Kerala vs Goa: which one for your holiday?

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Kerala and Goa are two of India's favourite holidays. Both have beaches and great food, but the experience is very different.

Beaches

• Goa: India's beach capital, with lively northern beaches and quiet southern ones. See North Goa.
• Kerala: fewer but beautiful beaches, such as Kovalam, Varkala and Marari, often with a calmer atmosphere.

Beyond the beach

• Kerala: tea hills in Munnar, wildlife in Thekkady, backwaters and houseboats, Kathakali and Ayurveda.
• Goa: Portuguese churches, spice farms, forts and waterfalls.

Nightlife

Goa wins clearly, with beach shacks, clubs and markets in the north. Kerala is quieter.

Food

• Goa: seafood, vindaloo, xacuti, bebinca and feni.
• Kerala: appam and stew, fish curries, sadhya and banana chips.

Seasons

Both are best from about November to February. Kerala is also popular in the monsoon for Ayurveda; Goa is quiet and green in the monsoon.

Who suits which

• Friends and nightlife: Goa.
• Honeymooners: both, but Kerala's houseboats and hills are very romantic.
• Families: Kerala for variety; South Goa for beaches.
• Wellness: Kerala.

Time needed

Goa works for a three- or four-night break. Kerala deserves six nights or more to combine the hills and backwaters. See How many days do you need in Kerala? 4, 6 and 9-day plans.

Our verdict

Choose Goa for a beach break with buzz. Choose Kerala for a journey through nature and culture.

Why not both?

With ten days, combine the two: fly into Goa for the beaches, then continue to Kochi for the hills and backwaters.