## **Why Kerala Should Be Your Next Destination?** Kerala, fondly called **"God's Own Country,"** is a traveler's paradise with its **lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, exotic wildlife, and rich cultural heritage**. Whether you're an **adventure seeker, nature lover, foodie, or wellness enthusiast**, Kerala offers unforgettable experiences that cater to every type of traveler. This **comprehensive guide** covers the **[best things to do in Kerala](https://www.indiatourpackages.com/)**[, ](https://www.indiatourpackages.com/)from must-try activities to hidden gems. Whether you're planning a **week-long vacation or a month-long exploration**, this list will help you create the perfect itinerary. --- ## **Best Things to Do in Kerala: Categorized Experiences** ### **1. Backwater Bliss: Kerala's Signature Experience** #### **a. Stay Overnight in a Houseboat (Alleppey/Kumarakom)** * Cruise through **palm-fringed canals** on a traditional **kettuvallam** * Enjoy **freshly cooked Kerala meals** on board * Opt for a **luxury houseboat** with a private deck for sunset views #### **b. Take a Shikara Boat Ride** * Perfect for **couples and photographers** * Glide through **narrower canals** than houseboats can access * Best experienced at **sunrise or sunset** #### **c. Canoe Through Village Canals** * Discover **authentic village life** * See **coir-making, fishing, and local crafts** * Great for **off-the-beaten-path exploration** ### **2. Hill Station Adventures** #### **a. Explore Tea Plantations in Munnar** * Walk through **endless tea gardens** * Visit the **Tata Tea Museum** * Stay in a **colonial-era tea estate bungalow** #### **b. Trek to Anamudi Peak** * Highest peak in **South India (2,695m)** * Pass through **shola forests and grasslands** * Best done **October to March** #### **c. Visit Echo Point & Top Station** * Famous for **natural echo phenomenon** * Panoramic views of **Western Ghats** * See **Neelakurinji flowers** (bloom every 12 years) ### **3. Beach Escapes** #### **a. Relax at Kovalam Beach** * Famous **lighthouse beach** * Try **Ayurvedic massages by the shore** * Great for **swimming and sunbathing** #### **b. Watch Sunset at Varkala Cliff** * Dramatic **laterite cliffs** overlooking the sea * Bohemian **beach shacks and cafes** * Perfect for **yoga and meditation** #### **c. Visit Marari Beach** * "Kerala's Secret Beach" * Experience **fisherman village life** * Stay in **traditional beach huts** ### **4. Wildlife & Nature Experiences** #### **a. Jungle Safari in Periyar** * Spot **elephants, tigers, and rare birds** * Try **bamboo rafting on the lake** * Visit **spice plantations** nearby #### **b. Explore Silent Valley National Park** * One of India's **last rainforests** * Home to **Lion-tailed macaques** * Challenging **trekking routes** #### **c. Birdwatching in Kumarakom** * Best at **Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary** * Spot **migratory birds (Oct-Feb)** * Stay in **lakeside resorts** ### **5. Cultural Immersion** #### **a. Watch Kathakali Performance** * Kerala's **classical dance-drama** * See **elaborate makeup sessions** * Best venues: **Kochi and Thrissur** #### **b. Witness Theyyam Rituals** * Ancient **ritualistic dance form** * Performed in **North Kerala temples** * Most powerful **between December-April** #### **c. Explore Fort Kochi's Heritage** * See **Chinese fishing nets** * Visit **Jewish Synagogue** * Walk through **colonial architecture** ### **6. Food & Culinary Experiences** #### **a. Try Authentic Sadya Feast** * Traditional **banana leaf meal** * 24+ **vegetarian dishes** * Best during **Onam festival** #### **b. Learn Kerala Cooking** * Take a **spice workshop** * Cook with **local families** * Must-try dishes: **appam, fish molee, beef fry** #### **c. Visit a Toddy Shop** * Sample **fresh palm wine** * Pair with **spicy Kerala snacks** * Best in **Alappuzha and Thrissur** ### **7. Adventure Activities** #### **a. White Water Rafting in Idukki** * Thrilling **grade 2-3 rapids** * Beautiful **forest surroundings** * Operates **June to September** #### **b. Paragliding in Vagamon** * Fly over **rolling meadows** * Best **November to March** * Tandem flights available #### **c. Scuba Diving at Kovalam** * Explore **coral reefs** * See **tropical fish and shipwrecks** * Good for **beginners** ### **8. Wellness & Ayurveda** #### **a. Panchakarma Detox** * 7-21 day **Ayurvedic cleanse** * Best in **monsoon season** * Top centers: **Kottakkal, Somatheeram** #### **b. Stay at an Ayurveda Resort** * Daily **yoga and meditation** * Personalized **treatment plans** * Best in **Varkala and Kumarakom** #### **c. Try Kalari Massage** * Ancient **martial arts therapy** * Improves **flexibility and strength** * Original centers in **Kozhikode** ### **9. Unique & Offbeat Experiences** #### **a. Stay in a Treehouse (Wayanad)** * Sleep amid **coffee plantations** * Wake up to **bird sounds** * Best at **Vythiri Resort** #### **b. Visit a Floating Post Office (Alleppey)** * World's only **backwater post office** * Send **special Kerala postcards** * Located on **Kuttanad waterways** #### **c. See Bioluminescent Waters (Marari)** * Magical **blue glowing waves** * Rare phenomenon (check **monsoon months)** * Best seen on **moonless nights** ### **10. Festival Experiences** #### **a. Celebrate Onam** * Kerala's **biggest festival** * Snake boat races, **flower carpets** * Happens **August/September** #### **b. Attend Thrissur Pooram** * Most spectacular **temple festival** * Midnight **fireworks display** * Held **April/May** #### **c. Watch Snake Boat Races** * Giant **100-foot canoes racing** * Most famous: **Nehru Trophy (August)** * Best viewing: **Punnamada Lake** --- ## **Planning Your [Kerala Itinerary](https://www.indiatourpackages.com/holidays/kerala)** ### **1-Week Suggested Itinerary** * **Day 1-2:** Kochi (cultural exploration) * **Day 3-4:** Munnar (tea gardens & trekking) * **Day 5-6:** Alleppey (backwaters & houseboat) * **Day 7:** Varkala (beach relaxation) ### **2-Week In-Depth Exploration** * Add **Wayanad (wildlife)** * Include **Thekkady (spice plantations)** * Extend to **Poovar (hidden beaches)** * Try **Ayurveda retreat (3+ days)** ### **Month-Long Immersion** * Explore **Northern Kerala (Theyyam rituals)** * Deep dive into **Ayurveda therapies** * Volunteer at **organic farms** * Learn **traditional arts (kalari, kathakali)** --- ## **Essential Kerala Travel Tips** ### **Best Time to Visit** * **October-February:** Ideal for most activities * **March-May:** Great for hill stations * **June-September:** Perfect for Ayurveda ### **Transportation Advice** * Book **train tickets early** (especially for Alleppey route) * Use **private taxis** for hill station transfers * Try **public ferries** for authentic backwater experience ### **Packing Essentials** * **Light cotton clothes** + rain gear (monsoon) * **Comfortable sandals** for houseboats * **Binoculars** for wildlife spotting * **Reusable water bottle** (many refill stations) --- ## **Final Thoughts: Why Kerala Stands Out** Kerala offers **more diversity than any other Indian state** - where else can you **wake up in a misty tea garden, lunch on a houseboat, and fall asleep to ocean waves** all in one trip? Whether you're seeking **adventure, relaxation, or cultural depth**, this tropical paradise delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. **Pro Tip:** Mix popular attractions with offbeat experiences for a **perfectly balanced Kerala trip** that goes beyond the usual tourist trail.

50 Incredible Things to Do in Kerala

Admin

Why Kerala Should Be Your Next Destination?

Kerala, fondly called “God’s Own Country,” is a traveler’s paradise with its lush green landscapes, serene backwaters, exotic wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, foodie, or wellness enthusiast, Kerala offers unforgettable experiences that cater to every type of traveler.

This comprehensive guide covers the best things to do in Kerala, from must-try activities to hidden gems. Whether you’re planning a week-long vacation or a month-long exploration, this list will help you create the perfect itinerary.

—

Best Things to Do in Kerala: Categorized Experiences

1. Backwater Bliss: Kerala’s Signature Experience

a. Stay Overnight in a Houseboat (Alleppey/Kumarakom)

Cruise through palm-fringed canals on a traditional kettuvallam
Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals on board
Opt for a luxury houseboat with a private deck for sunset views

b. Take a Shikara Boat Ride

Perfect for couples and photographers
Glide through narrower canals than houseboats can access
Best experienced at sunrise or sunset

c. Canoe Through Village Canals

Discover authentic village life
See coir-making, fishing, and local crafts
Great for off-the-beaten-path exploration

2. Hill Station Adventures

a. Explore Tea Plantations in Munnar

Walk through endless tea gardens
Visit the Tata Tea Museum
Stay in a colonial-era tea estate bungalow

b. Trek to Anamudi Peak

Highest peak in South India (2,695m)
Pass through shola forests and grasslands
Best done October to March

c. Visit Echo Point & Top Station

Famous for natural echo phenomenon
Panoramic views of Western Ghats
See Neelakurinji flowers (bloom every 12 years)

3. Beach Escapes

a. Relax at Kovalam Beach

Famous lighthouse beach
Try Ayurvedic massages by the shore
Great for swimming and sunbathing

b. Watch Sunset at Varkala Cliff

Dramatic laterite cliffs overlooking the sea
Bohemian beach shacks and cafes
Perfect for yoga and meditation

c. Visit Marari Beach

“Kerala’s Secret Beach”
Experience fisherman village life
Stay in traditional beach huts

4. Wildlife & Nature Experiences

a. Jungle Safari in Periyar

Spot elephants, tigers, and rare birds
Try bamboo rafting on the lake
Visit spice plantations nearby

b. Explore Silent Valley National Park

One of India’s last rainforests
Home to Lion-tailed macaques
Challenging trekking routes

c. Birdwatching in Kumarakom

Best at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Spot migratory birds (Oct-Feb)
Stay in lakeside resorts

5. Cultural Immersion

a. Watch Kathakali Performance

Kerala’s classical dance-drama
See elaborate makeup sessions
Best venues: Kochi and Thrissur

b. Witness Theyyam Rituals

Ancient ritualistic dance form
Performed in North Kerala temples
Most powerful between December-April

c. Explore Fort Kochi’s Heritage

See Chinese fishing nets
Visit Jewish Synagogue
Walk through colonial architecture

6. Food & Culinary Experiences

a. Try Authentic Sadya Feast

Traditional banana leaf meal
24+ vegetarian dishes
Best during Onam festival

b. Learn Kerala Cooking

Take a spice workshop
Cook with local families
Must-try dishes: appam, fish molee, beef fry

c. Visit a Toddy Shop

Sample fresh palm wine
Pair with spicy Kerala snacks
Best in Alappuzha and Thrissur

7. Adventure Activities

a. White Water Rafting in Idukki

Thrilling grade 2-3 rapids
Beautiful forest surroundings
Operates June to September

b. Paragliding in Vagamon

Fly over rolling meadows
Best November to March
Tandem flights available

c. Scuba Diving at Kovalam

Explore coral reefs
See tropical fish and shipwrecks
Good for beginners

8. Wellness & Ayurveda

a. Panchakarma Detox

7-21 day Ayurvedic cleanse
Best in monsoon season
Top centers: Kottakkal, Somatheeram

b. Stay at an Ayurveda Resort

Daily yoga and meditation
Personalized treatment plans
Best in Varkala and Kumarakom

c. Try Kalari Massage

Ancient martial arts therapy
Improves flexibility and strength
Original centers in Kozhikode

9. Unique & Offbeat Experiences

a. Stay in a Treehouse (Wayanad)

Sleep amid coffee plantations
Wake up to bird sounds
Best at Vythiri Resort

b. Visit a Floating Post Office (Alleppey)

World’s only backwater post office
Send special Kerala postcards
Located on Kuttanad waterways

c. See Bioluminescent Waters (Marari)

Magical blue glowing waves
Rare phenomenon (check monsoon months)
Best seen on moonless nights

10. Festival Experiences

a. Celebrate Onam

Kerala’s biggest festival
Snake boat races, flower carpets
Happens August/September

b. Attend Thrissur Pooram

Most spectacular temple festival
Midnight fireworks display
Held April/May

c. Watch Snake Boat Races

Giant 100-foot canoes racing
Most famous: Nehru Trophy (August)
Best viewing: Punnamada Lake

—

Planning Your Kerala Itinerary

1-Week Suggested Itinerary

Day 1-2: Kochi (cultural exploration)
Day 3-4: Munnar (tea gardens & trekking)
Day 5-6: Alleppey (backwaters & houseboat)
Day 7: Varkala (beach relaxation)

2-Week In-Depth Exploration

Add Wayanad (wildlife)
Include Thekkady (spice plantations)
Extend to Poovar (hidden beaches)
Try Ayurveda retreat (3+ days)

Month-Long Immersion

Explore Northern Kerala (Theyyam rituals)
Deep dive into Ayurveda therapies
Volunteer at organic farms
Learn traditional arts (kalari, kathakali)

—

Essential Kerala Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

October-February: Ideal for most activities
March-May: Great for hill stations
June-September: Perfect for Ayurveda

Transportation Advice

Book train tickets early (especially for Alleppey route)
Use private taxis for hill station transfers
Try public ferries for authentic backwater experience

Packing Essentials

Light cotton clothes + rain gear (monsoon)
Comfortable sandals for houseboats
Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Reusable water bottle (many refill stations)

—

Final Thoughts: Why Kerala Stands Out

Kerala offers more diversity than any other Indian state - where else can you wake up in a misty tea garden, lunch on a houseboat, and fall asleep to ocean waves all in one trip? Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural depth, this tropical paradise delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Pro Tip: Mix popular attractions with offbeat experiences for a perfectly balanced Kerala trip that goes beyond the usual tourist trail.