Ayesha123

Hello,

My husband and I are going to Kerala in September 2012 but we are on a tight schedule - probably 4 or 5 nights only. What are the must see places / things to do. We like visiting local sights, fishing, a houseboat trip is on the cards and walking. Since we're there for a short while, is it worth booking in a good hotel and letting them arrange trips for us or is it better to go on a package tour?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

ACS

CaliNurse

Greetings, Ayesha.

Below is the site of the Kerala Tourism Development Corp, the gov't site on travels. There's loads of info about "God's Own Country" but i'm specifically referring you to the area that has enquiries from people(mostly from India) and responses from Keralan travel agencies...just to give you a general idea. For example, one man asks for a 4 night itin, but it is rushed. Still, he will see a lot. (Next to the enquiry it will tell you how many responses there are)

See if you can extend to 5 nights,/6 days. The four nights is do-able of course, but as you said, "tight" for time.

http://www.keralatourism.org/travell...ys=10&pageno=2

You can go either route--via a hotel booking service , or through a travel planner you pick. I'd probably go with the latter, having had good experiences that way. You will find several highly recommended companies/individuals on Fodors, although there are others of course.

I have used Indianpanorama twice (now planning third trip). Faith and Pandian, the owners, are based in and live in South India and know the area extremely well. You will love their website. Whether you go with them or not, check out the info and great photos and info. I refer yo specifically to the info about Kerala> they have "sample itineraries" but are completely flexible depending on our budget.

Even if there are only the two of you, I highly recommend upgrading to an Innova, for better comfort, safety and views. However, this isnt as important on your trip, as you will not have the many hours' long drives more common on tours in the North of India.

http://indianpanorama.in/news_nov08.html

and some photos to whet your appetite for Kerala:

http://indianpanorama.in/gallery/ker...ters/index.htm

http://indianpanorama.in/gallery/Ker...chin/index.htm

Check on weather in September--you will be there during monsoon, which means periods of rain every day . I went in December, but the rain wouldn't stop me, if that is the olny time available.

Have fun planning!!

Trav_Eller

Everyone has different interests, so it's hard to be specific. I went for the same period last May. Possibly my trip reports will help with some ideas.

The first report is here, the others follow in sequence:
http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/2011...ala-india.html

Cheers, Alan, Australia.
Born Under a Wandering Star

qwovadis

keralahouseboat.org or similar boots on the ground for 50% discount WONDERFUL for me years past. indiamike.com best info

Groowynd

Hi Ayesha,

You can think of following options:

1N Cherai
1N Resort on Alleppey beach to experience village life
1N Houseboat in Alleppey
2N in Kovalam.

IN Kochi and Out Trivandrum

or 2N Munnar (Hill Station)
1N Kumarakom
1N Houseboat in Alleppey
1N Resort on Alleppey beach

IN and out from Kochi.

It would be good to book through a reputed tour operator to avail better rates including Cab.

Regards
Sam

Ayesha123

THank you everyone for the ideas, very helpful and I've started my usual excel file on different options. Am off to a good start so I do appreciate all the advice.

Best
Ayesha