In the U.S., a “backwater” is an underdeveloped rural place where few people want to go.

In Kerala, India, backwaters are something quite different: an intricate network of rivers, streams, canals and lakes along the coast of the Arabian Sea. No trip to Kerala is complete without experiencing this enchanted place—ideally from a kettuvallam (a traditional houseboat).

Kerala, a coastal state in the southwest of India, is beloved for its natural beauty, from its palm-lined beaches to the lush green tea fields to the wild Western Ghats. Look for langur monkeys in wildlife reserves. Explore temples, forts, and palaces. Experience healing through Ayurvedic treatments. We’ll walk you through a few of the best things to do and places to stay in Kerala.

3 reasons to buy travel insurance for India

1. You want to safeguard your trip investment. While lodging and food are relatively inexpensive in India, flights from the U.S. are pricey. A travel insurance plan can reimburse you for nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses lost because of a covered trip cancellation or trip interruption.
2. In a medical emergency, you need the protection of travel insurance. The healthcare system in India works quite differently than in the U.S. Cash payment up front is often required for treatment. Don’t expect your American health insurance card to be accepted—or your credit card. High-quality medical treatment and ambulance service is generally not available outside major cities.¹ A travel protection plan with emergency medical and emergency transportation benefits can ensure you get the best-quality care in a crisis.
3. Travel disruptions are common. In India, demonstrations and strikes “often cause major inconvenience and unrest. These strikes can result in the stoppage of all transportation and tourist-related services, at times for 24 hours or more,” the U.S. Department of State warns.² If you’re affected by a long delay during your travels, trip delay and trip interruption benefits can save the day (and save you from unplanned expenses).

3 of the best travel insurance plans for India

1. For travelers on a budget, there’s OneTrip Basic. True to its name, this plan covers the basics: up to $10,000 in emergency medical benefits, up to $10,000 in trip cancellation/interruption benefits, and more.
2. For families and travelers who want more protection, OneTrip Prime includes a wide array of benefits for international travel. It also covers kids 17 and under for free when they’re traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents).
3. For frequent travelers, AllTrips Premier protects every trip you take in 365 days. You can customize your coverage, too, with tiered benefit levels for trip cancellation and interruption.

3 of the best things to do in Kerala

1. Tour Kerala’s tea plantations. The mountainous region of Munnar is home to lush fields of tea. Visit the Kanan Devan Hills Tea Museum to learn about the history, from the colonial period to today, then wander the lovely (and very photogenic) tea gardens.
2. Follow the trail of the Nilgiri tahr. This endangered ibex lives in India’s high-elevation grasslands. Only a few thousand remain, owing to habitat loss and hunting, and the largest population can be found in Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park.³ Nilgiri tahr aren’t hard to find—they’ve learned to seek out visitors who give them salty snacks—but a guide can help you spot more elusive wildlife in the park.
3. Immerse yourself in Kerala’s cultural traditions. Kerala is home to performance arts found nowhere else, notably Kathakali dance with its elaborate face makeup and Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest forms of martial arts. See them both, and more, at the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi.

3 of the best places to stay in Kerala

The best Kerala resort for lakefront serenity: Kumarakom Lake Resort is a five-star retreat on Lake Vembanad with 25 acres of gardens. Book a villa with its own private pool or on the “meandering pool.” Or, for an unforgettable experience, stay on a floating kettuvallam with a personal crew and chef. Enjoy the Ayurvedic spa, multiple swimming pools, and traditional tea house.

The best Kerala hotel for historic luxury:  The Postcard Mandalay Hall is a boutique hotel in the historic Jewish quarter of Kochi, a few blocks from Mattancherry Palace. There are only five rooms, each decorated with original works by local artists. Guests praise the hospitality and the food at on-site restaurant അ, or Aah, which serves contemporary Keralan cuisine.

The best Kerala resort for an eco-friendly beach vacation: Marari Beach is a collection of cottages inspired by local fishing villages. Sustainable practices, a rich ecosystem, and a quiet beach all create a relaxing stay. You can pick fresh produce from the organic garden, watch the fishermen haul in their catch, and learn Keralan cooking techniques from the chef.

3 of the best places to eat in Kerala

The cuisine of Kerala combines tropical flavors and spices—coconut, black pepper, cloves, cinnamon and ginger—with fish and shellfish. Paragon Restaurant, which was founded in 1939 and is still family-owned, is a great place to begin your tasting tour. Specialties include kozhi porichathu, which is spicy Kerala-style fried chicken, and meen pollichathu, which is karimeen (pearl spot fish) cooked with masala inside a banana leaf packet.

In Kochi, the Rice Boat is considered one of Keala’s best spots for seafood. Guests recommend the Taste of Kerala tasting menu, with masala grilled squid, crab and coconut soup, fish curry and more.

“So many choices. One simple dish” is the apt slogan of Dhe Puttu. This is the spot to try puttu, a cylinder of steamed rice with grated coconut that serves as a vehicle for all kinds of sauces and toppings. Savory options include mutton biryani, egg, and prawn; sweet puttu may include dates, chocolate, or roasted banana.

Ready to explore? Book your trip, get your travel insurance, and you’re good to go. See the best protection plans for international travel from Allianz Travel Insurance.

What do I need to travel to Kerala?

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