First Time to Kerala

I've been to Go on several occasions, but thinking of heading down to KERALA for a change. Where would be the best place to head to?

Get to Kumarakom or Allepy for backwaters.

For a wild life safari / stay experience get to Wyanad and Vythiri.

Read by Travelogue on Allepy : http://www.indiamike.com/india/article.php?a=11

martin, recommendations will depend on your budget. A lot of fantastic places in Kerala may be expensive.

Hey,
How many days r u planning to spend in Kerala?
backwaters,
Hills, Temples and Beaches, ... wat is ur choice? we can suggest the place,only when we come to know wat is it, that u r intrested in..
(read the my thread untapped beuties of kerala)..
Welcome to Kerala

Thanks for the replies. I will probably be spending around 10/11 nights and would like a good beach with good restaurants, bars and something to do at night.

Help is much appreciated!

You must not miss the backwaters and a stay for 3 nights in Kumarakom is a must. You must do a housebat trip too and visit in and around Alleppey

Why did u speicifically advise three days in Kumarkaom? Curious. We will be visiting the place in the first week of Diwali and we are wondering if three days in Kumarkom would not turn out too long a time. We met a Keralite who said there was absolutely nothing to do -- no place to walk also unlike Munnar wherein u can at least go for long walks. Am looking forward to some positive feed back on activities/ stay in Kumarkom.

Martin D,

There is not much night life in Kerala.

If u want a decent night life, wish to do club hopping etc, u must go to Goa, Bangalore or Bombay. Kerala is not the place for it.

Thats the idea. You just laze in Kumarakom and enjoy the scenic backwaters and cruise along. Take a walk in one of the villages and watch the rustic lifestyle. Well these are the backwaters - where the development of the cities has not yet come in. People live off the land and the rivers. You can catch the below sea level plantations, watch a toddy tapper at work, visit a coir factory, visit the bird sanctuary etc.
What I also mean is if you are visiting Kerala, visit to Kumarakom is a must. I suggested 3 days because i found it the ideal period.

kovalam and varkala for beaches
triavndrum for museum , and a hub for any thing
Kollam alleppy or kumarakom for Back water
Munnar -Periayr for hills tea garden and wildlife
fort cochin for some colonial breath.
Vayanadu< vythiry for some forest & village experiance .

Whats the weather like end of September\beginning of october?

Weather will be good end of September\beginning of October

Thanks Usha. I'm thinking of Varkala and want a beach holiday. Any good?

I am also planning to visit Kerala..

Can some one suggest which one is better Varkala or Poover? Anyone stayed at Poover Island resort ?

I feel Varkala is better. Been to Poovar and varkala. I liked varkala.