19 Interesting Things to do in Kerala that you shouldn’t miss!
Kerala and its tourist places have always been something that makes traveling a gratifying experience. Pampered a little extra by the motherland, the state soaks you with its serenity. And what does it give in return? An ocean is full of things to do in Kerala to cherish.
When you begin sightseeing in Kerala, you get to know that it has more to offer than just the backwaters and aromatic gardens. Now that the realization has hit you, why not uncover the state on an elephant ride or a jeep safari. Let’s begin!
19 Top things to do in Kerala for an Incredible Holiday in 2022!
There isn’t a better way to start your vacation in Kerala than visiting Alleppey Backwaters. This tourist attraction has always been kind to the travelers who begin with a Kerala houseboat tour and lead ahead.
Balmy days in the city often start by taking a religious tour to Ambalapuzha Temple and St. Mary’s Forane Church, the most famous in the area. Then, as the day progresses, one can choose to visit the beaches, go bird watching, go shopping, or try the delicacies.
Alleppey, the city of backwaters, is best known for offering a relaxing experience to travelers. Moreover, the charismatic setting of Alleppey also makes watching the sunset a delight. Even going for a night walk and campfire is among the top things in Alleppey.
2. Rush to the roots of Kerala with a village tour
Living in the cities often disconnects us from our rural roots. A village tour in Kerala is, thus, one of the best Kerala things to do to connect with the authentic rural life and get insight into the local livelihoods.
Therefore, many people, especially foreigners, have chosen village tourism in Kerala over the years. It has seen a rapid change, a good one indeed. As travelers walk down the villages, they learn more about the lives of the locals and their activities. Pottery, stone cutting, farming, jute making, and more are some skills you learn on your village visit.
Kumarakom Village has been counted in the list of destinations across the world that every individual must visit at least once in a lifetime by National Geographic. The Kerala government runs Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village to promote model fishing and bring tourism to the island beach. Cherai, Nilambur, Thodupuzha, Malampuzha, Bekal, and Kovalam are some other villages you should plan to visit.
Of all the amazing things to do in Kerala, living in a tree house would be a favorite for many. Remember how we used to make one treehouse for ourselves or maybe watch one on TV as kids. These cool houses built on treetops are another way to enjoy a vacation in Kerala.
Their whole concept is eco-friendly and are primarily found in the lush forests of the city. These treehouses are jammed with the basic facilities and amenities, in case you were thinking the other way.
Something that Kerala has been proud in the longest time is definitely its spice cultivation. It feels as if nature loves the presence of this tourist destination and has showered it with the best of spices.
Cardamom, exotic vanilla, black pepper, and cinnamon are some of the authentic products of the state. Taking a tour of the spice plantations of Kerala is one of the best things to do in Kerala as you will surely feel revived after this.
5. Feel the joy of nature on a houseboat ride in Kumarakom
You must have thought about staying the night or cruising in a Keralan houseboat, haven’t you? Book a Kerala tour package with us and enjoy the tranquil ride on the backwaters of Kumarakom.
The village snuggled with the Vembanad Lake is the perfect tourist spot for a houseboat ride. The moment you begin your ride, the marine life and rural setting will bring a warm feeling to your heart. Moreover, travelers can also choose to indulge in other activities offered there.
6. Dare to move your eyes from the elegant Kathakali performance
Your visit to Kerala would be incomplete if you missed the Kathakali performance. Watching one of the significant artforms of Kerala is probably one of the best things to do in Kerala. This classical form of dance has been the pride symbol of the state and one which has been loved worldwide.
You might be stunned by the face and body movement, and the next thing you know, the costumes are winning your heart. If you are an art connoisseur or a dance lover, check out the places below.
7. Touchdown the wild side on a jungle safari in Periyar
One of the best places to visit in Kerala, Periyar National Park, is a part of Thekkady and a significant tourist attraction in Kerala for spotting tigers and elephants. Wildlife enthusiasts from around the world visit Kerala just to spot the animals here. As soon as you reach Periyar grounds, the lush greenery welcomes you.
A tour here is best enjoyed on a jeep ride. If you think you can only enjoy jungle safari here, you are mistaken. Periyar also offers bamboo rafting opportunities to the wanderers.
8. Upgrade photography skills while birdwatching in Kumarakom
Nature lovers are in for a surprise! Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary shares its charm with Vembanad Lake and is the tourist spot you must visit. Why? To fill your mind with the endearing landscapes and wait, your camera with bird photography.
Yes, Kumarakom is the exact place where migratory birds from November to February find their shelter. Even a boat ride will give you great shots of birds adding colors to the sky.
It won’t be wrong to say that Kerala represents Ayurveda, or is it the other way round? No matter what it is, the state has been swarmed by travelers for this art of healing. Ayurveda, which originated in India, is practiced with great joy in Kerala.
This system of medicine has been widely used in massages that are great relievers. Ayurvedic massages are practiced for well-being and growth in a natural way. Check out here Kerala Ayurveda Tour
10. Make the large mammal your buddy on a safari in Thekkady
Kerala has many sides, but when it comes to its wildlife, the state leaves no stone unturned to take care of the wild beings. After enjoying your typical jungle safari, trying elephant safari will be one of the fun things to try in Kerala.
Thekkady offers sessions where you can bathe, click photos and ride the elephants or spend some time by their side. It’s all up to you!
Another major aspect that lures tourists to Kerala is its cuisine. The state hosts a buffet for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food lovers and can amaze your taste buds. What makes the food of Kerala so authentic? The use of homegrown spices. The Keralan cuisine also has Arabian, French, and Malabari influences that will make you crave more.
Although the traditional food of Kerala, Sadhya, inclines on the vegetarian side, the non-vegetarian lovers don’t have to be disheartened. The huge variety of seafood offered here includes prawns, crab, oysters, sardines, mussels, tuna, mackerel, and lobsters.
What to try?
Top Vegetarian Dishes of Kerala: Idiyappam with Curry, Erissery, Ela Sadya, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Appam with Ishtu, Parippu Curry.
Top Non-Vegetarian Dishes of Kerala: Kerala Style Prawn Curry, Kerala Style Fish Molee, Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu, Karimeen Pollichathu, Thalassery Biryani.
12. Get awed by Kochi Fort’s mindblowing architecture
One of the most known structures in Kerala, Fort Kochi, is a beautiful place you must add to your Kerala itinerary. But, as you decide to take up the chance to visit, it won’t seem like a fort to you. Although it was a fortified city once. What we see today is a region in Kochi which is known for a couple of attractions settled in its realms.
What to see?
Starting from the famous St. Francis Church, the first European church in India, the way follows to the Vasco Da Gama square. The Chinese fishing nets here are 500-years-old and still going strong.
Moreover, Mattancherry and the Jew town are famous villages here. Where the former is a village holding spice markets and the latter has India’s oldest synagogue. You even get a chance to witness live Kathakali performances.
Kerala turns into a lush green paradise during the monsoon season. So if you want to feel that refreshing aura and calm your senses, visit Kerala during the monsoon. When in Kerala, expect to be swayed by the beauty and the monsoon twice. Yes, I’m not pulling your leg. The state experiences the rainy season twice, firstly in June and the next from October to November.
What to see?
The famous ayurvedic treatments, backwaters, waterfalls, and laid-back beaches are a must-see. Each one of these experiences in Kerala becomes more fascinating during the monsoon. Not to forget that the 10 days-long Onam festivities also take place between August and September.
A tour of the tea gardens of Munnar will transport you into another world. The lush greenery, the fresh tea aroma, and picturesque views make the tea tour one of the top Kerala things to do. The hill station poses a great climate to escape the heat and stunning views overlooking the valleys. Further, it is one of the most elevated tea plantations across the globe.
What’s the experience like?
Coming to the tour, you get to meet the local tea pickers who carefully handpick the leaves or use devices for the same. The tea leaves are picked up every day in kilograms and then sent for production. You also get a guided tour for the same in a tea factory.
15. Meet your new self amid the reviving hill stations
Something that Kerala is always seen praising is its dynamic hill stations. The kind of relaxing vibe that one gets just by being amid the lush greenery cannot be put into words. Not only does one get to skip the monotony of life but also discover so much about themselves.
That being said, hill stations in Kerala are the perfect way to fill yourself with peace where you can also try activities like hiking, trekking, and mountaineering.
16. Feel happiness taking over with a snake boat ride
Are you planning a trip to Kerala during autumn? As the famous snake boat races locally called Vallam Kali take place in Autumn, you are in for a fun holiday. The history of the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race goes back to 400 years when the Kings of Alleppey and the surrounding area used to fight on boats.
Leaving behind wartime, the boat races are now celebrated with great ardor. The Punnamada Lake in all its glory is a house full during the festival of Onam as that’s when the snake boat race is organized.
17. Become friends with the peanut lovers of Kerala
When we shift our focus to the wildlife of Kerala, we get to meet the large friendly mammals, Indian Elephants. If you hold affection for these mammals and want to spend some time with them, then this state is just the right place. When here, not only do you get a chance to spot them but also bathe them.
18. Grab a seat and adore the Mohiniyattam performers
In the 16th century, the classical form of dance originated in India. Taking its name from Mohini, the enchantress form of Goddess Vishnu, who by her feminine powers helps the good win over evil. It is one of the best experiences in Kerala, where the performers showcase the gentle and graceful feminine style of dancing.
Mohiniyattam is performed by a solo dancer who incorporates dancing and singing in a play form. Further, what’s interesting to see is the beautiful mudras and expressions of the performers.
Some would say that it takes one trip to fall in love with Kerala, maybe it’s true. The cool breeze following you everywhere, while you step in a houseboat floating over the Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in Kerala, is so dreamlike!
Fighting its place on the list of best things to do in Kerala, expect to be met by palm-shaded ways, beautified with the color-changing sky and vibrant birds.
Tanisha Sharma is that odd head in the crowd of travel writers who calls architecture to be her muse. When not traveling, she could be found daydreaming about all the architecture or food in the world. It won’t be wrong to say that writing, music, novels and dogs have taken over and become an essential part of her life.
Great, Very interesting to read this article. Alappuzha is one of my favorite places in Kerala. This is very useful for me. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kiran
Thank you for your kind words! Keep on following our blogs for more such informative posts in the future.