Alcohol is widely available in Kovalam, little more expensive than Goa (between 80 and 110 rupees for bottle of Kingfisher) beer normally served wrapped in newspaper and hidden away under table. We found that the extra we spent on alcohol was saved on food. Food cheaper than Goa and much much better. In fact we have been to Goa 3 times and preferred Kerela.

interesting that you prefered Kerala , I am considering there for late 2008 , what is it that you prefer ? I have been to Goa twice and I love the place but Kerala certainly looks good any comparisons would be interesting , thanks shirleyv

You can buy alcohol for home( hotel balcony) consumption at Government outlets which are not very widespread.Cheaper than airport duty free but dearer than Goa.Drink at restaurants no problem except the 1st day of every month when you can only buy in hotels.
Food is very different to Goa. Goan Indian food is pretty similar to the food you get in Britain, Kerala Indian is somehow tastier, more coconut based ( they fry in coconut oil) but not like the Korma style coconut based meals you get here. We were dissappointed with the lack of local originality in Goa.You might find less choice of non Indian food in Kerela.
To really appreciate the differences in the two states you must get out and about. Kerela's real advantage is the hinterland.Fabulous variety of scenery and wildlife.
One disadvantage of Kerela is the fact that First Choice( the best package deal operator in my opinion) only offer 2 week holidays based from Gatwick.To Goa you have options on three weeks from three airports.
The other consideration is the general "feel" of the place. Depending on your taste , the northern Goan beaches can be extremely "tacky" in my opinion.
Interestingly, we never had a single stomache upset in Kerela, everyone seemed to be suffering in Goa !!!

Hi Everyone, we are in Kerala for a week in November before travelling up to Goa for a week. Can you buy alcohol in duty free in Kerala airport on arrival?? also, if I buy duty free in Heathrow can I take this onto Kerala after changing in Mumbai? Anh help appreciated!
Gill

I would definitely take duty free ex Heathrow as you might be some distance from the government shop.

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone has done one of these two week holidays. It is exactly what me and the wife are looking for next March for our anniversary.
The first week is spent around Kerala at different places and hotels and the last week spent at a beach resort.

I was last in Kerala back in 1977-- I bet is has changed a tad.

Hi,
Was wondering if anyone has been on one of these two week holidays with First Choice that could comment please.

Thanks.

oops. Re my other post. The holiday was Uday Samudra & 7 Night Standard Kerala Highlights Tour

Is everyone aware of the changing visa situation? Go on to the Goa forum and you will see a couple of threads related to visas and the fact that both London and Birmingham Embassies have stopped postal applications.

Hi, We have never done the First Choice trip that you mentioned but we did a simular one this year with Jewel in the Crown holidays and it was brilliant. We met the First Choice people on several parts as their tour was in the same place as ours. There was six of us on the tour in a mini bus, we spent two nights on a house boat each couple with their own boat with crew and cook it was magical, then two nights at Perriyar we rode an elephant, did the boat around lake trip and saw wild elephants ect..from our hotel window we could see monkeys playing in the trees, we also toured a spice garden with a guide, then three nights at Marari beach which is a fantastic hotel on the beach, from here we went to Cochin for the day. The next seven nights spent at Kovalam at the Leela hotel.

We are considering going Kerala in March this year and Jeevans House in Kovalam seems to fit the bill. Has anyone stayed there, whats it like?

this for dave wales
sorry to disagree! i've been to goa 6 times, never had a problem with the food and stomach bugs. i am one of those you would have trouble if there was the slightest problem.
i am going back there 1st december to enjoy yet another holiday in goa.
the reason i am here ( i suppose as a guest speaker ) is that i am going to kerala for the first time in feb 2008.
north goa is for people who like a bit of life. south goa is very quiet and relaxing. but if you go to condolim for instance, you get a mixture of both.
i write this because i don't want people who havn't been to goa, to get the wrong idea.
no doubt i wil be on the kerala forum again soon asking questions about the place. looking forward to your replies.
BOB

also i know a fair bit about the visa situation. if you need any info please ask.
BOB

I agree Bobthebus. I have been to both Goa and Kerala. I have been to Goa 8 times and will be going again in March. The reason I go to Goa is for the food. It is amazing and nothing like food you get in England - and I do eat out a lot in England. The food in Kerala is very good too but mostly seafood and therefore the variety of food is not as great as Goa, after 3 weeks i was a bit fished out! I would still go back to Kerala though as the food was still very good and cheap.

Can anyone tell me if you can get Honeybee in Kerala??

just booked uday samudra in kovalam through first choice , we go 1st nov. 2 weeks 325 pounds each.......cant be bad

lucky you, what a bargain, my friend stayed at that hotel and she thought it was excellent, have you sorted your visa?

You can buy Honey bee in Kerala but only in the Goverment
shop,its more expensive than in Goa so if you can ,wait untill
you get to Goa.
ANN

Hi Ann

A whole week in India before I have some Honeybee, You must be joking!!!!!!

Gill