Discover Kerala

From the palm forests via the backwaters to the tea plantations around Munnar: Kerala is world-famous for its breathtaking natural environment. In 2000, this Indian federal state was selected in National Geographic Traveller Magazine’s list of 100 places you need to see before you die. In addition to the natural environment, there are countless temples and fascinating cultural traditions which make a visit to Kerala an unforgettable experience. It is our pleasure to get you acquainted with this region, creating memories that will last a lifetime. We are also happy to provide information about longer trips into the inland areas.

Location & climate

Somatheeram is located on the picturesque Malabar coast in the southern Indian federal state of Kerala. Our premises are about 30 minutes or 21 kilometres from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) international airport. The resort itself is located directly on the beach – far removed from mass tourism, in the peaceful neighbourhood around the village of Chowara.

Kerala is the southernmost state in India – and, thanks to its tropical forests, it is probably also the greenest. The appeal of this region as a holiday destination is owed in great part to its flora and fauna, its palaces and temples, its traditional villages, national parks, rice paddies and tea plantations. A particular attraction are the romantic houseboat trips on the renowned backwaters.

Kerala is close to the equator and so its climate is always pleasant. The
seasons can be roughly divided into three categories:

SUMMER: MARCH TO MAY:

temperatures rise steadily from March, reaching their highpoint in May with
an average temperature of 30° C. During these months, precipitation
gradually decreases and in May there is hardly any rain.

MONSOON: JUNE TO OCTOBER:

humidity is high, temperatures are around 29° C. According to traditional teaching, this period is particularly recommended for Ayurvedic treatments. This is because the climatic conditions support the therapy, increasing the efficacy of the treatment.

WINTER: NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY:

thanks to the temperate climate, these months are classified as the high season. Low humidity and barely any rain ensure comfortable temperatures around 24° C.

	JAN	FEB	MAR	APR	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP	OCT	NOV	DEC
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (C)	28	30	34	35	36	32	32	31	33	32	25	22
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (C)	18	20	28	28	28	26	24	26	23	22	18	16
AVERAGE NUMBER OF RAINY DAYS	1	1	3	7	10	17	14	9	8	12	9	4
SUNNY DAYS	10 - 12	10 - 15	20 - 25	20 - 30	20 - 31	05 - 10	02 - 10	05 - 10	10 - 15	10 - 15	10 - 20	10 - 15

Cultural shows

Various productions that are steeped in tradition take place regularly in Somatheeram.

Traditional folk dance
and theatre

Kerala is world-famous for its art, poetry and classical dance. You will be enchanted by these elaborate, traditional performances.

Authentic
concerts

Whether they play the tabla or sitar – our musicians will guide you through astonishingly diverse Indian musical genres from all over the country.

Bollywood
film screenings

Would you like to find out more about Ayurveda or immerse yourself in the world of Bollywood - then come along to our film screenings.

Day trips in Kerala

There is plenty to explore in Kerala: picturesque river landscapes, cultural monuments and vibrant city life. Most destinations can be reached on a day trip. Our advice: consult your allocated doctor about the trip beforehand to ensure your treatment is not compromised and you can get full enjoyment from your day.

Backwater tour

The backwaters are an intricate network of waterways in the interior of Kerala. Damp forests and mangroves border the waterways, which consist of 29 lakes and 44 rivers. At some places along the banks, you will see local people going about their daily work. The highlight of this trip is the estuary. This is where the backwaters meet the Indian Ocean.

THE EXPERIENCE:

a boat trip through a unique ecosystem with original vegetation and subtropical fauna.

TRIP DURATION:

3 hours
Including travel by car: 15 mins. (each way)
9.30 Time – 12.30 pm or
14.30 Time – 5.30 pm

HOW TO BOOK:

Contact the Travel Assistant at reception. They will be able to give you detailed information and will make all the arrangements for you.

Trivandrum Tour

A visit to Kerala’s capital city brings you up close to the colourful, never restful, vibrant atmosphere of a major Indian city. Trivandrum is over a thousand years old and is home to an abundance of cultural riches. Over the years, Roman, Chinese, Arab and Portuguese influences have all had an impact on the city’s fascinating appearance.

THE EXPERIENCE:

vibrant city life, visit to the traditional Chalai bazaar, tour of the Travancore royal palace, museum & temple visits.

TRIP DURATION:

1/2 day
including travel time 60-90 min. (each way)

HOW TO BOOK:

Contact the Travel Assistant at reception. They will be able to give you detailed information and will make all the arrangements for you.

Golden Valley

The hill station of Ponmudi is located 1,100 metres above sea level and offers breathtaking views over the “Golden Valley”. Surrounded by dense, tropical forests, this is one of Kerala’s most attractive areas. Over 280 species of bird are indigenous to the region, including the partridge, the Malabar hornbill and the Wayanad laughing thrush.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Ponmudi hill station, tropical forests, tea plantations, waterfalls and wilderness

TRIP DURATION:

whole day trip
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes (each way)

HOW TO BOOK:

Contact the Travel Assistant at reception. They will be able to give you detailed information and will make all the arrangements for you.

Round trips in Kerala

Some of Kerala's interesting attractions are best explored on trips lasting several days. But don't let that put you off – quite the contrary: this is the best way to really get to know the country and its people and to experience Kerala's fascinating culture at close hand. Plan your round trips either before or after your Ayurvedic treatment so that the therapeutic process isn't interrupted.

Houseboats

Explore Kerala’s backwaters in maximum comfort on a traditional houseboat. The on-board navigator and chef will cater for your every need. You can make yourself at home in your comfortable cabin, or sip a lassi on the sun deck while watching the scenery slip by. Onshore trips are available on request – e.g. to visit churches or temples.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Kerala’s backwaters, exceptional on-board service, romantic hours in the evening sun.

TRIP DURATION:

two to six days
Journey: 4 hours 30 minutes (each way)
Houseboat departure from 12 pm (check-in)
Check-out on date of return: 9:30 am

HOW TO BOOK:

Contact the Travel Assistant at reception. They will be able to give you detailed information and will make all the arrangements for you.

Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is a sanctuary for elephants and tigers which extends over 900 square kilometres. The park is located in the South Western Ghats, along the border with Tamil Nadu. Lots of other animal species also enjoy living in these tropical forests with their vital supply of water. In addition to Indian bison, you can find Travancore flying squirrels, jungle cats and lion-tailed macaques. The park is surrounded by agricultural regions, particularly plantations cultivating tea, cardamom and coffee.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Kerala’s wildlife in the Periyar National Park.

TRIP DURATION:

two days
including travel time: 5 hours 30 minutes (each way)

HOW TO BOOK:

Contact the Travel Assistant at reception. They will be able to give you detailed information and will make all the arrangements for you.

Munnar

Munnar – the Kashmir of South India – is a hill station in the Western Ghat mountain range. Back during British colonial rule, this was already a popular summer resort. Munnar is surrounded by gentle hills, on which tea plantations were set out in the late 19th century. Lots of endangered animals live in the neighbouring Eravikulam National Park, including the Nilgiri tahr mountain goat.

THE EXPERIENCE:

Munnar hill station, tea plantation visit and trip to Eravikulam National Park.

TRIP DURATION:

two to three days
including travel time: 8 hours (each way)

HOW TO BOOK:

Contact the Travel Assistant at reception. They will be able to give you detailed information and will make all the arrangements for you.

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Discover Kerala

Location & climate

SUMMER: MARCH TO MAY:

MONSOON: JUNE TO OCTOBER:

WINTER: NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY: