Globally recognized as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala is a paradise with breathtaking landscapes, mesmerizing backwaters, rich culture, and unique experiences. If you wish for a vacation that includes lush scenery, picturesque beaches with dramatic cliffs, mist-covered mountains and forest trails, and stunning backwater experiences, then this coastal heaven should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Kerala and its culture offers something for every visitor, from rolling tea leaf plantations, vibrant local traditions and festivities, and a peaceful environment. Every year, this Indian state welcomes a huge number of travelers from every corner of the world to explore its beautiful locations. If you want to escape from the monotonicity of your life or just wish for some deep relaxation time, a trip to Kerala is the perfect opportunity to consider. Let us now dive into some activities that you can consider doing while exploring Kerala to make the most of your vacation.
Explore the Backwaters on a Houseboat Cruise
The backwaters of Kerala are its major attraction and people from across the world love to visit the state specifically for the houseboat experience. Spending time in a houseboat cruise along the enchanting backwaters is going to be one of your best memories of Kerala. The backwaters in this coastal state have interconnected lakes, rivers, and canals stretched across the entire state, offering the most breathtaking landscapes to you.
Some of the most popular locations for enjoying the houseboat cruise experience are Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam. There are different budget ranges of these houseboats in order to satisfy the requirements of every individual. From traditional kettuvallams which are budget-friendly to luxurious villas floating on the backwaters, Kerala has something for people of every budget range.
You can explore the paddy rice fields, small villages lifestyle, and freshly prepared Keralan cuisine meals during your stay in the houseboat. If you want to have the ideal houseboat cruise experience, then the perfect time to visit Kerala is from October to March as the weather is extremely pleasant.
Visit Munnar’s Tea Plantation
Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations of Kerala located in the Western Ghats. The destination is majorly popular for their sprawling tea plantation that looks like captivating green carpet all over the hills. It is home to one of the best tea plantations across the globe, where you can explore the entire area and pick the tea leaves yourself. You can also interact with the local workers and understand the entire process of tea plantation along with tasting the samples of freshly brewed tea.
While exploring the tea plantation of Munnar and visiting the tea museum, you will be provided insights about the history as well as the evolution of the tea cultivation. If you want to explore some scenic tea plantation locations, then Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the best place to visit. Along with this, if you are keen on learning about the process processing, then Tata Tea Estate is one of the ideal places for you. Take guided tours to these places and feel even more connected to the culture and traditions of Kerala.
Witness the Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Performances
Kathakali is a traditional dance form that originated in Kerala and is deeply rooted with the state’s heritage as well as traditions. The dance form is characterized by some elaborated costumes, expressive movements, and captivating face paints. Kathakali is known for depicting different stories from the epics of Mahabharat and Ramayana. For mastering this beautiful art form, one needs to go through rigorous training for several years.
Kalaripayattu is an age-old traditional art form in Kerala and also one of the oldest martial arts across the globe. Dated almost 3000 years old, this special art form is a major source of attraction in this coastal state. It involves high flying kicks, fluid movements, and weapon based fights. Cultural centers like Thekkady and Cochin are hubs for Kalaripayattu demonstration, where some highly trained artists show their skills and remarkable agility.
Relax on Kerala’s Pristine Beaches
Kerala is majorly known for its stunning and vast coastline that is dotted with some spectacular beaches. These golden beaches offer a unique experience to you, especially if you wish to relax and rejuvenate from your daily life. Set against the dramatic cliff, the Varkala beach is one of the best locations to have a laid-back and slow life experience. You can also opt for Ayurvedic spas, sunbathing, or just swimming along the beachside to relax yourself completely while enjoying the picturesque sunset views.
Kovalam beach is another attraction and one of the favourites amongst tourists, especially those who are thrill seekers. You can join the water sport activities organized along the beachside and have a high adrenaline rush for the best experience. Along with the water sports, there are numerous luxurious resorts nestled in the Kovalam beach. Highly consider coming to this beach for experiencing the best luxurious stay of your life.
If you are looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of life and stay detached from the outside world during your vacation, then visit Marari beach in Kerala. It is an unspoiled beach full of golden sand and breathtaking views. It is less crowded which makes it ideal for people seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday.
Rejuvenate with Ayurvedic Treatments
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda so you can enjoy the best ayurvedic treatments and herbal spas here in order to rejuvenate yourself completely. The traditions of ayurveda are deeply rooted in every corner of Kerala, making it home to numerous ayurveda wellness retreats and programs.
The treatments and therapies mainly include Panchakarma and Abhyanga, which are full body massages helpful in improving your blood circulation as well as relieving you from stress. There are several yoga schools and wellness centers that offer yoga programs including the Ayurveda sessions in order to provide a well-rounded approach to wellness.
Join a Yoga Teacher Training Program
Kerala is one of the most sought after destinations to visit for practicing yoga and meditation. There are several yoga schools and studios which offer yoga teacher training programs accredited by the Yoga Alliance, USA in order to teach you different aspects of yoga. This also assists them to learn the important skills required to become a certified yoga instructor and teach yoga professionally.
The yoga schools in Varkala, Kovalam, and Munnar are the most preferred by yoga practitioners from across the world. They include daily asana sessions, pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting, teaching methodologies, yogic philosophy, anatomy and physiology, ayurveda, free full-body consultation, and multiple workshops. The major benefit of joining a yoga teacher training program in Kerala is that it nurtures your mind and soul positively. These sessions help you to elevate your overall strength, flexibility, and immunity to combat diseases.
Spot Wildlife at Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is nestled in Thekkady, Kerala and is one of the major attractions of the state. If you are a wildlife lover and wish to explore the numerous varieties of flora and fauna, then visit this national park for the best experience. The place is home to several species of birds, elephants, leopards, tigers, etc.
You can easily explore the national park via jeep safaris, by foot, or by taking boat rides in the Periyar lake. There are several guided trekking options available as well, for uncovering the unexplored part of the national park. If this place is on top of your priority list, then you should definitely consider the time period from October to June as these months have the perfect weather for it.
Experience the thrill of Bamboo Rafting in Thekkady
The Periyar Tiger Reserve in Thekkady provides bamboo rafting for adventure seekers that will take you to the dense forest trails. Unlike the traditional boat rides, this will allow you to have a unique experience of visiting Kerala and its wildlife. You can spot animals like deers, monkeys, elephants, and have a closer look at nearly all the flora and fauna species nestled near the riverbank. These guided bamboo rafting tours also include small hikes through the forests and last for several hours. In order to experience this, you must book the bamboo rafting activity in advance as it is extremely popular amongst tourists.
Stay in a Treehouse in Wayanad
Treehouse stays in Wayanad, Kerala offers a unique and fun experience to the visitors who want to reconnect with nature and disconnect with the outside world. These stays are built on the top of sturdy trees offering you captivating views of the surrounding forest area. Some of the best treehouse resorts are Jungle Beats resort and Vythiri Resort, since they provide the best luxurious staying option along with being closer to nature.
Visit the Historical Fort Kochi
There is an extremely famous historical fort in Kochi that is a melting point for all history and culture lovers. The colonial influence combines beautifully with the rich heritage of Kerala at this place and is a major source of attraction for the state. One of the major highlights of the fort is the iconic Chinese fishing nets, which were introduced in the 14th century by the traders. Explore the charming cafes in the surroundings and interact with the locals to understand the history in a deeper way.
You can also visit the Jew Town as well as Mattancherry Palace in order to connect more with the history of Kerala. The area’s mixed history of Portuguese and Jewish culture is extremely popular amongst tourists. Another much visited historical landmark in Kerala is the Paradesi Synagogue, which is one of the age-old active synagogues. If you want to witness some of the best art galleries and monuments, then Fort Kochi is the best option to explore.
Take a Spice Plantation Tour to Thekkady
The spice plantation in Kerala is a crucial part of its culture and economic heritage. If you wish to learn more about the spice plantation in the state, the best place to explore is Thekkady. With a wide stretch of pepper, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon farms, this destination will help you learn about the plantation and cultivation process of different spices available in the state.
You should take guided tours to the breathtaking green fields of these spices, where you can witness them growing in their natural environment. You can also buy the species directly from their sources, which will ensure better authenticity and freshness of the product. There are several sessions held in this place that educates you about how to use these spices in making traditional Kerala meals.
Discover the Athirappilly Waterfalls
Majorly famous as the “Niagara falls of India”, the mesmerizing Athirappilly waterfalls cascade from the height of 80 feet and are the largest waterfalls in Kerala. Nestled in Thrissur district, the waterfall is a haven for nature lovers and is surrounded completely with immense greenery.
The monsoon season which is from June to September is the best time period to explore the Athirappilly waterfalls. You can take a guided trek to the base of the waterfall and get a closer look of its majestic beauty. Feel the refreshing mist on your face while exploring the rich biodiversity of the surroundings.
Go Trekking in the Western Ghats
If you are a thrill seeker and want to have the best trekking experience, then exploring the Western Ghats is the best option for you. Meesapulimala offers the most mesmerizing views of the mist-covered mountains as it is the second-highest peak in Kerala. There is one more mountain peak Agasthyakoodam that is a sacred peak popular for its diversity in medicinal plants. To reach here, you require a special permit as it is a challenging trek. Taking guided treks through the dense forests of Kerala will provide you the best experience of exotic wildlife, breathtaking nature views, and closer connections with the surrounding.
Savour Authentic Kerala Cuisine
The cuisine of Kerala is one of the major attractions amongst international visitors as it is as diverse as its geography. If you are a foodie then you must try the traditional Kerala Sadya. It is a vegetarian lavish multi-course meal consisting of Thoran, Avial, and Payasam and is served on a banana leaf.
Malabar Prawn Curry and Karimeen Pollichathu are two must-try dishes if you are a seafood lover. The combination of Appam with stew served with coconut infused curry is another authentic dish of the state. You can either try some fine-dine restaurants or explore the local eatery places in Kerala to experience the traditional cuisine of the state.
Ride the Jatayu Earth’s Center Cable Car
Jatayu Earth’s Center has the largest bird sculpture of the world that depicts Jatayu from the Ramayana. The sculpture is 200 feet in length and provides a panoramic view of the surroundings while sitting atop a hill. There is an adventure park at the Jatayu Earth’s Center that has activities such as zip-lining, rappelling, and rock climbing.
There is also a cable car ride to the top of the hill which offers you a comfortable and scenic route to reach the summit, so that visitors of all age groups can experience it easily. You can also enjoy a guided tour to the museum and a digital show that narrates the story of the legend Jatayu.
Explore the Silent Valley National Park
Silent National Park is a haven for all nature lovers and is the least explored rainforest area. The park is listed in the UNESCO biosphere reserve list as it is home to several rare species of flora and fauna. You can partake in guided tours and nature walks through the dense forest trails of Silent Valley national park and experience the different biodiversity in Kerala in-depth. If this is your priority, then plan a trip during December to April as the weather is extremely pleasant.
Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy temple is one of the major Hindu temples in India which is located in Trivandrum, Kerala. It is globally renowned for its captivating architecture and historical wealth. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a strict dress code for men as well as women. Men should wear dhotis and women should wear traditional attire like saree in order to enter the temple. One important thing about the temple is that non-hindu visitors are not allowed to enter the temple premises but can still explore the stunning exteriors. There are some attractions outside the temples like Napier Museum and Kuthiramalika Palace, which can be visited by anyone.
Take a Sunset Cruise in Kochi
The backwaters in Kochi are extremely majestic and provide a breathtaking experience especially if you take a sunset cruise. It sails through the soothing waters of the Arabian Sea as the sun starts to set, which gives a picturesque moment for the couples and families to experience. You can also book private houseboats or the group cruises that sails from the Marine drive and other Arabian sea locations. There are some cruises that offer a relaxing and intimate experience with dinner as well as live music for you to have the most magical evening of your life.
Experience the Village life of Kumarakom
The village life in Kerala is worth exploring and provides an immersive traditional experience to you. Visit Kumarakom’s villages and enjoy the quiet and slow-paced life of the localities. You can stay in the homestays while participating in the toddy tapping, which is their cultural palm wine extraction process and learn the fishing techniques. Engage in the Canoe rides in the narrow canals of these villages and connect with the daily lives of the villagers to have a much needed escape from the urban tourism.
Witness the Thrissur Pooram Festival
Thrissur Pooram is one of the main festivals celebrated in Kerala and is held in Vadakkunnathan Temple, annually. The festival showcases extravagantly decorated elephants, traditional percussion performances and vibrant processions along with the massive firework displays. It is a grand festival for the localities of Kerala and is held in either April or May. It attracts numerous visitors from across the globe to witness the magnificence of the festival’s celebrations.
Famous as the land to several natural as well as man-made wonders, Kerala is a top priority destination for tourists across the globe. From being a hub of authentic yoga schools, historical landmarks to being a melting point for adventure and thrill lovers, this coastal state is a treasure which everyone should explore.
To make the most of your Kerala visit, ensure to visit from October to March as the state has the most pleasant weather during this time. This tropical paradise never fails to welcome its visitors with the most breathtaking landscapes. Book your trip and accommodations wisely and early, especially during the peak season time. So pack your bags and come to the “God’s Own Country” to have an unforgettable experience of your life.
