Tucked along India’s southwestern tip, Kerala is a place where emerald backwaters drift past coconut groves, misty mountains rise above sprawling tea estates, and centuries-old traditions live alongside some of the country’s highest literacy rates. It’s no surprise Kerala has earned the nickname “God’s Own Country” — few places on earth pack so much natural beauty, culture, and tranquillity into one destination. For travellers seeking something beyond the usual India itinerary, Kerala offers an entirely different rhythm — slower, greener, and deeply restorative.
Where Is Kerala?
Kerala is a state on India’s southwestern coast, bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the states of Karnataka to the north and Tamil Nadu to the east, with the Western Ghats mountain range forming a natural boundary along its eastern edge. It’s a narrow strip of land—roughly 360 miles long—that stretches from the hill country near Karnataka to India’s southernmost tip near Kanyakumari.
Kerala’s major gateway cities are Kochi (Cochin), the state’s commercial and cultural hub, and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the state capital in the south. Both have international airports and serve as starting points for most Kerala itineraries.
How to Reach Kerala from New York
Reaching Kerala from New York is a long-haul journey, but well-connected thanks to major international carriers:
- Connecting flights from New York (JFK or Newark) typically route through hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Frankfurt, or Mumbai/Delhi before arriving at Cochin International Airport (COK) in Kochi or Trivandrum International Airport (TRV).
- Total travel time generally runs 18–22 hours, including layover time, depending on the connection chosen.
- Kochi is the most common arrival point for travellers heading into Kerala’s backwaters, hill stations, and beaches, as it sits centrally along the state’s tourist circuit.
While it’s a long journey, most travellers find that easing into the trip with a relaxed first day near the airport — before heading into the hills or backwaters — makes the transition smooth and jet-lag-friendly.
Why Kerala Is Called God’s Own Country
Kerala’s nickname isn’t just clever marketing — it’s earned through an extraordinary range of natural and cultural richness packed into a single state.
Rivers and Backwaters
Kerala is crisscrossed by 44 rivers and a vast network of interconnected lagoons, lakes, and canals known as the backwaters. Gliding through these waterways on a traditional houseboat, past rice paddies, coconut palms, and small riverside villages, is one of the most iconic experiences in all of India.
Seashores
Kerala’s Arabian Sea coastline stretches for hundreds of miles, dotted with golden beaches, lighthouses, and fishing villages. Towns like Kovalam and Varkala offer dramatic cliffside views alongside laid-back beach culture.
Mountains and Tea Estates
The Western Ghats rise sharply from Kerala’s interior, creating cool hill stations like Munnar, where rolling tea plantations blanket the hillsides in vivid green, and misty mornings give way to spectacular mountain views.
Waterfalls
Kerala’s monsoon-fed terrain gives rise to countless waterfalls cascading through forested hills — from the roaring Athirappilly Falls, often called the “Niagara of India,” to smaller cascades tucked throughout the hill country.
Greenery and Forests
Kerala is one of the greenest states in India, with dense tropical forests, spice plantations, and protected wildlife sanctuaries covering much of its interior. Its biodiversity ranks among the richest in the country.
Culture
Kerala’s culture is a vivid tapestry of classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, ancient temple festivals, unique cuisine built around coconut, spices, and seafood, and traditions like Ayurveda that trace back thousands of years.
Educational Advancement
Kerala holds the distinction of being India’s most literate state, with a literacy rate exceeding 96%. This emphasis on education and social development has shaped a state known for progressive healthcare, gender equity, and quality of life — often cited as a model for the rest of the country.
Together, these elements — water, mountains, greenery, culture, and human development — are exactly why Kerala has come to be known as God’s Own Country.
Main Tourist Attractions in Kerala
1. Munnar
Kerala’s most famous hill station, blanketed in rolling tea estates, misty peaks, and cool mountain air — perfect for nature walks and plantation visits.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) & the Backwaters
The heart of Kerala’s houseboat culture, where travelers cruise through palm-lined canals and lakes aboard traditional kettuvallams (houseboats).
3. Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Home to elephants, tigers, and a wide range of wildlife, with boat safaris on Periyar Lake offering a unique way to spot animals in their natural habitat.
4. Kumarakom
A serene backwater village on Vembanad Lake, known for its bird sanctuary and peaceful lakeside resorts.
5. Kovalam
A crescent-shaped beach destination near Trivandrum, famous for its lighthouse beach, calm waters, and laid-back coastal charm.
6. Kochi (Fort Kochi)
A historic port city blending Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, Chinese fishing nets, and a thriving arts and cafe culture.
7. Athirappilly Falls
Kerala’s largest waterfall, often called the “Niagara of India,” set against a backdrop of dense forest.
8. Wayanad
A lesser-visited hill district known for spice plantations, ancient caves, and dense forest trekking trails.
9. Varkala
A cliffside beach town with dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, popular for yoga retreats and sunset views.
Reasons to Visit Kerala
- Unmatched natural diversity — Backwaters, beaches, mountains, and forests all exist within a few hours’ drive of each other.
- World-renowned Ayurveda and wellness — Kerala is considered the birthplace of authentic Ayurvedic treatment, with world-class wellness resorts and centuries-old healing traditions.
- A completely different pace of travel — Slow houseboat cruises, quiet hill stations, and peaceful beach towns offer genuine relaxation, not just sightseeing.
- Rich, living culture — Classical dance, temple festivals, spice markets, and colonial-era architecture make Kerala’s culture immersive rather than just observed.
- Exceptional food — Kerala’s cuisine, built around coconut, fresh seafood, and a distinctive blend of spices, is considered one of India’s most flavorful regional cuisines.
- India’s most progressive state — High literacy, strong healthcare, and social development make Kerala one of the most comfortable and welcoming states in India for international travelers.
- Wildlife and biodiversity — From elephants and tigers in Periyar to exotic birds in Kumarakom, Kerala offers meaningful wildlife encounters in stunning natural settings.
- Easy to pair with a beach extension — Kerala’s proximity to international flight connections makes it simple to combine with a tropical getaway like the Maldives, as in the itinerary below.
- Safe, welcoming, and English-friendly — Kerala’s high literacy and strong tourism infrastructure make it one of the more approachable regions of India for first-time visitors.
- A true escape from the ordinary — Few destinations offer such a complete sensory experience — the scent of tea gardens, the sound of backwater canals, the taste of fresh Kerala cuisine — all in one trip.
Let Redeem Travels Design Your Kerala Journey
Kerala rewards travelers who plan thoughtfully — knowing when to linger in the hills, how to time a houseboat cruise, and which coastal town suits your travel style. That’s exactly the kind of expertise Redeem Travels, based in New York, brings to every itinerary.
Redeem Travels specialises in fully customised trips to Kerala and beyond, handling every detail — flights, hotels, private drivers, houseboat bookings, wildlife safaris, and seamless multi-destination logistics. Their team designs each journey around your interests, whether that’s wellness and Ayurveda, wildlife and nature, backwater cruises, or a deeper cultural immersion into South India.
For travellers flying from New York, Redeem Travels‘ experience with long-haul routing, ideal trip pacing, and pairing Kerala with destinations like the Maldives means you get a carefully sequenced, stress-free journey — not a string of disconnected bookings. Their local knowledge ensures you experience Kerala’s beauty and culture exactly the way God’s Own Country deserves to be seen.
Featured Itinerary: 12 Days — Kerala & Maldives
For travelers seeking the perfect blend of cultural immersion and tropical relaxation, Redeem Travels has crafted this 12-day journey through Kerala’s hills, backwaters, and beaches, concluding with a serene escape to the Maldives.
Kerala: Days 1–8
Day 1 — Arrival in Kochi
Arrive in Kochi and check into a hotel near the airport, allowing time to relax and adjust after the long journey.
Day 2 — Departure to Munnar
Depart in the morning for Munnar, Kerala’s scenic hill station, and check into your hotel. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 3 — Tea Estates & Nature Walks
Spend the day exploring Munnar’s rolling tea plantations, with guided nature walks through the surrounding hills. Overnight in Munnar.
Day 4 — Onward to Thekkady
Travel to Thekkady in the morning for elephant watching and wildlife encounters in and around Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Overnight in a Thekkady resort.
Day 5 — Relax in Thekkady
A day dedicated to rest and rejuvenation, with Ayurvedic massage and wellness treatments at your resort.
Day 6 — Alleppey & Houseboat Cruise
Depart early for Alleppey, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon houseboat cruise through Kerala’s famous backwaters. Overnight in Kumarakom.
Day 7 — Departure to Kovalam
Travel to Kovalam on Kerala’s southern coast. Overnight at a beach resort in Kovalam.
Day 8 — Relax in Kovalam
Enjoy a relaxed day in Kovalam, with an optional day trip for shopping and exploring the region’s history and coastal sights.
Maldives: Days 9–12
Day 9 — Departure to Maldives
Fly from Kerala to the Maldives, transitioning from cultural exploration to tropical island relaxation.
Day 10 — Maldives
A full day to enjoy your Maldives resort — swimming, snorkeling, water sports, or simply relaxing over turquoise waters.
Day 11 — Maldives
Another day of island bliss, with time to explore the resort’s offerings or venture out on a water excursion.
Day 12 — Departure
Depart for home, bringing with you memories of misty tea gardens, tranquil backwaters, and the pristine beaches of the Maldives.
Contact REDEEM TRAVELS
+1 253 334 1117
discover@redeemtravels.com
Ready to experience the beauty of Kerala and the Maldives for yourself?
Reach out to Redeem Travels to start planning your fully customized itinerary today.