Plan a trip to Kerala
Plan a trip to Kerala like a pro!
Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is a renowned destination which is known for its geographical and unique cultural characteristics. The natural beauty of this state attracts many tourists from all over the world. Kerala has everything to offer – Arabian Sea coast and beaches, glistening backwaters, the western Ghats with spice and tea covered hills, wildlife sanctuaries etc.
Kerala is also known for wild elephants and exotic birds and the wildlife can be seen in many parts of this state. Other key highlights of Kerala like the famous Kathakali dance, festivals in certain temples and snake boat races adorn to the beauty of this heavenly state.
Budget travel details for Kerala
If you are planning a trip to Kerala in near future then the best time to visit is from October till March. This is the time of winters in North India but in Kerala, the weather remains pleasant. It’s not so cold here.
Below are the few tips for trip to Kerala that will help you as a budget traveller or a backpacker for planning your tour:
1) Transportation
Kerala is easily accessible by air, rail and road from all other parts of India. Being a tourist destination, the government has taken care of transportation system for tourists to reach this land of beauty and paradise on earth.
Kerala by Flight: There are two major airports in Kerala – Cochin and Trivandrum; both of them are international airports. There is good domestic flight connectivity from these airports to other Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur etc.
Kerala by Train: Kerala has good train connectivity from all parts of India. From passenger to superfast trains, Kerala is very well linked to every corner of India. It is connected to two major cities of Delhi and Mumbai by Rajdhani (Premium) and Duronto Express trains.
Kerala by Road: Cities in Kerala and other parts of India are very well connected by State and National Highways. The Inter-state government and private buses, taxis and bikes are widely available throughout Kerala. On the beachside areas, you can also hitchhike to travel from one place to another.
2) Accommodation
You can book your stay in advance or can even take a room once you reach a particular destination in Kerala. The prices for your stay varies from place to place and hotel to hotel. If you are looking for just a basic accommodation like lodge/guest house/homestay then it will cost you around Rs. 600 per night per room. You can also search a few hostels online that provide dormitories stay where you will have to pay approx. Rs. 300 per bed and the washroom would be the common one.
3) Food
You can taste the local foods of Kerala which includes Puttu, Kadala Curry, Appam, Kerala Special Prawn Curry, Parotta, Fish Curry, Idiyappam, Payasam etc. On average, per day food will cost you around Rs. 450 per person.
4) Activities
Kathakali Dance Show at Kochi – Kathakali is a major form of classical Indian dance which is a story play genre of art. You can enjoy the performance in Kochi at Rs. 350 per head.
Houseboat in Alleppey – Alleppey is famously known for its backwaters. For your stay in Alleppey, you can opt for a houseboat which is a USP of Kerala. In afternoon, you will board the houseboat and after sailing, the houseboat is anchored at one place and you stay overnight in the houseboat. It is a must experience to gain when you are visiting Kerala. On average, the houseboat costs around Rs. 8000 on a full board basis (all 3 meals included).
Boating at Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary) – Taking a boat through the Periyar Lake is one of the best ways to explore Periyar Tiger Reserve. Tourists get an opportunity to witness the natural beauty of the forests and the wildlife from the boat. From an upper deck of the boat, you can get the best views around. The charges of the boat ride are Rs. 250 per person (including the entrance fee to the park). You can take the tickets from the counter itself.
Timings of boat ride tours are 7.30 AM / 9.30 AM / 11:15 AM / 1.45 PM / 3.30 PM
Itineraries for Kerala
Generally, below itineraries are suggested for the travellers who are visiting Kerala for the first time.
Kochi (1 Night) – Munnar (2 Nights) – Thekkady/Periyar (1 Night) – Alleppey (1 Night) – Kovalam/Trivandrum (2 Nights)
OR
Kochi (1 Night) – Mararikulam (2 Nights) – Alleppey (1 Night) – Kovalam/Trivandrum (1 Night)
You can extend 1 day in the above itinerary and can also do the same day excursion to Kanyakumari from Kovalam/Trivandrum.
It is very easy to plan a trip to Kerala. The place welcomes everyone with its vibrant colours, culture and tradition. Following a few simple tips and with an average budget of around Rs. 1500 per day, one can easily make a trip to this God’s Own Country.
Also Read:
How to plan a trip to Kashi (Varanasi) – https://budgetescapes.in/varanasi-travel-guide/
