21 Things to do in Kerala
Famed as God’s Own Country, Kerala is a tropical haven along India’s Malabar Coast. This Southern state enchants visitors with its palm-lined beaches, tranquil backwaters, ayurvedic treatments, rich cultural heritage, and lush hill stations.
As you plan your Kerala holiday, include these 25 quintessential experiences to make the most of your time in this popular tourist destination.
Things to do in Kerala
Here are the 25 exciting things you can do when you visit Kerala:
1. Cruise Along Alleppey Backwaters
No Kerala trip is complete without a leisurely houseboat cruise in the Alleppey backwaters. Palm-fringed canals and shimmering lagoons with swaying coconut trees offer blissful views.
Spot vibrant kingfishers and kites soaring overhead as you relax on deck and feast on delicious Keralite seafood curries and rice.
2. Recharge With Ayurveda
Rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit with traditional Ayurveda therapies, which use natural oils, herbal mixtures, and ingredients like ghee, milk, and grains.
Reputable centres across Kerala provide customised treatment packages that may combine oil massages, Shirodhara, yoga, meditation and special diets based on your dosha.
3. Marvel at Sprawling Tea Estates in Munnar
With its rolling hills carpeted in emerald tea plantations, picture-postcard landscapes, and old-world colonial relics, Munnar offers visual treats beyond just the brew.
Tea Estate trails let you observe cultivation and production processes. Top attractions include Echo Point, Rose Garden, Photo Point and Tea Museum.
Munnar tour packages are a good option if you wish to fully experience this popular hill station, as they typically incorporate tours of major highlights like tea estates and local sites with the help of guides. Opting for such pre-planned tours makes exploring Munnar more convenient and stress-free.
4. Soak in Kochi’s Colonial History
Explore the ancient port city of Kochi, renowned as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. Walk through quaint Fort Kochi and Mattancherry neighbourhoods to admire buildings from the colonial era.
Take advantage of visiting the iconic Chinese fishing nets on the shoreline.
5. Go Boating in Thekkady Lake
Thekkady Lake offers exciting boating excursions within the lush Periyar National Park.
Cruise through dense forests in a shared boat or private kayak to spot wildlife like elephants, boars, deer, lion-tailed macaques and even tigers descending to the shores.
6. Trek Chembra Peak for Panoramic Views
Prepare to be awestruck by incredible Kerala vistas spanning lush forests, winding rivers and villages from the Chembra Peak summit.
Located near Meppady town, this is the highest peak in Wayanad. The moderate 7 km trek passes a heart-shaped lake en route.
7. Find Your Happy Place at Athirappilly Falls
Marvel at the 80-foot-high Athirappilly Falls, the largest waterfall in Kerala.
Rain-fed Chalakudy River cascades dramatically into the gorge below, framed by lush green forest cover.
8. Time-Travel at Bekal Fort
Famed as the largest fort in Kerala, the 300-year-old Bekal Fort, bordering Malabar and Dakshin Kannada, is remarkably well-preserved.
Walk through its 40-acre observation of towers, tunnels, chambers, and defensive ditches. Its zigzag shape complements laterite-brick structures shaped like musket holes.
9. Cheer Front Row at Snake Boat Races
Excitement levels run high onshore and offshore during the legendary snake boat races held annually in Alleppey and Kottayam.
Locally called ‘Chundan Vallam’, skilled oarsmen power these sleek wooden canoes measuring over 100 feet. Time your Kerala trip with the Onam festival to witness the pulsating Nehru Trophy or Aranmula Boat Race.
10. Marvel at Edakkal Caves
A protected historical site on Ambukuthi Hill near Nenmara, the Edakkal Caves display one of the earliest traces of human civilisation.
Enter narrow fissures in the rocky wall to observe Stone Age carvings and cave drawings dating back over 6,000 years, depicting human figures, hunting expeditions, and animals.
11. Spot Exotic Wildlife on Safaris
Head into the rich, evergreen, and deciduous forests of Periyar National Park or Eravikulam National Park to spot majestic tigers, Indian elephants, Nilgiri tahr sheep, and other exotic wildlife.
Both reserves offer guided jeep safaris along designated routes to see inhabitants in their natural habitat.
12. Discover Royal Treasures at Hill Palace Museum
Learn about regional history, art, and architecture at Hill Palace Museum, located within the Imperial Administrative Offices Complex in Kochi. Built in 1865, this archaeological museum displays various paintings, royal artefacts, and sculptures from different eras.
Notable attractions include the Throne Room, King’s Bedroom, Coin Collection Gallery, and Children’s Park.
13. Savour Authentic Cuisine
Foodies are sure to rejoice in indulging their taste buds in Kerala. Dig into signature dishes like puttu rice cakes paired with kadala curry, fluffy appams served with spicy Kerala-style chicken stew, string hopper noodles known as idiyappam with curry leaves chutney, and seafood delicacies including crab roast, pearl spot fish, and prawn coconut fry.
14. Marvel at Chinese Fishing Nets
A legacy of Chinese explorer Zheng He’s visits, Chinese fishing nets present an iconic spectacle prominent along the Kochi shoreline.
These fixed land installations comprise bamboo and teak poles supporting massive suspended fishing nets that are synchronised, lowered into the water, and lifted via counterweights.
15. Enjoy Varkala Beach Vibes
Nestled amongst striking red laterite cliffs, Varkala Beach along the Arabian Coast offers laidback vibes.
Relax on the quiet sandy stretch bordered by palm groves, enjoy beach activities like parasailing and surfing, take in cliffside views from alfresco cafes, explore Vishnu Temple located atop the cliffs or indulge in rejuvenating Ayurveda therapies offered by multiple beachfront resorts.
16. Cruise Through Mangroves on Poovar Island
Accessible only by boat, Poovar Island lets you escape into tropical serenity.
Visitors can opt for guided rowboats, motorboats, or pedal boat rides through dense mangroves to reach this isolated island inhabited by only fishing families.
17. Travel Back in Time at Padmanabhapuram Palace
History and architecture buffs will love exploring Padmanabhapuram Palace. Situated close to the Tamil Nadu border, this magnificent palace was constructed in the 16th century and served as the former residence of Travancore’s royal family.
The traditional Kerala architectural style is reflected in its carved rosewood ceilings, coloured mica windows, and unique mural paintings.
18. Pray at Santa Cruz Basilica
Admire the impressive Indo-Gothic architecture and striking interiors of this historic Catholic church near Fort Kochi Beach.
Initially built by the Portuguese in 1505 CE, the basilica was elevated to a Cathedral by the Pope in 1558 CE. Highlights include lofty stained glass windows, elaborate carvings, vibrant fresco paintings, and artistically tiled floral motifs.
19. Watch Kathakali Dance Drama
Observing Kerala’s traditional dance-drama Kathakali is an experience to cherish.
Elaborately dressed performers narrate Hindu mythological stories and epics like the Ramayana through intricate facial expressions, hand gestures, and movements.
20. Buy Spices From Broadway Market
Kerala produces most of India’s spices, and Ernakulum’s Broadway Market lets you source them straight from farmers and merchants.
Walk through this bustling hub near Parade Ground to pick aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla beans, pepper and nutmeg, and tea and coffee powder varieties.
21. Go on a Tea Trail
Munnar’s refreshing tea plantations are every nature lover’s paradise. Stroll through endless undulating hills blanketed in emerald tea bushes interspersed with silver oak trees.
Top estates like Harrison Malayalam and Kanan Devan also let you taste various tea brews.
Conclusion
Kerala offers incredible diversity—from serene backwaters to misty hills historic sites to sumptuous food. Include these experiences for an unforgettable trip when you Visit God’s Own Country.
Kerala tour packages cater to all kinds of travellers. Whether you are looking for a relaxed vacation with your family, a honeymoon trip with your significant other, or an action-packed adventure holiday, you can find customisable Kerala tours to create a unique travel experience that fits your interests.
