Things to Do in Kerala: From Backwaters to Hill Stations
Kerala is located on the southwest coast of India and is full of natural beauty, interesting culture, and lots of things to do. You can enjoy the lovely backwaters in Alleppey or the cool, misty hills in Munnar. There are so many fun activities that it might be hard to decide what to do first! Whether you want to go on adventures, relax, or try yummy local food, making the most of your trip to Kerala takes a little planning. To help you find the best things to do in Kerala, we’ve put together a list of exciting activities. From visiting old temples to enjoying special health treatments, get ready to explore Kerala in amazing ways!
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Here are the top 20 Things to Do in Kerala
1. Cruise the Backwaters of Alleppey
Cruising through the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey is a magical adventure that lets you see the beautiful green landscapes of Kerala. Alleppey is often called the “Venice of the East” because it has many calm canals, wide rice fields, and lovely coconut trees. When you ride on a traditional houseboat, you can watch the lively life of the villagers along the banks, see colourful boats moving around, and listen to the soothing sounds of nature. The stunning views all around you make it a perfect place to relax and think, making a trip through Alleppey’s backwaters a special and memorable experience in Kerala’s rich culture and beauty.
2. Visit Munnar’s Tea Gardens
Munnar is a beautiful place in India with lots of tea gardens. These gardens are filled with green plants and rolling hills, making it a great spot for nature lovers and tourists. When you visit, you can walk through the gardens, see how tea is picked, and even taste different kinds of tea. Munnar is also cool and has many different plants and animals, so it’s a fun place for hiking and watching birds. Going to Munnar’s tea gardens is not only pretty to look at, but it also helps you learn about how tea is grown and why it is important to the people there.
3. Experience Ayurvedic Treatments
Kerala is a beautiful place known for its lots of coconut trees and calm waterways. It’s also famous for Ayurveda, which is a special way of taking care of our health that has been around for a very long time. People who visit Kerala can enjoy different types of Ayurvedic treatments that help make them feel better both inside and out. These treatments can include relaxing massages with special herbal oils and other ways to clean and refresh the body. There are many lovely resorts and wellness centres in Kerala where people can relax in nature and feel good again. Trying these Ayurvedic treatments helps people connect with nature and learn about an important healing practice that has been loved for thousands of years.
4. Explore Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a lovely town by the sea in Kerala, India. It’s a special place filled with history, culture, and beautiful sights. You can walk along the charming streets that have old buildings from when the Portuguese, Dutch, and British lived there. One of the coolest things to see is the big Chinese fishing nets along the water, which are a famous part of the town. Fort Kochi also has a lively art scene with galleries and studios where you can see local artists’ work and enjoy traditional dances like Kathakali. The busy markets and tasty seafood make it even more exciting for visitors who want to experience the unique vibe of this historic town.
5. Enjoy the Thrissur Pooram Festival
The Thrissur Pooram Festival is a big and exciting celebration that happens every year in the city of Thrissur in Kerala, India. It’s one of the largest and most popular festivals at temples in the area. During this festival, you can see beautifully decorated elephants wearing bright clothes and shiny gold decorations. There’s also lots of fun music and amazing fireworks! Many people from the town and visitors from all over the world come to join in the fun. The Thrissur Pooram Festival shows how people can come together to celebrate their traditions and enjoy being with each other.
6. Visit Athirappilly Waterfalls
Nestled in the lush greenery of Kerala, India, Athirappilly Waterfalls is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts travellers from around the world. Often referred to as the “Niagara of India,” these majestic falls cascade down from a height of approximately 80 feet, creating a stunning spectacle of rushing water and mist. Surrounded by dense forests and diverse wildlife, the site offers various trekking trails for adventurous souls, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of nature. Whether you are an avid photographer looking to capture the perfect shot, a nature enthusiast eager to explore the flora and fauna, or simply someone seeking tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the enchanting allure of Kerala’s scenic landscapes.
7. Explore Wayanad’s Wildlife Sanctuaries
Wayanad is a beautiful place in India, located in the Western Ghats mountains. It is famous for its amazing wildlife parks where many different plants and animals live safely. In places like Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, you can find animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, and many kinds of birds. It’s a great spot for people who love nature and want to take pictures of animals. The area has lovely green hills and thick forests, making it perfect for exploring, hiking, and watching wildlife. When people visit Wayanad, they can enjoy the peace of nature and help protect these important habitats.
8. Relax at Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is a beautiful and calm place where you can relax and feel good. It’s located by tall cliffs in Kerala and is famous for its soft, golden sand and clear blue water. People love to come here to listen to the soothing sound of the waves, enjoy special spa treatments, and eat tasty seafood at the beachside cafes. The beach has a peaceful atmosphere, and you can also do yoga and meditation there. Whether you want to relax under a palm tree or swim in the cool water, Varkala Beach is a wonderful spot for everyone to enjoy some happiness and peace.
9. Attend a Kathakali Performance
Attending a Kathakali performance in Kerala is a mesmerizing experience that immerses you in the rich cultural heritage of India. This traditional dance-drama form, known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive gestures, narrates ancient stories and myths through a captivating blend of music and movement. As the performers take the stage, the vibrant colours and elaborate facial expressions draw you into the tale, while the live orchestration enhances the emotional intensity of the performance. Witnessing a Kathakali performance in its native setting not only allows you to appreciate the artistry and skill behind this ancient art form but also offers a deeper understanding of the local customs and traditions, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Kerala.
10. Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary for an unforgettable experience immersed in nature’s wonders. Located in the lush green hills of Thekkady, Kerala, this sanctuary spans over 777 square kilometres and is known for its rich biodiversity. Visitors can explore the pristine lake at the heart of the sanctuary, which offers a stunning backdrop for boat rides, where one may spot elephants, deer, and a variety of bird species. Trekking through the dense forests, guided nature walks, and eco-tourism activities provide an opportunity to experience the incredible flora and fauna up close. With its serene environment and magnificent landscapes, a visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary promises adventure and tranquillity, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
11. Discover the Culture in Kalpathy
Kalpathy is a beautiful village in Kerala, India, known for its rich culture and lively traditions. It has both Hindu and Christian families living together. One of the most exciting events in Kalpathy is the Kalpathy Ratholsavam, a chariot festival that happens every year and brings many people to celebrate. During the festival, the streets are filled with traditional music, colourful parades, and special temple ceremonies that show the village’s strong spiritual traditions. Besides the festivals, Kalpathy has lovely old homes with unique designs, green rice fields, and a peaceful atmosphere that represents the countryside of Kerala. This blend of different cultures makes it a wonderful place for people to learn about local customs, art, and the friendly spirit of the community.
12. Taste Authentic Kerala Cuisine
Experience the yummy food from Kerala, a special place in southern India! This food is full of exciting flavours because it uses lots of spices, fresh fish, and coconut. Some of the tasty dishes you can try are creamy coconut curries, flavorful biryanis, and fun snacks like dosa and puttu. Meals are often served on a banana leaf, which makes everything look bright and smells really nice. Kerala food combines old cooking methods with local ingredients, making every bite a tasty adventure that helps you enjoy the culture and traditions of the area!
13. Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
In the middle of Thiruvananthapuram, there is a beautiful temple called Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. It’s one of the richest temples in the world and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for its amazing design and the beautiful stone carvings and paintings that tell stories from Hindu mythology. Many people visit this special place not only because it looks so nice but also because it feels very peaceful and full of devotion. The temple is an important place for people who want to connect with their spirituality, and every year, a big festival called Arattu happens there, bringing thousands of visitors. This makes the temple a great place to learn about culture and find inner peace in India.
14. Explore the Beaches of Kovalam
Kovalam is a beautiful beach place in India where the land meets the sea. It has three main beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. People can have fun there by sunbathing, swimming, and trying yummy seafood from little shops. There’s a tall lighthouse on the cliffs that lets you see amazing views of the ocean. The waves are gentle, making it a great spot for fun activities like surfing and parasailing. Whether you want to relax or have an adventure, Kovalam’s lovely beaches have something for everyone, making it a great place to visit and enjoy nature.
15. Go Trekking in Agasthyakoodam
Going on a trek in Agasthyakoodam, Kerala, is an amazing adventure for people who love nature and hiking. This tall mountain is part of the Western Ghats and is high up at 1,868 meters. It’s famous for its beautiful plants and animals. As you walk along the twisting paths, you’ll see and hear many special plants and animals that you can’t find anywhere else. The trek is a fun challenge for your body, and it also gives you beautiful views of the forests and the land around you. Whether you’ve hiked before or this is your first time, Agasthyakoodam will give you a wonderful experience in one of the most beautiful natural places in India.
16. Visit the Spice Plantations of Thekkady
Visiting the spice farms in Thekkady is a fun and special experience where you can see and smell the beautiful plants in Kerala, India. These farms, which are located in the Western Ghats mountains, grow many different spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla. When you take a guided tour, you can walk through the fields, see how the spices are grown, and learn about the old ways that farmers have been using for a long time. It’s not just a learning experience; it’s also exciting because of the bright colours and amazing smells all around you. You can even talk to the farmers and find out how they take care of the land, which helps you understand and appreciate the farming traditions of the area even more.
17. Explore Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful place in Kerala, India, where people can see many different kinds of birds. It is located next to Vembanad Lake and covers 14 acres of green land. During the winter, you can spot special birds like the Siberian crane, along with other birds like herons and egrets. People can take calm boat rides to see the birds in their homes. The sanctuary is filled with lovely plants and peaceful areas, making it a great spot for nature lovers to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you love nature, this sanctuary is a wonderful place to visit!
18. Stay in a Treehouse in Wayanad
Staying in a treehouse in Wayanad is a really fun way to enjoy nature. You get to be high up in the trees, surrounded by beautiful green plants and tall trees. These special treehouses are good for the environment and let you see the amazing sights of the Western Ghats mountains. You can listen to the soft sounds of the forest, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy great views from up high. Every morning, you might wake up to the singing of birds, have your breakfast on a nice balcony, or go on adventures like hiking and looking for animals. Staying in a treehouse in Wayanad will give you a wonderful experience that helps you feel close to nature!
19. Visit Mattancherry Palace
Visit Mattancherry Palace, a beautiful building full of history, in the lively city of Kochi, India. Also called the Dutch Palace, it mixes traditional Kerala design with Dutch styles, making it a special place for people who love history and sightseeing. When you walk through its detailed rooms, you can see lovely paintings and old treasures that tell stories about the royal families who lived there. The nice gardens around the palace are peaceful, letting visitors think about the amazing past while enjoying the pretty scenery. Going to Mattancherry Palace is not just looking at history; it’s like stepping into a different time and culture!
20. Take a Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class in Kerala is a fun way to learn about the yummy food from that area! Kerala is famous for its special spices, fresh fish, and traditional cooking methods, which make its dishes tasty. In the class, you’ll get to make famous foods like Kerala sadya, tasty curries, and delicious snacks. You’ll also discover what ingredients are used and why they’re important. With the help of friendly chefs, you’ll improve your cooking skills and have a hands-on experience that connects you to the exciting culture of Kerala. Whether you’re just starting or already know how to cook, this fun experience will help you make great memories and tasty recipes to share with your family and friends!
Conclusion
Kerala offers a diverse range of activities that cater to various interests and preferences. From cruising the backwaters of Alleppey to exploring the tea gardens of Munnar, the state presents a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. Additionally, the traditional Ayurvedic treatments and vibrant festivals like the Thrissur Pooram Festival provide unique insights into the local heritage and customs. Whether it’s the majestic Athirappilly Waterfalls or the wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad, Kerala’s scenic landscapes and abundant wildlife offer unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts. Overall, Kerala’s rich tapestry of attractions ensures that visitors can indulge in a truly immersive and captivating journey.
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People also ask about Things to Do in Kerala
1. What are the must-visit places in Kerala?
Kerala is known for its diverse attractions. Must-visit places include the backwaters of Alleppey, the hill stations of Munnar, the historical city of Fort Kochi, the wildlife sanctuary in Periyar, and the pristine beaches of Varkala and Kovalam.
2. What activities can I enjoy in the backwaters of Kerala?
In the backwaters of Kerala, you can enjoy houseboat rides, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also explore local villages, experience traditional Kerala cuisine, and witness the unique ecosystem of the region.
3. Are there any adventure activities available in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala offers a range of adventure activities including trekking in the Western Ghats, white-water rafting in the rivers of Wayanad and Athirappilly, paragliding in Vagamon, and mountain biking in Munnar.
4. What cultural experiences can I have in Kerala?
Kerala boasts a rich cultural heritage. You can attend a Kathakali dance performance, visit traditional art galleries, explore temples and churches, and participate in local festivals such as Onam and Vishu.
5. Is Kerala suitable for family vacations?
Absolutely! Kerala is a family-friendly destination with activities suitable for all ages. Families can enjoy beach outings, wildlife safaris, cultural shows, and educational visits to spice plantations and tea gardens.
6. What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. This period avoids the heavy monsoon rains and offers a comfortable climate for outdoor activities.
7. Can I experience Ayurvedic treatments in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala is renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness centres. Visitors can indulge in various therapies and rejuvenation packages that include massages, herbal treatments, and yoga sessions.
8. What are the local cuisines I should try in Kerala?
Kerala’s cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Do not miss trying dishes such as Kerala Sadya (a traditional vegetarian feast), seafood delicacies, appams with stew, puttu, and the famous Malabar biryani.