Kerala

Close your eyes and picture palm-fringed golden beaches and rolling emerald hills. See yourself floating along the Backwaters, passing lush jungle, rice terraces, half-lost temples and colonial outposts: welcome Kerala – India’s chill-out state.

Listed as one of the top 50 places to visit by National Geographic, this southwestern state is India at its most idyllic – where the frenetic non-stop animation of the subcontinent ebbs away slowly, to nearly a standstill.

Nicknamed ‘God’s Own Country’ by the proud locals, Kerala’s outstanding natural beauty has been whispered about around the globe for centuries. The story goes that passing sailors would be drawn its shores by wafts of exotic spices drifting out to sea.

To this day, Kerala has exceptional biodiversity, with thriving marine life in the oceans, teeming wildlife in the Western Ghats and the perfect conditions for rice cultivation, mango and coconut trees.

The legendary Kerala backwaters remain Kerala’s crown jewels. Over forty rivers and canals form the backwaters: snaking and crisscrossing lush tropical landscapes, occasionally meeting to form deep azure lagoons – scene that will bring out the landscape painter in anyone!

A leisurely journey down the Backwaters remains the standout highlight of a tour in Kerala. We’ll have you staying in an ultra-luxury converted rice barge as you cruise past old spice plantations, crumbling churches and traditional fishing villages in the blissful sunshine. Then we’ll whisk you away for stay on Kerala’s truly gorgeous tropical beaches.

Lightfoot Travel’s highly experienced travel consultants will design your perfect tailor-made tour of Kerala using their own travels for inspiration. Enquire now!