Why Choose Goa & Kerala?

Goa and Kerala sit on the same coastline, but they feel like quite different worlds. That's exactly why I love pairing them.

• Goa has a laid‑back, beachy rhythm mixed with history and culture. There is a strong Portuguese influence, palm‑fringed shores and a friendly, relaxed vibe.
• Kerala is softer and greener with coconut palms mirrored in calm water, tea‑covered hills and Ayurvedic traditions focused on rest and wellbeing.

Together, they create a beautiful twin‑centre journey with golden sand and heritage in Goa, then peaceful backwaters and cool hills in Kerala.

Goa: Life by the Sea

Because my husband’s heritage is proudly Goan , I have been lucky enough to visit several times. For me it's not just a holiday destination, it feels like going back to somewhere familiar.  Goa is best known for it's beaches like Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach and Calangute Beach, however, there is so much more to Goa if you are willing to explore.

That being said, If there is one place that always pulls me back, it’s Palolem Beach in South Goa.  Palolem is a natural, crescent‑shaped bay with soft sand, palm trees and colourful fishing boats pulled up along the shore. It has a relaxed, slightly bohemian feel and is the sort of place where you kick off your flip-flops and instantly slow down. Mornings are the ideal time to watch the fishermen bringing in their catch, followed by beach walks, dips in the sea and sitting in the shade with a good book.

As the sun sets, beach shacks light up with fairy lights, grills go on and the sound of chilled music mixes with the waves so you end up eating fresh seafood with your feet in the sand, wondering how you will ever leave.

 
Goa: Markets, Shopping & Everyday Buzz

Away from the sand, Goa is brilliant for browsing and people‑watching. From colourful local markets piled with spices and bright fabrics to stalls selling jewellery, sarongs, handicrafts and quirky souvenirs, there is always something to catch your eye. The famous Anjuna Flea Market, held typically on a Wednesday, shouldn't be missed. I  love wandering through the bustle, picking up little bits for home and chatting to stallholders along the way. It’s a fun way to spend the day and remember that bargaining is all part of the experience.

Goa: Venture Inland

Goa is more than its shoreline. Step a little inland and you find colourful quarters, village life and a quieter, more traditional side.

Old Latin quarters: In areas like Fontainhas in Panaji, narrow lanes are lined with pastel‑painted houses, balconies and shrines. Wandering here in the late afternoon feels like stepping into a softer, slower Goa.

Village churches and temples: Goa is a gentle mix of cultures. In some villages you might hear a church bell and temple music almost at the same time. If you visit during a feast or festival, streets come alive with processions, music and food stalls.

Heritage homes & homestays: Staying in an old Goan house with tiled floors, wooden furniture and family photographs can be a wonderful way to feel the history of the place, rather than just visit it.

If you like travel with a bit of depth and story, this side of Goa adds something very special.

The Flavours Of Goa

Being connected to a Goan family has one huge advantage: the food.  Goan cuisine is a beautiful blend of Indian spice and Portuguese influence, with a lot of fresh fish and coconut. Some dishes that you should try:

• Goan fish curry and rice: Light, coconut‑based and tangy, usually made with the catch of the day.
• Prawn balchao: A spicy, sour prawn pickle that wakes up your taste buds.
• Xacuti and vindaloo: Rich, complex curries that have much more depth than their UK versions. Traditionally made with pork, vinegar and layers of spice.
• Bebinca: A traditional layered coconut dessert, sweet and slightly sticky, best enjoyed in thin slices after dinner.

And if you see a stall selling hot prawn or fish cutlets, grab some as they make the perfect snack.

From Goa to Kerala: Where Life Moves More Slowly

From Goa, head south and the mood gradually changes. Travelling from Goa to Kerala is actually pretty straightforward, and you’ve got a few different options depending on how you like to travel. The most popular is the train as it’s affordable, relatively comfortable, and you get those amazing coastal and countryside views along the Konkan route. If you’re short on time, flying is the quickest, with regular flights from Goa into Kerala’s main airports.  For something a bit more flexible, you can do the journey by road, either with an overnight coach or a private car and driver, which is ideal if you want to stop off at beaches and hill stations along the way. Each option has its own vibe, so it really comes down to whether you prioritise time, budget or the experience of the journey itself.

Kerala: Drifting Through The Backwaters

One of my most treasured travel memories is hiring a traditional houseboat on Kerala’s backwaters. It was a simple, cosy boat made of wood and coir, with a shaded deck at the front, a small crew and soon became our own little world floating on the water.

Life on the banks: You drift past rice paddies, tiny churches and village homes. Children wave from the shore, people do laundry on the steps and fishermen cast their nets in the evening light.

On board: Meals are cooked in the tiny galley, often with fish bought directly from a passing fisherman. You sit out on deck, sipping chai, watching palms and reflections slide slowly past.

Sunset on the water: As the sky turns all shades of red & pink, the water goes very still and all you can hear are the birds calling and gentle splashes. It is incredibly peaceful and feels a world away from everyday life.

Many people think one night on a houseboat will be enough. However, two nights was perfect for us as it gave us time to truly settle into that slower rhythm and soak up the magic.

Kerala Beyond The Boat

Kerala has more to offer than its famous backwaters. It is a wonderful state for exploring and a focus on wellbeing.

Tea and spice hills: Travel up into the misty hills around places like Munnar and you find rolling tea plantations, spice gardens and cooler air. It is a lovely contrast to the coast, with beautiful walks and viewpoints.

Village walks and homestays: Staying in a homestay by a canal or in a small hillside village gives you a close‑up view of everyday life with shared meals and slow walks.

Ayurveda & wellness: Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic traditions. From simple massages to multi‑day wellness programmes, there are many ways to build rest and rejuvenation into your trip.

 
Food In Kerala

Kerala’s food is lighter and often less oily than many people expect. It leans towards fresh fish, coconut and warming spices.

• Fish cooked in coconut milk sauces, fragrant but not too hot.
• Karimeen pollichathu, a local fish marinated, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled.
• Appam with stew for breakfast: soft, lacy rice pancakes with a mild vegetable or chicken stew.
• All washed down with fresh coconut water, straight from the shell, and something sweet and milky to finish.

 
When Is The Best Time To Visit Goa & Kerala?

The good news is that Goa and Kerala share a similar climate, so they work very well in a single trip.

Best overall time: From November to March, when days are warm and sunny, humidity is more comfortable and the sea is usually calmer.

Festive feel in Goa: December and early January are especially lively, with Christmas and New Year celebrations, fireworks and a lovely buzz around the coastal towns and villages.

Ideal season in Kerala: November to March works beautifully too, especially for the backwaters and the beaches. The hill stations are cooler, which can be very refreshing after time by the sea.

If you don’t mind more heat and humidity, the shoulder months of October and April can be a little quieter and can offer good value. The monsoon (roughly June to September) brings dramatic skies and lush green landscapes, and can work well for wellness‑focused retreats and slower, more introspective trips.

If this has sparked something in you and you would like to find out more about Goa and Kerala, I would love to share more stories about this beautiful part of India with you.