When publications as renowned as The New York Times and TIME magazine recommend your destination, you must have something exceptional to offer.
Described by Sir Paul McCartney as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala is making a renewed pitch to Australian travellers with an invitation built around mountains, beaches, backwaters and a rich cultural life, all within a compact destination.
Traveltalk was the only travel trade media in attendance when travel agents and suppliers gathered in Sydney for the 2026 Kerala Travel Meet.
Held at the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Sydney event was part of a three-city roadshow including Melbourne and Brisbane where Kerala tourism operators got to present their hotels, resorts and tours to the Australian market.
Thanni Beach
“The New York Times has ranked Kerala as number 13 among its 52 places to go and Time magazine has ranked Kerala as number 23 among the 50 destinations of the world, so it’s definitely acclaimed,” said Ranju Joseph from Pioneer Personalized Holidays.
Aussies have been popular visitors to Kerala for many years, with more than 42,000 making the trip in 2019. That figure fell dramatically during the Covid years but has grown steadily since, with more than 37,000 visiting in 2025.
“Things have been getting better after Covid and as you can see, the numbers have been picking up, which basically tells us that yes, the interest is there,” said Mr Joseph.
“It’s just a question of tapping into it and getting it right again. So the numbers are picking up, the arrivals are getting better and we’re looking forward to all of you bringing in more numbers in the coming years.”
During his presentation, Mr Joseph said the state on the southwestern coast of India was home to 35 million people, contained 600 kilometres of coastline and 900 kilometres of backwaters.
“You could go from the hills to the backwater to the beaches in about two-and-a-half to three hours, so that’s a great combination of things to do.”
He added that connectivity from Australia was relatively straightforward, with flights with Singapore or Malaysia Airlines into Cochin and Trivandrum, or via Bangalore, Chennai or Delhi with Qantas.
Kerala’s variety was presented as the major drawcard. Visitors can experience beaches and backwaters, explore the hills, or discover communities shaped by diverse cultures and traditions.
The backwaters offer a slower journey by boat, while Ayurveda provides an opportunity to experience an ancient system of treatment in its home state.
“Kerala is the home of Ayurveda and visitors can come to Kerala to experience Ayurveda in its original form,” said Mr Joseph.
The accommodation options are equally varied. The presentation showcased backwater and beach resorts, restored heritage homes, spice-plantation stays, treehouses, houseboats and Ayurvedic resorts.
‘‘I was warned trying to sell a beach resort to the Australian market is not the thing, but I have taken the liberty to try and do that,” Mr Joseph joked.
Houseboats offer a relaxed way to see the waterways while homestays promise closer contact with local life.
“You spend time with the local family where the host will invite you into their kitchen. You join them to cook a meal, eat with them, talk with them, so it’s a very intimate experience.
“You go in there as a guest but you definitely come back as a friend.”
Images courtesy Kerala Tourism
