Six Fascinating Activities for the Honeymooners Coming to Kerala

Honeymoon is the first-ever journey together of a recently married husband and wife. When exploring a place together, they are actually getting a chance to explore each other. Sparks are supposed to fly between them and it is in fact the most beautiful phase of married life. Usually, a honeymoon is considered as spending some quality time in any scenically beautiful place together. But then, how about coupling it with some adventure too? Now you will be thinking that I am talking about visiting multiple destinations and that it’s certainly going to cost you quite a lot of pennies. But no, I'm talking about the 'God's Own Country', Kerala, the land that is blessed with majestic mountains, pristine backwaters and serene beaches.  In fact, Kerala being one of the smallest states, you will be able to cover all of the varied landscapes in a short span of time and this makes Kerala, a perfect destination for honeymooners. You will be able to trek, swim, surf, go on long beach walks and even enjoy some adventure sports together, all the while unearthing a new trait of your partner. No wonder, Kerala honeymoon packages are the most sought after in the tourism industry.

Although there are a lot of fascinating activities available for the newlywed couples in Kerala, the best ones are listed below :

1. Create Some Honeymoon Souvenirs in Munnar

Munnar, the tea garden of Kerala is the most popular hill station in the Western Ghats. The scenic beauty of Munnar is beyond words that its visitors simply get spellbound. The hills overlaid with emerald green tea shrubs is such a beautiful view and the best way to enjoy it is by going on a walk through its valleys and meadows hand in hand, admiring the natural beauty of it. In fact, it would also give a chance to click plenty of pictures that are going to last as some honeymoon souvenirs. Apart from the alluring hills, Munnar is also blessed with many other tourist attractions such as the Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam and Tata Tea Museum.

2. Catch a Glimpse of Both of You Inside a Perfectly Heart-Shaped Pond

Have you ever thought that the mother nature would carve a heart-shaped pond in one of its tall mountains where clouds float aimlessly and mist rolls in and out? The Chembra Peak in Wayanad is literally a wonder. You can embark on a trekking tour with your partner and midway through you will see this beautiful pond studded into the lush green valley. The water in it is so clear that it gives out life-like reflections. You and your significant other can definitely throw some poses upon the mirror-like pond and have some fun time. However, Wayanad is not just about the Chembra Peak, being rich in flora and fauna have given rise to some very interesting bird sanctuaries and national parks too. Kuruvadweep, Pookot Lake, Edakkal Caves are the other spots worth visiting.

3. Cruising the Backwaters

Kerala has become epitome to backwaters. Ashtamudi and Vembanad are the most famous ones. The backwaters flow through the centre of Kerala all through its length. The silver waters keep sparkling in the sunlight and the lush greenery in its banks add colour to it. Also, it often seems that the birds are a little extra chatty around the backwaters that their chirping keeps dominating the otherwise quiet backwaters. Ashtamudi is the one to visit if your tour starts from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. In fact, in a birds-eye-view, the Ashtamudi Lake looks like an octopus with its eight hands spread wide. In Sanskrit, ‘Ashta’ means eight and ‘Mudi’ means cone. Thus the eight coned lake is named as Ashtamudi. However, if you are starting your tour from Cochin International Airport, Vembanad backwaters would be the convenient one to visit.  Nevertheless, both of them are so charming that people love sailing quietly through a houseboat through the backwaters occasionally taking note of the sleepy villages and getting replenished by the cool crisp breezes blowing from it. The houseboat usually halts its journey for some time in the noon giving a chance for the tourists to stroll through the laid back villages and even try some locally prepared seafood in toddy shops that are very common in such places. Toddy is actually an indigenous alcoholic drink fermented out of coconut palms. You can try some toddy also if you like it. But one thing to note now is that locals around Ashtamudi and Vembanad are so used to tourists that there will be small shops selling souvenirs, street food stalls etc. and it may seem a little touristy. However, if you prefer a rather untouched spot, then Valiyaparamba is your solution. Valiyaparamba is actually an Island in Northern Kerala with backwaters on one side and beach on the other. The Island is very sparsely populated and its beauty and serenity still remain so unblemished.

4. Take a Dip in the Niagra of India

The enchanting waterfall of Athirappilly is nicknamed as the 'Niagra of India'. The vast waterfalls will definitely struck you in awe and the cool crisp waters flowing out of it will tempt you instantly to take a dip in it. However, the best way to make the most out of this spot is to book a tree house facing these waterfalls and enjoy the rumble, roar and view of the bewitching waterfalls. Just imagine how beautiful it would be for the honeymooners to wake up to the magnificent view of milky white water flowing amidst the thick forests.

5. Have a Candlelight Dinner at the Beach

Kerala is dotted with ample number of beaches all through its west coast. Kovalam and Varkala are the two beaches that are flooded with tourists and Marari Beach is the one that is gaining popularity at a fast pace. There are also many other beaches like Kappad, Bekal, Payyambalam etc. but no matter what all the beaches in Kerala have a special charm and grace. Soft beige sand meeting deep blue water watched down by coconut tree is the best place to enjoy a quiet candle light dinner with your beloved. Such a dinner may not be included in all the Kerala tour packages and you would probably need to add it at extra cost. However, Holiday Mango Travel, a very eminent tour operator provides Kerala honeymoon package including candlelight dinners at the beach.

6. Enjoy Some Adrenalin Rush

Vagamon is yet another hill station in Kerala which offers adventure activities like ballooning and paragliding. You could fly over the green velvety hills of Vagamon and enjoy the wonderful view. 

So if you are looking for an amazing honeymoon, just approach a tour operator specialised in formulating Kerala tour packages and talk to them about ways to make your honeymoon magical. If Holiday Mango Travel is your choice, they will be providing a provision for customisation of tour packages too. Therefore, you can add or delete the tourist attractions of Kerala according to your likes.

Offbeat Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala

Kerala is chosen as the honeymoon spot by a large number of honeymoon couples. Ever wondered why? The answer would only be one, the mesmerizing flawless beauty of nature and loving natives. The state is blessed with many honeymoon sites some of them are very popular and some not. There are, yet, many places to be explored. Here is the list of few offbeat romantic places covered in Kerala honeymoon packages where the bride and groom can explore the enchanting beauty of nature. Couples can avail packages from travel partners based in Kerala like Holiday Mango Travel and enjoy their quality time with nature.

Nelliyampathy

Couples who can't afford a trip to Ooty can compensate for the loss by tripping to Nelliyampathy as it is known as 'poor man's Ooty'. Nelliyampathy is situated in Palakkad district. It is famous for its misty hills. It is also well known for it's coffee, orange and cardamom plantations. The mountainous terrain of the place is best for trekking and attracts trekkers all over the world. The journey from Palakkad to Nelliyampathy will give an enthralling experience as it consists of many hairpin bends. On the way from Palakkad town to Nelliyampathy, the first sightseeing attraction will be the Pothundi Dam. The dam grabs the attention of tourists as its foundation is made up of quicklime and jaggery. Many rare species of birds and animals like the ‘Great Pied Hornbill’; Nilgiri Flycatcher’ and the Lion-tailed Macaque can be seen in Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. Paragliding is also practised here. Other sightseeing attractions are Seethargundu point- It is considered as sacred place as it is believed Ram, Sita and Laxman the main characters of the holy book Ramayan took a break during their 'vanavasa' period. Mampara Viewpoint in Raja’s Cliff gives a panoramic view of the entire town. For shopaholics, it is the perfect place to collect souvenirs like coir products, conch shells, pickles, pieces of ornaments made from seashells, wooden handicrafts, Kaanjeevaram saris, and home decors.

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore and Cochin airport.

When to visit:  January- May, October -December

Silent Valley

Those couples who love nature and are interested to explore its enchanting beauty, the perfect place would be Silent Valley. It is positioned in Niligiri hills of Palakkad district. It is listed as the UNESCO world heritage site. Being the smallest park in the country,it is an assortment for a large number of endangered species of birds and wild animals including the lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, Nilgiri langur, common palm civet, fishing cat, small Indian civet, ruddy mongoose, otter, flying squirrel, and the Indian pangolin. Various kinds of plants and orchids can be seen at Nilgiri biosphere sanctuary. The symphonic calls of birds and animals give a fresh break from the hustle-bustle metro life. Nature walk, elephant safari and trekking to an extend can be practised here. Dhoni waterfalls and Palakkad fort are the other sightseeing attractions of the region. Couples can seek divine blessings from the Kalpathy temple. It is the best place to collect Palakkad specialities such as traditional bells, traditional lamps like nilavillakus, thooku villakus, peacock feather villakus, Travancore sarees, pieces of jewellery, ornaments and trinkets.

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, Palakkad, Coimbatore.

Nearest airport: Coimbatore and Cochin airport.

When to visit: November- February

Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Backwaters comprise several water bodies and flow through many districts. There are nearly 30-40 backwaters in Kerala and Valiyaparamba backwater is one among them. It mainly flows through the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is one of the unexploited virgin backwaters and it promises an exclusive private honeymoon. It is prominently known among tourists for its houseboat cruise. Inside the cruise, the couples would be treated with mesmerising cultural art forms and delicious traditional local foods. The nearby sightseeing spot is Bekel fort. It would be a mind-blowing experience if one visits the 300 years old Bekel fort where tourist would be entertained with the 'Theyyam' dance performance by the expert professional dancers. The 1100 years old Chandragiri fort and Bekel fort beach give the spectacular view of the sunset. Nileswaram is another most important place. It is well known for its unique tradition. The place got this name from ' Nilakanta Ishwar' or Lord Shiva. The Nileswaram palace attracts tourists over there. Couples can shop for coir and handcrafted products, conch shells, incense sticks, amulets and charms. Travel in cruises and boat trips are popularly practised by honeymooners.

Nearest railway station: Kanahangod and Kasargod

Nearest airport: Kannur and Mangalore.

When to visit: October- March

Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak is considered one of the popular honeymoon destinations in the state and is an important part of many honeymoon packages in Kerala. It is the least touched, unspoilt place in Kerala. It is an awesome spot for the honeymooners as it assures an opportunity for exploring the beauty of nature. It also offers adventurous trips. Standing on the top of the Chembra, one can enjoy the flawless beauty of the entire city. Chembra peak is nestled in Wayanad district. Wayanad is enriched with various kinds of flora and fauna species. Tourists can see these species by trekking to Chembra peak and safari trek to Tholpetty and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary. Rafting will help you to understand the lifestyle of people living in small Islands nearby.  The district is well known for its tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The sightseeing spots located near to Chembra peak is Edakkal caves which show 300 years old rock paintings and offers delicious cave eateries. The surroundings and scenic views of Pookote lake and Meenamutty waterfalls will reinvigorate tourists. Visitors can buy homemade chocolates and food items and also handcrafts made out of coconut shells, cane, ivory, wood, metals and bamboo. 

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode

Nearest airport: Kozhikode

When to visit: October- March

Kuttikkanam

Kuttikanam is one of the popular and attractive misty hill stations of Kerala. It is situated 1100m above sea level in Idukki district. Picturesque land, tea gardens and green meadows are the few factors which attract not only the common people but also the Britishers and royal family in olden days. They selected this place as one of the summer retreats and built a palace called -Ammachi Kottaram. This palace is captivating tourists now. The place is thickly populated with pine trees in an area of 100 acres. Travellers always choose these pine forests for relaxing and resting during summer and winter seasons. Near to Kuttikanam is Pallikunu, which is well known for a British cemetery built-in 1869. It is believed that Col. John Daniel Munro, a Scottish soldier and an officer in the British Army was buried in this cemetery with his white female horse. Not far from Kuttikanam is Peermade town. The place got the name in the remembrance of Sufi saint, Peer Muhammad. He was a close friend of the Travancore royal family. Tourists can buy coffee and tea leaves from the streets of Kuttikanam. Trekking and nature walk is also practised here.

Nearest railway station: Kottayam

Nearest airport: Cochin

When to visit: Monsoon and Summer seasons.