Kerala holiday advice

IzzyS

Hello!

I would really appreciate some feedback on a trip to Kerala I'm planning next year in Feb 09. It's a way off yet i know but could do with some advice on the itinerary outline...

Flight costs to Cochin and Trivandrum seem pretty similar from London so is there really an advantage to going to one over the other?

We had planned to fly into Trivandrum then head to Periyar then up to Munnar, Thrissur, across to Kochi, Backwater tour then travel back down the coast to spend some time in Varkala and maybe Kovalam.

Does this sound like a sensible plan? We have 14 days and would like to see as much as possible without spending the whole time travelling.

Also, a bit of a girly question but is it OK to sunbathe on the the beaches? Just wanted to ask as I don't want to be disrespectful...

All advice much appreciated!

vandy

Hi there IzzyS,

It would save you time & money if you could fly
into Tvndm and exit from Cochin(Kochi)or Visa Versa.
Actually I would Hire a car & Driver do Cochin -
Thrissur - Munnar - Periyar - Backwaters(Allepey or Kumarakom) and then catch train down to Tvndm &
Spend a few days relaxing on the beach at Kovalam
before returning home.You could get off train at Varkalha if you wish for a day or so and continue to Tvndm.

Hiring your own car & driver is very advantageous
as the driver will be with you all of the time,you
can stop where & when you want and he'll show you around the various sightseeing spots at the various
places you visit.

Whilst in Tvndm area you could visit Kovalam and
get that part out of the way,no problems with
sunbathing there whatsoever.

Is there any particular reason you want to visit
Thrissur ?

In the Forums section on this site got to States of India and click on Kerala, you will find some
usefull threads similar to yours.

rgds - vandy

littlelo

Hi

We are just back from a 2 weeks trip to Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The itinerary suggestions from other members sound good. We didn't go to Kovalam but did Varkala instead which was great for a few days' rest.
We had a marvellous driver who made our holiday such a memorable one. If you want to get in touch I'll give you his Email.

A couple of addresses that I would recommend
The Deshadan in Varkala
Mother Tree B&B in Fort Cochin

Everything is so easy in Kerala. I did a lot of planning for our trip but found that with a good driver, you get to see everything and they have good addresses, although I suppose February would be high season, so better book in advance.

Enjoy your planning!

dhans

Welcome IzzyS,

Seems a sound period of time for what you are planning. For some ideas and tips read our journal (link below). Also for reccomendations to stay in Cochin.

Have Fun,

Hans

__________________

Tips for trips to India with (young) children: India with kids
Stories about our travels in India: Journal

Booradley

Good plan but if you skip Kovalem you won't be missing anything For chill time by the ocean Varkala is far superior

Boo