Don't think there ae any package holidays to Kerala any more. We went about 4 years ago and loved it but it wasn't really like Goa. It is a dry state and although you have no problem getting a drink there are no shacks on the beach and this is something we really missed, we missed lying on the sun lounger and someone coming down regularly to keep us topped up with a drink. The scenery is amazing though and I think you do need to move around and see Kerala. We had a car and driver for 5 days and it was very cheap to do this. It can be quite cold in the hills around the tea plantations though in the evening. We did find eating out cheap but it is mainly fish, not much meat around, having said that we loved the food we got to eat.

Kerala and Goa are both states of India. Both are tourist destinations.
And that's the end of similarities.
But if you love Goa because it's India, and you don't mind a few little local sillinesses to obtain alcohol - then there's a good chance you will enjoy Kerala.
(beer served in teapots on the beach)

It is very lovely, the backwaters are wonderful, and personally I really enjoyed an amazing overnight excursion to Cochin to see the famous dancers. And the fishing nets, and the market, and the riverside....
I really like that city, I will return one day.

Most time I stayed in Kovalam - the Uday Samudra hotel, which was OK, but not wonderful.
The beach was a working beach. You are woken each morning by the cries and songs of the fishermen as they haul their catch onto the beach. You can go help if you want.
The best, and "Memory for Life" bit of the holiday for me .
I'm glad I did this!

First Choice and normal standard Thomson have now dropped Kerala.
However the TUI company Hayes and Jarvis still offers it, and the excellent small company Mercury Direct also offer Kerala.
I'd not recommend Kovalam - maybe suggest Varkala is better, especially for Goa fans.

Major plus points for me - the Americans didn't find it yet - no McDonalds and similar junk food.
The local food is excellent.

If you are looking for a beach,bars and nightlife holiday, stick to Goa.
If you are looking for a touring scenic holiday.Kerala wins hands down.
We have spent a month in both Goa and Kerala this year and I would say the Kerala holiday was a lot more expensive but we packed a lot of travel in and stayed in some really different places. Really worth going at least once. cheers Dave

Thanks for all your help, you have sold it to me!!

If you want any more help PM me, Dave.