Tours

Time magazine has chosen Kerala among 50 ‘extraordinary destinations’ across the globe to explore in 2022. Kerala is ranked ninth in the ‘World’s Greatest Places 2022’ list as an ‘eco-tourism hot spot’. “With spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples and palaces, it’s known as ‘God’s own country for good reason.”

Tucked in South India, between the lush Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala is one among the best travel experiences India has to offer. Nicknamed “God’s Own Country”, the land is blessed with hill stations, backwaters, beaches, tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, quaint villages and multi-ethnic towns. The blissful experiences offered by Kerala tours is cherished by families, couples on honeymoon, adventure enthusiasts, solo backpackers, spiritual seekers and everyone seeking a vacation to cherish.

So, what does the land have, that is believed to be a heaven on earth? Here’s why this is one haven that is perfect for holidays in India. The land has abundance of natural beauty that includes lush hills dotted with waterfalls, tea gardens and spice plantations, azure backwaters, scenic shores and verdant jungles. Besides, there is the mouth-watering cuisine, adventure sports, relaxing Ayurveda breaks and spiritual quests that make Kerala tour packages worthwhile. While you are planning the ultimate post-COVID vacation in Kerala, here are the best places to cover.

Alleppey
Home to scenic backwater tours, Alleppey is one of the best tourist places in Kerala. The picturesque network of lakes, rivers, and lagoons is described as the Venice of the East. Exploring the backwaters is best enjoyed on houseboats. Cruise on the traditional houseboat of the romantic backwaters making it a memorable experience. Houseboats in Kerala offer overnight journeys while enjoying amenities like lavish rooms, attached washrooms, on-board food and more.
Must-visit places: St. Andrews Church, Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple and Punnamada Lake. The annual Snake Boat Races are the popular attraction of Alleppey.

Cochin
Cochin is without doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations to visit in Kerala. Known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea”, the port city is a well-known for its heritage and multi-ethnic culture. The gateway to Kerala, the city has many ancient forts, palaces, churches, museums, restaurants, heritage walks and so much more. The charming sites, the colourful culture, cuisine, and experiences make every visit incredible.
Must-visit places: Santa Cruz Basilica, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi and Marine Drive

Munnar
Nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, Munnar is among the most beautiful hill towns in India. Hills covered in mist, roaring waterfalls, lush green tea estates, dense forests, rare wildlife, natural bliss as far as the eye can see, Munnar is the retreat to rest your weary souls. Be it adventure or relaxation, the hill town is an epitome of wanderlust.
Must-visit places: Anamudi Peak, Kuthumkal Waterfalls, Echo Point, Observatory Hills and Power House Waterfalls

Kovalam
One of the most popular beach destinations in India, Kovalam lies close to Kerala's capital. The meaning of Kovalam is the ‘grove of coconut trees’. Blessed with palm-fringed shores, the town is home to a number of beach resorts and spa therapy centers. A popular tourist destination, Kovalam is a haven for beach lovers, watersport-enthusiasts, honeymoon couples and everyone seeking respite from daily lives.

Must-visit places: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Vellayani Lake, Halcyon Castle and Kovalam Art Gallery

Kumarakom
Home to the famous backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is a pleasant town nestled on the banks of Vembanad Lake. This stretch of the backwaters are a haven for birds’ especially migratory ones. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise where one can spot birds in their natural habitat. The soothing weather, swaying palms, mangrove trees, paddy farms and lagoons. Savor houseboat tours and pampering Ayurveda massages along with activities like sightseeing, canoeing and fishing.
Must-visit places: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal, Bay Island Driftwood Museum and Chavara Bhavan

Thekkady

Last but definitely not the least, Thekkady is one of the best tourist destinations in Kerala to be included in your itinerary. The Periyar National Park is the star attraction along with tea, coffee and spice plantations. Explore the lush greenery, stay at the jungle resorts of Periyar. Wildlife safaris in Periyar include exploring herds of elephants, tigers, langurs and the species of the animal. Thekkady also offers the chance to enjoy an array of rare Indian spices.
Must-visit places: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Lake.

India’s famous luxury train, Palace on Wheels, will be back on the tracks by September. As per the reports, the luxury train was not operational for the past two years due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, as the situation seems to be gradually improving, the RTDC is now planning to get it back on track.

As for the luxury train, RTDC in association with Indian Railways has been operating it since 1982. If reports are to go by, this train has been inspired by the personal coaches of erstwhile rulers, and features all enhanced facilities amid a heritage backdrop. Every coach features several chambers, whereas each chamber is further decorated with furniture and details in accordance with local heritage.

It covers the most important destinations in India that includes Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.

Time magazine has chosen Kerala among 50 ‘extraordinary destinations’ across the globe to explore in 2022. Kerala is ranked ninth in the ‘World’s Greatest Places 2022’ list as an ‘eco-tourism hot spot’. “With spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples and palaces, it’s known as ‘God’s own country for good reason.”

Tucked in the Southern frontiers of India, between the lush Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala has some of the best travel experiences India has to offer. Nicknamed “God’s Own Country”, the land is blessed with hill stations, backwaters, beaches, tea gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, quaint villages and multi-ethnic towns. The blissful experiences offered by Kerala tours are cherished by families, couples on honeymoon, adventure enthusiasts, solo backpackers, spiritual seekers and everyone seeking a vacation to cherish.

So, what does the land have, that is believed to be a heaven on earth? Here’s why this is one haven that is perfect for holidays in India with friends, family and for honeymoon. The land has an abundance of natural beauty that includes lush hills dotted with waterfalls, tea gardens and spice plantations, azure backwaters, scenic shores and verdant jungles. Besides, there is the mouth-watering cuisine, adventure sports, relaxing Ayurveda breaks and spiritual quests that make Kerala tour packages worthwhile.

Bhutan is all set to reopen for international travellers from September. Referring to this, an official stated that the kingdom will be reopening for the first time since the pandemic began more than two years ago. In March 2020, with the outbreak of COVID-19, Bhutan took early steps to close its borders and banned tourism. With less than 8,00,000 in its population, Bhutan reported around 60000 infections. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) stated that it will be allowing international tourists to enter the kingdom from September 23.

The tourists will, however, be charged a Sustainable Development Fee of USD 200 per night. Officials in the know-how added that this new fee will help control tourists’ carbon impact.
TCB Chairman and the country’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji released a statement stating that COVID-19 has allowed them to reset and rethink how the sector can be best operated and structured while keeping the carbon footprints low. He informed that the kingdom had revised standards for service providers, such as tour operators, hotels, drivers, and guides.

Once the borders up the places to must include in a Bhutan holiday itinerary are:

Thimpu

Home of the royal family of Bhutan, Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan, not just administratively, but culturally and commercially as well. Much like the surprises of Bhutan, Thimpu also has an interesting fact to share. Thimpu is the only capital city in the globe, the roads of which run without traffic lights. Thimphu, visiting the National Library housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) which conducts training courses in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, the centre of Bhutan’s government and religion, King's Memorial Chorten and the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.

Dochula Pass

Just 30 km from the capital city of Thimpu is the Dochula Pass, which is renowned for housing a significant number of Chortens. A total of 108 Chortens, which were built in honor of Bhutanese martyrs, add to the beauty of the mountain pass. The pass is situated at a height of around 3150 meters above sea level, and it overlooks the majestic snow-covered Himalayan ranges. While at the pass, have a warm cup of coffee and admire the beauty of this milky white location.

Winters are perfectly suited for a trip to this part of Bhutan, as the country receives heavy snowfall. Besides Dochula pass also hosts an annual festival in the month of December, which is known as Dochula festival. The festival is in continuation since the year 2011 and is held every year to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese soldiers over Indian insurgents.

Visit Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong is stunning. It is the second oldest and second biggest in all of Bhutan but arguably the most beautiful. It is located between two rivers and you have to cross a bridge to access it. The most interesting thing about this building? Not one nail was used to create it... not one! 

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang)

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Takstang) is in one word, extraordinary. The buildings are perched on the side of a cliff, 10,000ft above sea-level! It was built in 1692 and still functions as a monastery today with monks living on the mountain. You’ll need to hike here and the trail begins just 10 miles north of Paro (a 20-minute drive).

Memorial Chorten

The Memorial Chorten was designed to be 'one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu' and reflects a Tibetan style architecture. When you visit be sure to only circle the Chorten in a clockwise direction and learn all about the 3rd Dragon King on Bhutan. 

A wildlife corridor is all set to be developed in India. The idea is to create a wildlife corridor that starts from Ranthambore in Rajasthan, covering national parks in Madhya Pradesh. The wildlife corridor will uplift tourism in the state, and also help in development activities.

The corridor will cover Madhya Pradesh’s Madhav National Park in Shivpuri district, Kuno-Palpur wildlife sanctuary in Sheopur district, and Panna Tiger Reserve in Panna district.

There is however a delay in bringing cheetahs from South Africa to the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary due to the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier the cheetahs were supposed to reach in the month of March, but now there is a delay of about four weeks.

Madhya Pradesh is a wonderful wildlife destination with some of the best national parks and sanctuaries in the country. Connecting these destinations with Rajasthan’s famed Ranthambore National Park is a great move to create a wholesome wildlife travel experience.