Kerala Reflections: From Historic Harbours to Backwaters and Beaches

Fort Kochi: Harbourside History & Sunset Cruises

Our Kerala journey began in Fort Kochi, where history and coastal charm meet. After a long journey, it was such a joy to be greeted by the wonderful TBI representatives, jasmine garlands in hand and the warmest smiles on their faces. From there we were whisked to the characterful Brunton Boatyard, perfectly positioned on the waterfront and the ideal base for easing into India.

Those first hours were all about gently settling in: relaxing by the outdoor pool, indulging in a little time at the ayurvedic spa and taking a short stroll through the atmospheric streets of Fort Kochi. As the day drew to a close, we boarded a sunset cruise around the harbour and watched the iconic Chinese fishing nets silhouetted against a sky painted in pinks and golds. It was a truly magical way to begin the trip.

Fort Kochi itself is a fascinating blend of influences. A gentle riverside walk the next morning took us past fishermen casting those same Chinese nets and through the lively fish market with its morning catch on display. As we wandered further, it was impossible not to notice the architectural legacies left behind by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. From ornate churches and colonial facades to narrow streets with little details at every turn, I felt immersed in the India I have grown to love: vibrant, diverse and proud of its colourful history, yet very much its own modern, independent state.

We delved even deeper into the area’s past with visits to St Francis Church, the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town which, in my opinion, is an absolute must‑see. Exploring on foot was a joy, but whizzing through the lanes in local tuk‑tuks added another layer of fun and local colour. There was even time for a quick dip in the pool back at Brunton Boatyard before an evening Kathakali performance, where the striking makeup, elaborate costumes and highly stylised movements brought classical Kerala dance to life. We rounded off our Kochi stay with dinner and a look around Eighth Bastion, another stylish CGH Earth property that really reflects the character of Fort Kochi.

Munnar: Tea Country, Cool Breezes & Quiet Balconies

Leaving the coast behind, we wound our way up into the hills of Munnar, and it felt as though we had stepped into a different world. The journey itself was a highlight: lush green slopes, endless carpets of tea plantations, tumbling waterfalls and the occasional group of friendly monkeys watching us from the roadside. The cooler climate and crisp air came as a refreshing contrast after the warmth of Kochi.

We paused en route at Windermere River House for a relaxed riverside lunch, then continued on to Windermere Estate, which would be our home in tea country. Tucked into tranquil, natural surroundings, this is the sort of place where time seems to slow down almost instantly.

Life at Windermere Estate revolved around simple but soul‑soothing pleasures. We took early morning walks among the trees and tea bushes, and some of my favourite moments were spent on the balcony, watching the sun rise and listening to birdsong and the soft sounds of the forest. It is a wonderful setting for anyone who craves nature and calm.

Given that Munnar is tea country, a visit to the Lockhart Tea Factory was a must. Here we saw the full journey of tea, from the moment it is picked through the various stages of processing and manufacturing. In between, we wandered through local markets piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, many of which we had already been enjoying in fragrant Keralan dishes. Back at Windermere Estate we rounded off the experience with a tea tasting, appreciating each cup so much more knowing the care and craftsmanship behind every leaf.

Thekkady & Periyar: Spices, Eco‑Lodges & Forest Walks

From tea to spices, our next chapter took us to Thekkady and the wonderfully eco‑chic Spice Village. Inspired by the native Mannan tribe, this property blends modern comforts with a deep respect for nature. The elephant‑grass thatched cottages are full of character and yet feel perfectly in harmony with their surroundings. It is the kind of place where sustainability is not a trend but a way of life.

En route we stopped at a spice plantation and were able to see cardamom being picked and nutmeg, pepper, cinnamon, vanilla and cloves growing in abundance. Suddenly, the aromatic magic of Keralan cuisine made even more sense; you could almost taste the curries just walking through the plantation.

The following morning started very early with a nature walk in Periyar National Park. Any reluctance at the dawn alarm vanished quickly as we crossed the water by a slightly unusual mode of transport and watched the sun rise over the forest. The peace of the park at that hour, with mist lifting off the trees and the sounds of wildlife all around, was incredibly special.

Back at Spice Village, we strolled through the village of Thekkady, watching local life unfold and pausing to see the much‑loved banana chips being made. They really are everywhere here and absolutely worth trying fresh. The day ended on a high note with a traditional martial arts performance, adding yet another cultural layer to our Kerala experience.

Kumarakom & the Backwaters: Coconut Lagoon & Life on the Water

No trip to Kerala would be complete without time on the backwaters, and our next stop delivered exactly that. Leaving the hills behind, we travelled down to Kumarakom, where life seems to sync itself to the rhythm of the water.

Coconut Lagoon was our base here, and it is difficult to imagine a more atmospheric backwater retreat. Surrounded by water, it is only accessible by boat, which makes arrival feel instantly special. Gliding across to the property and stepping off the boat to be welcomed with a fresh coconut and warm smiles was one of those little travel moments that stays with you.

The resort itself is full of character, with traditional architecture, waterways and gardens that seem to invite you to slow down. That afternoon, we took a leisurely cruise through the narrow canals, watching local life play out along the banks: children playing, mothers cooking and washing clothes, and men heading out in small boats to seek the catch of the day. It was a gentle, authentic window into everyday backwater life and one of my favourite memories of the trip.

The following morning we said goodbye to Coconut Lagoon and continued our backwater story in the most iconic way possible: on a traditional houseboat cruise. Travelling towards Marari Beach by houseboat felt like a fitting transition from water to sand. We glided along rivers and lakes, passing vibrant green paddy fields and once again witnessing life lived in close connection with the water. From families on the riverbanks to fishermen heading out for the day, there was always something to see. I even had the chance to take the wheel of the houseboat for a short while, which made the journey feel wonderfully personal and memorable.

Marari Beach: Barefoot Luxury, Ayurveda & Saree Moments

Our final chapter unfolded on the golden sands of Marari Beach in Mararikulam, a relaxed coastal escape nestled among coconut groves. It was the perfect place to pause and reflect before the journey home.

I am a great lover of sunrise, so slipping out early for a quiet walk along the shoreline as the day began quickly became a highlight. There is something special about the light, the sound of the waves and the feeling of having the beach almost to yourself, especially when followed by a final plate of masala dosas for breakfast.

The hotel’s commitment to the environment was evident throughout our stay, from water conservation efforts to the gardens where many of the herbs and spices used in the kitchen are grown. As someone who appreciates thoughtful, sustainable touches, this really stood out.

Another personal favourite was visiting the ayurvedic spa and seeing how the oils and treatments are made on site. And, of course, it would have been rude not to enjoy a massage while I was there. We also squeezed in a last tuk‑tuk ride to visit Xandari Pearl, where we toured the beautiful rooms and enjoyed a mouth‑watering lunch, rounding off our time on the coast in delicious style.

Our final evening in Kerala was especially memorable. Our fabulous hosts at TBI presented us with traditional Indian outfits for a farewell dinner, and the lovely ladies at Marari Beach kindly took time out of their day to help us into our sarees. The sense of warmth, fun and shared excitement in that moment captured exactly how this trip felt: welcoming, generous and full of heart.

A Place I Will Never Forget

Kerala is sometimes described as “God’s Own Country”, and after this journey I understand why. From historic Fort Kochi and the cool hills of Munnar to the spice villages of Thekkady, the stillness of the backwaters and the barefoot simplicity of Marari Beach, it offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences, all tied together by gentle hospitality and a deep connection to nature.

This fam trip has given me a far richer understanding of Kerala and its wonderful places to stay. It means I can now talk to my clients not just about the “where” but also the “feel” of each area and match them to the parts of Kerala that will suit them best, whether that is tea‑clad hills, wildlife and spices, backwaters, beaches or a little of everything.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at Travel Counsellors, TBI, CGH Earth hotels and Windermere Estate for their overwhelming kindness and generosity, and for making this journey one I will never forget.

If you would like to experience Kerala for yourself, I would love to help you design a tailor‑made itinerary that captures the same magic, with the right pace, properties and experiences for you.