Travelling from New York to Kerala is a wonderful journey that brings together a cosmopolitan city like New York and the tranquil landscape and rich cultural heritage of the Kerala Bridge. The best travel companion for New York, featuring the best travel content from flights, hotels, and even the best culinary delights to delve into.
1. Planning Your Trip from New York to Kerala
Airlines
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Air India fly one-stop to the major airports in Kerala: Cochin International Airport (COK), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), and Calicut International Airport (CCJ).
Flight Duration
From 18 to 24 hours regarding the layovers held.
Costs
Round-trip fares range from $800 to $1,500, depending on the season, booking time, and airline.
Best Time to Visit Kerala:
- Winter (October to February): The most pleasant time to visit for viewing sights, cruising in the backwaters on houseboats, and holidaying on the beaches.
- Monsoon (June to September): Best for Ayurvedic treatments, since the rains rejuvenate the environment. The place has the most magical charm, with green vegetation at its zenith and vibrant festivals.
- Summer (March to May): Hot and humid, but, at this time, you can take tours of the beautiful hill stations such as Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad.
2. Accommodation in Kerala
Luxury Hotels
- The Kovalam Leela, Thiruvananthapuram: Located on a clifftop coastal resort for an overwhelming view of the Arabian Sea; accommodations are equally fantastic.
- Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Kochi: A heritage hotel in Willingdon Island bringing together colonial charm with contemporary convenience into one single exit, an exit for tourists drawn towards history and tranquillity.
- Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kumarakom: Award-winning resort with views of the Vembanad Lake for indulgence amidst traditional architecture from Kerala.
Mid-Range Hotels
- Olive Downtown, Kochi: Located in the heart of the city with modern amenities, it is ideal for business and leisure travellers alike.
- Sterling Munnar, Munnar: Nestled amidst the rolling tea gardens, it offers comfortable and stunning stays.
- The Elephant Court, Thekkady: The resort is near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which harbours very unique wildlife species.
Budget Hotels
- Treebo Trend Adrak Summer Sand Hill Resort, Vagamon: Budget stays with all necessary amenities for a nature enthusiast.
- Fort Abode, Kochi: An affordable stay close to historical landmarks with all the essential amenities.
- Zostel Varkala: A vibrant hostel welcoming solo vacationers and backpackers to the fun, friendly ambience of hostel life and cost-effective tariffs.
READ MORE: Best Hill Station in India
Houseboats
The best is to stay on a houseboat at Alleppey or Kumarakom to explore the backwaters of Kerala. The costs typically range from a houseboat charge of around $100–300 per night based on the boat and services.
3. Exploring Kerala: Top Travel Destinations
1. Munnar
- Attractions: Tea Gardens of Munnar, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Attukal Waterfall. Munnar is a hilly city.
- Things to do: visit a tea museum, hike in a national park, boat in Kundala Lake, and experience local culture.
2. Alleppey
- Attractions: Alleppey, known as the “Venice of the East,” offers features; beautiful backwaters, houseboat cruises, and the annually greased Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
- Activities: Here, one can take the day or overnight to stay in a houseboat, and visit local villages, the Alappuzha Beach, and Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple.
3. Kochi
- Attractions: Kochi Fort, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, the Chinese Fishing Nets, and the Kerala Folklore Museum.
- Activities: Visit the art galleries and savour the local seafood dishes amidst the blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture.
4. Thekkady
- Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantations, and the beautiful Periyar Lake.
- Activities: boating on Periyar Lake, wildlife safari, trekking in Periyar Tiger Reserve, and visiting the spice plantation.
5. Kovalam
- Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach. Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple.
- Activities: Surfing, sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying traditional ayurvedic massages at one of the many wellness centres.
6. Wayanad
- Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Thirunelli Temple, and Chembra Peak.
- Activities: Trekking, cave exploration, wildlife spotting at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and experiencing the tribal culture.
7. Varkala
- Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) is a popular attraction.
- Activities: Paragliding, beach yoga, visiting the cafes on the cliffside, and exploration of the natural springs.
4. Kerala’s Culinary Delights
Kerala, a paradise for food lovers, has a diverse cuisine and landscape. Here is a list of dishes you must try:
Breakfast
- Appam and Stew: Soft and fluffy appams are the perfect pairing with stew, which is a thin curry made with the vegetable or meat of your choice in coconut milk.
- Puttu and Kadala Curry: A traditional breakfast combination of steamed rice cakes and spicy black chickpea curry.
Lunch
- Sadhya: A typical vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf, including rice with sambar, avial, thoran, pappadam, and payasam, a sweet dish.
- Karimeen Pollichathu: A Kerala speciality fish marinated in spices, enveloped in a banana leaf, and grilled.
Snacks
- Banana Chips: Thin slices of banana deep-fried in coconut oil, offering a crispy and savoury snack.
- Parippu Vada: crunchy lentil fritters, best enjoyed with a cup of chai.
Dinner
- Malabar Parotta with Kerala Style Beef Fry: Layered, soft, and flaky flatbread served with spicy beef fry and vouched as a regional favourite among gourmands in North Kerala.
- Meen Curry: A spiced-up fish curry with tamarind and coconut milk, usually relished with steamed rice or appam.
5. Travel Costs and Budgeting
Costs of Flights
For a plane ticket between New York and Kerala, there is a difference of $800 to $1,500 according to the high or low season, or rates vary if booked early.
Accommodation
- Luxury hotels: $100 – $300 per night.
- Mid-range hotels: $60 – $100 per night.
- Budget hotels: $20 – $60 per night.
- Houseboats: $100 – $300 per night.
Food Costs
- Meals at local eateries: $2 – $10 per meal.
- Fine dining at upscale restaurants: $20 – $50 per person.
Transportation
- Public transport is affordable, with buses and autorickshaws costing between $0.50 and $2 per ride.
- Private car rentals cost around $40 – $80 per day, depending on the vehicle and itinerary.
6. Additional Travel Tips
- Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens need a tourist visa to enter India. The e-Visa application process is straightforward and can be done online.
- Health Precautions: Carry essential medications, stay hydrated, and use mosquito repellent, especially during the monsoon.
- Language: Malayalam is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs, dress modestly, especially in temples, and always remove shoes before entering religious places.
7. Final Thoughts
If you are desirous of lazing around on pristine beaches, discovering dense tea gardens, cruising on tranquil backwaters, or getting drenched in the vibrant culture, Kerala assures you an experience like nothing on the planet. This New York to Kerala travel guide has been designed to help you make a plan around quality and detail to ensure that every journey will be special and memorable.
