Travel to Kerala with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Kerala with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Kerala is India’s most verdant state – a paradise blessed with palm-lined beaches, lush jungles, plantation-covered hills, and tropical rivers and lakes. Here, you will be able to relax like nowhere else, with therapeutic Ayurvedic massage, lazy days in the sun, and nights watching ritualised Kathakali dance.

Getting There

Kerala has three airports with good domestic and international connections. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at the capital city of Trivandrum is situated within the city limits, and Cochin International Airport (Nedumbassery) is close to all three national highways passing through Kerala (NH 47, NH 17 and NH 49). The main railway line from Kanyakumari to Delhi is adjacent to the airport, and Cochin Sea Port, one of the biggest in the country, is also situated nearby. Karipur Airport (Kozhikode) is the third airport

Key Attractions

Kerala covers just 1.3 per cent of the India’s total land mass but is rich in resources and is one of the most progressive areas in the country. It is considered one of the cleanest and most peaceful parts of India, and has more attractions than can be listed. Alwaye Palace sits on the banks of River Periyar and is one of the finest palaces in the state (it is currently used as Alwaye Guest House). Another worthy sight, Bekal Fort is the best preserved and biggest coastal fort in Kerala.

Bolghatty Palace, built by the Dutch in 1744, is located an island in the Arabian Sea off Cochin and is today used as a hotel. Another attraction, the Edakkal Caves are full of ancient carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions, and are considered by archaeologists as one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Other sights include: the Hill Palace Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Kaviyoor Stone Temple, Koyikkal Palace, Krishnapuram Palace, Kuthiramalika, and Pazhassi Rajas Tomb in Mananthavady.

Out and About

The stunning tropical reefs off the Lakshadweep islands are also worth seeing, while those interested in ancient history and grand temples, should head to the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. There are plenty of beaches to keep you staying in Kerala though, with a 600-kilometre coastline. Most are unspoilt and many offer some excellent surf. Kovalam Beach is popular with backpackers and Chowara Beach is a virgin beach nine kilometres to the south.

Leisure Options

Kerala is the home of Ayurveda, an ancient healing tradition that draws on 3,000 years of Vedic culture. You will find therapists, physicians and commercial Ayurvedic shops selling roots, herbs and bark throughout the state. Renowned for its curative and rejuvenating powers, Ayurveda works on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being by rectifying any imbalances in the three doshas: vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (water). You definitely won’t want to miss out on some massage treatments or other therapies while visiting here.

Safety

There is relatively little to worry about in Kerala, however, too much activity in the sun or participation in water sports could pose a danger. Travellers should remain alert and take out travel insurance before leaving home.

Weather in Kerala

The most pleasant weather in Kerala is found from November to March. The summer temperatures are very high and the humidity is extreme. The heavy monsoon rains come just after the summer months, from March to May.

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