Kerala known as the âGodâs own Countryâ is a serene and picturesque state with a beautiful green landscape, flowing backwaters, and tropical beaches. However, there are a lot of things to do in Kerala apart from enjoying the scenic beauty of the place, that are suitable for all kinds of tourists. The opportunities for experiencing a unique local adventure vary from paragliding in Vagamon to a traditional Kathakali dance show. Even if youâre taking a stroll through the tea plantations of Munnar or cruising through Alleppey on a houseboat, this place has got you covered. Take a look at the fabulous attractions and things to do for a memorable experience on your next Kerala trip!
Best Things to Do in Kerala for a Memorable Vacation
In this guide, you will get to know the most exciting and exotic things to do in Kerala like living on a houseboat in Alleppey or paragliding in Vagamon. Also, know about the best time to visit Kerala with our guide. Prepare yourself to discover the best things you can do in this paradise state which is Kerala and make your trip one of a kind!
1. Stay in a Houseboat in Alleppey
Among the other popular things to do in Alleppey, spending some time in a houseboat in Alleppey moving through the backwaters is one of the best. During the journey, you see the Kerala countryside with coconut trees, rice fields, and some villages. You get to enjoy delicious breakfasts of Kerala food cooked on the ship with the setting sun over the calm waters around. One of the best things to do in Kerala, this experience is ideal for families who intend to unwind and even embrace nature.
- Best Time to Visit Alleppey: October to March
- Tip: Houseboats come in cheap, are equipped with AC and have their private deck variety.
2. Explore Munnarâs Tea Gardens
Having a tour through the tea plantation in Munnar forms one of the best sights to behold and is one of the must-do things to do in Kerala, especially for nature lovers. The beautiful surroundings, foggy mountains, and clear air give the feeling of being in a fairytale. Visit the Tea-Education Centre to learn about the tea-making process and taste a fresh cup of tea at the site. It is worth going to the Tea Museum if you want to learn more about Munnarâs tea story.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Additional Info: The best time to visit the place is in the morning and the evening.
3. Visit Athirapally Waterfalls
known as the Niagara of India, tourists visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls consider it one of the most stunning things to do in Kerala. It starts from a height of 80 feet and forms a gorgeous sight because it is surrounded by magnificent forests. There are short trails to get closer to the falls and feel the wet spray of the falls on your face. Visiting the waterfall during the monsoon season will make the waterfall even more beautiful than it already is.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September for monsoon beauty
- Additional Info: Situated about 55 kilometres from Kochi and can be reached by road.
4. Experience Traditional Theyyam Performance in North Kerala
Much like with other localized forms of art and culture, one of the main things to do in Kerala is to watch a Theyyam one. This function involves dressing in colourful attire and painting one's face, as well as strong storytelling. The dramatic movements and chants create a mesmerizing atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience. The most appropriate places to observe this art form are in Kannur and Kasaragod.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Additional Info: Performances normally occur within temples.
Suggested Read: 7 Reasons Why Kerala Is One of India's Favourite Honeymoon Destinations
5. Try Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Bamboo rafting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is listed among the things to do in Kerala with family, especially the adrenalin-pumped adventure freaks. While on the water you can spot fish and crocodiles, see elephants, tropical birds, and trees and plants. The guided tour also features a nature walk through some of the thickest tropical forests, which will make the journey very exciting. It is a perfect exercise, which families would love to undertake in search of wildlife.
- Best Time to Visit: September to April
- Additional Info: The best chance of seeing wildlife is in the morning.
6. Ride Shikara on the Vembanad Lake
Another one of the best things to do in Kerala is a Shikara ride on the Vembanad Lake. Shikaras are comparatively smaller watercraft and hence offer a closer look into the calm countryside waters. Relax while enjoying the motion through the greenery and look at birds flying in the sky above you. The views of the lake are also the best, especially when riding in the evening close to sunset.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Additional Info: This is available in Alleppey and Kumarakom.
7. Paragliding in Vagamon
Those who love to enjoy some adventurous trips should consider the paragliding ride in Vagamon as it is one of the most fantastic and exciting things to do in Kerala. Fly above valleys of green moving hills with beautiful scenic views of the Western Ghats. Since you will be under the supervision of the instructors, this thrilling activity is well-suited even for first-timers.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Additional Info: Special tandem flights are available for those interested in the activity.
8. Take a Spice Tour in Thekkady
A Spice tour in Thekkady is one of the most exciting and informative things to do in Kerala. This involves a walk through the spice gardens and having a touchy-feely on the cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations. This makes it a very pleasant experience because the air is full of the smell of fresh spices. Tourists are also able to purchase organic spices from the farms themselves.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Additional Info: Some plantations provide cooking demonstrations.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Summer In Kerala: Kerala's Summer Escapes
9. Visit the Edakkal Caves in Ambukuthi Hills
The Edakkal Caves are among the special tourist attractions in Kerala today and anyone interested in ancient history will marvel at visiting this attraction site. It was discovered that these old caves contain inscriptions made on rocks over 6,000 years old. The hike to the caves is quite challenging but marked by beautiful scenery and striking rock formations. This is one of the best places to visit in Kerala because the mysterious carvings portray the early civilizations.
- Best Time to Visit: September to May
- Additional Info: Fairly an exhausting hike is needed to access each of the caves.
10. Tree House Stay in Wayanad
While trying out a stay in the treehouse in Wayanad is one of the most thrilling things to do in Kerala. These environmentally friendly living structures are apartments located on trees with a good view of the surrounding greenery. Get to hear Bird songs in the Morning and go for a relaxed setting in one of the most beautiful States in India, Kerala. It would particularly suit those families who are in love with nature.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Additional Info: Tree houses are equipped with accessories such as Wi-Fi and hot water.
11. Watch the Snake Boat Race in Alleppey
The Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is one of the most exciting activities that you can ever watch when in Kerala. The long narrow boats race through the backwaters with hundreds of rowers, paddling in perfect time, charging the atmosphere. The most popular is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race where many tourists crowd over the area in large numbers. This one is special because of the energy, the music, and the cheering.
- Best Time to Visit: It is preferable to conduct the surveys in August which falls during the Onam festival.
- Additional Info: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted at Punnamada Lake.
12. Get an Ayurvedic Treatment in Chingoli
Among the most soothing things to do in Kerala is availing an Ayurveda session in Chingoli. Southern province is famous for therapies, and out of them, Chingoli is one of the best places to get Ayurveda treatments. These treatments are designed to give the body and the mind some time to untangle typically through stress-reducing massages and detoxifying therapies that will rejuvenate the body. Most of the resorts provide treatment sessions in Ayurveda for tourists.
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Additional Info: Great for relaxation, arthritis, and conditions of the skin.
13. Visit the Historic Bekal Fort
Popular among history enthusiasts, a visit to Bekal Fort is one of the best things to do in Kerala. This is a 17th-century fort built near the Arabian Sea and it provides an exciting experience to watch the sea level from close quarters, in addition, tourists get a view of the importance of historical structures in Kerala. There are tunnels and observation towers and much green area inside the fort. Worthy of mention is the beautiful scenery of the sunset as seen when at the top of the fort.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Additional Info: The fort is at Kasaragod town, 65 km from Mangalore.
14. Go Fishing in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is peaceful and fishing is certainly one of the most relaxing things to do in Kerala. This small village is one of the oldest fishing villages in the Kingdom, the tourists can also fish in the nearby waters and catch fresh fish for lunch. Professional fishermen in this area give the best tactics to use so that one makes it more enjoyable for children too. It is, however, good to learn about the rural life of Kerala.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Additional Info: Fishing tours are also available, especially with an experienced local fisherman.
15. Explore the Sandalwood Forests of Marayoor
One of the thrilling things to do in Kerala is to walk through the sandalwood forests that are situated at Marayoor. It is a forest that you have to wander through and the smell of sandalwood will hang in the air. Sandalwood trees are also grown for visitors to witness the production of sandalwood oil as well as manufactured products. It also has some exotic prehistoric arts such as cave paintings that can be seen by visitors.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May
- Additional Info: Entry is prohibited without the permission of the forest officials.
Conclusion
There is so much beauty in Kerala, from the houseboat cruise at Alleppey to the spice garden of Thekkady it's all beautiful. Regardless of whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a floater, or a shopper, there is no shortage of things to do in Kerala. So get ready to pack your bags and be ready to enjoy the beauty of Godâs Own Country Kerala.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What activities can be done in Kerala?
Kerala offers various activities such as houseboat stays, wildlife safari, tea garden visits, backwater tours, and cultural shows.
2. What is the most famous thing in Kerala?
Some of the best-known tourist attractions of Kerala are houseboat cruises, Ayurvedic treatments, spices garden, and Kathakali.
3. Is 5 days enough for Kerala?
Yes, 5 days are sufficient enough to visit the major attractions of Kerala but more days give more flavor.
4. Is Kerala safe for the trip?
Kerala is safe for tourists and the locals are hospitable, plus there is a low incidence of crime in the tourist areas of interest.
