Kerala & South India Honeymoon: The Ultimate Guide (from someone who kinda winged it)
Okay, so here's the deal. My husband and I, we're not exactly the 'luxury honeymoon' type. We're more 'backpack-with-a-slightly-nicer-hotel-sometimes' kind of people. But Kerala and South India? Whoa. It completely blew us away. This wasn't just a honeymoon; it was an experience. This guide is for all you lovebirds out there who want something a little different, something…authentic. Something beyond the usual tourist traps.
Kerala & South India: A Quick Overview
Imagine lush green rice paddies, turquoise waters, ancient temples, and vibrant spices. That's Kerala and parts of South India in a nutshell. It's a sensory overload in the best possible way. The culture is rich and welcoming, the food is incredible (seriously, incredible), and the people are just amazing. There's a misconception that it's all beaches, but it's so much more than that. There are mountains, tea plantations, backwaters… it's incredibly diverse.
When to Visit: Sunshine, Monsoon, or Somewhere In Between?
We went in October, which was perfect. The shoulder season – avoiding the monsoon madness and the peak-season crowds. But tbh, it all depends on what you're after.
High Season (October-March):
Pleasant weather, but expect higher prices and more tourists. It's beautiful, but you'll have to share the beauty.
- Pro: Great weather for exploring everything – beaches, backwaters, hills!
- Con: More crowded. Booking accommodations and tours in advance is a MUST.
Monsoon Season (June-September):
Lots of rain! But also, fewer crowds and super lush landscapes. If you don't mind getting a little wet (a lot wet, actually), it can be magical. We almost went then, but umm, decided against it.
Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October):
This is where it's at. Less rain than monsoon, fewer crowds than peak season. It's the sweet spot!
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct-Mar | Warm & sunny | High | $$$ |
| Jun-Sep | Rainy | Low | $$ |
| Apr-May & Sep-Oct | Pleasant, some rain | Moderate | $$ |
Getting There & Around: Navigating South India
Flying into Kochi (COK) is usually the easiest. We used Air India, but there are tons of options. Getting around is a mix of everything—trains are cheap and scenic, but slow. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available, just be sure to negotiate the price beforehand! Honestly, don't even think about renting a car unless you're REALLY confident driving in India. It's... intense.
Where to Stay: From Beach Bungalows to Hilltop Havens
We stayed in a mix of places – some charming homestays in the countryside (highly recommend!), a couple of budget-friendly hotels in Kochi, and even a houseboat on the backwaters. There are options for every budget.
What to See & Do: Beyond the Tourist Trail
So much to do! Munnar's tea plantations are gorgeous (get ready for lots of photo ops!), the backwaters are unbelievably peaceful (take a houseboat!), and the beaches of Kovalam are stunning (though a bit touristy).
Food & Drink: A Culinary Adventure
Okay, the food. I'm still dreaming about it. Seriously. From the freshest seafood to the most fragrant spices, it's a foodie paradise. Try the Kerala fish curry (it's amazing!), appam (rice pancakes), and puttu (steamed rice cake). Street food is also awesome, but be picky about where you eat. We ate at a small place near Fort Kochi that blew us away!
Practical Tips: The nitty-gritty stuff
Budget around $50-$150 per day (depending on your style). Pack light, comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, sunscreen (seriously, you'll need it!), insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Learn a few basic Malayalam phrases – it goes a long way!
Sample Itineraries
I'm gonna keep this brief. But here are ideas: A long weekend could focus on Kochi and the backwaters. A week could include Munnar, Alleppey (backwaters), and Kovalam (beaches). A longer trip would let you explore more of South India!
Responsible Tourism
Support local businesses, respect local customs, and try to minimize your environmental impact. Simple things like refusing plastic bags and being mindful of water usage can make a difference.
Final Thoughts: Kerala & South India - A Honeymoon to Remember
Honestly, it was one of the best trips of our lives. The beauty, the culture, the food… it all just came together perfectly. It's a honeymoon destination that's both romantic and adventurous, luxurious and budget-friendly. Go. Just go. You won't regret it. And if you do, well…I'd love to hear about it, lol. Have you been to Kerala or South India? Share your favourite spot in the comments!
