Sumrin and Rajesh Katra, both senior managers in a Delhi BPO, wanted to take a completely relaxing break sunning themselves on a Kerala beach, eating good seafood and getting rid of their tiredness with some genuine Ayurvedic therapies.

Faraway Kerala had now become reachable with so many flights. This land known as God's Own Country was truly an exciting place as it offered so many experiences in one  water escapes, Ayurveda, terrific cuisine, fascinating heritage and culture, and wildlife and mountains, if one wanted to experience it. However, the Katras decided to limit their experience to relaxation and rejuvenation!

Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and also the gateway to the southern beaches. Rich in culture and heritage, it is the main centre for Kerala Ayurveda. Kovalam beach, 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram is world famous, and a quieter option is Varkala to the north.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES 

Boat ride to Alappuzha - this is the most popular cruise and can be done in 8 hours, or even spread out over-night living in the houseboat. You can hire a traditional rice barge that has been converted into a boat with living quarters and see life go by as you cruise past the vast Ashtamundi Lake.

Sasthamkotta Lake - this is Kerala's largest fresh water lake and is a beautiful picnic spot 29 km away from Kollam

Palaruvi Waterfalls - This one of southern India's most scenic waterfalls and surrounded by dense forests. It is 69 km away from Kollam.

Krishnapuram Palace - This palace converted into a museum is packed with antiques, paintings and sculptures.

Ethnic resorts - among the best attractions of Kollam is living in one of the atmospheric resorts. Almost all are made in a traditional architecture, and have ayurvedic spas and access to natural ponds and rivers.

This beach is what Kovalam was like fifty years ago peaceful, secluded and picturesque. It is a major pilgrimage for Malayalis, but the facilities of a beach resort are also available on a lower scale.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Papanasam Beach apart from its silver sands, it is unique for the tall cliffs that back it, with laterite formations and hot springs. The sea here, however, is not as safe as Kovalam.

Janardhan Swamy Temple in Varkala town, is two millenniums old and dedicated to Krishna.

Sri Narayana Guru Temple is on a hill-top at Sivagiri, and is dedicated to the great saint and social reformer.

This historic city was built over seven hills. At its centre is the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, after which the city is named, and where the old quarter is. The city also has its share of colonial houses, churches and museums.

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Museum and Zoo Complex: This single compound houses several interesting museums as well as the zoo, and can be covered with a single entrance ticket.

The Napier Museum of arts and crafts is in a unique 19^th century red-and-black brick bungalow. It has a grand collection of bronzes, stone sculpture, jewellery and ivory carvings.

Shri Chitra Art Gallery is famous for the paintings of the great artist of Kerala Raja Ravi Verma.

Natural History Museum and Zoo is great for the kids who might be bored with too much heritage.

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple – a drive down M G Road with its old British mansions and the University and Library built in 1829, takes you to this famous temple. The seven-storey gopuram and courtyard with granite pillars, rich carvings and murals are a fantastic sight, culminating with a ‘darshan’ of the reclining Vishnu.

Kuthiramallika Palace – noteworthy for its fabulous architecture and wooden carvings, this was a palace of the Travancore kings. 

Day trip to Kanyakumari – you could visit the southern most tip of the country, which although in Tamil Nadu, is a short distance away.