Roaming in Munnar’s tea gardens, trying delicious Malayali cuisine, living inside floating houseboats, canoeing amid dense mangroves, watching energetic Kathakali performances, and attending joyous festivals with caparisoned elephants are just a few of the best things to do in Kerala on your holiday! Kerala has much more to offer beyond the usual green palm trees, misty hill stations, backwaters, and lush fields, which is why it was featured on CNN Travel’s 19 Places To Visit list in 2019!
75 Best Things To Do In Kerala
One is bound to find uniqueness in every element of God’s Own Country, be it natural beauty, cuisine, adventure activities, wildlife, architecture, and culture. Here is the complete list of the best activities to do in Kerala for any traveler who is planning to visit Kerala.
- Walk into a tea garden in Munnar
- Eat the world’s best breakfast
- Wander amid the paddy fields of Kerala
- Sip tender coconut water to beat the heat
- Enjoy the beauty of the backwaters in a houseboat
- Watch Snake Boat Racing
- Explore Kerala’s village life along the backwaters
- Fly to the world’s first solar-powered airport
- Eat a Sadya feast served on a banana leaf
- Go fishing at Fort Kochi
- Drape a traditional Kasavu saree
- Watch baby elephants bathe in their natural habitat
- Go birdwatching in Kerala’s bird sanctuaries
- Feel the monsoon rain
- Get an authentic Ayurvedic Spa treatment
- Stay at a homestay for a local touch
- Listen to soulful temple music
- Eat bananas
- Visit local markets
- Witness the famed Bullock Cart Race
- Stay in a treehouse
- Visit Lulu Mall
- See Lord Rama’s footprint at Kuravan Kurathi Statue
- Trace the footsteps of St. Thomas, Jesus Christ’s disciple
- Travel in an auto-rickshaw
- Watch local dance forms
- Ride a bullock cart
- Travel in a local train
- Romance in the hills
- Have a bowl of Payasam
- Taste Kerala’s famous streetfood & snacks
- Taste the thrill of adventure activities
- Get drenched under Kerala’s waterfalls
- Visit a museum
- Visit the zoo
- Explore the Bekal Fort
- Taste food cooked in earthenware
- Visit Jatayu Nature Park
- Visit a quiet beach like Cherai or Marari
- Go fishing on a houseboat
- Visit Snake Park
- Watch a classic shadow puppet show!
- Surf in the Arabian Sea
- Watch a Kalaripayattu show
- See fireworks in a temple festival
- Practice Yoga in an ashram
- Observe wildlife closely in Thekkady
- See the sunset at Kovalam Beach
- Say hello to the Nilgiri Tahr
- Roam the palaces of Kerala
- Embark on a trekking adventure
- Visit Kuttanad
- Wash away your sins at Papanasam Beach
- Wander into Munnar’s Flower Garden
- Have a picnic by the Heart Shaped Lake
- Show your palm to a fortune teller
- Design an Onam Pookalam (flower rangoli)
- Attend the Cochin Carnival
- Enjoy a shikara ride in the backwaters
- Pedal a traditional water wheel
- Wear jasmine in your hair
- Try your hand at percussion music
- Shop for Kathakali masks
- Go sunbathing
- Buy intricately designed jewelry in Kerala
- See your reflection in an Aranmula mirror
- Try spinning coir
- Explore Fort Kochi
- Venture out on a Jeep safari
- Walk on unique coconut trunk bridges
- Learn tea-making
- Wander amid pink lilies in Kumarakom
- Taste Komban Beer in Kerala
- Take a spice tour
- Gaze at blooming Neelakurinjis
1. Walk into a tea garden in Munnar
The hill station of Munnar is well known for its verdant hills with tea plantations and offers the best photo opportunities in Kerala. The tea gardens make a memorable background for honeymoon and family photographs.
Backdrops of greenery from the tea gardens and silvery mist among the mountains along with other tourist spots in Munnar form a perfect setting for rejuvenating walks, nature hikes, and photography in Munnar, which are anyway some of the best things to do in Kerala. Many tea estates here may not allow trespassing, so make sure you seek permission before photographing.
Where: Munnar’s best tea estates
2. Eat the world’s best breakfast
Rated as the world’s best breakfast by Travel & Leisure magazine, Kerala’s healthy breakfast is cooked with pure, fresh, natural, and seasonal local ingredients. Begin your day with Upma, Kadala Curry, Puttu, Idly, Idiyappam, and Appam. Appams are recommended with vegetable stew or meat/chicken stew.
Where: All over Kerala
3. Wander amid the paddy fields of Kerala
Get a vivid experience of taking a stroll through the green paddy fields of Kerala. See Kerala’s lush beauty and where its delicious rice, used to make so many of its staple dishes, actually come from.
Wandering through these fields, feeling the soft mud and cool water under your feet, gives a relaxing sensation and is among the best things to do in Kerala, especially if you visit in the mornings or the evenings.
Where: Wayanad, Palakkad
4. Sip tender coconut water to beat the heat
Sipping on cool, fresh, and healthy tender coconut water on a hot summer day will rejuvenate you and keep you active throughout the day. For most travelers, having fresh coconut water is among the most essential things to do in Kerala and other tropical regions.
Coconut water is said to have countless health benefits and is filled with electrolytes that help instantly recharge the mind and body.
Several roadside vendors all across Kerala sell freshly plucked coconuts at nominal rates. You can choose between a water-based coconut or one that has pulp as well since the latter too is preferred by many.
They’ll remove the top with one swift motion and serve you your preferred coconut’s water-filled shell with a straw. The tender, white pulp of the coconut is just as delicious as its cool, sweet water and also has many nutritional values.
Where: All across Kerala, specially coastal locations
5. Enjoy the beauty of the backwaters in a houseboat
Explore the backwaters of Kerala in a houseboat, a floating house. They have the comforts of a home with bedrooms, a dining area, and a lounge. The glass walls give you a clear view of the surroundings while sailing. The best things to do in Kerala include enjoying traditional Kerala food, fishing, canoeing, and sightseeing on its traditional wooden houseboats!
For honeymooners and couples visiting Kerala, sailing on pretty houseboats amid picturesque surroundings is one of the favorite things to do in Alleppey and Kumarakom. They provide them with romantic experiences like on-deck candlelight dinners with cake overlooking serene surroundings, flower arrangements, boating, and much more. Most Kerala honeymoon packages organize special experiences for honeymoon couples in Kerala houseboats.
Where: Alleppey, Kumarakom
6. Watch Snake Boat Racing
Watch snake boats race at Alappuzha, the Backwater Capital of Kerala. Feel the excitement of the racers and the enthusiastic crowd that shout, cheer, wave, and clap with great competitive spirit while watching the Nehru Trophy Boat Race year after year!
You could get a first-hand experience of the race by renting a snake boat and participating in it yourself as this is among the most enjoyable things to do in Kerala in September. You can also watch the Champions Boat League, the mother of all snake boat races in the world! It features 9 teams competing in the great backwaters of Kerala in 12 different venues between 2:30 PM to 5 PM from August to November every year and is live-streamed all over the world!
Where: Alappuzha (August-September)
7. Explore Kerala’s village life along the backwaters
Get a closer look at the village life of Kerala through a backwater village tour. Ride on a bullock cart, meet the locals and explore their lifestyles, enjoy homemade food made by them and learn their traditional recipes, and witness the charming rural architecture of Kerala in the houses, temples, and churches of these villages.
Where: Alleppey, Kumarakom
8. Fly to the world’s first solar-powered airport
Cochin International Airport, which is the biggest and busiest airport in Kerala, received the United Nation’s 2018 Champions of the Earth Award for becoming the world’s first solar power airport.
It might sound strange, but travelers find flying through the Kochi Airport as one of the best things to do in Kerala to witness this aspect of it. The other reason is its stunning traditional architecture depicting Kerala’s unique culture! From the announcement systems to the digital displays and conveyor belts, the entire airport is powered by solar energy!
Kerala has a hot and sunny climate and Cochin has put it to the perfect use – generating clean energy for a facility that uses massive energy to function! In addition to this, Kerala has generated a surplus of energy over the years which the Cochin Airport utilizes when sunshine is not present.
Where: Kochi
9. Eat a Sadya feast served on a banana leaf
Sit cross-legged on a mat and feast on the traditional Onam Sadya, Kerala’s traditional meal served with everything from varieties of rice, bread, pickles, vegetarian dishes, pappadam, salad, and payasam.
This feast is part of Kerala’s rich heritage and one of the most traditional things to do in Kerala. It is enjoyed more when eaten with the hands instead of cutlery.
It’s a pure vegetarian meal served on a tender banana leaf usually during temple festivals like Onam, religious ceremonies, and auspicious occasions like weddings in Kerala.
However, most of the hotels in Kerala also serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of Sadya as a typical lunch meal (on prior request) to give travelers a taste of Kerala’s most authentic local cuisine.
Where: Restaurants like Fort House Restaurant (Fort Kochi); temples across Kerala during Onam (August/September)
10. Go fishing at Fort Kochi
Toss traditional Chinese fishing nets into the Arabian Sea in Kochi for the most unusual fishing experience! It is an unusual method of fishing using Chinese fishing nets that are fixed land installations and operated from the shores itself. These are set up on bamboo and teak poles and held horizontally by huge mechanisms, which lower them into the sea gradually.
They are counter-weighed by large stones tied to ropes which makes it easy even for tourists to operate them and enjoy fishing along with local fishermen. It serves as the primary method of fishing in Kochi and is among the best things to do in Kerala even for a beginner.
The original Chinese fishing nets used here had originated from the court of Kublai Khan, a Mongolian King.
Where: Fort Kochi, Kochi
ALSO SEE – Shades of Kochi: Cultural & Heritage Day Tour
11. Drape a traditional Kasavu saree
Women can surprise their partners by draping the elegant and traditional Kasavu saree. Kerala’s famous Kasavu saree is made with a golden zari border and woven on a traditional handloom.
You’ll find that wearing a traditional Malayali saree during festivals and on special occasions like weddings is among the best things to do in Kerala. And you’ll surely get amazing pictures in this traditional wear to remember your trip by! These sarees also make a gift for friends and family back home.
Where: Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Thekkady
12. Watch baby elephants bathe in their natural habitat
Have you ever witnessed the most adorable sight of baby elephants playing, running, and bathing in water in their natural habitat? You can reward yourself with this heart-melting sight in God’s Own Country!
Watching sweet elephants play in the water is among the best things to do in Kerala if you are looking for a truly relaxing and enriching experience in the lap of pristine nature! It allows you to observe nature’s most gentle beings at a close range and offers the most endearing, heart-melting sights!
Where: Anakulam village near Munnar, Kovalam Elephant Village, Periyar National Park in Thekkady
13. Go birdwatching in Kerala’s bird sanctuaries
Witnessing Southern India’s exotic and rare birds, both resident and migratory, is always a thrilling experience for travelers who are only used to watching crows and pigeons throughout their city lives!
Birdwatching in Kerala brings you face to face with the natural beauty preserved in its varied terrain and the precious birds seeking refuge in them. It’s among the most enjoyable activities sin Kerala for people of all ages.
There are several renowned bird sanctuaries in Kerala like the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Thettekad Bird Sanctuary. You can spot birds like Grey-headed Bulbul, Wynaad Laughingthrush, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Parakeet, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, White-bellied Treepie, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Rufous Babbler, Malabar Lark, and the Crimson-backed Sunbird.
Where: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Thettekad Bird Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island
ALSO SEE – Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Photos & Images
14. Feel the monsoon rain
Getting drenched in the monsoon rain in Kerala is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss! Watch the rain from the balcony/patio of your hotel, resort, or homestay, or you can simply head out and take a walk in it! Catch raindrops in your palm, feel it on your face, enjoy the rhythmic music of its pitter-patter, and take in the scent of the wet earth when it rains!
You can also enjoy it by sipping on a hot cup of Munnar’s masala tea or Wayanad’s coffee freshly plucked and brewed. The landscapes of Kerala turn divine when rain falls on its dry land. Breathing in the mood, music, and magical scent of the monsoon is one of the best things to do in Kerala! If you’re visiting with your better half and it rains, you shouldn’t miss out on the romantic experience of embracing it together!
Where: Munnar, Wayanad, Bekal Fort, Ponmudi, Vagamon, Athirappilly
15. Get an authentic Ayurvedic Spa treatment
The science of Ayurveda was born in Kerala centuries ago and is now the foremost system of holistic health and natural medicine in the entire world. You can get an Ayurveda massage from expert and experienced masseuses of Kerala who have been practicing this discipline for years at various Ayurveda resorts and Ayurvedic Spa centers across Kerala.
It is a very relaxing experience for your body, mind, and soul. Traditionally, monsoon is the best time to take an authentic Ayurvedic massage in Kerala, as the climate is suitable for treatments like Abhyangam, Ilakkizhi (Patrasweda), Podikkizhi (Choorna Swedana), Panchakarma, Udvarthanam (Herbal powder massage), Navarakizhi, Ksheeradhara, Thakradhara, and Pizhichil for several kinds of ailments. Taking Ayurveda Spa and massage therapies are the best things to do in Kerala in June, July, and August.
Where: Ayurvedic centers in Kovalam, Ayurveda resorts in Kerala
16. Stay at a homestay for a local touch
Staying in a traditional Kerala homestay is one of the most enriching things to do in Kerala if you’re seeking a truly authentic experience and want to explore it like a local. This will offer you a chance to enjoy the hospitality of a native family and be part of their local traditions and day-to-day practices. You will also get to taste authentic Malayali cuisine!
There are many homestays in Kerala in the form of colonial bungalows and heritage buildings that have retained their exteriors and offer the most comfortable amenities to guests to ensure they have a memorable and homely stay.
Where: All across Kerala
17. Listen to soulful temple music
Kerala’s temple music, which is usually a part of the natives’ prayers and festivals, tends to put listeners in a trance and transport them to another plane entirely! Kerala is famous for its temple art, the Panchavadyam, which is an orchestra of 5 native instruments – elathalam, timila, shudha-maddalam, kombu, and edakka.
Kerala is known for its rich tradition of Carnatic music and songs that talk about century-old Malayalam literature. One can hear traditional Malayali music in temple rituals, festivals, auspicious occasions like weddings, prayer ceremonies, and temple theater performances.
Most native Malayali music is poetry-driven and essentially a harmonious blending of the three chief forms of art – geetam (vocal, lyrical music), vadyam (instrumental music), and nrityam (dramatic dance). If you’re looking for Kerala things to do that bring you closer to its rich musical heritage, visit its temples!
Where: Temple festivals like Alpasi Utsavam in Trivandrum (Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple), Vaikom Ashtami in Vaikom (Vaikom Mahadeva Temple), Guruvayur Anayottam in Guruvayur (Guruvayur temple), and Thrissur Pooram (Vadakunnathan temple)
18. Eat bananas
Bananas in Kerala are quite noticeable and different in their size, shape, and even colors. They are everything from long, small, and tall bananas in Kerala, but the most famous variety is its Nendran bananas. These are grown and sold in abundance in Kerala, and eaten almost as much as coconuts!
There are also many ‘banana special’ dishes and items like banana milkshakes, banana fritters, and banana ice cream sold across the state. The best and most favorite of them, however, are the crunchy banana chips! Buying a few packets of these crispy delights is among the best things to do in Kerala if you’re looking for the perfect gift for family and friends and the most delicious snack for your tea time back home!
Where: Thrissur, Kochi, Palakkad, Thrissur, Malappuram
19. Visit local markets
The packed crowds, high-pitched voices of merchants and vehicles, people jostling around goods, aromas of food wafting in the air – there is no denying that the best and most honest taste of any place comes from its local markets.
Most local markets in Kerala are clusters of small stalls selling everyday items like fresh vegetables and fruits, juices, fish and meat, spices, groceries, utensils, flowers, and more. Looking for localized experiences in Kerala? You’ll find visiting its markets to be one of the most exciting things to do in Kerala to understand its culture better.
Kerala also has its versions of flea markets and night bazaars where tourists can buy things like handicrafts, spices, pickles, coir items, junk jewelry, incense sticks, tea, coffee, elephant figurines, snake boat models, Kathakali masks, and banana chips.
Where: Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Thekkady, Palakkad
20. Witness the famed Bullock Cart Race
Horse racing is a thing of the past! Kerala has something as bizarre and thrilling as bullock cart races. Known here as Maramadi, these unique races are highly entertaining and fun to watch. And the best part, they do not involve torturing or killing these mighty animals!
The Bullock Cart Race Maramadi takes place in the flooded rice fields of Kerala and attending it is among the best things to do in Kerala in August, which makes it infinitely more entertaining for the crowds watching from the sidelines.
Where: Kakkoor village near Piravom town, Ernakulam district
21. Stay in a treehouse
Kerala is the one place that lets you bring your childhood fantasy of living in a dreamy treehouse to life! Staying in a wooded cabin high up in the trees is among the best things to do in Kerala for uninterrupted views of its heavenly scenery and to get up close and personal with nature. Waking up to flower scents, morning dew, birdsong, and mist-covered surroundings will be the most refreshing holiday experience!
There is a good collection of treehouse resorts in Kerala in places like Munnar, Wayanad, and Athirapally offering travelers the best experiences of staying in Kerala. You can find treehouse stays in our range of Kerala treehouse honeymoon packages and Kerala tour packages.
Where: Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, Athirapilly, Vagamon, Vythiri
22. Visit Lulu Mall
Experience a shade of modern Kerala by visiting Lulu Mall in Kochi. It is the largest shopping mall in India with food courts, restaurants, family entertainment zones, a multiplex, an ice skating rink, and a bowling alley. It’s a must-visit to understand the consumerist trends in Kerala and to buy its exotic handicrafts to take back home with you!
Where: Kochi
23. See Lord Rama’s footprint at the Kuravan Kurathi Statue
Ramakkalmedu is a place in the Idukki district of Kerala and is popular for folklore surrounding it. According to the legend of Ramayana, Lord Ram had set foot on this rock during his search for Goddess Sita. which is why the rock is now called Rama-Kal-Medu, which translates to ‘Rama’s foot imprints’.
The place has tremendous religious and spiritual significance, especially the statue of Kuruvan and Kuruthi located at the top of one of the Ramakkalmedu hills, and is a must-see not only for its sheer size but also for the surreal view it offers of the surrounding hills and greenery.
The place has a massive spiritual aura that is said to cleanse one’s soul! Visiting Kuravan Kurathi is one of the best things to do in Kerala for those seeking inner peace!
Where: Ramakkalmedu in Idukki
24. Trace the footsteps of St. Thomas, the disciple of Jesus Christ
When Jesus gave a mandate to his Apostles to go out to the whole world and proclaim the Good News, St Thomas was sent to India! Legend has it that he had landed upon Malayattoor and established a shrine at the top of a mountain. It is believed today that hiking up that mountain to listen to the Mass in Malayalam is a unique experience that brings prosperity and discipline to one’s life.
Disciples hike up the mountain every day by chanting “Muthappan”, the name by which they invoke St. Thomas on the mountain. Visiting this enlightening shrine devoted to St Thomas is among the best things to experience in Kerala, especially in April and May.
Where: St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church in Malayattoor, Aluva Taluk
25. Travel in an auto-rickshaw
Though auto-rickshaws are common across India, Kerala’s versions are by far the most fun! It’s a common man’s vehicle that is easily distinguishable, can go anywhere, can weave through the thickest of traffic, and is super exciting to ride in!
Kerala’s 3-wheel auto rickshaws are also the best way to explore this tropical destination to feel its cool sea breeze tickle your face! These black and yellow colored rickshaws can drive you to any location and riding one is among the most fun things to do in Kerala!
Where: All across Kerala
26. Watch local dance forms
There are many local art and dance forms in Kerala including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and Thiruvathira. Watching one or two of these dance performances at the state’s many heritage centers and theaters is among the best things to do in Kerala to understand why the world is always in awe of its famous dance forms!
You’ll certainly be impressed with the vivid colors, costumes, and traditional music, as well as the fluid body movements and intricate expressions of the performing artists, most of whom train for years to master their art and become perfect at it!
Where: Kerala Kalamandalam in Thrissur, Kerala Kathakali Center in Kochi, Rhythms Theatre in Kochi, Margi Theatre in Trivandrum
27. Ride a bullock cart
Riding through the muddy lanes of a local Malayali village in a bullock cart is among the most fun things to do in Kerala that you’ll never forget! The ringing of the bells fastened in the necks of oxen along with the smooth sound of the cart create a beautiful and soothing melody, an experience you won’t find in the noisy streets and traffic-ridden roads of the cities!
Where: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, Kakkoor village, Kumily village, Thiruvalla town
28. Travel in a local train
You must take a train ride at least once in Kerala! Journeying on a train will take you through the changing landscapes of Kerala most conveniently and cost-effectively as possible, especially if you are from outside Kerala. Try and grab a window seat and let your eyes drink in the magical views outside!
Have a friendly chat with fellow passengers, munch on delicious snacks like banana chips and fresh coconut slices sold by vendors, and enjoy the cool tropical breeze of God’s Own Country as hills and fields whiz past! There are plenty of railway stations spread across Kerala and riding trains is anyway one of the best things to do in Kerala to travel around the state in a comfortable and pocket-friendly way.
Where: Railway stations in Kochi, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Aluva, Kottayam, and Kollam among others
29. Romance in the hills
The hill stations of Kerala are famous for their surreal views, cool weather, year-round chilly winds, resplendent greenery, mist-coated peaks, and the heady scent of wet earth early in the morning. Romance oozes from every element of Kerala’s scenic hills!
Can you think of better things to do in Kerala with your partner than taking a stroll amid blooming orchards and tea estates high up in its scenic hills?
Whether you’re looking for the best destination to start your married life or to rekindle the magic, the many hill stations across Kerala will make for the perfect abode, especially in October, November, and December.
Where: Munnar, Wayanad, Vagamon, Vythiri, Athirapally, Ponmudi
30. Have a bowl of Payasam
Payasam is a traditional milk-based delicacy enjoyed with meals in households, temple rituals, and auspicious occasions like weddings, and festivals in Kerala. It is made in pure ghee with rich and flavor-packed ingredients like vermicelli, gram, rice, sugar or jaggery, dried fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, you’re bound to enjoy this sweet and creamy dessert, an indispensable part of Keralan cuisine!
Where: Taste Trees Payasakada in Kochi, Nalukettu Payasam in Kozhikode, Pisharody’s Restaurant in Thrissur, Saravana Bhavan in Kochi, Makkachiyude Payasakada in Trivandrum
31. Taste Kerala’s famous streetfood & snacks
Bonda, Sukhiyan, and Pazhampori are some of the most famous snacks in Kerala. Taking a late-night stroll through the streets of Kerala and enjoying these delicious snack items sold by streetside vendors is one of the best things to do in Kerala with your partner or friends!
Several roadside stalls all over Kerala serve these unique snacks like Bonda (sweet wheat fritters), Sukhiyan (crispy gram molds), Pazham Pori (banana fritters), Uzhunnu Vada (lentil doughnuts), Chatti Pathiri (sweet or meat-based pastries), and banana chips. Take some time out while holidaying in Kerala to taste some of these snacks with hot tea or coffee!
Where: All across Kerala
32. Taste the thrill of adventure activities
There has been a rise in adventure tourism in Kerala in the past decade. As a place dotted with rivers, beaches, hills, valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests, Kerala carries great potential for adventure tourism and attracts a large influx of adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies each year!
Trekking, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing, camping and glamping, ziplining, bamboo rafting, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, diving, parasailing, catamaran sailing, paramotoring, and paragliding are among the most popular Kerala adventure activities travelers can enjoy in various locations across the state!
Where: Varkala, Vagamon, Thekkady, Munnar, Wayanad, Thenmala, Alleppey, Kolukkumalai, Kovalam, Kannur
33. Get drenched under Kerala’s waterfalls
Kerala has a lot of majestic waterfalls like the famed Athirapally Falls, also called the ‘Niagara Falls of India’, that invite visitors to take a dip in their refreshing cool waters and relax amid untampered natural beauty! Many of the waterfalls in Kerala don’t even require visitors to climb mountains or trek through deep jungles. Several of them are located right on the roadsides! When you drive to Munnar or Wayanad, you can see many refreshing waterfalls on the way itself!
Picnicking next to a roaring waterfall, dipping your feet in its cold pool, listening to the musical rhythm of falling water, and enjoying the lush greenery surrounding it are some of the best things to do in Kerala in June, July, August, and September during and after the monsoon season (provided you don’t visit during heavy showers).
Where: Athirappilly Waterfalls, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Lakkom Waterfalls, Soochipara Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Attukad Waterfalls
34. Visit a museum
The museums of Kerala are renowned for handicrafts, historical ornaments, grand carts, and ivory carvings of faces and masks of Kathakali among others. It’s a must for you to visit at least one museum in Kerala during your visit. Also, you must try and visit in January or March to avoid crowds.
Where: Museum of Kerala History in Kochi, Napier Museum in Trivandrum, Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi, Arakkal Museum in Kannur, Teak Museum in Nilambur
35. Visit the zoo
If you’re visiting Kerala with kids, you must take them to the Kerala Zoo! The zoo and zoological parks can be a nice addition to your itinerary in Kerala as they will bring you face-to-face with many exotic animal and bird species of southern India in case you miss out on a few during your safari!
The Trivandrum Zoo offers not only a close view of the Malabar wildlife but also offers guests beautiful lakes and lawns where they can relax and have a family picnic. Many find exploring the natural avenues of Kerala Zoo to be among the most relaxing activities in Kerala for kids and families.
Where: The Trivandrum Zoological Park
36. Explore the Bekal Fort
The Bekal Fort of Kasaragod covers an area of about 35 acres. It’s at a height of 130 ft. above sea level and its huge red structure makes it the largest and the best fort in Kerala. Set right on the coast, the ancient Bekal Fort and the sunny Bekal beach make a nice vintage contrast, exploring which will surely be among the best things to do in Kerala for anyone seeking an offbeat experience!
The best time to Visit Bekal to explore the city and its beach is the winter season from October to February when you can watch the majestic sea from the top of the Bekal Fort!
Where: Bekal
37. Taste food cooked in earthenware
Many homes in Kerala still use earthenware pots with wood as fuel to make the delicious cuisine of Kerala that the world loves!
The women of Kerala still cook food in ancient earthenware as they believe that food prepared in these pots adds a special and natural taste to the food. When in Kerala, you must taste food cooked in earthenware, and even try your hand at cooking it yourself!
Where: Traditional homestays in Kerala, The Manchatti Restaurant in Trivandrum, Pathirakozhi Restaurant in Kochi
38. Visit Jatayu Nature Park
The Jatayu Nature Park is a themed park named after Jatayu, the legendary bird that tried to rescue Sita from the evil clutches of Ravana as per the Hindu epic Ramayana. Located in the Kollam district of Kerala, the Jatayu rock and park area is a treat to the eyes and offers innumerable adventures to tourists of all ages!
If you’re seeking the perfect mix of history, folklore, stunning architecture, and adventure, Jatayu Earth’s Centre Nature Park should top your list of best things to do in Kerala! Focused on promoting mythology, adventure, and wellness tourism, this themed park and statue makes for a great location for amazing Instagram snaps!
Where: Kollam
ALSO SEE – Jatayu Earth Center- Booking, Tickets, Timings, Entry Fee & Photos (Updated)
39. Visit a quiet beach like Cherai or Marari
Cherai and Marari beaches are not just known for their secluded and pristine turf but are also two of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala where you can enjoy your tryst with solitude. While there are fewer tourists on both beaches, you’ll surely come across several fishermen hauling Chinese fishing nets into the sea!
If you are lucky, you can even spot dolphins from the shore itself or during a boat ride into the sea! Travelers usually report seeing them leaping out with a marvelous splash and somersaulting in the air before diving back!
Where: Mararikulam, Cherai
40. Go fishing on a houseboat
Plan to go sailing in a houseboat? Among other things, you will get to watch traditional Kerala fishing practices from the houseboat itself. You can also try fishing with a fishing rod yourself.
All you have to do is put fish feed at the end and hang it into the water till it starts feeling heavy. Or you can simply get a fishnet and spread it in the water. Whatever method you choose, you’ll find that fishing on a houseboat is among the most fun things to do in Kerala! You won’t return empty-handed! And the best part is that you will have fresh fish prepared with Kerala’s exotic spices to enjoy for dinner onboard!
Where: Alleppey, Kumarakom
41. Visit Snake Park
As the name suggests, Kerala’s famed Parassinkkadavu Snake Park located in Parassinikadavu, Kannur, has three snake pits and fifteen glass cases containing different species of snakes.
Two large glass cases are for King Cobras. There is also an exciting and informative snake show conducted every hour which is worth watching, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Where: Parassinikkadavu in Kannur district
42. Watch a classic shadow puppet show!
Tholpavakoothu means puppetry in Malayali and refers specifically to a traditional shadow puppet show that one can watch in several places across Kerala. It is a compound word of three Malayalam terms – ‘thol’ meaning leather, ‘pava’ meaning doll, and ‘koothu’ meaning the play.
Watching this fascinating and entertaining form of art and shadow puppetry is one of the best things to do in Kerala, and is practiced in Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts of Kerala. Tholpavakoothu is dedicated to Bhadrakali and shows scenes from Ramayana.
Where: Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Thrissur, Tholpavakoothu Kerala Puppetry School Palakkad, Kali Temple in Palakkad, Adishakti Theatre Malappuram
43. Surf in the Arabian Sea
Kerala is a popular destination in India for surfing. Surfing enthusiasts from around the world flock to the shores of Kannur, Kovalam, and Varkala in January and February each year to engage in this sport or to learn it at the top-notch surfing schools here.
They’re also rather secluded as compared to other surfing destinations around the world, giving surfers privacy and space to learn and practice it. This is why they make great destinations to indulge in this thrilling experience and one of the best things to do in Kerala.
Where: Soul & Surf surfing school in Varkala, Kovalam Surf Club, Surfing School Kannur
44. Watch a Kalaripayattu show
Kalaripayattu, the martial art form of Kerala, is among the oldest and most scientific self-defense forms in the world. Kalaripayattu, which include strikes, kicks, grappling, preset forms, weaponry, healing methods, stunts, and fighting stances, is worth seeing on your Kerala holiday.
Where: C.V.N. Kalari in Trivandrum, Greenix Village in Kochi, Kadathanadan Kalari in Thekkady, Mudra Cultural Centre in Kumily
45. See fireworks in a temple festival
No Kerala temple festival is complete without a dramatic fireworks show in the sky! The most famous temple festival in Kerala for witnessing the same is Thrissur Pooram in Thrissur.
See the night sky light up in multiple flashy colors as noisy fireworks shoot to the skies one after the other over the illuminated temples of Thrissur. The fireworks are usually released once the festival celebrations come to an end!
Where: Thrissur
46. Practice Yoga in an ashram
There are several renowned and well-equipped ashrams spread across Kerala that conduct daily Yoga sessions amid lush greenery and untouched natural surroundings under the expert guidance and supervision of spiritual gurus and Ayurvedic healers.
Practicing the art of Yoga and meditation in Kerala, the birthplace of Ayurveda is among the best things to do in Kerala for rejuvenating your body, mind, and soul and cleansing the spirit!
Where: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in Trivandrum, Sivananda Ashramam in Palakkad, Santhi Yoga Foundation in Kochi
47. Observe wildlife closely in Thekkady
Take a close look at wildlife and aviaries while boating or bamboo rafting in Thekkady.
Herds of deer running, baby elephants playing around their parents, fierce tigers drinking water at the river banks, monkeys hopping from one branch to another, and birds catching fish from the water – Thekkady is a haven for wildlife lovers and photographers with all that it offers!
Where: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve in Thekkady
48. See the sunset at Kovalam Beach
Observe the timeless beauty of Kovalam’s shores bathed in the hues of the setting sun! Kovalam Beach is one of the best beaches in Kerala particularly for its picture-perfect sunsets, which are a beautiful tapestry every single evening and flood the whole beach in warm, golden light.
It’s a spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss! In fact, one of the most romantic things to do in Kerala is witnessing the sunset at Kovalam Beach with your beloved!
Where: Kovalam
49. Say hello to the Nilgiri Tahr
Meet the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare species of ibex endemic to the wilderness of Munnar. You can spot herds of these interesting animals at the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, the home of the Nilgiri Tahr and the Anamudi Peak. The park was initially established to protect the Nilgiri Tahr before being recognized as a national park in 1978.
Munnar shelters half of the world’s population of Nilgiri Tahr. Spending a morning watching these gentle and friendly animals grazing in their natural habitat is among the best things to do in Kerala for animal lovers as well as wildlife photographers.
Where: Eravikulam National Park in Munnar
50. Roam the palaces of Kerala
Kerala’s magnificent palaces speak volumes of the expert masonry and expert architectural skills of its people. If you leave Kerala without visiting one or more of its palaces, you will have missed out on something cool!
Visiting any of the 9 most surreal palaces in Kerala will give you a deep insight into its diverse culture, heritage, and folklore and is among the most enlightening things to do in Kerala.
Where: Kanakakunnu Palace in Trivandrum, Mattancherry Palace in Kochi, Krishnapuram Palace in Alappuzha, Padmanabhapuram Palace in Velli Hills/Kanyakumari
51. Embark on a trekking adventure
Trekking in Kerala is a truly rejuvenating and recharging experience. While it can be a little taxing sometimes, it brings you close to nature that is undisturbed, calm, and breathtaking.
Munnar and Thekkady are the perfect avenues to go trekking in Kerala, which is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Kerala. They both possess the perfect terrain with beautiful valleys, mountains, and forested areas to indulge in trekking.
Where: Chembara Peak in Wayanad, Meesapulimala in Idukki, Kolukkumalai in Munnar, Thenmala mountain ranges
52. Visit Kuttanad
Kuttanad is a beautiful backwater destination and the only place in the world where farming is practiced below sea level. It covers parts of the Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Pathanamthitta districts and is known to have several topographical peculiarities.
The vast green paddy fields of Kuttanad are surrounded by beautiful backwaters and add a magnificent touch to the whole place, giving it a paradisiacal look.
Where: Kuttanad Taluk
53. Wash away your sins at Papanasam Beach
There is a belief in Kerala that taking a bath at the Papanasam Beach in Varkala tends to wash away one’s sins.
You must go there at least once and take a dip in its crystal clear waters sitting in the midst of verdant green surroundings. Enjoy your tryst with mythology along with visiting one of the best beaches near Trivandrum to make the most of your trip.
Where: Papanasham Beach in Varkala
54. Wander into Munnar’s Flower Garden
The awe-inspiring Flower Garden in Munnar, or KFDC Garden, is a hub of natural beauty. The garden has a diverse variety of flora including medical plants, herbs, spice and vanilla plantations, bonsai, and different species of flowers like orchids, anthurium, and roses among others. There is also a separate section for tea gardens.
If you love the beauty and aroma of blooming flowers, visiting the Flower Garden will surely be one of the best things to do in Kerala.
Where: Floriculture Centre in Munnar
55. Have a picnic by the Heart Shaped Lake
Chembra Peak is the highest peak in the Wayanad district of Kerala and has a perennial heart-shaped lake sitting halfway to it that always fascinates visitors! The Heart Shaped Lake, sitting in isolation near the top and overlooking splendid green peaks and valleys around, is one of the most romantic places in Kerala.
Covered with mist during the winter season, the perennial lake has water in it throughout the year, offering a scenic respite to tired trekkers. Trekking to the lake and hanging out in its vicinity is one of the best things to do in Kerala for honeymooners, couples, and adventure seekers.
Where: Chembra Peak in Wayanad district
56. Show your palm to a fortune teller
You can find plenty of fortune tellers in the streets of Kerala ready to give you a glimpse of your future just by taking a look at your palm. Regardless of whether they’re right or wrong, travelers find it rather fun to indulge in possible futures of their lives and have a laugh!
The traditional fortune tellers of Kerala are trained in the art and having a simple interaction with one can be one of the most fun things to do in Kerala, especially if your fortune is determined by a cute little parrot!
Where: Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur, Thekkady, Palakkad, Kollam
57. Design an Onam Pookalam (flower rangoli)
Pookalam is essentially a flower ‘rangoli’, an intricate and colorful arrangement of flowers on a surface usually in a specific pattern. In Kerala, a Pookalam is usually made during the festival of Onam with flowers, petals, and leaves, which is why it’s generally called an Onam Pookalam.
You must visit Kerala during Onam and try your Pookalam designing skills in the many temples and households across Kerala! You’ll find it to be one of the best things to do in Kerala during the 10-day grand celebration of Onam!
Where: All across Kerala (August/September)
58. Attend the Cochin Carnival
If you are in Kerala in the last week of December, you must not miss the grand Cochin Carnival! The highlight of the carnival is the massive procession on New Year’s Day. Celebrate your New Year with great music, dance, a fancy dress parade, and electrifying fireworks!
Where: Kochi
59. Enjoy a shikara ride in the backwaters
A shikara ride in the backwaters of Kerala is a popular day-time cruise option for backwater tourism in Kerala. It involves sailing in a small, slender boat with a covered roof and open sides. Shikaras have luxurious reclining seats but are deprived of the facilities of a houseboat owing to their size.
One shikara can carry 2 to 10 people at a time depending on the size of the boat and is a great way to explore the backwaters at a close range. Leisurely riding a shikara down the lagoons and canals of Alleppey and Vembanad Lake tends to be one of the most invigorating activities to do in Kerala.
Where: Alleppey, Kumarakom
60. Pedal a traditional water wheel
In the early days, farmers in Kerala used traditional water wheels, or Chakram Chavittal, to try and pump water into the fields and maximize crop growth. These wheels were once the only source to dewater (or drain) the fields before the advent of electric motors. You can still find these traditional water wheels in many small villages and fields of Kerala.
If you find one, request the farmer to pedal it and show you how it works. Once you get the hang of it, you can even try pedaling it yourself to discover why it’s one of the best things to do in Kerala on your trip!
Where: Thiruvalla Taluk, Kuttanad Taluk, villages in Alleppey and Kumarakom
61. Wear jasmine in your hair
Jasmine flowers add natural beauty to a woman’s hair. Almost all ladies, young and old, tie small jasmine-woven buns and tassels in their hair in Kerala. Wearing jasmine in the hair is one of the best things to do in Kerala for women during auspicious occasions and festivals. You can drape a nice Kasavu saree and tie these fragrant flowers in your hair to attend these ceremonies like a local!
You can buy these for yourself and your female friends and family members from any streetside vendor in Kerala at nominal rates. You’ll find streetside vendors selling fresh jasmine flowers almost everywhere in Kerala, and will gladly help you tie them as well.
Where: All across Kerala
62. Try your hand at percussion music
Kerala is well-known for its percussion instruments and music like Chenda and Idakka. Don’t hesitate to try your skills at these instruments and explore your musical talents if you get a chance during your trip to Kerala.
Percussion music is usually played during temple rituals and festivals like Thrissur Pooram, and the friendly locals will be more than happy to give you a little crash course on playing them!
Where: Temple festivals and religious ceremonies, Thomsun Music House in Kochi, Pranavam Musical Foundation in Trivandrum, New Thomson Music House in Thrissur
63. Shop for Kathakali masks
You can get amazing artifacts from Kerala’s handicraft emporiums to gift to loved ones or keep in your own home as a decoration piece.
When you’re out shopping in Kerala, you must consider buying carved wooden Kathakali masks, snake boats, and elephant figurines as these are some of the best souvenirs to get from Kerala to reminisce about your holiday here.
Where: Kairali Arts & Crafts in Trivandrum, BM Handicrafts in Ernakulam, Crafts Kochi Boutique Gallery in Kochi, Cottage Arts & Crafts in Thekkady, Kairali Arts & Handicrafts in Thrissur
64. Go sunbathing
Sunbathing is obviously one of the best things to do in Kerala provided it’s a tropical destination with a breathtakingly beautiful coastline! You can enjoy sunbathing at many gorgeous beaches of Kerala. You can wear anything from swimsuits to bikinis on many beaches like Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, and Marari Beach along with various privately owned beach resorts in Kerala.
While many beaches in Kerala provide facilities for sunbathing, travelers prefer to do it amid the privacy, seclusion, and comfort offered by Kerala’s world-class beach resorts.
Where: Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach, Kappad Beach, Varkala Beach, Marari Beach, Cherai Beach, Payyambalam Beach
65. Buy intricately designed jewelry in Kerala
Kerala is well known for its jewelry crafted with fine detailing, eye-catching designs, and long-lasting lustrous finish! It’s often also embellished with stunning gems, precious and semi-precious stones, and pearls to enhance its beauty and add a colorful touch!
If you want to purchase a stunning piece (or two) for your better half, sister, or mother while shopping in Kochi, you can consider visiting shops like Malabar Gold, Kalyan Jewelers, and Joy Alukkas. You’ll find beautiful varieties of everything from necklaces to rings, bracelets, bangles, earrings, pendants, and anklets in Malayali jewelry.
Where: Malabar Gold in Kochi, Joy Alukkas in Kochi, Francis Alukkas in Kannur, Kalyan Jewelers in Trivandrum, TT Devassy and Bhima in Thrissur
66. See your reflection in an Aranmula mirror
It is said that visiting Aranmula is among the best things to do in Kerala. But do you know why? Aranmula is famous for the Aranmula Kannadi, a unique handcrafted artifact found only in Kerala.
Made with an alloy of copper, silver, bronze, and lead, the Arnamula mirror is an extraordinary metal-alloy mirror that is believed to bring prosperity, luck, and wealth into the household it is kept in. The exact composition of the Aranmula mirror is an ancient secret passed down by generations and is known only to its craftsmen.
Where: Aranmula town
67. Try spinning coir
Try your hand at spinning coir on your trip to Kerala to make it more interesting and informative! Spinning coir refers to the process of extracting fiber from coconut husk to make ropes and matting.
Many stalls and kiosks on the roadsides of Kerala’s cities and towns sell bright and colorful coir doormats, carpets, and wall hangings which you can collect as a souvenir or purchase as gifts for others.
Where: Alleppey
68. Explore Fort Kochi
Enjoy the multicultural flavor of Fort Kochi. Have a look at the bastions, cathedrals, and mansions built by the British, Dutch, and Portuguese that still stand at this massive fortress in Kerala.
The Kochi Fort is among the most notable forts in India that is known for its rich colonial history and has stood the test of time! The great explorer Vasco Da Gama is also buried here.
Where: Kochi
69. Venture out on a Jeep safari
Go for an adventurous Jeep safari through the forests of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve not only to observe its wildlife but also to capture its breathtaking scenery through your camera!
Embarking on a dauntless session of Jeep safari through dense forests, hills, and valleys is among the best things to do in Kerala, especially if you’re traveling with your family and kids. The best part, there are multiple avenues in Kerala where you can enjoy this feat with the company of an experienced guide!
Where: Kolukkumalai in Munnar, Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad, Gavi forest, Nelliyampathi in Palakkad, Periyar forest in Thekkady
70. Walk on unique coconut trunk bridges
In the lush green lands of Kerala, you will come across many water bodies that run through fields and thick jungles. In most of these places, natives have built narrow, stable bridges using fallen coconut tree trunks to help people cross streams, rivers, lagoons, canals, and pits easily.
Crossing these bridges made of coconut trunks is an awesome thing to do in Kerala. People from far and wide come to experience the thrill associated with walking on a narrow, manmade bridge! And on top of that, these bridges add a beautiful touch to the whole landscape!
Where: Rivers, streams, canals, lagoons, and marshes across the villages in Kerala
71. Learn tea-making
Free up some time to visit the tea plantations in Munnar. With our customized Munnar tour packages, you won’t just get to wander amid tea plantations and pluck tea leaves, you’ll also be made privy to the whole process of making tea from scratch.
When in Munnar, embark on an educational tour of the Munnar Tea Factory followed by a fun tea-tasting session and an interaction with Kerala’s jovial tea workers! Don’t forget to buy your favorite tea flavors from their factory outlet. Other than the factory tour, visiting the Munnar Tea Museum is also considered one of the best things to do in Kerala for tea lovers!
Where: Munnar
72. Wander amid pink lilies in Kumarakom
Every year the tranquil paddy fields in Kumarakom get blanketed with bright pink water lilies called Aambal in Malayalam. These beautiful pink flowers cover miles and miles of paddy fields with their waxy, disc-like leaves covering the water. Seeds of these flowers are sown after paddy cultivation and they bloom for 2 months every year around August.
If you’re visiting Kumarakom during this time, taking pictures of these beautiful water lilies will be one of the best things to do in Kerala. The ideal time to watch these flowers is 6:30 AM.
Where: Kumarakom
73. Taste Komban Beer in Kerala
Komban in Malayalam translates to ‘great husked elephant’. The Komban Beer is a Kerala-inspired beer brewed and crafted using Belgian beer-making techniques in the UK.
Imbued with the very spirit of God’s Own Country, this beer brand has become popular in Kerala among locals and travelers alike. Don’t forget to try a mug or two before you leave!
Where: Kochi, Trivandrum
74. Take a spice tour
Kerala is the Land of Spices, and rightly so! There are several spice plantations and gardens in Kerala filled with exotic flora and the aroma of spices hanging in the air! You must visit at least one of them during your visit to Kerala.
In addition to watching spices grow and getting interesting trivia over each of them, you’ll also be able to taste some authentic black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, turmeric, and exotic vanilla. It is one of the top activities to do in Kerala. You can also purchase your favorite spices and essential oils at subsidized rates from their workshop itself.
Where: Abraham’s Spice Garden in Thekkady
75. Gaze at blooming Neelakurinjis
Eravikulam National Park, in addition to being the home of the Nilgiri Tahr, is also the site where the rare and exotic Neelakurinji bloom once every twelve years! The vivid purplish-blue color of these rare flowers bathes the whole valley in its vibrant shade, undoubtedly the most fascinating sight to witness in this area!
Watching the Neelakurinjis bloom on a fun wildlife safari in Eravikulam is one of the best things to do in Kerala, and the next flowering season is expected to be in 2030.
Where: Shola grasslands of Eravikulam National Park in Munnar
We hope you have added some of these best things to do in Kerala to your list and are planning to experience them during your next visit to God’s Own Country. If you want them included in your Kerala tour package, you can let our team know and we’ll be happy to make the necessary customizations to your holiday. And don’t forget to tell us about your experience after coming back from your trip to Kerala!
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