead explore the central Bekal coastline, where palm-fringed emerald coves of Kappil Beach and its backwaters await you, which lie just 7 kms north of the small town of Varkala. If you’re lucky, you may spot fireflies after sunset.

The best beach, according to Surendran, is Papanasham Beach in the southern town of Varkala. This is more than just a sun-kissed golden strand: a dip in its ocean waters is also said to have spiritual qualities and wash away your sins. After bathing, you can head up to its cliff-backed heights to watch the divine, orange-red sun as it sets over the Arabian Sea. 

Another pristine beach awaits you in Muzhappilangad. "It's Asia's largest and only drive-in beach,"  Surendran reveals.

Adventure and nature seekers will also find plenty to do in Kerala's cool hill stations

Traverse the undulating green terraces of Munnar, which are full of verdant tea plantations that add a distinct fragrance to the air. It’s also home to the Eravikulam National Park, where you’re spoilt for choice with rare birds and butterflies. The best view? It's at Top Station – the highest point in the area at 1,700 metres. 

Take to the skies paragliding from the grassy mounds of Vagamon or trek in the lesser-trodden northern hills of sleepy Wayanad, past waterfalls and caves. 

The home of Ayurveda, Kerala is ideal for a soulful wellness escape

While embracing nature and staying in serene hilltop homestays provide plenty of chances to unwind, there’s also another draw to this gorgeous region: Kerala is renowned for its holistic retreats, given that it’s the birthplace of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian alternative medicine practice.  

With specialist doctors, this ultimate destination for Ayurvedic treatments, where a healthy and happy lifestyle has been tweaked into a fine art.

“Ayurveda means everything," explains Surendran, “right from when you wake up until the time you sleep, [it’s about] the activities you do, the dietary preferences you choose.  

Kerala offers a travel experience that allows you to give back

In Kerala, you can support the local community and travel sustainably as a given. 

It's a philosophy embedded in the state's practices, such as sourcing raw materials locally and employing people from the area in the many hotels and attractions. 

"Without the involvement and empowerment of the local community, we don't think that we can go further when it comes to sustainable tourism," adds Surendran.

Beyond environmental measures such as limiting the use of plastic, Surendran explains that you simply get to accept and enjoy Kerala’s ancient cultures and traditions.

As part of the Ethnic Cuisine Project, you can tuck into traditional Kerala dishes prepared by local families in their homes or book a homestay online using the Kerala tourism website "These experiences promote cultural exchange and boost local livelihoods," Surendran adds.

Pioneering safety and empowering solo female travellers

If you’re a solo female traveller wanting to visit India, then Kerala is the ideal launchpad.

In fact, the state has seen an increase in female visitors and has started a collaboration with UN Women, which is focused on ensuring that the 25 most popular locations are safe and welcoming.

This is part of a broader initiative to create a safe and accessible space for everyone, including mothers travelling with children, older adults, and physically disabled travellers.

It’s easy to get around Kerala

The best way to travel through Kerala is to hire a private driver and car through one of the many trusted tour operators. 

Or, if you’d like to embrace more local encounters, you can hop on the public buses or pick a train route. If you’re short on time, you can maximise your time by flying between Kerala's four airports. 

And when is the best time to experience this beautiful region? "All the seasons are the best in Kerala," suggests Surendran, noting that it’s quieter outside the peak season from October to March.

"But you should come in the monsoon. Monsoon season in Kerala is beautiful."

Where warm downpours typically only last a short time, and the tropical plants seem to bloom even bigger in the quiet calm, this is a sacred time to explore.