35+ Unmissable things to do in Kerala

Last Updated on July 1, 2024 by admin

All domestic and international travellers look forward to visiting Kerala. No wonder everyone is curious about ‘God’s own Country’. Here are the 50 best and unmissable things to do in Kerala.

Kerala is special because it is the perfect amalgamation of mountains, backwaters, beaches, tea gardens and spice gardens. With alluring heritage sites in Fort Kochi, the captivating culture of Alleppey and delicious food across the Malabar coast, Kerala is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in India. A roadtrip in Kerala is the best way to explore the state.

However, if you are short on time then split the tour into 

North Kerala consists of Kannur – Kasaragod- Wayanad – Calicut or 

Central Kerala consists of Kochi – Marari- Kumarakom – Thekkady – Munnar or 

South Kerala consists of Thiruvananthapuram – Kollam – Pathanamthitta – Kottayam – Kannur – Varkala.

No matter which tour visitors choose, these are the top 50 unmissable things to do in Kerala, India.

UNMISSABLE THINGS TO DO IN KERALA

Houseboat tour in Kerala

Arguably the most popular and famous of Kerala’s attractions is cruising in the backwaters. The network of backwaters that runs across the state is one of the most distinguished characteristics of Kerala.

Cruising in a houseboat (locally known as Kettuvallam) on the backwaters overlooking lush paddy fields and coconut trees on the side is a lovely experience. One of the most popular places is the backwaters of Alleppey. Other locations that offer houseboat cruises in Kerala are Kumarakom, Kovalam, Nileshwar, Kottayam and others.

Explore Fort Kochi

Central Kerala trip generally starts from Kochi and visitors should definitely be spending some time exploring the beautiful city. For me, Fort Kochi is of the highlights and one of the unmissable things to do in Kerala.

Fort Kochi, an area in Kochi is one of the must-visit areas. With bustling bazaars, heritage places, shopping areas and quirky cafes, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry can be visited within a day.

Visit the pristine beaches

Visitors do not think of beaches when it comes to Kerala. However, Kerala boasts of a stunning coastline with pristine beaches. While Kovalam beach is a popular hangout place with a party atmosphere, there is Marari Beach which has peaceful vibes. On the other hand, there is the offbeat Cherai Beach which offers many interesting things to do in Cherai.

Visit a spice plantation

While the tea plantations of Munnar are famous, spice plantations across the state are equally alluring. The spices from Kerala are famous all over India and it is fantastic to know how they are grown and buy them from the garden itself. Thekkady is known for plantations such as pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and more. Read more: Places to visit in Thekkady.

Bamboo rafting in Periyar

Bamboo rafting through the forests of Periyar is one of the best things to do in Kerala. Enjoying the slow pace of the backwaters of Periyar along with the overhead calls of the Pied Malabar Hornbill is extremely soothing.

Visit a tea plantation

While there are many things to do in Munnar, visiting a tea garden is on the bucket list of every traveller. 

The landscapes of the Western Ghats, give way to the rolling tea gardens and it is impossible to miss them while in Munnar. Since most tea gardens are privately owned, tourists cannot trespass through them. However, tea tours are possible at many places that offer tea factory visits, tea tasting as well as a walk within the gardens.

Trekking in Munnar

Although the tea plantation is enticing and looks amazing on social media overlooking tea valleys, Munnar is a haven for adventure enthusiasts as it has great outdoors. There are many options for trekking in Munnar, such as the Yellapatti trail, Idukki Forest Walk and the Kannan Devan Hills trail.

Visit a village

Experiencing authentic Kerala through a village visit is the best way to know the culture and cuisine. 

The houseboat cruises offer many stopovers in traditional villages that provide a glimpse of simple living. Village walks are also possible in the village through paddy fields, which also gives a chance to meet the local families and hear about their lives.

Experience boat safari in Periyar

The Western ghat in India is a biodiversity hotspot and offers wildlife to be explored. While land safari is the most popular one, boat safari is one of the unique ways to experience Kerala.

Periyar provides an exhilarating way to explore the wildlife of western ghat by riding a boat on Periyar backwaters. Read more here: Periyar National Park.

Watch a Kathakali Show

Cultural tours in Kerala are a huge hit and tourists must watch a Kathakali show.

Kathakali show is possible to attend in many cities of Kerala like Kochi, Thekkady and Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Kathakali Centre, Kochi is one of the most famous places to catch this cultural dance performance, displaying incredible colour, make-up and costume.

Ride the longest zipline in Kerala

Ziplining in Wayanad is another adventure that is one of the unmissable things to do in Kerala. Zipline across the tea gardens is the newest activity started and tourists are not able to keep calm. 

Munnar and Wayanad both offer zipline across the tea gardens and it is enjoyable for tourists of all ages.

Go Paragliding in Varkala

There is no dearth of adventure activities in Kerala!

Check out the beauty of Varkala beach and cliffs while flying in the sky. Paragliding in Varkala is one of the offbeat things to do in Kerala.

Be part of Responsible tourism in Kumarakom

While things to do in Kerala do not highlight community-based tourism, Kerala village life experience, or Responsible tourism in Kumarakom attracts many tourists who want to experience the slow village life from a local’s perspective.

Tourists can witness and participate in many activities such as Coconut coir making, Natural shampoo making, Coconut tree climbing, Fishing in Kumarakom, Weaving coconut leaves and Toddy Tapping.

Watch a Kalaripayattu Show

Kalaripayattu is known as the pride of Kerala as it is one of the world’s most ancient martial arts. Similar to Kathakali, tourists can catch a show of this ancient art form in various places in Kerala. 

Antique shopping in Jew Town

If you love shopping or exploring the antiques then the Jew Town in Mattancherry gives the old souk bazaar feeling in Kochi. From furniture to idols of god, from paintings to accessories, everything is on display here.

The never-ending maze of these shops is a charm in itself.

Visit the orange farms of Nelliyampathy

The oranges of Nelliyampathy are grown in the hills and are famous for their sweetness and small size. The orange farms of Nelliyampathy have added passion fruit to their 300+ hectares of land.

Apart from purchasing the fruits, visitors can also enjoy the jams and jellies made from the shells of the fruits.

Explore the handloom villages

Handloom is a big part of Kerala and there are many villages which practice it. Mainly driven by women, the handloom industry in Kerala goes a long time back.

Chendamangalam Handloom village near Kochi, Kuthampully Handloom village near Thrissur, Azhikode Handloom Village near Kannur, Balaramapuram near Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod are well known for their handlooms.

Birdwatching in Kumarakom

Kerala hosts hundreds of species of birds thanks to the amazing ecosystem of lagoons, wetlands, beaches, mountains, backwaters and spice gardens. Each ecosystem hosts many species and Kerala is a haven for wildlife lovers. 

One of the best places for birdwatching is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. With 14 acres of wetland and land area, the sanctuary is home to birds like egrets, kites, ducks and fly-catchers.

Savour coconut water

Everyone knows coconut water benefits and it is abundant in Kerala. Served as a welcome drink in all hotels, it is available outside all tourist interest areas. Carry a steel straw with you to enjoy it at all times.

Drive on the Muzhappilangad drive-in beach

Muzhappilangad’s drive-in beach is one of the best tourist spots in Kannur. It is popular as one can actually drive right up to the waves.

Go Glamping

Thanks to Millenials and the Gen Z crowd, there are different and adventurous things to do in Kerala!

Glamping in Munnar is great activity looked forward to by many to detach with technology from nature while still being close to luxury.

Get Ayurvedic Treatments

Kerala is one of the destinations for yoga and ayurvedic treatments. Tourists from India and across the world visit Kerala for chronic ailments. Thrissur and Thekkady are some of the places offering both short-term and long treatment options. There are also dedicated ayurvedic resorts that offer meditation, organic food and treatments.

Go canoeing in Vembanad Lake

The sunsets overlooking Vembanad Lake are stunning on most days. While it is ideal to enjoy the sundowner from the swimming pool of the luxurious resort lining the lake, one can canoe in the lake waters and feel one with nature.

Try the local liquor – Toddy

Swap out the beer to try the local liquor locally known as Toddy. The sap is harvested from the palm tree and allowed to ferment into a liquor. This was relished by the locals. 

It is also interesting to see how this sap is harvested. It can be seen in one of the village walks.

Eat a Sadya on Banana leaf

Sadya is like a thali meal served on a banana leaf. Sadya consists of a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes that are traditionally served as lunch feast for festivals such as Onam and Vishu. 

Many restaurants serve Sadya to tourists and it is a must-try.

Shop for Banana Wafers

Wondering about edible souvenirs to take back home? While there are many options, banana wafers fried in coconut oil are at the top of the list. Found in every department store and Snack store, banana wafers have a long shelf life and are a must to carry back home.

Explore the Muziris Heritage Project

Tourists wanting to know about the historical port city of Muziris can opt for a Muziris Heritage Project tour. Muziris was once hailed as the ‘ancient world’s greatest trading centre’.

Muziris Heritage project is a preservation-cum-tourism project that intends to reinstate the cultural and historical significance of Muziris.

Photograph the Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets are part of the heritage in Kerala and although the new technology has overtaken this manual work, the charm is much greater. Locally known as ‘Chhenavala’, these nets were introduced in the 14th century by a Chinese explorer and they stayed ever since. 

These nets can be photographed at Fort Kochi as well as Vypin islands. It is also one of the places to visit near Cherai beach.

Catch a glimpse of cave paintings

Travel back in time with a visit to the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad where you can see some pre-historic cave paintings.

Marvel at the Athirapally Waterfalls

Painting a picturesque view of nature is the Athirapally waterfalls. It is one of the most beautiful sights in Kerala and is also known as the Niagra falls of India. It is a perfect one-day trip from Thrissur.

Spend a night in a coffee plantation

Are you a coffee lover and want to spend a night in coffee gardens? It is possible in Kerala. 

Boutique resorts and farm stays offer a stay for tourists that is surrounded by coffee plantations. Learn all about the coffee plantation, harvesting and the art of roasting and making coffee.

Learn Shipbuilding

Beypore is known as a shipbuilders paradise and it dates back fifteen hundred years or more. The wooden ships are known as Uru and they were made as trade ships to carry cargo from India to middle east Asia and vice versa.

The traditional ship-making families have passed on the knowledge through generations s and currently, over 500 families are dependent on this profession.

Go boating on the Pookot Lake 

Pookode Lake in Wayanad is a freshwater lake that provides panoramic views of the mountains. It is perfect to unwind with family by picnic and boating.

There are things to do in Pookode Lake Wayanad such as walking around the lake, boating, fish spa, kids park, etc.

Attend Theyyam Festival

Theyyam is a popular ritual form of dance worship in Kerala and Karnataka. It is not done for entertainment and is a very private ritual performed near village temples.

Majorly conducted in North Kerala, theyyam is now performed all across the state and the purpose of this dance worship is to unite humanity with divinity.

Spot the Mountain goats

Mountain goats known as Nilgiri Tahr are endemic to the Munnar region of Western ghats. They are protected in the Eravikulam National Park.

Tourists can go to the national park to spot these Nilgiri Tahr (it is not difficult).

WHEN TO VISIT KERALA

Kerala can be best enjoyed in winter that is between November to February because of perfect weather conditions and less humidity. Summers are good too but the humidity is unbearable combined with heat. Monsoons are not a good time as rain is pretty harsh in the state.

GETTING AROUND KERALA

Depending on how you get into Kerala you’re likely to find yourself in one of three cities on arrival – Kochi, Kozhikode or Thiruvanthapuram (Trivandrum). 

The entire state is connected via train and has a good frequency. However one can visit the hotpots by land travel. Buses and private cars are the best way to get around Kerala.

WHERE TO STAY IN KERALA

Kerala is a tourist destination and the hospitality is very well known among global tourists. In order to cater to the demands and comforts of global tourists, there are accommodation options for all sorts of budgets. Whether they are hostels, hotels, resorts, camping sites, houseboats, guesthouses or homestays, there are many options to choose from.

Depending on where you are travelling to these are some of the places I highly recommend staying (because I have personally stayed there).

Kochi: Forte Kochi, Ginger House Museum and Hotel, Dutch Bungalow

Alleppey: Marvel Cruise

Kumarakom: Aveda Kumarakom, Kumarakom Lake Resort

Munnar: Blackberry Hills Munnar

FAQ for THINGS TO DO IN KERALA

Is Kerala worth visiting?

Yes. Kerala is known as Go’s own country for a reason! With a network of lagoons, lakes, canals, backwaters and beaches, Kerala is one of the most beautiful and laid-back places in India for domestic and international travellers.

What to wear in Kerala?

Comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and jeans is recommended. Women can choose a knee-length dress. Try to wear camouflaged colours during safaris.

Is Kerala safe for travellers/solo travellers/female travellers?

Kerala is extremely safe for all kinds of travellers, even solo women.

How many days are enough for Kerala?

To visit the highlights of Kerala, ideally, 10 days are enough. This can be easily done by a road trip.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS FOR THINGS TO DO IN KERALA

• Kerala is one of the cleanest states in India, in spite of the tourist influx so let’s try to maintain the same and be disciplined.
• If you come across a wild animal crossing the road/highway, give them time and space. Do not encroach on it by trying to get a selfie.
• Do not write on the palace walls or rocks at the beach. Let’s maintain the pristine heritage.
• Avoid wearing perfumes while going to seawater or national parks.
• Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food.

Read More Kerala posts:

• Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey
• Human by Nature: Impressions from Kerala
• Places to visit in Thekkady
• Eravikulam National Park
• Periyar National Park
• Things to do in Munnar
• Glamping in Munnar
• Chendamangalam Handlooms
• Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom
• Trekking in Munnar
• Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

How many of the above things to do in Kerala have you tried? Tell me in the comments below. Is there something you did and I have missed on my list? Tell me in the comments below 🙂

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