Relax in the laid-back, stress-free region of India
Kerala, India
A gentle palm-fringed beach? A languid boat ride through villages? A soothing traditional treatment? In India’s southernmost state you can have all three. The unhurried pace of life in Kerala ensures a sense of calm prevails, making it more manageable than the famously chaotic north of India. With almost 600km of coast, there are beaches aplenty but plenty else to entice you away from the sea: historic ports, spice markets, tea plantations and the glittering backwaters. Come with us and see why we love Kerala.
Float your boat
Board a traditional houseboat in Alleppey for a tour of Kerala’s backwaters and a captivating insight into Indian village life: women doing their laundry in the canal, grandfathers gossiping in the shade and children climbing trees for coconuts. It’s a world away from life on land, and a magical world that can be discovered with Cosa.
A colonial city
The port city of Kochi has been attracting traders and explorers for centuries (Vasco da Gama arrived here in 1500), and their influence is reflected in the medley of buildings and architectural styles. On a private tour with Cosa, you’ll see such delights as the famous cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, the spice markets, Jewish synagogue, Portuguese-built Mattancherry Palace.
Mend mind and body
Kerala is the home of Ayurveda or ‘science of life’, the ancient Indian method of healing that dates back over 5,000 years. The range of treatments on offer at our chosen luxurious resorts is extensive but almost all involve massage with the pouring of hot herbal oils and medicated milk over the body, giving it a chance to cleanse and balance itself.
Beach bliss
Bone-white sand beaches are another of this laid-back state’s attractions. Whether you want to watch dolphins, catch some waves or do nothing at all, Kerala’s long coast ensures there are endless beaches to choose from. We recommend Kovalam, a fishing village-turned-sleepy resort, and Varkala whose stretch of golden sand is framed by red laterite cliffs.
Essential Kerala
Kerala – which means ‘land of coconuts’ (Keralan cuisine features an abundance of coconut) – is home to more than 33 million people, who enjoy life along the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea. This one of India’s smaller states, making it a less hectic choice for an Indian getaway. Kerala is a conservative region so dress modestly, keeping your shoulders and knees covered when visiting religious sites such as the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
Where it is
Indian Subcontinent
When to go
September to March
Why go there
Backwaters
Beaches
Ayurveda
What to see
Alleppey
Kochi
Varkala
