These two holiday destinations have completely different personalities: Kerala or Kashmir? Which to choose?
If Kerala excites you with “Relax, I have got hundreds of sightseeing options”, Kashmir pops up saying, “ Come on, let us chase the clouds!”
One destination surprises you with swaying coconut palm trees, the very famous backwater rivers, and mountains that smell of tea plantations, while the other offers snow-filled mountains, shining clear valleys, pristine lakes, and landscapes that are truly picturesque.
So if you have a holiday in mind but can’t decide between choosing a Kerala tour package and a Kashmir tour package, we are here to break down both so you can choose the best one for you.
Kerala or Kashmir: know the actual vibe
Let us start with the mood both of these destinations offer.
Kerala is a city that is tropical, soothing and slow. It is an experience full of Ayurvedic massages, houseboats that sail on blackish water lakes, strolls through the lush tea plantations, and relishing the South Indian food.
Kashmir, on the other hand, is more dramatic, adventurous, and extremely dreamy. The beautiful pine forest, the snow-capped mountains, the Meadows filled with flowers, those iconic Shikaras sailing on the Dal Lake – all these make you feel that you have accidentally stepped inside some postcard.
Kerala is the edge of your vacation if you want a relaxing holiday. Kashmir may steal your heart if you are a mountain lover and an adventure seeker.
The battle of sceneries – Mountains vs Backwaters
Kerala is known to preserve lush and layered beauty. People visit Munnar for its famous misty Hills and lush tea gardens. Alappuzha is another famous destination in Kerala that is visited for backwaters and houseboats. For a wildlife escape, Thekkady is chosen, and for peace around the beach, Kovalam is an ultimate spot.
The paradise of Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam has another wow factor. Kashmir is totally cinematic with its crystal-clear rivers, alpine forest, meadows and towering mountains.
Winner amongst the two? It’s impossible to decide!
Kerala will make you feel tropical and alive, whereas Kashmir will make you feel completely cinematic.
Weather – Tropical Kerala vs chilly Kashmir
Weather deserves attention because it can make or break your holiday.
The weather of Kerala is particularly tropical. That means it remains warm and humid during most parts of the year. Winter months are preferred for sightseeing.
Kashmir, being in the mountains, has cooler weather. With snowy winters and pleasant summers, it becomes an ideal travel destination.
Deciding upon a family holiday?
Both destinations work beautifully if you are travelling with the family, but in different ways.
If you are travelling as a family and want a balanced holiday, Kerala is a good option. The ultimate combination of experiencing wildlife, nature, beaches, tea plantations, and sightseeing makes it a non-hectic holiday.
Children can enjoy leisure activities like boating, rafting, and enjoying by the beach, whereas adults can simply relax and take massages alongside the beaches.
Kashmir is Magical in its own way, because there is this craze of enjoying snowfall amongst the children.
The cable cars and the mountain rights has its own charm. The very famous Gulmarg gondola ride or an escape in the Shikaras becomes the topic of discussion, even after 10 years and becomes one of your favourite memories.
Seeking Romance? Let’s decide which one to choose.
Both destinations are equal in providing romantic credentials.
Imagine waking up with your partner, surrounded by Lush greenery, water all around, with the chirping of birds – sounds like a plan!
Kashmir, on the other hand, is a romantic experience with volume turned up. It is an experience of having moments of joy with your partner in snowfield mountains, roaming on iconic Shikara boat rides and clicking memorable pictures amongst the lush alpine landscapes.
Food lovers – spice it up!
For all those who love bold cuisines and wish to explore regional dishes, Kerala is the best pick for you. There is a lot to explore, from appam to stew to dosa and puttu. Kerala is famous for its seafood and traditional Kerala sadya.
Kashmir has its own culinary magic, serving delicacies like Rogan Josh, dam aloo, yakhni and kahwa.
Kerala wins in providing South Indian and traditional food, whereas Kashmir is famous for its biryanis and rich aromatic flavours.
Budget – which amongst the two is more pocket-friendly?
The budget for any vacation definitely depends on your travel style. The budget significantly depends on the type of hotel. You choose the duration of your travel. The sightseeing you wish to include, and the season you plan your vacation.
Both destinations offer varied budget hotels, medium-budget hotels, as well as luxurious hotels and resorts. You can shape your itinerary according to your pocket without going off board.
If you are visiting during the peak season, make sure to do advance bookings because both of these destinations expect high tourism.
The final verdict – Kerala vs Kashmir
You can always curate or personalise your itinerary according to your budget and preferences and take the help of a travel platform such as Thomas Cook to proceed with your bookings for Kerala tour package and for Kashmir tour package as well.
Kerala to be chosen if you like –
- Ayurveda massages and relaxation
- Backwaters and tea plantation
- Tropical weather
- Slower and relaxing holiday
- Family getaway
- Relaxing sightseeing
- Greenery
Kashmir to be chosen if you like –
- Meadows and clear valleys
- Snowcapped mountains
- Cool weather
- Landscape views
- Adventures along the mountains
- Scenic road journeys
- Perfect postcard-feel holiday
So the honest take:
In the battle between Kerala versus Kashmir, there is no real loser or winner.
Both of these destinations satisfy different travellers’ needs.
Choose Kerala when your brain says, ” I want a break from the regular hustle and bustle of city life”.
Kashmir, on the other hand, is “ I want to explore something breathtaking.”
Just relax for a moment, give yourself some time and decide upon your next holiday destination.
Do you imagine yourself sipping a hot cup of tea while floating calmly through the backwaters, or are you imagining yourself standing and admiring the snow-capped mountains?
This is your ultimate answer!