Hi, we have been to both, Bali a few times, Kerala once in 2013. Apart from both having rice fields that for us at least is where the similarity ends. Kerala we found is a lot more conservative, very little to no nightlife if that is something you would want, very few restaurants that 'openly' sell alcohol and predominately vegetarian and not catered towards tourists as the tourism industry was well behind Bali's which was not a bad thing to be honest. Bali's beaches although not beautiful are at least swimmable. Kerala far less aggressive with street sellers, drivers touting etc, but still have to be aware of dishonest pricing and tactics. Most of the accommodation in Kerala was largely homestays/guesthouses, very few western style hotels/resorts with pools etc but dont know how that stands now. We havent been to Sri Lanka but I would think Kerala would be much more similar to Sri Lanka apart from the beautiful beaches Sri Lanka is known for. Bali is very different in many ways. Bali for us is more a holiday destination where you can relax in the pool with a drink at the end of a days sightseeing, Kerala a cultural travelling experience. This of course is back in 2013 for Kerala and 2018 for Bali.
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144 helpful votes Hi I'm just responding to this thread because you also posted asking about Bali and KL. I haven't been to Kerala so didn't really look at it before.
However, do keep in mind that everyone can have very different experiences, interests, and locations/activities even in the same small place. I might be in a market and find nothing to buy and yet my friend who is with me loves it because she's not looking with the same taste or interests.
The reason I say this is because to me, Bali is not at all about relaxing in the pool with a drink, it's about absorbing culture and yes normal sightseeing of course. All tastes and interests equally valid.
Hi Diana,
You should visit srilanka. It is a great place to vacation and it has lot to offer. Hope you will like it.
Thanks Dan, it's on our bucket list ! 🙂
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101 helpful votes I second Dan’s comment about Sri Lanka. Love it. So very interesting with many diverse places to visit. History, jungle, wild life, good food and warm hospitable people.
If you're looking for a relatively laid-back '60s-style Asian beach vacation, then head to Varkala.
India is India though, and it's not for everyone.
We spent a few days at Varkala beach. Enjoyed the little restaurants and stalls on the hilltop overlooking the ocean but after witnessing on more than one occasion men defecating in the waters edge decided against swimming in Indian beaches !
Post # 7 - I experienced the same in Negombo Sri Lanka. Needed to be very careful where you put down your sarong on the beach.
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101 helpful votes Good that you’ve brought this to the OPs attention, Dianne & Vincent. I was going to mention that also, but thought that my comment might have been viewed in a way in which it was not intended.
That is one big difference between locations and is in fact a real issue. Sanitarian is viewed very differently.
Edited: 1 year agoTravelkat then you add the stray dogs on the beach doing the same, doesn't really inspire a dip in the ocean.
