Things to Do in Kerala — A Complete Tourism Guide

Introduction

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country”, is a coastal state in southwestern India known for its lush landscapes, serene backwaters, rich culture, and vibrant cuisine. This guide highlights the top things to do in Kerala for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike, covering beaches, hill stations, wildlife, cultural experiences, wellness, and practical travel tips.

Best Time to Visit

Best season: October to February — pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and backwater cruises. The post-monsoon months have lush scenery and flowing waterfalls.

Monsoon season: June to September — excellent for Ayurvedic treatments and experiencing the rejuvenating rains, but many hill and trekking routes and some boat services may be affected.

Top Experiences and Regions

Backwaters and Houseboats

Kerala’s backwaters are iconic — a network of canals, lakes, and lagoons lined with palm trees and villages. Book an overnight houseboat or a day cruise to experience slow-paced rural life.

• Alleppey (Alappuzha): The most famous hub for houseboats and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race seasonally.
• Kumarakom: Bird Sanctuary, luxury resorts and quieter backwater cruises.
• Kuttanad: Known as the “rice bowl of Kerala”, with unique below-sea-level paddy fields and traditional boat life.

Beaches and Coastal Activities

From energetic beach towns to quiet stretches, Kerala has a beach to suit every traveler.

• Kovalam: Popular for beach resorts, lighthouse beach, and Ayurvedic centers.
• Varkala: Dramatic cliffs, cliff-top cafes, and yoga retreats; good for surfing and paragliding.
• Marari & Cherai: Quieter options for relaxation and village experiences.
• Bekal Fort Beach: Historical fort with scenic beach views and photography opportunities.

Hill Stations and Tea Country

The Western Ghats offer cool climates, tea plantations, and excellent trekking.

• Munnar: Rolling tea estates, Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr), and scenic viewpoints.
• Wayanad: Waterfalls, caves (Edakkal Caves), wildlife and tribal culture.
• Vagamon: Quiet meadows, paragliding and offbeat trekking routes.

Wildlife and Nature Reserves

Kerala’s protected areas are rich in biodiversity and offer wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and nature walks.

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady): Boat safaris on Periyar Lake to spot elephants, sambar deer and occasional tigers.
• Silent Valley National Park: A pristine tropical rainforest with unique flora and fauna.
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary & Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary: Good for elephant and deer sightings, plus reptile watching.
• Eravikulam National Park (near Munnar): Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

Cultural Performances, Festivals & Heritage

Kerala’s living arts and festivals are highlights for cultural travelers.

• Kathakali: Classical dance-drama (best seen in Kochi or at cultural centers like Kerala Kalamandalam).
• Mohiniyattam and Koodiyattam: Classical dance and Sanskrit theatre forms.
• Theyyam: Ritual dance in North Kerala (Kannur/Kozhikode) — visually striking and spiritual.
• Temple festivals: Thrissur Pooram is world-famous; boat races like the Nehru Trophy in Alleppey are spectacular.
• Onam: The state festival in August–September featuring floral carpets, boat races, and traditional feasts (sadya).

Ayurveda, Yoga and Wellness

Kerala is a global center for Ayurveda. Treatments range from massage and panchakarma (detox) to short rejuvenation packages. Combining a therapeutic program with beach or backwater relaxation is common.

• Kovalam & Varkala: Numerous Ayurvedic centers and yoga retreats.
• Special tip: Choose certified clinics with trained practitioners; ask about treatment duration, diet, and contraindications.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Kerala cuisine blends coconut, rice, spices, and seafood. Explore street food, traditional meals, and spice plantation tours.

• Must-try dishes: Appam with stew, puttu and kadala curry, Kerala fish curry, meen pollichathu, red rice, and the vegetarian sadya served on banana leaf.
• Spice tours: Thekkady and nearby plantations offer guided walks and tastings—learn about black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and vanilla.

Adventure Activities

Trekking & Hiking

The Western Ghats provide trails for all levels — gentle plantation walks to challenging multi-day treks.

• Anamudi: The highest peak in South India (in Eravikulam area) with regulated treks.
• Chembra Peak (Wayanad): Popular hike with a heart-shaped lake en route.
• Vagamon treks: Easy to moderate routes with panoramic views.

Water Sports & Activities

• Kayaking & Canoeing: On backwaters and estuaries — eco-friendly and peaceful.
• Scuba diving & Snorkeling: Available at Kovalam, Varkala and off the Malabar coast in selected centers—check certifications.
• Surfing: Varkala and some Gulf-facing beaches offer seasonal surf spots.
• Paragliding: Available at Vagamon and selected coastal cliffs near Varkala.

Heritage Towns & City Highlights

Kochi (Cochin)

A historic port blending colonial, Jewish, Chinese and Indian influences.

• Fort Kochi: Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, street art, and cafes.
• Jewish Synagogue & Mattancherry Palace: Explore the old Jewish quarter and spice markets.
• Kodungallur & Thrissur: For temples and cultural centers; Thrissur is Kerala’s cultural hub.

Other notable towns

• Kozhikode (Calicut): Rich Malabar cuisine and historical trade connections.
• Thiruvananthapuram: Capital city with Padmanabhaswamy Temple and beaches nearby.

Practical Tips & Responsible Travel

Travel Logistics

• Getting there: Major airports in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. Good rail connections and highways link major destinations.
• Local transport: Taxis, app-based cabs, auto-rickshaws, buses, and rented scooters. Houseboats and ferries for backwater travel.
• Language: Malayalam is the local language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Health & Safety

• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen; humidity can be high.
• Carry insect repellent, especially near water and in the evening.
• Follow wildlife rules—do not feed or approach animals; use authorized guides for safaris and treks.

Responsible Tourism

• Respect local culture: Dress modestly at religious sites and seek permission before photographing people, especially in villages and temples.
• Avoid single-use plastic: Carry reusable bottles and bags.
• Choose ethical experiences: Prefer wildlife-watching over elephant rides and support locally-owned homestays and businesses.

Money & Connectivity

ATMs are common in cities and larger towns; smaller villages may have limited access. SIM cards and mobile data are easily available at airports and shops. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller vendors.

Suggested Itineraries

3–4 Day Quick Kerala

• Day 1: Kochi (Fort Kochi + evening Kathakali).
• Day 2: Drive to Alleppey — houseboat overnight on backwaters.
• Day 3: Head to Kovalam for beach time or return to Kochi/Trivandrum depending on flight.

7–10 Day Classic Kerala

• Day 1–2: Kochi and Fort Kochi (culture & spice markets).
• Day 3–4: Munnar for tea plantations and Eravikulam.
• Day 5–6: Thekkady/Periyar for wildlife and spice plantation tours.
• Day 7–8: Alleppey/Kumarakom backwater stay.
• Day 9–10: Kovalam/Varkala for beaches and Ayurveda (optional additional days for Wayanad or North Kerala).

Quick Checklist Before You Go

• Pack light breathable clothing, a rain jacket (if traveling in monsoon), and comfortable walking shoes.
• Keep copies of important documents (ID, travel insurance, bookings).
• Book houseboats and popular experiences in advance during peak season.
• Inform yourself about any local events or festivals you might want to attend.

Final Notes

Kerala is a multifaceted destination where nature, culture, food, and wellness combine to create memorable travel experiences. Whether you seek relaxation on a houseboat, adrenaline on a mountain trail, or immersion in classical arts, Kerala offers activities for all tastes. Travel responsibly, savor the local flavors, and allow time to slow down — that’s the essence of experiencing Kerala.