Kerala in April, or maybe elsewhere???

Hi!

We are a family with 2 kids, aged 8 and 11, we have 2 weeks in April and would like to go to Kerala. Now "everybody" says it's too hot there then, so we're a bit anxious about the heat, (as well as lots of stuff like malaria, dengue...) What we like about Kerala is that it's a light introducion to India (which fascinates us a LOT), cruising on the Backwaters seems so nice, the elephants and wildlife, the delicious food... We also want some beachtime, but with temples etc the kids get easily bored...

So if Kerala really is'nt the place to go in April, where should we go? Malaysia? Vietnam? We've been to Bali before we got the kids, it was SO wonderful, esp Ubud! Have done some backpacking before, but not low-budget, we are rather heading for the medium range, with pools most of the time.

I would be so happy yo have your help to take a good desicion!

Was in Kerala last year in April - without the kids, two of which are 11 and 9. Yes, it was a bit muggy. Spent a lot of time in Trivandrum, which was relaxing. Visited Varkala, which found to be a very busy beach even when overcast. Checked into the backwaters thang, which had looked forward to, but decided it was much ado about not much (and expensive). Food was of course great.
I've been to India many times over the past 25 years, and on my most recent trips have focused on the south. I've approached it with an open mind, but frankly find the south boring - but pleasant R&R from the north. In contrast to a 'light introduction', I aim to take my kids to the north first, to drop them into the deep end - they might be a bit disoriented initially, but not traumatised. And they'll certainly not forget it. For elephants and the like I'd head for Chitwan in Nepal - the kids were there when much younger, but would properly appreciate it now.

Considered Burma (Myanmar)? It's 'different' and child-friendly. And two weeks is long enough for a cursory inspection . Alternatively, yes, Vietnam would be a good option. I've spent a lot of time in Malaysia in recent years and enjoy it - but again, could be a bit dull for a two week stint.

We've done Kerala in April and didn't think it was that hot. You're often near the water wherever you are so that usually provides a nice breeze. We've had numerous reports of great trips to Kerala with kids. (Just about to do a guest post on Kerala with kids, but alas, it's not up yet.)

Vietnam with kids rocks too though. We did one month in Vietnam going north to south and loved it. You've got some great options.

David Robert Hogg,
My Little Nomads — the travel with kids website

Thank you so much for answering! I think it's gonna be Kerala after all, and maybe Goa for beaches, they seem to be more nice there? Vietnam really is a good option too, so maybe next time. David, I love your website, it's very inspiring!

hi there you can go for a 10 days / 9 nights package as given below. for any help you can contact at keralavaccations@gmail.com or mobile - 09895585067.

Day 01,
Pick up from Cochin airport check in to hotel for fresh up. Go for local sight seeing on a steamer boat - Dutch palace, Jewish synagogue, Fort Kochi Beach, Chinese fishing nets etc There are 2 options 9.00 am to 12.30 pm or 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm.

Day 02,.
After breakfast, transfer to Munnar. A 4 hour scenic drive through hill station. On the way visit Valara, Cheeyappara waterfalls, Karadippara view point etc. Check in to hotel.
Day 03,
After breakfast, Visit Mattuppetty dam, Gundala lake, Indo-Swiss project, Eravikulam National Park etc. Overnight stay.

Day 04,
Proceed to Thekkady; check in to hotel, sight seeing Tea- Cardamom plantations, Periyar wildlife sanctuary visit, Spice plantation tour etc. Overnight

Day 05,
After breakfast drive to Periyar wildlife sanctuary visit, Spice plantation tour etc. Overnight Stay.

Day 06
After the breakfast drive to Kumarakom/ Alleppey, check in to Houseboat, backwater cruise through the Paddy fields, coconut lagoons, Narrow canals, Coir villages etc. Overnight stay.

Day 07,
After breakfast, checkout from House boat, local sightseeing , travel to Varkala. On the way visit papanasnanam beach, Varkala lighthouse, Siva parvati temple, Sivagari mutt, Janadanaswami temple.Checkin to Hotel for Overnight.

Day 08,
After breakfast, travel to Trivandrum. On the way visit , Zoo, Snake Park, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Art Gallery, etc. Check in to Hotel for Overnight stay

Day 09,
After breakfast, visit to Padmanabha Swami Temple, Archeological Museum, Indira Priyadarsini Sky observatory etc. Visit to Kovalam Beach for evening leisure.
Overnight stay.

Day 10,
After breakfast It's time to bid Good bye to God’s own Country. Check Out from Hotel and drive to Cochin Airport.