Keravan Kerala: A luxury way to explore Kerala’s hinterlands

Picture the scene: Rice fields sweep past, they look like a carpet of green against blue skies. Homesteads with red-tiled roofs roll out of view. You sit back and sip tea, watching the beauty of Kerala through panoramic viewing windows. Soon, the coastal plains melt into the foothills of the Nilgiris mountain range.

Welcome to Keravan Kerala – an enchanting new way to experience the beauty of this southern Indian state, also known as God’s own country.

Three decades since first offering tourists the unique backwater houseboat experience, Kerala Tourism has launched Keravan Kerala – a safe, customised, closest-to-nature holiday experience. Sitting in your private, state-of-the-art vehicle, you can explore the rustic beauty of hamlets in the hinterlands beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

“Launched in September 2021, Keravan Kerala is our response to the Covid pandemic,” said Mr Krishna Teja, Director, Department of Tourism, Kerala. “We want tourists to explore more of our beautiful state in a safe and environmentally friendly manner,” he added. This initiative will set up exclusive caravans and caravan parks across the state.

The caravans are custom-built, stylish vehicles with all the necessities and many luxuries to pamper you while on the road as you experience the heart of Kerala. Each air-conditioned vehicle comes equipped with a sofa-cum-bed, a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave oven, a dining table, and a private toilet cubicle. Internet connectivity and audio-video facilities take care of onboard entertainment and communication.

The safety of the tourists is paramount, and each coach is equipped with GPS and real-time monitoring through the Kerala tourism app.

In a post-covid world, these caravans offer unique and