Picture this, a serene boat ride with palm trees swaying on both sides of the river and gorgeous views of your surroundings, this is Kerala. Sometimes called “God’s Own Country” or “Land of Coconut,” it is one of those places where you can find true tranquility.
Just travel the southern part of India and you will find this mesmerizing spot filled with hills, backwaters, beaches, and welcoming locals. If you are a Dubai citizen or resident yearning for a break away from city life, a whole new world is just a short flight away.
Whether you're into nature, food, culture, or just a calming retreat we offer numerous Kerala tour packages from Dubai. Keep reading to know more about this wonderful destination, the Kerala tour packages for family travel requirements, ideal times to visit, food, accommodation, and much more.
Although this destination is right across the pond, you need a valid visa if you are a non-Indian passport holder, which includes UAE citizens and residents. You must apply for an Indian tourist visa which can be done online through India’s e-Visa portal.
The e-visas are typically issued within 72 hours but make sure to check the latest visa rules and requirements in advance, before making any travel arrangements. You should also make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months for a smooth entry.
For this mystical place, you can’t go wrong as each season shows a different side of Kerala. But in terms of the most ideal time, it's October to March. This is because there is less rain, the climate is very pleasant for outdoor excursions and everything just feels fresh and inviting.
If you are travelling during this season take advantage of the weather and hike up a hill, relax on the beach, or go on a cruise. December and January are the peak months so make sure to book in advance. If you don't mind weathering a few storms, try the monsoon months. There are fewer crowds and perfect for Ayurvedic treatments.
This really depends on what you want to experience. For tourists visiting for the first time, find a traditional houseboat in places like Alleppey or Kumarakom to spend the night. You can drift through the waterways while you sleep.
This really depends on what you want to experience. For tourists visiting for the first time, find a traditional houseboat in places like Alleppey or Kumarakom to spend the night. You can drift through the waterways while you sleep.
For those who prefer hill top views check out Munnar and Wayanad. They are a great base for those who enjoy cool climates and nature retreats among tea plantations and mountains. In luxury stays like the Blanket hotel and Mountain Shadow resort, you can wake up to breathtaking vistas every morning. No matter where you stay, you’ll find friendly hosts, great food and have a great time.
There are so many options for transport such as taxis, rickshaws, buses, and even ferries. If you love scenic routes, rail rides are a must. In cities like Kochi you won't have any trouble finding taxis as ride-hailing apps are available.
If you are visiting this destination, taking boat rides through its serene canals and lagoons are a must. Get on board a traditional houseboat, complete with a crew, freshly cooked meals and let the backwaters take you on an adventure.
Places like Alleppey and Kumarakom will blow your mind with amazing sceneries of palm trees along the waterways and floating villages. This slow ride is deeply relaxing so book a day cruise or even spend the night onboard if you want to drift away under the starry skies.
With a long coastline dotted with beaches, you can spend the day sunbathing, swimming, or relaxing with a drink in hand at any part of the coast. Most travelers visit Varkala for its dramatic cliffs and spiritual vibes. Some of these beaches also have spas and Ayurvedic massage centers nearby.
Kovalam is another spot with lively beaches that offer water sport activities like parasailing and surfing. If you want a place more secluded, head to Marari Beach or Bekal. These beaches are so calm it's almost like time just slows down.
For nature enthusiasts, this is a haven thanks to the forests and abundance of creatures worth exploring. Be sure to make a pitstop at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and take a boat ride to see elephants, wild boars, and even tigers.
For travelers who love trekking, Wayanad and Silent Valley National Park has many hiking trails and even offers jeep safari tours, so Take this chance to connect with nature Birdwatchers aren't left out, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit attraction especially during the migratory seasons.
Get an inside look at Kerala’s history and spirituality through its UNESCO and sacred sites. Some hidden gems worth visiting are the Mattancherry Palace in Kochi and the Western Ghats.
Religious attractions such as the St. Francis Church in Kochi, the Guruvayur Temple, and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram demonstrate the region's diversity in culture. all to some locals, they will tell you all about the old myths surrounding these places and the rich histories behind them.
With rolling hills covered in rows of green tea plants, this place feels like it belongs on a postcard. For a little tranquility, stroll around Munnar's tea estates to experience cool mountain air sweeping across their faces and breathtaking sights.
You can also visit tea factories and learn how the leaves are processed or stop by a museum to understand the country’s colonial past. Early mornings are the best time for exploring the area, as the mist hovers over the hills.
Think fresh seafood, spicy curries, and everything else in between, that is Kerala’s cuisines in a nutshell. Some meals you need to try are Sadya, appam with stew, and fish molee. You can also drink some coconut water or spiced tea (chai) to beat the heat.
This meal is very popular not just in Kerala, but in India as a whole as it is a simple dish packed with flavour. Puttu and Kadala Curry is mainly eaten for breakfast as it is just what you need to start.
Puttu is a steamed rice cake, shaped like a cylinder that is made with ground rice and coconut, while the curry is technically a spicy chickpea gravy. “Kadala” translates to chickpeas and this is made by mixing roasted coconut with traditional spices.
You won't have any trouble finding this dish, it is served everywhere from homes to small eateries and resorts.
There is a variety of seafood cuisines to sample with each coastal town having their own twist. These are mostly made using local spices, coconut, and tamarind to create bold and aromatic flavors. They are usually served as a side dish for rice, appam, or parotta.
Each town has their own spin on these delicacies so be sure to sample them all along the way. These are usually eaten as a side dish for rice and parotta as bold flavors of spices and tamarind enhance the taste of the meal.
Where to try: Fort Paragon Restaurant by Calicut Paragon, Kochi
You can find many variants of this meal across South Asia, it is a rice pancake that is fluffy in the middle with lace like edges. What most people love about Appam is its soft and crispy texture that makes it a versatile dish. You can eat it sweet or savory by pairing it with stews, any type of curry, egg roast, and sweetened coconut milk.
Appam is made by mixing fermented rice and coconut batter to give it a soft texture that melts in your mouth. For foreigners it stands out from dishes like rice or bread as it can also be eaten as a light meal for breakfast or dinner.
Where to try: New Jaya Kerala Restaurant, Ernakulam
This is more than just a delicious meal to the locals, it is a legacy from the Malabar region of Kerala. This type of biryani is lighter than its North Indian cousins but rich in flavor as it is layered with ghee cooked rice, marinated meat, and aromatic spices. Most of the time the Thalassery biriyani combines chicken or mutton with fragrant rice like jeerakasala and served with a side of salad, pickle, and boiled egg.
The basic ingredients of any dessert here boils down to a mix of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom.
A must-try treat for travelers with a sweet tooth is Payasam. It is a sweet pudding made by combining rice, vermicelli, or lentils. Another dessert on your bucket-list should be the rice flakes and coconut mixed food called Ada Pradhaman. If you are a fan of bananas try banana chips coated in jaggery.
Some local favorites are coconut-filled sweet dumplings called Kozhukatta and unniyappam ( steamed rice cakes). When you taste these desserts, you are taking in a part of Kerala’s cultural soul as they are homemade and steeped in tradition.