Kerala: Backwaters and Ayurvedic Treatments

Blessed with postcard-perfect beaches, verdant paddy fields, shady coconut groves and friendly folk, Kerala is the ideal place to slow the travel pace. You can paddle in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, indulge in an Ayurvedic treatment, and savor scrumptious seafood while slowly gliding through the breathtakingly beautiful backwaters.

How to Get There
Kerala has a comprehensive domestic transport network, with interstate flights servicing the Keralan cities of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kozhikode (Calicut), and Kochi (Cochin). There's a far more comprehensive train and bus network—for long trips, opt for trains over buses (where possible), to enjoy a smoother journey.

How to Get Around
Despite having three airports, no intrastate flights currently operate in Kerala (although this may change; inquire with your travel agent). Private and state buses travel to all corners of the state (private buses offer more comfort); trains connect fewer Keralan destinations. Within Kerala's cities and towns, you can get around by autorickshaw and taxi, as well as (crowded) local buses.

Attractions
Traveling through Kerala's magical backwaters—a snaking, 560-mile (900-kilometer) network of entrancing canals, lakes, rivers and lagoons—is an absolute must. Hiring a houseboat for a few days is highly recommended as it gives you the opportunity to explore the backwaters at a leisurely pace, watching daily life unfold on and around the water. Houseboats can accommodate couples or small groups and most come with an onboard chef.

Kerala's numerous Ayurvedic centers offer a range of ancient treatments intended to restore balance via either internal purification treatments (known as panchakarma) and/or specialized massage. Before committing to a treatment, discuss it with the Ayurvedic practitioner to ascertain if it's the right one for you. Find an Ayurvedic resort in Kerala on this website.

General Tips
There are numerous operators in Kerala offering backwater boat cruises. Before choosing an operator drop into the Kollam DTPC Information Center (tel. +91 [0]474 274 5625; e-mail contact@dtpckollam.com) to gauge how much you should be paying for boat trips and what that price should include.

For More Information
Kerala Tourism