Kerala, India

debie_2

Hi there

We are visiting Kerala for 2 weeks mid September. I have organised a private driver with car and we will tour for the first week, and then want relaxation for the second week.

The plan is

2 Nights Cochin,
2 Nights Thekkady,
3 Nights Kumarakom (Day Houseboat trip)
3 nights in Varkkala (Palm Tree Heritage)
2 Nights in Poova (Over the Hill Resort),
4 Nights in Kovalam (Mollys Retreat) and fly back to the UK from Trivandrum.

My questions are, is this a good itinery, and do you recommend Kovalam for 4 Nights, or are there better beach locations.

The trip includes a combination of Hotels and Homestays.

We want to see the best of Kerala but also have time for relaxation and really enjoy the experience.

Any advice much appreciated.

D

budgetflyer

Beaches in kovalam weren't that great imo.
Mollys Retreat though is lovely. Its Its just outside the Taj, where we stayed. Our meal in Mollys was the best we had, 4 days in Kovalam.
We preferred South Goan beaches

Doshwaster

Looks like a great trip. I haven't been too keen on other parts of India Kerela is fantastic - very green, friendly and with some fantastic food. I've been to Cochin and did the houseboats but also went inland to the plantation in the hills around Munnar.

I just hope that the area can maintain its current character for as long as possible rather than being ruined by tourism like Goa.

daveyjp

4 days in Kovalem give you an opportunity to see a small area of southern Kerala. Trivandrum is worth a visit, tea and spice plantations in the Western Ghat.

As you are so close it is worth the effort to get to Kanayakamuri - the southern most tip of India. You will get to visit Tamil Nadu which is completely different to Kerala, despite only being 'next door'.

debie_2

Thank you for all your advise.

The tour operator is having difficulty contacting Mollys Retreat in Kovalam, so are there any other good hotels you can recommend.

Thanks again


D

daveyjp

We stayed at the Jasmine Palace, it was 13 years ago, but it still appears to get good reviews.

budgetflyer

Only problem I see is Sept may still be monsoon. Beach may be washed away.

daveyjp

I missed the date of the trip, but It may be the reason you can't contact your preferred hotel in Kovalem. Hotels in tourist areas may close down for the rainy season as there aren't many tourists about.

David_Ferrer

Kerala is an amazing place to enjoy for every one, but you can face little bit weather problem.

debie_2

Thanks everyone for your help. the tour operator secured a good rate with BETHSIDA HERMITAGE Hotel, Kovolam, so I can't wait to go. A bit of rain will not spoil the whole experience, and I am so looking forward to it all.

Thanks again


D

rubytuesday

Kerala was one of my favourite places on my second visit to India thirty years ago - hope it will still be as lovely and you have a great time!