ALBINS TOurism guide

.... and also Caroline's ..... a little bit

TO KERALA

TOURISM GUIDE

India really is a subcontinent and a cosmos in itself where you can encounter everything from jungles, wildlife to millennia-old temples, cultural sites and crowded, chaotic cities and towns. That breadth is great, but trying to cover all of India in one guide would be overwhelming (and hard to fit on a single web page!). Since most guests have only a few days, I’ve zeroed in on Kerala’s highlights—its culture tours, beaches, backwaters, hill stations, heritage sites—which you can comfortably explore on a short trip. Of course, if you have your heart set on another part of India, check out the national portal for ideas: https://www.incredibleindia.gov.in/en

Kerala offers the following core experiences:

  • Beaches and coastal villages

  • Backwater & village tours

  • Heritage & culture: forts, palaces, temples, arts & crafts

  • Hill stations with tropical rainforests, waterfalls, treks, tea/coffee/cardamom plantations

  • Food & culinary journeys

  • Medical treatments and Wellness Experiences: Offers both advanced modern hospitals and traditional Ayurveda-based wellness treatments.

Almost all regions of Kerala have offerings in each category. You can check these official websites and resources to know more:

MY RECOMMENDATIONS

There is already a lot of information online. As you can see, even just Kerala state has a lot of things to visit and see .

However, I am sharing some of my personal recommendations for you if you are planning to be in Kerala.

Pick one or two airport bases for your pre- or post-wedding Kerala trip. If you are on a tight schedule, choosing option 1 is the best way to get the most out of your trip. As mentioned before almost all regions of Kerala has its own offering of backwater, beaches, mountains and forests. You can choose according to what matters to you most like convenience, comfort, tourism options, off-beatness etc.

  1. Around Kochi (COK airport) – “101 Kerala”: backwaters, hill-stations, beaches, heritage & day-trips

  2. Southern Kerala (TRV airport) – Varkala area beaches + adventure sports + temples/backwaters

  3. Northern Kerala (CNN/CCJ airports) – off-beat beaches, villages, temples, Theyyam in Kannur, Kasargod, & Wayanad hills etc.


Alternatively, you can also explore Lakshadweep Islands https://maps.app.goo.gl/cCQ4cvyGLe7rw7tTA, if you’re dreaming of an island paradise with coral reefs etc —flights/ships connect via Kochi.

Drivers & Tours to remote places

Most areas in Kerala are connected by public transport however mountain and forest regions you may need private transport with a driver. If you are planning on going to remote areas, the best thing is to pre-arrange the trip with tour operators who will arrange drivers according to your need. Be aware that they might also try to sell you accomodation and packages, which you can also do if you want less headache with accomodation, but otherwise let them know that you only want drivers.

Note: sometimes if you are going very remote for overnightstays, the driver will need a room. So crosscheck with your accomodation that they provide rooms for drivers (which is a free common custome in remote areas).

Some local operators in Kochi (there are more online):
• CGH Earth: https://www.cghearth.com/responsibletourism

• Go Around the Globe: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6oQRuU248Kxz5yJq8
 • Travel Cart India: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vn7rExFk9UVLPgfr9
 • Somans Leisure Tours: https://maps.app.goo.gl/U8e756dhVbYk7QfcA
 • Magic Moment Holidays: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ypKFmZVk4Po1uuVr8

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Highlights of the Season
Around Kochi
Southern Kerala
Northern Kerala
Medical Tourism
Ayurveda
Kalaripayattu
Accomodation

ACCOMODATION

Types of Stays

  • Homestays & Guesthouses
    Live with an Indian family and immerse yourself in local culture. These are budget-friendly and comfortable for longer, backpacking-style trips. You’ll gain authentic insights into daily life, but should not expect luxury amenities.

  • Hotels & Resorts
    Kerala offers everything from three-star properties with basic comforts to five-star luxury resorts complete with pools, spas, and fine dining. Choose based on your comfort needs and desired level of service.

Price Guide

  • Budget (₹2,000–₹5,000 per night)
    Simple guesthouses, homestays, well-rated three-star hotels and smaller resorts.

  • Mid-Range to Luxury (₹5,000–₹20,000+ per night)
    Boutique resorts, heritage-style villas, and upscale hotels.

I recommend you to find your best accomodation through online portals or google maps or from my recommendations.

  • Direct booking with the property sometimes gets you a cheaper price (5-10 % off). But make sure to only pay through official bank transfer or payment portals.

  • airbnb.com

  • booking.com

  • makemytrip.com (local websites)

There are some hospitality groups which provide boutique resorts, spas and villas in package tours etc like https://www.cghearth.com/

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SEASON

Kochi-Muziris Biennale: The 6th edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art will be held in Kochi during 12.12.25 - 31.3.26.

Checkout their instagram for latest updates https://www.instagram.com/kochibiennale/

Sneak Peek from 2018 https://youtu.be/cmV3xw82X5o?si=0CQGoz_cVMfdt0fS

In addition there will be a lot of art and cultural events, small music festivals etc happen during January.

Theyyams: January-February is the main season of Theyyams in Northern Kerala. This is a unique blend of rituals, spiritually, and art. Personally I would highly recommend you to check it out if you end up going to North Kerala.

Checkout this video: https://youtu.be/XEpWrWou9EE?si=bLqjb4uL1g0q3vGg

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AROUND KOCHI

This might be the most famous and touristic hill station in Kerala and whole India. I would recommend you to stay not close to the Munnar town region which has become quite touristy. There are some nice areas in the outskirts of Munnar or in Idukki region/

More close to Munnar town area

There are some national parks in this area where you can trek, if you book in advance through the forest department website etc.

Eravikulam National Park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFhmjJY7BCim2EFy5

Some properties to stay next to it:

ART, CULTURAL & CULINARY TOUR

Fort Kochi is the old colonial part of Kochi where Portuguese, Dutch and English had settlements due to its strategic trade location of sourcing spices, ivory, textiles etc

Since you will be in Kochi for the wedding, I recommend spending a day or two in this historic neighbourhood. There are plenty of art galleries, cosmopolitan cafes and eateries

The 6th edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art will be held in Kochi during 12.12.25 - 31.3.26.

Checkout their instagram for latest updates https://www.instagram.com/kochibiennale/

Sneak Peek from 2018 https://youtu.be/cmV3xw82X5o?si=0CQGoz_cVMfdt0fS

In addition there will be a lot of art and cultural events, small music festivals etc happen during January.

BEACHES (Closer to Kochi)

The best beaches of Kerala are in North and Southern parts (not in Kochi and certainly not in Fort Kochi). But there are some nice beaches within 1-2 hour journey from Kochi downtown or our wedding venues. This will be ideal if you have limited time and have no plans to travel to north or south of Kerala. Also, check out my recommendations of beaches in North and South Kerala.

Eg:

  • Marari Beach area (1 hour ride from Fort Kochi) - There are few nice beaches and hospitality properties, cafe around this area. Ideal if you wanna club with your Fort Kochi visit https://maps.app.goo.gl/yNaawCuPwgbvWG359

There are plenty of properties in this area but here is a nice one:

Marari Beach Resort CGH Earth - https://g.co/kgs/CjRbyys

  • Kothakulam, Thamapankadavu Beach areas (1 hour 30 mins ride from COK airport): There are a few nice beaches around here. It is not a popular tourist destination like others. Ideal if you wanna be low profile and not too far from COK airport and Day 1 event venue. https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUGgjBN9xc6PgQRw9

Some examples of what you expect in the area:

Thira Beach Home - https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gQRTr3QbZG9pCyv7

Deja Blu - https://maps.app.goo.gl/28HnGVov4fz1CboSA

HILL STATIONS, FORESTS, WATERFALLS, NATIONAL PARKS ETC (Closer to Kochi)

1 hour ride from COK airport. Stay at Athirapally waterfalls and day trip to Valparai through the reserve forest: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JafXLQnf2sw8qysJA. Ideal for a two night trip where you can spend one day nearby athirapally waterfall area and the next day for a day trip to Valparai https://maps.app.goo.gl/j7ueuETsSwDLG2jVA (similar to Munnar) and back to your accommodation. through reserve forest Highly recommend this forest route ride if you want to see western ghats nature, wildlife sightings like wild elephants, deers etc with comfort and safety.

Some properties there

Thattekad and Mamalakandam (2 hour drive from airport). This is not as touristy as Munnar or other locations but still a great place if you like the quietness and rawness of nature and surroundings. Also ideal as a layover spot on your journey into the Munnar and Idukki mountains.

Athirapally waterfalls & day trip to Valparai (easy no-brainer option)

Thattekad, Mamalakandam Area (bird watching, nature, forest treks etc)

Munnar or Idukki Area (Tea, cardamom estates, nature treks, waterfalls etc):

Kerala’s backwaters are a classic “101” tourist stop—easy to combine with Fort Kochi, Marari Beach, Munnar and the Kochi region without extra long journeys. It can feel a bit crowded and commercial, so I’d only recommend it if you’re on a tight schedule and want a taste of the lagoons. If you have more time, there are quieter corners of Kerala worth exploring instead.

1. Overnight Houseboat Stay

Drift through the canals and wake up on the water. Most houseboats come with a cook and crew, and range from basic comfort to multi-bedroom luxury. When you book, focus on top-rated boats with recent positive reviews—and try to reserve a few weeks ahead.

2. Land-Based Resorts + Day Cruises

Stay on solid ground, then head out each morning on a guided boat tour of the backwaters. These properties handle all the boating logistics—and still give you more flexibility to move around.

Alleppey & Kumarakom: Backwater Options

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SOUTHERN KERALA

TEMPLES

Southern Kerala is known for its beaches, temples and backwaters. It also has its side of Western Ghats and mountains.

BEACHES

Varkala Area has a lot of beaches, yoga centers, temples and different activities like Surfing, Paragliding, Kayaking, etc. It has a lot of similarities to Goa with the presence of nice cafes, restaurants, bars and “new-age” communities around.

Kappil Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/sft4USMMqBhZVx2d6

Aalirikkum Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/QYU6ZNTTw4L8o3BH7

Odayam Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/i5qRH4wjsuernMA78

Black Beach - https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2KGkGJ9SVEvj8D87

There are few surf schools in this area, you can also the backwater kayaking and paragliding options

There is also Kovalam Beach area which has some star hotels like (Leela Ravitz https://maps.app.goo.gl/kWWSp9euBDs8xuCF7 , Taj https://maps.app.goo.gl/xJoW69bwhTKffRf2A etc) and many small scuba diving centers like https://maps.app.goo.gl/baFhtCELZq8a535R9

  • Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple - https://maps.app.goo.gl/uZCmYqkQdd5S3xGT7 (It is one of the major temples in India with rich history and architecture marvels. Ideal if you are planning to travel to/from Trivandrum airport)

  • There are also some temples around the Varkala Beach.

You can go to Munroes Islands if you wanna experience the village life of people in the backwaters and enjoy amazing pristine backwaters and kayaking in the area https://maps.app.goo.gl/XWfZkdMYH4p9LHUS9

BACKWATERS

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NORTHERN KERALA

North Kerala is the place to go if you want to experience the most original Kerala village, temple and nature experience before it becomes too touristy.

So if you want the authentic experience of Kerala beyond typical tourism, this is the place to go.

Also I highly recommend doing the Theyyam tours since Jan-Feb is the season for this. There are some travel guides who facilitate this. Eg: https://www.theyyamtours.com/

BEACHES & BACKWATER LOCATIONS

There are a lot of small beach houses and homestays in this area. You can find them through online booking portals or google map search. These are some I have personally stayed

The Wayanad area has a lot of forest and wildlife, tea and coffee plantations. (eg: Pepper Trail https://maps.app.goo.gl/pmaqHYBgtsmbPMH48). There are plenty tourist properties and adventure sport activities.

HILLSTATIONS

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MEDICAL TOURISM (MODERN OR AYURVEDA OPTIONS)

Kerala is a popular destination for medical tourism in Asia, offering world-class modern healthcare, dental etc alongside centuries-old Ayurvedic treatments. Many visitors combine their medical stays with leisure and wellness activities.

If you need anything from detailed check-ups, diagnosis to surgery, these hospitals in Kochi are reliable and close enough to combine with your trip:

MODERN HOSPITALS

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Ayurveda (“the science of life”), is a holistic medical system rooted in India for over 3,000 years. It focuses on balancing body, mind and spirit, treating root causes rather than just symptoms.

If you’re serious about detoxing and rebalancing with ayurveda treatments, plan on 2–3 weeks—that’s a typical Panchakarma duration. In Kerala we often say: for truly effective, affordable long-term treatment, head to an Ayurvedic hospital or ashram rather than the resort-style, tourism-focused centers. You’ll get the full therapeutic program (herbal oils, medicated steam, internal herbal tonics) without the frills, and the costs tend to be lower per day. Shorter spa-style packages (1–3 days) offer massages and wellness therapies but are less intensive.

There are some similar offerings like Sitaram in that same coastal stretch like Nattika Ayurveda Resort, or Veda Ayurvedic Village etc. I’m not personally familiar with their treatment quality.

I’d also chat with the hospital’s or Ayurvedic center’s doctor online before confirming it as it would really help set expectations. Book well ahead of peak season, and pick places that hold proper accreditations (international for hospitals, NABH for Ayurveda). If you can, find spots that combine your treatments with a little yoga, meditation or local sightseeing—you’ll get the best of both worlds.

AYURVEDA

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KALARIPAYATTU

Kerala also has a rich heritage in martial arts, mainly Kalaripayattu which is considered to be one of the oldest martial art forms in the world. If your warrior spirits are kicking in or just want to try training something different, there are different kalaripayattu centers all around kerala or proper kalari ashrams where you could stay and learn.

https://youtu.be/AqJuyzcZsN8?si=I-ue0_SnHZw3SYNi

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