TROPICAL BLISS

By the beach, over the hills, or surrounded by backwaters— Kerala offers ample choices for a romantic getaway.

KERALA, ALSO KNOWN AS God’s Own Country, is blessed with a stunning coastline, rolling green hills, and riverine valleys in equal measure.

The state offers something for every brand of romantic: moonlit nights on houseboats, evenings by the sea, and morning calls in the wilderness.

Home to Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, the Idukki district of Kerala has long been a preferred summer destination. It is also home to the rare Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years. With the sprawling tea estates of Munnar, the bucolic charm of Thekkady and its neighbouring Periyar National Park, Idukki appeals to couples looking to escape in nature.

Beach lovers from around the world flock to Kerala every year between September and March to enjoy palmfringed Kovalam in Thiruvananthapuram, the serene Bekal Beach in Kasargode, and the picturesque fishing village of Mararikulam in Alappuzha.

Flanked by coconut groves, paddy fields, and floating water lilies, the backwaters of Kerala make for an incomparable tropical holiday. The city of Kollam, home to the Ashtamudi Lake, is your gateway to the backwaters. Move on to the village of Kumarakom, set against the backdrop of the expansive Lake Vembanad, to witness magic flowing through its canals and waterways. keralatourism.org ―

Munnar’s tea gardens are popular among tourists.