Kerala India Travel

5 Great Hotels in Kerala

Erin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:07:46 +0000

Kovalam Beach. Photo by Mehul Antani.

The state of Kerala, located in Southern India on the Malabar Coast, is one of India’s most visited areas. This is due to its tropical beauty, with palm tree lined beaches as well as some stunning mountain scenery and unspoilt rain forests. Thanks to its tourist influx, the state’s infrastructure is excellent and it offers plenty of fantastic accommodation to its guests.

Kerala is quite a large state and tourists tend to go to a number of destinations. The capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is popular due to its beaches and parks, in addition to many historical monuments. Thrissur is regarded as the cultural capital of the state, with its famed temples making it another tourist hot spot. There are many other cities to visit, depending on whether you are looking for beaches, mountains or culture.

There are many great hotels located in the state offering excellent accommodation, but listed below are five of the very best.

The Leela Kempinski Resort

Kovalam Beach is an extremely popular destination. This stunning area is only a short drive from the international airport in Thiruvananthapuram making a great place to stay for visitors to Kerala.

One of the best places to stay is The Leela Kempinski Resort. Offering 182 suites and rooms, the hotel is Kerala’s biggest beach resort and also has some spectacular views thanks to its location perched on a rock face.

The rooms cost from between 11,000 rupees per night to 75,000 rupees for the presidential suite, which is undoubtedly the best room at the resort. This two level suite offers easy access to all the hotel’s facilities as well as privacy. The hotel has excellent dining choices, a health spa, a range of sports and activities, its own beach and a library.

Surya Samudra Private Retreat

Also in Kovalam is the Surya Samudra Private Retreat, which is another resort located overlooking a beach panorama. Offering 23 rooms spread through 5 cottages which are all individually designed based on traditional Kerala designs, this is a secluded and luxurious getaway. A great place to relax and unwind, two of the five cottages are designed to hold only one party of people.

Prices cost from 11,000 rupees per night to 49,000. The best rooms are the private cottages and have extremely luxurious decor. There are two restaurants and a bar in the resort, although private dining is easily arranged. This resort offers relaxation with its fabulous spa and wellness centre and there is also a swimming pool, library and sports facilities on site.

The Kumarakom Lakeside Resort

The Kumarakom Lakeside Resort is considered one of the best in India. Located on the banks of Lake Vembenad in Kumarakom, the hotel can be reached by road, rail or air. Kumarakom is renowned for its proximity to the Kerala Backwaters, making it a wonderful destination.

The Kumarakom Lake Resort is made up of traditional Kerala houses, or manas. Visitors can opt for Heritage Villas, Lake View Villas, Pool Villas or the Presidential Suites. The rooms cost from 15,000 rupees for a simple houseboat, to 40,000 rupees for the presidential suite complete with its own private pool. The cuisine is local and the service is excellent.

Le Colonial Hotel

For those wanting to experience Kerala’s history, a stay at Le Colonial Hotel in Fort Kochi is ideal. Right in the heart of the old town, the hotel is located in one of Asia’s oldest colonial style houses, dating back to the early 1500s. Lovingly restored to provide luxurious and private accommodation, this is one of the state’s most stylish hotels.

With all the essential services you would expect from a five star hotel, the rooms in this hotel range from 7000 rupees per night in low season for a double room, to over 8 million rupees in high season for the six bedroom ‘Full house’ accommodation. Dining is also exceptional and varied.

Rainforest Hotel

Another unusual hotel is the Rainforest, located in the Sholayer Forest but only a thirty minute drive from Cochin Airport. With its nine rooms and its treehouse, this is ecotourism at its best. All the rooms are comfortable and stylish yet offer views of waterfalls as standard.

The Celestial room with its private jacuzzi is the hotel’s best room and many celebrities visiting the area tend to stay here.

The Treehouse, designed by a Swiss architect, is the most unique room at the hotel. Perched in the treetops, you can enjoy truly amazing views from your bedroom window.

The pool and the surroundings provide relaxation and tranquillity. In addition, the dining experience is al fresco and within view of the waterfalls. The Celestial room costs 18,000 rupees per night, whilst other rooms can be booked for around 10,000 rupees.

There are plenty of other great hotels in Kerala which makes choosing just 5 difficult. What is safe to say is that a stay in any one of the hotels above would guarantee you a wonderful holiday allowing you the chance to experience the culture, landscape, history and diversity that make up the state of Kerala.

This post was written in partnership with TravelSupermarket.com.

Preparing for a trip to Kerala

Erin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:41:02 +0000

Preparing for a trip to Kerala doesn’t have to be difficult but there are some basics that you should take care of before your holiday.

Arrange Travel Insurance – As with any trip abroad you should arrange for travel insurance to cover your luggage and any medical expenses that may arise. It’s a good idea to buy your travel insurance when you book your flight so that you are covered in case of cancellation. If you are planning any adventurous activities – even if it’s riding an elephant – make sure that your insurance covers you.

Visa – You need to get a visa to India in advance – usually a 6 month tourist visa. Contact your local Indian embassy or high commission to process the application. In the UK the High Commission of India has outsourced visa processing to VFS Global – the current fee is £41.24 including service fee. You can apply online or at various centres around the country. I recommend allowing at least a few weeks before you travel, preferably more to allow enough time for processing.

Vaccinations – Visit a doctor or travel clinic at least two months before you travel to find out which travel vaccinations are necessary. You may also consider taking malaria medication. The Fit for Travel website run by the British NHS has useful information on vaccinations needed for destinations around the world.

Inform Bank - It isn’t possible to purchase Indian rupees outside the country so your best option is to use an ATM card to withdraw money at the airport when you arrive. ATMs are easily found in the cities in Kerala, although you’ll need to make sure you have cash when visiting rural areas. Before you leave let your bank know that you are going abroad so that they don’t block it when you use it in India. It’s always a good idea to have a few bank cards as back ups in case one gets blocked or stolen.

Pack Light – Unless you are renting a car and driver it’s best to pack light when travelling in India. This will make your life much easier on crowded buses and trains. It’s hot year round in coastal Kerala so light clothing is fine – pack a sweater if visiting the hill country around Periyar and Munnar though. Women should remember to pack clothes that cover their shoulders, knees and chest. Shorts aren’t appropriate for men or women when visiting temples.

Buy a Guidebook – A good guidebook will not only provide you will information about sights and accommodation but will warn you about local etiquette and teach you about the history and customs of Kerala. I recommend the Rough Guide to Kerala or the Lonely Planet South India if you are exploring beyond Kerala.

Make photocopies – Make photocopies of your passport, visa and other important travel documents and leave one copy with someone at home and keep one with you. You could also email it to yourself. This makes things much simpler in case you lose your passport.

If you take care of all of the above tasks your trip to Kerala will be a lot smoother. Once you’ve seen the crazy Indian traffic you’ll remember the importance of travel insurance!

This is a sponsored post.

Kerala’s Boat Races: Not for the Faint of Heart!

Erin — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:07:44 +0000

Photo by Arun Kumar Sinha

Kerala’s position as the jewel of the tropical Malabar Coast and the number of low cost holiday deals available to the region have cemented it as a tourist favourite in recent years, but many tourists don’t know that one of the most amazing sights to be seen in the area is to be found tucked away in the region’s backwaters.

The Vallam Kali, literally “boat race” in Malayalam, is a succession of fast paced, exciting races that take part on the rivers in the Kuttanad region, usually during the Onam harvest festival in the autumn. The tradition of the boat races stems from times when local rulers used the long boats to transport soldiers during waterfront wars. This has changed and adapted in modern times when four of the boats were sent to receive a statements and a boat race was organised for his amusement. He was so impressed by this that upon his return to Delhi he sent back a silver trophy so that the boat race may be held again every year. This heralded the beginning of the Vallam Kali boat races, with teams from neighbouring towns and villages pitted against each other to win the coveted Nehru Trophy.

The most thrilling of these races is undoubtedly the Chundan Vallam, or snake boat, race. The snake boats can be over 130 feet long; with a raised prow that stands 10 to 20 feet above the water. The snake boat moniker comes from the appearance of the prow, which resembles the hood of a snake. Each boat holds around a hundred oarsmen at peak physical condition and is constructed according to ancient specifications handed down in the Sthapathya Veda, a traditional treatise for the building of these boats. The boats are extremely important to villagers and each boat is treated as a sacred object – only the men of the village are allowed to touch the boat and must be barefooted to do so.

The races are regarded as similarly significant and competition for the trophy is fierce making these races one of the most exhilarating sporting events in the country. The pomp and pageantry surrounding the events are also a must-see as the villagers sell local cuisines and items of interest to visiting tourists and neighbouring villagers. Kerala’s boat races are definitely not to be missed!

The Best of Kerala’s Bountiful Beaches

Erin — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:39:37 +0000

Natural Geographic Travel has named Kerala one of the “ten paradises of the world” and has fast become one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It’s not just cheap holiday deals bringing tourists to the Indian state in droves though – with its breath taking scenery and gorgeous, plentiful beaches Kerala is the destination of a lifetime for any sun seeker. With so many stunning waterfronts to choose from, it can be hard to know where to catch those rays, so here’s a selection of the best of what Kerala has to offer.

Kovalam Beach
10 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram, this beautiful sea resort is the only one of its kind in Kerala. Situated on the edge of a sleepy fishing village, Kovalam has three small crescent beaches bordered by low cost lodging houses and affordable restaurants. The southern-most beach, known as Lighthouse beach, is where most visitors to the region head as it is not much used by the local fishermen.

Alleppey Beach
Located in the shadow of a towering lighthouse, Alleppey Beach is a long, striking stretch of shore surrounded by dense palm groves and stunning scenery. Visitors to Alleppey Beach who venture further along its shores can be sure to find a spot to enjoy the sun in peace and feel all at sea.

Bekal Beach
Backed onto very traditional fishing town of Kasargode, Bekal Beach is flanked on both sides by lush palm groves and the Bekal Fort. The beach itself is a wonder, but views from the fort are not to be missed as they stretch right across the bays to the north and south.

Samudra Beach
4 kilometres north of Kovalam, Samudra beach is popular with tourists from the nearby resorts and local fishermen, but with the many amenities to be found close-by and the magnificent scenery it’s little wonder. The beach can be very busy at times but a 15 minute walk down the shore line can bring you to patches virtually free of throngs of tourists or beach sellers.

Veli Tourist Village
If you’re more interested in a beach experience totally tailored for tourists then the Veli Tourist Village beach is for you. The attractive coast line is fabulous, but there is also a nearby lake where it’s possible to go boating, water skiing and diving. Ponies are available for hire and the nearby playground at the ornamental park are great for children too.

Kerala and the Maldives: The Perfect Twin-Centre Holiday

Erin — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 19:27:04 +0000

Photo by nattu

If you’re after the holiday of a lifetime, this could very well be it. An action-packed week (or two, or three!) in vibrant Kerala, followed by an utterly indulgent, totally relaxing week in the Maldives. With only an hour’s flight between Trivandrum and Malé, it’s easy to combine adventure and relaxation – culture, history and buzzing markets in Kerala, and spas, snorkelling and sunbathing in the Maldives. Accommodation options abound in each location, from a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala to luxury hotels in the Maldives.

Far smaller than other Indian states, exploring Kerala feels less daunting and more accessible whilst simultaneously still immersing visitors in the culture of this fascinating country. Although you can still feel that irrepressible energy that is always bubbling just below India’s surface, Kerala has a far slower pace of life than the sub-continent’s raucous major cities. This is illustrated perfectly in Kerala’s tranquil backwaters, and a trip down them on a houseboat is an absolute must when visiting the region. Lie back on a comfy chaise longue, listen to the soothing sound of water slowly flowing past, and watch children playing in the water or waving from palm-fringed banks, men and women working in the rice paddies, fishermen paddling past in traditional dug-out canoes, and spot kingfishers, cormorants and an assortment of fish.

For the more active, a stay in the bustling town of Kochi offers numerous possibilities to explore and is a great starting point for your Kerala trip. Take a look at the vast Chinese fishing nets, the only place you’ll see them outside of China, and gaze at the beautiful colonial buildings in Fort Kochi. Then head for the hills and wander round the tea plantations in Munmar – a great place to escape the heat and humidity of the lower ground. Further south, in the foothills of the Western Ghats, you can ride an elephant through tea and coffee plantations and fields of spices.

Trivandrum lies on the southernmost tip of India and from there it is a very short plane ride to Malé, where you can jump on a speedboat or hop in a seaplane to take you to your island of choice. With 97 resort islands to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow them down to just one but they all have powder-white beaches, dazzlingly clear, turquoise water, and on-shore reefs teeming with brightly coloured coral and an aquarium’s worth of marine life. Snorkelling and diving are the two major activities, though just flopping down on the beach and snoozing or reading comes a close second. Most resorts also have world-class spas and top restaurants. A Maldivian holiday is all about relaxation – it is a hedonistic escape from everyday life, a retreat from the world.

Most countries do not operate direct flights to Malé so why not extend your twin-centre holiday to a triple-centre trip and enjoy a two or three day stopover in Singapore on your way home, the country through which many flights from the Maldives will pass? Singapore hotels are some of the most luxurious in the world and the city has much to offer the entire family. It could be a great way to end the holiday of a lifetime.

Disclosure: this is a sponsored post.

Interview with a Recent Kerala Visitor

Erin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:00:51 +0000

Local Kids in the Kerala Backwaters

This week´s post is an interview with my mum Sheila McNeaney. My parents recently returned from a trip to Kerala in February 2010, so I thought it would be useful to share their up to date tips and advice on planning an itinerary for a short six day trip to Kerala. Hopefully this will help you plan your own short (or long) trip to Kerala.

What was your itinerary in Kerala?

After visiting Goa we took the overnight train to Alleppey and spent 5 nights in Kerala: 2 nights at Green Palms Homes homestay near Alleppey, 2 nights in Kumily (near Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary) and 1 night in Cochin.

How did you get around and did it feel too rushed?

Our trip didn´t feel too rushed. We initially wanted to include Munnar as well but that would have been too much. It helped that we travelled by hired car and driver which saved on travel time. We didn´t hire a driver for the whole time: we took a taxi from Alleppey train station to the homestay and then we just arranged a taxi with our accommodation to take us to the next destination when we were ready. This made things really flexible. Taxis are very easy to organise.

How much did it cost to hire a car and driver?

The taxi from Alleppey train station to the Green Palms homestay cost 400 rupees, and then we had to take a short canoe trip across the river to reach the house.

Thomas arranged an an a/c car to take us from the homestay to Kumily. It took 4 hours with one stop and cost 2200 rupees. It was a lovely drive with stunning views and unusually for India the driver was very sensible and safe!

The taxi from Kumily – Ernakulum/Cochin cost 3100 rupees and took 4.5 hours.

What was your favourite place in Kerala?

Green Palms homestay. The house was full but despite the number of guests we really enjoyed the peace and quiet there. The family were so friendly and welcoming, and it had such a relaxed atmosphere. We found the rooms comfortable and the home-cooked food was delicious.

One of our favourite experiences was taking a trip on a small motor boat out into the backwaters. It was so peaceful watching the world go by, and we stopped at the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Another great trip was the 6.30am bird watching walk where we spotted many unusual birds.

We really enjoyed our time in Kumily too though. We did a one hour boat trip on the lake which was lovely, although we didn´t see any big animals and at 450 rupees it was a bit overpriced. We also enjoyed an interesting trip to a tea factory and plantation.

What was your favourite hotel?

For comfort and facilities I would say Chrissie´s Hotel in Kumily. It doesn´t look like much from the front but when you go inside you come to a lovely garden at the back. It´s a tranquil place on a quiet street off the main road although it´s still very central to town.

The rooms were large with a comfy bed and a balcony with fantastic views of the forest. You have to be careful not to leave anything on the balcony though or the monkeys might get it! They have their own rooftop restaurant which is also very good with delicious Italian food. We thought the room was good value at about 2000 rupees a night.

Why didn´t you take a houseboat trip?

The main reason was time but we felt we got to see the backwaters well enough by staying at the homestay and taking a small boat trip around the smaller canals and lake. We saw many houseboats in the backwaters. There are now around 1000 in the Alleppey area and Thomas at the homestay told us that they are causing a lot of pollution problems to the local people.

How was Keralan food?

The food was lovely – it´s not too spicy, uses fresh ingredients and there were lots of options. It can be difficult to buy beer though as only big hotels have a licence to sell it. If you ask around though you can usually find a place to buy it.

What was your worst experience?

We didn´t have any bad experiences in Kerala but the overnight train journey from Goa to Kerala wasn´t any fun. We accidently booked the sleeper class instead of AC2 (which had been recommended to us as the best class to travel in), and it wasn´t very comfortable at all. It was crowded, noisy, the toilets were awful, there were no blankets so it got chilly at night (you must bring your own in sleeper class), and as there was no a/c it got very hot during the day. It was cheap though – only 375 rupees per person.

On the way back to Goa thankfully we took a flight via Bangalore with Indian Airlines and this cost 6400 rupees per person.

Would you recommend Kerala to others? Do you have any tips for people planning a trip there?

Yes we´d definitely recommend Kerala to friends, in fact I already have. My main advice would be to have plenty of time – don´t think that you can see it all in a few days. It´s such a relaxing place that it´s good to take your time and enjoy it. We would have liked to spend more time in Kerala, especially to explore Fort Cochin.

I would also say that although houseboats are nice they aren’t very good for the environment and are an expensive way to see the backwaters. We´d recommend staying at a homestay and exploring on a small boat or canoe.

Finally, if you are looking for a comfortable place to stay, don´t rule out accommodation listed in the Budget section of the guidebooks – some of them in Kumily looked really nice.

Combining Kerala with a trip to Goa makes a great introduction to India. Take a look at holidays to Goa for more information.

If you’ve recently returned from a trip to Kerala and would like to be interviewed for this site and share your tips then please get in touch.

Quiet Alternatives to Alleppey for Kerala Houseboat Trips

Erin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:00:39 +0000

Houseboat Jam at Alleppey

Alleppey is one of the most popular destinations in Kerala. It is the houseboat hub and a good place to set off and explore the Kerala backwaters. However the number of houseboats here has grown over the last few years and houseboat traffic jams are now a common sight. This takes away somewhat from your relaxing houseboat experience, and also causes a lot of water pollution in the local area.

A Kerala houseboat trip can be a wonderful experience though, so as part of our ongoing Quiet Alternatives Series here are some other places you could try for your houseboat journey.

Kollam

Kollam is an easy place to rent a houseboat, but sees far fewer visitors than Alleppey. We took an overnight houseboat trip from Kollam-Alleppey and the backwaters near Kollam were definitely quieter and more unspoilt. We also liked Kollam as an authentically Indian town without the hassle and touts that you find in more touristy places.

To hire a houseboat just head down to the jetty and ask at the tourist office. They’ll arrange a houseboat for you. We arranged ours the day before, but you could even head down early in the morning on the day you want to leave, as the boats don’t leave until around 11am. Read our Essential Guide to Kerala Houseboats for more on what to expect on your journey.

Kollam is also a good place to stop between the southern beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and Cochin. It’s only a 30 minute train ride from Varkala. Read our Keralan coast itinerary in our 1 Week Kerala Suggested Itineraries post for an idea of how to fit Kollam into your trip.

Valiyaparamba Backwaters

If you really want to avoid the crowds then you need to leave the southern backwaters behind and head to Northern Kerala. The houseboat scene is far less developed in the Valiyaparamba backwaters, so you’ll have a much more tranquil experience.

The backwaters are 50km north of Kannur (a great place to stop for a quiet beach break). There aren’t many houseboat operators so you’ll need to be more organised than in Alleppey, but Bekal Boat Stay offers cruises on traditional rice barges. It’s more expensive than Alleppey but the trade off is beautiful backwaters all to yourself.

Have you experienced a quiet houseboat trip? Leave a comment and tell us about it.

Best Places to See Elephants in Kerala

Erin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 16:00:23 +0000

Festival in Thrissur, Kerala. Photo by Spisharam.

Who doesn’t love elephants? If you love them as much as I do and would like to see some on your trip to Kerala, here are the best places to find them.

If you’d like to spot elephants in Kerala in the wild you’ll need to visit one of the national parks. Of course, sightings aren’t guaranteed, but if you do get lucky it’ll be an exciting experience.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The most popular wildlife sanctuary in Kerala has a good population of elephants. A boat trip is a popular way to explore but you’ll have a better chance of seeing elephants if you go for a guided trek into the forest. The longer the trek, the better your chances. Read my Guide to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for full details.

Wayanad

The Wayanad region in Northern Kerala is much less visited than Periyar and has two wildlife sanctuaries with good chances of spotting elephants. Read my post on Quiet Alternatives to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for full details.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar is easily reached from Munnar, but also receives far less visitors than Periyar. The watch tower is a great place to look out for elephants and you can even sleep out overnight. Chinnar is another one of my Quiet Alternatives to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, so have a read for more information.

If you don’t fancy venturing into one of the parks, or if you didn’t have any luck finding the gentle beasts, don’t despair! There are some great options for guaranteed close up interaction with elephants.

Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

Kodanad is an elephant rescue and training centre that is a popular daytrip from Cochin. It’s located 50km away so you’ll need to arrange a trip through your hotel or tourist office, or hire a taxi. If you arrive by 8am you’ll have the opportunity to help wash the elephants, and you can also have an elephant ride. If you are hiring a car to take you from Cochin to Munnar this is a good place to stop on the way.

Guruvayur

Guruvayur is an interesting off the beaten track place to visit in Kerala. It’s a bustling pilgrim town 25km from Thrissur that is well known for its temple, one of the richest and most important in the state. Although non-Hindus aren’t allowed inside the temple you can still enjoy the activities that take place outside during one of the many festivals held there.

The largest festival is Ulsavam during February or March. There are a variety of music and dance performances, as well as an elephant race and procession.

Even if you don’t visit during a festival you can still see elephants at the Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary 3kms away. Elephants are trained there for temple activities, and visitors are always welcome.

Thrissur

Highly decorated elephants are an essential part of temple festivals in Kerala. Thrissur is another less obvious place to visit in Kerala that has plenty of temples and festivals, so it’s a great place to spot elephants. The annual Puram Festival, the biggest festival in all of Kerala, takes place here in May and features elephant processions, drum orchestras and lots of traditional arts. You can get here by bus or train from Cochin in a few hours.

Festivals take place in Kerala temples throughout the year so keep your eyes open, ask around and you’re bound to come across some elephants.

Where is your favourite place to see elephants in Kerala? Leave a comment and let us know

Best India Websites

Erin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:00:47 +0000

Here are my favourite sites to help you plan your trip to India.

India Mike -I am pretty sure you can find the answer to any Indian travel question on this extensive site. It features articles, hotel reviews, journals, and most importantly an active forum where you’ll find experts to answer any questions so have.

Lonely Planet - Another huge travel site. My favourite sections are the Thorn Tree Forum where you can ask questions, the shop where you can download the ‘getting started’ chapters from all their guidebooks for free (or pay a small fee for individual chapters), and the Destination Guides.

The Planet D – A travel blog written by Dave and Deb “Canada’s Adventure Couple”. They have spent the last few months travelling around India including Rajasthan, Mumbai, Hampi, Goa and Kerala. Deb writes very honestly about their experiences including the traveller’s fatigue they faced in Rajasthan.

Breathe Dream Go – Mariellen is a travel writer, yogi and Indiaphile who is passionate about sharing the beauty of India’s culture and wisdom. She has lots of great info for women travelling alone in India.

Matador Network – This isn’t India specific but has a huge range of interesting travel articles including plenty about India.

About.com India Travel Guide – A range of articles to help you plan your trip.

Mahindra Homestays Blog – This homestay booking site writes regularly about attractions to visit in India, including Kerala.

You can also read my recommended resources for finding Kerala accommodation for more useful websites.

What websites do you use? Let us know.

Quiet Alternatives to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Erin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the most popular destination in Kerala for wildlife viewing, but often the crowds can make it difficult to spot any animals. As part of our Quiet Alternatives series here are a few off the beaten track wildlife sanctuaries you could visit instead of Periyar. Your chances of spotting animals will be increased and you’ll have a much more interesting experience in these locations, but don’t expect the luxury accommodation or comforts that you find in Periyar.

Wayanad

We featured the beautiful region of Wayanad as a quiet alternative to Munnar for a peaceful retreat in the hills. It also contains two wildlife sanctuaries- Muthanga and Tholpetty. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Northern section of Wayanad and is one of the best parks in South India to spot elephants in the wild. You’ll also have a good chance of seeing bison, deer, boar and monkeys. Tigers are present but rarely spotted, as in all of India’s parks.

How to get here:From Kannur it’s a 2.5 hour bus journey to Mananthavady, the nearest town to Tholpetty, from where you can pick up a bus or taxi for the 45 minute journey to the park entrance. You can also connect to Mananthavady from Kalpetta (and onward to Calicut) or Sultanbatheri, where you can take the bus to Ooty (4 hours) or Mysore (3 hours).

Where to stay: Pachyderm Palace is a basic guesthouse in a great location just outside of the sanctuary. The best room is the treehouse surrounded by forest. The food is delicious and the welcome is friendly, but don’t expect luxury. Two safaris a day are included in the price.

How to explore: You have the option of two hour jeep safaris in the morning or evening, or 5 hour guided hikes in the morning. It’s a good idea to try both options. These can be arranged at the park entrance, or through your hotel.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is on the border with Tamil Nadu, 60km from Munnar along a winding mountain road. It’s much less visited than Munnar but still offers the chance to see a range of wildlife. It’s one of the best spots in Kerala for bird watching with 225 species. You are also likely to see the famous grizzled giant squirrels, as well as elephants, deer, and monkeys. You can enjoy wonderful views from the watch tower or trek through the park.

How to get here: Take the 1.5 hour bus from Munnar heading to Coimbatore. The sanctuary is 10km past Marayoor.

Where to stay: You can stay inside the forest in a treehouse or tribal huts. Contact the Forest Information Centre in Munnar to book ( Tel: 04865-231587, Email: roywlw@eravikulam.org).

How to explore: Treks are arranged by the Forest Centre with local guides.

Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park is not very well known but the pristine rainforest features over 100 different varieties of orchids, 211 bird species and 128 types of butterfly. The moist evergreen woodland is located 75km from Palakkad, so could be combined with a trip to Nelliampathy , our quiet alternative to Munnar. As well as beautiful flora you could see the rare lion-tailed macaque, gaur, sloth bears and even tigers.

How to get here: Take the bus from Palakkad.

Where to stay: In Mukkali there is a basic national park guesthouse near the ticket office. Tel: 04924 253225.

How to explore: You need to pick up a permit from the National Park office in Mannarkkad, 32km from the entrance or in Mukkali. You can hire a jeep or go on guided walks.