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Kerala with Kids: Beaches and Backwaters

It’s been a dream of mine ever since I became a mum of two to travel bi-annually to India with my girls, once they were old enough. Enjoying adventures, creating memories and discovering new regions on each visit. Being born and raised in the UK, it was important for both Mr S and I to show them their roots and heritage.

Watch the highlights video from our Keralan adventures

Places to visit in Kerala

Along with (hopefully) instilling the confidence to travel India independently and create their own travel moments in time!

Now that all sounds very idyllic and rosy, but I can’t deny the prospect of taking my girls was slightly daunting for many reasons. The noise. The dirt. The chaos. The insects. No pasta on tap! So, not the easiest place to travel to with little ones. However, with proper planning and preparation, it’s possible for the whole family to enjoy India.

For this reason, we chose to book our ten-day trip with Original Travel, who from the word go make the whole experience as hassle-free as possible. All itineraries are tailor-made, accommodating your wants and needs as a solo traveller, couple, or family.

When you book through Original Travel, as standard you receive UK departure assistance with a meet and greet fast-track check-in, lounge access even if you’re flying economy, pre-booked seats plus the added bonus of local concierges with insider knowledge in every destination. I was sold on this alone!

Visit Kerala

Kerala is quite a large state with lots to see, but we decided from the start that we didn’t want to cram too much into our ten-day trip itinerary. With a trip dedicated to the beaches and backwaters of Kerala. We wanted to return relaxed not harassed and with a desire to come back for more.

Our trip focused on three different areas Mararikulam for the beach element, Kottayam for the serene backwaters, and Kochi for some city action. For our first family holiday, I wanted to fully immerse n the Keralan backwaters way of life. So we mixed up our stays with a multitude of accommodations from eco-friendly hotels, a homestay, and a houseboat.

Here’s our ten-day family-friendly itinerary: 

Day 1 – 3: Mararikulam

After an 8-hour flight to Mumbai and a connection to Kochi which is additional two hours. We finally arrived at Kochi airport to a warm welcome from our contact Sanju and headed onwards in a two-hour private transfer to Maraikulam.

Mararikulam beach

Tired and weary by the travel and time difference, the Marari Beach Resort by CGH Earth was a welcome sight. 

This eco-friendly luxury hotel located on Marari beach is the ultimate Indian coastal hideaway.

Marari Beach Resort Mararikulam

The thatched Malayalam villas all come with mod cons and beautiful outside bathrooms, which is a traditional way to bathe in Kerala. 

It proved to be the perfect place for 10th birthday celebrations too. The hotel organised balloons in the bedroom (went down a treat) and a birthday cake in the evening.

Life, definitely dropped down a gear or two with days lazing on a hammock in the coconut grove with a cocktail in hand, strolling on the palm-fringed beach watching local fishermen go about their day, and indulging in the most epic Ayurvedic massages.

The latter is a must, as Kerala is known as the paradise for Ayurveda. It’s one of the world’s oldest holistic ‘whole-body’ healing treatments, developed more than 3,000 years ago in India. Watch out for a post soon on the blog of our incredible stay at the resort.

For more hotel ideas, inspiration and prices check Tripadvisor.

Day 4 – 5: Kottayam

Our next stop was Philipkutty’s Farm located on an island on the backwaters of Kottayam. Our amazing driver Rahul, who kept us in constant supply of Magic Masala crisps (we were slightly addicted), drove an hour and a half to reach this sustainable, organic working farm. 

On route, we did stop at the local government-approved alcohol store. Philipkutty is not licensed to sell alcohol, but it’s fine to BYO. Since we would be celebrating New Year here, Mr S had a surreal experience purchasing some bubbles at extortionate prices

This would be our first family homestay so I was slightly nervous about what to expect. On arrival, we were transported by a traditional canoe to the island where guests are hosted in beautifully decorated waterfront villas.

Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters

A world away from all the hustle-bustle of normal life it has to be one of the most peaceful places I’ve stayed.

The recent floods of August 2018 devastated the man-made island, with most of the crops destroyed and the villas in need of severe repair. Sheer hard work and determination by Anu, her mother-in-law Aniamma, her son Philip, her daughter Anya, and the tireless workers mean the farm is now back up and running.

Our two days were spent relaxing, enjoying communal home-cooked meals by Anu’s mother-in-law under the mango tree, and taking sunset cruises every evening.

Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters
Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters

It was as idyllic as it sounds. The girls not once asked for their iPad or uttered the dreaded words ‘I’m bored!’.

Constantly busy, playing with the house dog Sugar, on the swings or making things from coconut shells, husks and flowers. It was a dream to watch them explore all day without a care in the world.

We spent News Years’ Eve on the farm. After a wonderful meal surrounded by beautifully lit diyas (lit clay pots) and later serenaded by pianist Philip, Anu’s eldest son. We retired to our rooms and celebrated a unique and quiet evening bringing in the New Year on the backwaters.

Day 6: Alleppey

Saddened to leave the small oasis of paradise behind on New Year’s Day. We bid a reluctant farewell to the other houseguests whom we shared many a meal, laugh and natter with. We met some fascinating people and a family from Highgate, London (practically neighbours!). Meeting fellow travellers with like-minded interests is another plus for homestays in my eyes.

With our final delicious breakfast of masala dosa and sambhar still tantalising our lips, we boarded the canoe to meet Rahul on the other side of the river.

The third and most exciting accommodation of our trip was up next – The houseboat! Before we arrived on our Lakes and Lagoons deluxe two-bedroom cabin Alleppey houseboat, we stopped en route for a walk around the hub of the backwaters.

The guide showed how the old city of Alleppey is being preserved to retain its charm and heritage character. Interestingly, we also discovered that Gujaratis (which is our heritage) migrated to the city a long time ago for spice trading, in order to establish a direct link with the spice growers in Kerala.

We explored the old Gujarati quarters, and spice warehouses and visited a coir factory.

Alleppey was a major trading centre for coir and still produces the largest coir products in India. In 2007, the World Trade Organisation granted Geographical Indication status to ‘Alleppey Coir’.

It’s amazing to see how from these almost crumbling factories and warehouses, some of the most beautiful products are produced. The one we visited, actually manufactured gorgeous Ralph Lauren mats. Now you know where all your coir carpets, mats, and bag come from.

The girls were fascinated to drive down the busy main commercial street of Alleppey with the cacophony of everyday life – Real India! The incessant beeping of horns, cows wandering aimlessly, and lots of people with umbrellas. What with the monsoons and searing sunshine they are used all the time in Kerala. In fact, so much so that they are the leading innovative manufacturers – from the world’s smallest umbrella to a Wi-fi one!

Day 6 – Lake Vembanad

Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters

We finally arrived for the Keralan experience we’d all been waiting for and it did not disappoint. No. 22 was our home for the night. Holding onto a ticket with the number, we boarded a wooden speed boat to cross the river to our moored abode.

Read More: Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters

Alleppey houseboat

Completely wowed as we boarded our kettuvallam, which is essentially a converted rice boat. Used once to transport goods from isolated villages to towns in the days before roads and cars. Nowadays, they carry tourists, providing a slice of Keralan paradise.

The rest of the day was spent gently traversing the languid and beautiful backwaters, whilst relaxing and soaking up the surrounding nature. An incredible way to spend New Year’s Day and start 2019!

2018: Instagram Travel Round Up

We were all impressed with the comfort and service provided on these wooden boats by the crew. They come in a variety of sizes and styles from basic, and deluxe to full-on floating palaces. 

Our boat featured two ensuite bedrooms, air conditioning, western bathrooms with toiletries, and dining and relaxing areas. There is not much on board in regard to entertainment, but it’s not needed when you have the most incredible scenery floating by. 

We did however find a carrom board – Bingo! It’s akin to a cue sport-based tabletop game of South Asian origin, similar to billiards.

Players use a strike and try to pot the carrom with a flick of the finger into pockets on the board’s corners. The girls were converted as we played the night away teaching them the rules loosely remembered from our own childhood.

KeralaN dishes

For our one-night stay, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and copious amounts of masala chai were served. I was one happy lady!

The cuisine is typical Keralan – plenty of fish, vegetable curries, rice, and tropical fruit. The chef even whipped up some tasty chips for Asha.

Late afternoon we stopped at the village of Champakulam and walked around with a member of the crew, stopping at St Mary’s Basilica, established in 427 AD! The ancient church was rebuilt many times and is believed to have been founded by St Thomas the Apostle himself.

And at the most magical time of golden hour and sunset, we boarded a wooden canoe and watched the majestic red sunset peacefully.

Once the dark descends the mosquitos come out in full force (in the 1000s). Don’t forget your mozzie repellant! We retreated indoors for another delicious meal, followed by a game of carrom before heading to cool AC bedrooms.

Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters

We awoke to a simple breakfast of toast, tea, coffee, and fruit. Spending our final couple of hours gliding through the glassy waters in the early morning mist, listening to the chorus of birds, and watching morning routines happen alongside the bankside.

A real highlight of our trip, neither of us wanted to leave the tranquil backwaters as we disembarked.

If you have time constraints a backwaters day trip.

Day 7 – 10: Fort Kochi

On the final leg of our trip, Rahul drove us an hour to Kochi, still referred to as Cochin. Described as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, the busy port city draws its rich heritage from Arabic, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese influences. 

We spent our first day enjoying our hotel Xandari Harbour in Fort Kochi. With a pool day for the kids, we lazed around watching the big ships glide in and out of port and the fishermen bring in their haul.

For the remainder of our days, we explored and wandered around Fort Kochi and soaked up the city’s unique colonial charm. 

It can only be described as a melting pot of different cultures all coming together in a uniquely Indian style. 

The temples we visited in Kerala differ hugely from the grand ones you see in the North of India. Architecturally basic and simple in form they are also much smaller in size.

Something else we discovered is for a man to enter the inner sanctum of the temple in Kerala, their upper garments must be removed. Mr S refrained from offending the worshippers (and Instagram) with his Adonis torso and waited outside whilst the girls and I entered. Our shoes and hats were removed, and once inside no photos were allowed. After offering our prayers, we walked around the enclosed deity clockwise and back out to our awaiting Adonis!

There are a myriad of Portuguese churches in Kochi too. St Francis Church is one of the oldest churches is India. Originally built in 1503 it’s also where the legendary explorer Vasco da Gama was once buried.

Then there is India’s oldest active 17th-century Jewish Synagogue, running for the last remaining five Jewish residents. And the 16th-century Portuguese built Mattancherry Palace with its stunning murals. 

From the many different communities and cultures who have travelled through and lived in Kerala. Today’s society has evolved to integrate and see religions coexist peacefully.

The tempting markets, with exotic spices, enticing scents, incense sticks, and a plethora of Aladdin’s cave goodies will have you bartering away your rupees. Travelling with my little ladies temptation was never too far away.

One not to miss is the antique shops in the ‘Jew Town’. The old spice warehouses are a delight to wander around, packed with incredible Keralan artifacts.

And let’s not forget the incredible cantilevered Chinese fishing nets and tantalisingly tasty food on offer.

2018: Instagram Travel Round Up

Luckily we timed our trip to Kochi at the same time as the largest international art exhibition in India and the biggest contemporary art festival in Asia – The Biennale.

Shows are held in existing galleries, halls, and site-specific installations in public spaces, heritage buildings, and disused structures.

Basically, it’s everywhere and it’s such an exciting time to be in the city. A daily ticket allows you three entries into the main building plus one other. Our wanders took us through some fascinating buildings, past some interesting art pieces, and immersed in some fun, interactive installations. The perfect way to spend our final day.

We ended our last evening in true Keralan style with a Kathakali performance.

The 400-year-old classical dance form of Kerala combines the facets of ballet, opera, and pantomime. The dancers re-enact stories from great Hindu Epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

And finally…

The laid-back charm of Kerala definitely worked its magic on us. A place with its own distinct identity. From colonial Fort Kochi, the lush fertile landscapes, gorgeous white sandy beaches backed by swaying palms, and the slow and relaxed pace of life, there really is so much to love.

Also completely unique to the rest of India. A state with the highest level of literary, begging banned and a region which began its roots with a matriarchal society, means women today hold a more visible role in society.

Postcards from the Keralan Backwaters

We found it to be a great family-friendly destination to introduce the kids to India. Exotic and culturally rich but not as overwhelming as the North. And so begins our family love affair with India. Already looking forward to where our next Indian adventure takes us.

TRAVEL TOOLKIT TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP

Have you been to India? Where would you love to visit? Let me know in the comments box below.

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19 Comments

  • Fashion and Frappes 28th January 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I have been wanting to go to Kerela forever! This looks so lovely. Kerela is so different than most of the other parts of India but honestly, every part or state of India is pretty unique. Totally agree that this would be a good introduction and probably less overwhelming.

    • the Curious Pixie 29th January 2019 at 11:53 am

      I hope you make it there soon. An wonderful part of India to visit.

  • BavarianSojourn 5th May 2019 at 11:15 pm

    Kerala looks so vibrant and beautiful, I would really love to visit. I love the sound of Original Travel and their departure service too, that would start the adventure off so nicely! Thanks for joining in with #CulturedKids

  • Binny Shah-Patel 28th January 2019 at 3:04 pm

    You’ve really made me want to visit Kerala now

  • Scarlett Roitman 28th January 2019 at 3:58 pm

    I had no idea that men could only enter the temple with their bare torsos. How funny. I love Kerala, it’s a part of the world I would happily move. We based one of our developments on the Kumarakom Resort, so it’s a place close to my heart. Thanks for taking me back there – I just wish I could stay! Thanks for linking up with #CULTUREDkids

    • the Curious Pixie 29th January 2019 at 11:53 am

      Only in Kerala though – even I was taken aback. You must have spent a lot of time there Scarlett, would love to hear your stories.

  • Aaron Vallance @1dish4theroad 29th January 2019 at 3:25 pm

    Thanks Sima for the wonderful post – you brought me back fond memories of my own trip to the Keralan backwaters. And so impressed that you took the kids – what incredible memories they’ll have of this place too..

    • the Curious Pixie 31st January 2019 at 11:54 pm

      Aww that’s so lovely to hear Aaron. It’s probably one of the easiest places in India to travel with kids.

  • Map and Family 29th January 2019 at 4:05 pm

    Gorgeous photos! I’ve learnt lots about Kerala from reading this post and would love to have a closer look now.

    • the Curious Pixie 31st January 2019 at 11:54 pm

      Thank you Nancy! I hope you do have a chance to explore yourself.

  • Bejal Gosai 2nd February 2019 at 6:37 pm

    So obviously I’m sold and would love to go. Your photos depict Kerala just as I would imagine it to be and I think it’s so important for children to be introduced to the motherland in this way. They looked like they had an amazing time!

    • the Curious Pixie 4th February 2019 at 5:10 pm

      Thank you Bejal. It really was a very special trip taking them for the first time.

  • Angie SilverSpoon 3rd February 2019 at 6:59 pm

    What an amazing adventure for you and your family!

    • the Curious Pixie 4th February 2019 at 5:10 pm

      It really was…now the girls are getting bigger, holidays can go back to being adventurous again – Hurrah!

  • Catherine'sCulturalWednesdays 6th February 2019 at 5:08 pm

    What a fantastic place to celebrate a 10th birthday or any other come to that! #CulturedKids

  • FionaJK42 2nd March 2019 at 2:50 pm

    My husband is originally from North India, but raised in Nottingham. We’ve taken our family on several trips to India, as we felt it was important for them to understand that side of their heritage. Kerala is definitely on my to-do list as culturally and geographically it’s unlike other parts of India.

    • the Curious Pixie 4th March 2019 at 12:55 pm

      I think it is so important Fiona. Otherwise they are so far removed from their heritage. Kerala is brilliant with kids too, hopefully you’ll make it there soon.

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    I'm Sima, join me as I explore, experience and eat my way around the globe. Inspiring you to escape the everyday through my adventures... Read More

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