Gods' own country also known as Kerala is primarily located on the southwestern tip of India with the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats towering 500 – 2700 m on the east. The state is divided into three regions- the coastal lowlands, the fertile midlands and the highlands. The lowlands of Kerala are networked by endless backwaters and the deltas of forty four rivers. The midlands are rich with cashew, coconut, tapioca, banana, rice, ginger, pepper, sugarcane, and other vegetable plantations. The forested highlands abound in tea, coffee, rubber and spice plantations and wildlife reserves.
Kerala enjoys unique geographic features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destination s in Asia. An equable climate , a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, lush hill stations ,exotic wildlife, waterfalls, ayurveda, enchanting art forms, festivals, historic and cultural monuments and an exotic cuisine….all of which offers an unique experience. Amongst the fascinating honeymoon destinations of Gods' own country i.e Kerala, here in this article we are trying to give you a brief description of top five popular honeymoon destinations of Kerala, which is very popular amongst both Indian as well as western tourists . The top five widely visited honeymoon destinations are Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam. Each destination has got its own specialty and unique in their own sense and offers once in a life time opportunity to honeymoon couples to enjoy the serene and peaceful spots of God's own country.
Fort Kochi / Cochin:
Kochi / Cochin is located on the coast of Arabian sea in Ernakulam district and with Kottayam and Alappuzha districts on the south, Idukki on the east and Thrissur on the north. It is the most cosmopolitan city of Kerala . It has one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Cochin was once a major centre of commerce and trade with the British, Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch etc. The honeymoon tour in Kochi will provide couples a gifted opportunity to enjoy every single moment of their precious honeymoon time. The places in Cochin / Kochi, honeymoon couples should visit are St. Francis Church built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan friars, Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese Fishing Net, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch palace, closed on Fridays), Jewish Synagogue (closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays), Jew Town, Cherai Beach, Willingdon island, Kaladi- the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya and Fort Kochi etc. A leisurely walk through the city is the best way to discover the historic Fort Kochi. Kochi has an eventful and colorful history. A sunset view from the world famous Chinese Fishing Nets is a popular activity amongst the honeymooners.
Munnar:
Munnar is one of the most nature rich area and finest hill station of Kerala and is located in Idukki district. It is an ideal destination for honeymoon tour alike Ponmudi, Wayanad and other well-known hill stations of kerala with fabulous picturesque charisma and healthy climate. Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams- Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala and is 1600 m above from the sea level. This hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and perfect honeymoon holiday facilities makes Munnar a popular hill station among Indian as well as foreign tourist. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue every twelve years will bloom next in 2018 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in south India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695m and is an ideal spot for trekking. Munnar attracts couples for their honeymoon tour from all over the world on account of its beautiful nature. Nowadays every domestic and international honeymoon traveler likes to include Munnar in his/ her Kerala honeymoon tour package. During the honeymoon tour in Munnar, honeymoon couples can indulge themselves in activities like trekking, expedition in tea plantations or simply relax at exotic locations.
Thekkady:
Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Thekaddy is a small but attractive town and primarily famous for wildlife tourism. The town is loaded with flora and fauna. Periyar wildlife sanctuary, one of the most fascinating natural wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala is located in Thekaddy. Most of the honeymoon couples prefer to enjoy their own honeymoon stay in Periyar because of its rich flora & fauna and opportunity to explore Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thekaddfy is noted for its geomorphology, wildlife, and scenic beauty. The Periyar tiger reserve attracts travelers from all over the world. 360 sq. km. of the 777 sq. km. sanctuary is covered by evergreen forests. The 26sq. km artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River offers boating facilities (0700 – 1800 hrs). This is the only wildlife sanctuary in India where the wild elephant can be observed and photographed at close quarters from the safety of a boat. A boat cruise on the lake is perhaps the best way to watch the wildlife in the reserve.
Alleppey:
With the Arabian Sea on the west and the vast network of lakes, lagoons and fresh water rivers crisscrossing it, Alleppey (also known as Alappuzha) is a hub of immense natural beauty. There are numerous backwater destinations in Kerala like Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kollam, Kottayam, Thiruvallam, etc. Amongst all, Alleppey is possibly the most popular. Referred as the Venice of the east by honeymoon travelers from across the world, this backwater country is also home to diverse animal and bird life. By virtue of its proximity to the sea the town has always enjoyed a unique place in the maritime history of Kerala. Today Alleppey has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting thousands of domestic and international honeymoon travelers each year. It is also famous all over the world for its boat races, houseboat holiday packages which is the best option for honeymoon couples to experience the beauty of Kerala's backwater, beaches, marine product, sea food, and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called “Kuttanad”. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
Kovalam:
Normally when someone plans for his/her honeymoon tour in Kerala, the first picture comes to his / her mind is of a place full of privacy, calmness, serenity, picturesque and something special. If you are also dreaming of such kind of a place for your honeymoon tour in Kerala, then Kovalam beach is the place in Kerala where many couples from all over the world like to spend their precious honeymoon moments. The famous Kovalam beach is located in Trivandrum district at the southwestern tip of India. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and Tamil Nadu on the east. The long shoreline and internationally renowned beach, historic monuments, backwater stretches and rich cultural heritage makes this place a much sought after honeymoon destination in India. The internationally renowned Kovalam beach resort is an ideal getaway for honeymoon tours, family tours, and fun tours. It has been a favourite haunt of honeymooners since 1930s and attracts honeymoon tourist from all over the world. Kovalam consists of three adjacent crescent beaches. The southernmost, known as the lighthouse beach, is the most popular. Kovalam offers accommodation options and honeymoon tour packages suitable for all pockets.
Kovalam beach resort offers a variety of activities to enjoy. It offers romantic views of sunset, sunrise, leisure walk, boat cruise, Ayurveda body massage at ayurvedic resorts & parlors, sunbathing, swimming and water sports to the honeymoon couples who opt for kovalam honeymoon tour package in Kerala.
Martin Wynn
