Hello all,
It looks like our month in India this December will land us in Kerala over Christmas and in Goa over my BIG birthday.

I'd appreciate ideas from folks as to bookings that will be particularly festive. A friend suggested the Leela as a splurge in Goa, but I'm open to other ideas.

For Christmas in Kerala, however, I could really use some input. We're still noodling through the itinerary so any locale can be considered.
Thanks much!

If I wanted to splurge in Goa, I'd choose the Taj Fort Aguada hands down. But I don't have any first hand experience of the Leela, so it might be very good considering the other hotels of the chain.

In Kerela, it depends whether you are looking for a beach vacation, houseboats or hills with tea estates. I like Munnar for its hills.

Hi Galactus,
Thanks. I'll happily check out the Taj Fort Aguada.

Since we live in Oregon, truthfully the waterfalls and green hills of Munnar sound a lot like our locale.

We are interested in swimming beaches and the backwaters with a bit of sightseeing thrown in plus interesting food. I had just heard that Kerala really celebrated Christmas in fine style but had no specifics to go on.

Perhaps then Cochin, Alleypey and Kovalam might be better options to explore.

Okay...more research is in order. Thoughts on a few days in Kovalam--- especially lodging would be great!

I'd seriously look into Niramaaya Resort in Kovalam if you are looking for that price range. Everyone I have talked to raves about it.

Will do. Have you heard of Malabar House in Kochi?

I stayed in Malabar House for Christmas in 2001. Highly recommended, especially if you get a suite.

It's nice to hear...did you spend time at any of the "sister" lodgings?

No, I don't think they had them back then.