Kerala is considered by many to be the most peaceful and beautiful state in South India. The layered landscape of this slender coastal strip defines it: sparkling backwaters, amazing church, the spice and tea covered hills of the Western Ghats, and hill stations like Munnar. The Arabian Sea coast and beaches stretch for nearly 600 kilometers. Just set foot on this soothing palm-shaded green and your pace on the subcontinent will slow down. Kerala stands out from the rest of India due to its historic city.
Kerala is also home to wild elephants, exotic birds and tigers, in addition to its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, Ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced, palate-tingling delicacies. Vibrant traditions such as Kathakali, Theyam, temple fairs and snake boat races often bring the smallest villages to life. While Kerala’s numerous experiences have contributed to the state’s greatness, here are a few things every visitor should do during this time.
live in a houseboat
Alleppey, Kerala’s most popular tourist destination, is about a 4-hour drive from Thiruvananthapuram and offers breathtaking views of the backwaters. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to sail on a houseboat, one of the most popular things to do in Kerala. Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch while taking in the lush green countryside as you cruise through the calm backwaters of Kerala by boat. It’s as magical as it sounds.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included for the whole family on board, and calling ahead to book will give you a better deal. You can even take a double decker boat for around 600 rupees per hour. Aside from the small village surrounded by coconut palms, the most popular activity in the area is bird watching. At the very least, you should play this delightful game while on vacation in Kerala.
Visit a tea plantation
Anyone visiting Kerala should visit its lovely tea plantations. Visiting a plantation in Kerala, watching tea being processed and tasting a variety of teas is one of the must-do activities in the state. Buy locally grown tea at Bonakkad, Munnar, Idukki, Wayanad and Thiruvananthapuram, just a few hours from Kochi. You can try many different types and flavors of tea while visiting the tea plantation, then buy your favorite from the museum shop. For 1500 rupees, rent a jeep from Munnar to the 100-year-old Kolukkumalai tea plantation.
Visit a coffee plantation
Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee! For just 5000 rupees per night you can stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and enjoy all Kerala has to offer including hiking, night hunting, bonfires and plantation walks. There’s no better way to learn about the coffee-making process, from picking green beans to brewing to perfection.
Watch the Snake Boat Race
Snake boat races are held between July and September, especially during the Onam festival, and watching this exhilarating festival is one of the best things to do in Kerala. You can even rent a boat to watch the game from a distance and cheer on your favorite team as they pass each other on their way to victory. Alleppey is the nearest railway station and is easily accessible from Ernakulam.
Visit a wildlife sanctuary
A visit to Thekkady is a must if you want to take part in one of the most fascinating woodland activities in Kerala. Famous for its diverse forest cover, fauna, mammals and aquatic life, Thekkady is about 190 kilometers from Kochi. Walking through the Periyar forest, you can see Idukki, the Mullaperiyar Dam, beautiful vegetable farms, extensive vineyards and maybe even a critically endangered lion-tailed macaque. Combine this with an overnight stay in a tent or treehouse. If you don’t have a car, you can still take a ferry across Lake Periyar to the park, just as magical. A day trip costs INR 2000 per person.
Watch kathakali dance
If you’ve done the tour, join a Kathakali show for a sophisticated evening, one of the most incredible things to do in Kerala. Kathakali is a classical dance form from the southern provinces of India that originated in Kerala between the 16th and 17th centuries. Dancers dressed in bright costumes depict historical figures through poses and expressions. Historically, this dance form is thought to have developed as a result of a rivalry between two monarchs.
Indulge in Ayurveda classes
A refreshing Ayurvedic treatment is a must when you are on vacation in Kerala. Kerala has many Ayurvedic resorts offering various natural remedies. They produce a blend of natural herbs and oils designed to calm and relax the mind and body at the same time. Relieve stress and tension with a massage at eco-resorts like Niraamaya Samroha in Athirapilly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Kerala during Covid safety?
You must follow any safety instructions issued by the authorities. When you go out, make sure you wear a mask, dress appropriately, and practice safe social distancing. Avoid crowded places and keep a clean atmosphere for you and your companions.
What to do in Kerala in January?
Due to the mild weather in Kerala in January, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as boat trips, visits to Kalamachal, Pongal celebrations, and strolls through the Sholayar Forest Reserve or Marayoor Sandalwood Forest .
When is the best time to travel to Kerala?
Kerala is best visited during the pleasant monsoon season. However, to get the most out of your Kerala trip, we recommend that you travel between June and August.
What is the ideal length of stay in Kerala?
To visit the best of Kerala, you need a week to ten days.
What’s the climate like in Kerala?
Kerala’s climate is tropical warm with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The weather in the mountains is cooler than the rest of the state.
What should I bring on vacation to Kerala?
Temperatures in Kerala are mild and comfortable. So it would be a good idea to visit Kerala in shorts and flip flops. If you plan to go hiking, be sure to bring a pair of sneakers.
