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Known as “God’s Own Country”, Kerala is a serene and pleasant state in southern India. There is an abundance of things to do in Kerala. This slender coastal state is unique because of its contrastingly layered landscape: almost 600 kilometres of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches, a graceful network of shimmering backwaters, and the hills of the Western Ghats covered in spices, herbs and tea-coffee plantations. It is no surprise then that Kerala offers a range of experiences catering to all kinds of travellers.
12 Things To Do In Kerala
Here are some things to do in Kerala that must be on your itinerary for an unforgettable trip, so let’s dive into some destinations.
1. Visit The Historical City Of Thiruvananthapuram
Photo: Prasanth Prakash / Wikimedia Commons
Kerala’s capital city, formerly Trivandrum, is famous for its perfect blend of colonial legacy and deep-rooted heritage. The town was built on seven hills and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Travancore. The most significant landmark here is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of India’s biggest, richest and most mysterious temples. Other vital temples include Attukall Bhagawathy temple and the Aazhimala Shiva temple. Napier Museum, an art and natural history museum, is also worth visiting for its rare collection of archaeological and historical artefacts. The museum also houses the Trivandrum Zoo, one of the oldest zoological gardens in India.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695102
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala In January
2. Get Lost In The Wilderness Of Vagamon
Photo: Rameshgowtham / Wikimedia Commons
Vagamon is an off-beat hill station located 3600 feet in the Western Ghats and is known for its tea gardens, pine forests, and waterfalls. The weather remains pleasant throughout the year and is conducive to adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing and paragliding. KTDC organises the International Paragliding Festival annually from March to April, which is worth attending if you plan a trip around that time. However, the most famous feature here is the Vagamon glass bridge, India’s longest cantilever glass bridge.
Location: Vagamon, Idukki, Kerala, 685503
Best Time To Visit: March to May and December to February
3. Relax On The Beaches Of Kovalam
Photo: BishkekRocks / Wikimedia Commons
Kovalam is a stunning coastal town that attracts Indian and international tourists owing to its natural beauty. And, visiting Kovalam is one of the best things to do in Kerala. The pristine, crescent-shaped beaches and spectacular sunset views make it an ideal destination for beach lovers. With its iconic red-and-white-striped lighthouse, the Lighthouse Beach is a perfect spot for sunbathing and swimming. Hawah Beach and Samudra Beach are famous for relaxation and water activities like surfing and parasailing.
Location: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695527
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Thalassery
4. Explore The Biodiversity Of Thekkady
Photo: SHYAMAL CHANDRA GHOSH / Wikimedia Commons,
Witnessing the biodiversity of Thekkady is an answer to what to do in Kerala. This hill station is famous for its forest reserves, home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It is also well-known for its spices and herbs, such as cardamom, tea and coffee. However, the most significant tourist attraction here is the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Pleasant weather provides a conducive atmosphere for adventure activities such as trekking, jungle safari, elephant safari, rafting, bird watching, etc.
Distance From Kochi: 155 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February
5. Enjoy The Laid-Back Vibes Of Varkala
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons
Varkala is a lesser-known gem that is famous for its clean and scenic beaches. One of its unique features is the cliff beaches, which can be up to 15 metres high and give a stunning panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. Preferred by international tourists and Indian travellers seeking a more relaxed retreat, Varkala offers many water activities, such as scuba diving, banana boating, parasailing and jet skiing. Numerous cafes and shops lining the cliff edge also add to the vibrancy of this small beach town.
Distance From Thiruvananthapuram: 41 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Keralamkundu Waterfalls
6. Immerse In The Cultural Richness Of Kochi
Photo: NamoNikumbh / Wikimedia Commons
Kochi is famous for its abundance of colonial sites, being part of the spice route, and its strategic location as a maritime port. The largest and most important port city of Kerala, this commercial coastal hub is a very scenic city and rightfully nicknamed the “Queen of Arabian Sea”. Some notable tourist points are the Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, the Kerala Kathakali Centre, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Chottanikkara Temple etc.
Distance From Cochin International Airport: 41 km from
Best Time To Visit: October to February
7. Get Immersed In The Backwaters Of Kumarakom
Photo: Lenish / Wikimedia Commons
This unique village is built on multiple small islands on the Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India. The main highlight of Kumarakom is backwater tourism, which happens to be one of the most pristine backwater networks in Kerala, surrounded by lush green paddy fields and coconut trees. In addition to this, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Kumarakom beach, the Aruvikkuzhi waterfalls, and the numerous toddy shops along the backwaters are worth exploring.
Distance From Kochi: 51 km
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
8. Discover The Spice Plantations Of Wayanad
Photo: RAJEEVrk246 / Wikimedia Commons
Wayanad is well known for its waterfalls, historical caves, luxury resorts, spice plantations and scenic landscapes. The air is filled with a distinctive aroma because of its various spices, which is why it is also known as the “Spice Garden” of India. There are many things to experience in Wayanad, such as trekking, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and mountaineering. In addition to the wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserve, Wayanad is also home to India’s largest earthen dam, the Banasura Sagar, famous for its splendid sunset views.
Distance From Kochi: 267 km
Best Time To Visit: November to February
9. Cruise In The Luxurious Houseboats Of Alappuzha
Photo: Saad Faruque / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best tourist destinations in India and the central hub of backwater tourism in Kerala, Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is unmatched in its houseboat and backwater experience. Alleppey has some of the most luxurious houseboats, and coursing in them through the beautiful backwaters gives the experience of being teleported to a different world. Other popular destinations are Alleppey Beach, Alleppey Lighthouse, Marari Beach, Shri Krishna Temple, St Mary’s church, and Vembanad Lake.
Distance From Kochi: 55 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Vattayi Waterfalls
10. Explore The Hill Stations Of Munnar
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
Located at 5200 feet above sea level, Munnar is arguably one of the most scenic hill stations in South India. It is famous for its lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, tea plantations, trekking routes, scenic drives and unique viewpoints. It used to be the summer retreat for the British, and naturally so because it feels no less than a paradise away from the chaos of city life. The incredible, pleasant weather makes it a perfect destination for honeymooners. Munnar also has many Ayurvedic centres that provide massages and Ayurvedic treatments that are profoundly reinvigorating.
Distance From Kochi: 124 km
Best Time To Visit: October to February
11. Taste The Flavors Of Kerala Cuisine
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikimedia Commons
Kochi’s culinary offerings are a delightful blend of traditional Kerala flavours and international influences. It is heaven, especially for seafood lovers, with famous dishes like the “Karimeen Pollichathu”. It is a local delicacy of pearl spot fish marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves before being grilled. For vegetarians, there are also some tasty treats such as the Kerala “Sadhya”. “Appam with Stew” is a popular breakfast dish consisting of soft, fluffy pancakes made from fermented rice batter, served with a vegetable or meat stew.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Green Thunder Water Theme Park
12. Experience The Festivals And Traditions
Photo: Arun Sinha / Wikimedia Commons
Kerala’s cultural calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that glimpse the state’s rich traditions and communal harmony. Onam, the harvest festival, is celebrated with grand feasts and the famous Pookalam, an intricate and colourful arrangement of flowers on the floor. Also, traditional games such as the snake boat races are held during the Onam season. They are a spectacular sight where teams of rowers compete in long, elegantly decorated boats. Another significant festival is Thrissur Pooram, held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur. It is known for its grand elephant processions and mesmerising fireworks display.
Best Time To Visit: August to September for Onam, April to May for Thrissur Pooram
These are some of the things to do in Kerala to include in your itinerary, but this list is by no means exhaustive. After all, Kerala has too many stunning destinations that should be visited at least once in a lifetime. And we assure you, once you’ve been to Kerala, you won’t be able to resist visiting again and again. So pack your bags and book a trip with TripXL, and we’ll be your guides for everything happening in Kerala!
Cover Photo: Anoopavanthika / Wikimedia Commons
