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25 Best Things to Do in Kerala: A Complete Travel Guide
25 Best Things to Do in Kerala: A Complete Travel Guide
Kerala brings an impressive mix of landscapes into a relatively compact part of India. You can leave the beaches of Kovalam in the morning and reach the tea-covered hills of Munnar by evening, with the journey taking around six hours depending on traffic and road conditions, especially around Kochi. This variety is one of Kerala’s biggest advantages for travellers: beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, and historic towns can all be combined in a single trip without spending most of the holiday on the road.
A well-planned 7-10 day Kerala trip can cover several of the state’s major highlights while still leaving enough time to enjoy each place rather than rushing from one attraction to another. You might spend a day exploring Fort Kochi, travel into the Western Ghats for Munnar’s tea estates, stay overnight on a houseboat in Alleppey, and finish the trip along the beaches of Varkala or Kovalam.
The best experiences in Kerala also vary considerably by region and season. Some places are ideal for early-morning sightseeing, while wildlife safaris may follow fixed timings and certain outdoor activities can depend on weather conditions. Costs, entry fees, travel times, and permit requirements can also differ from one destination to another.
The following sections cover Kerala’s most worthwhile places and experiences, with practical information on what to see, when to visit, approximate costs, travel time, and important things to do in kerala before you go.
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Quick Answer: Top Things to Do in Kerala
With limited time, prioritize five: a houseboat cruise through the Alleppey backwaters, a day of tea garden visits in Munnar, a wildlife boat safari at Periyar National Park in Thekkady, a Kathakali performance in Kochi, and an evening at Varkala’s cliffside beach. These cover the range Kerala is built on, water, hills, forest, culture, and coast.
1. Cruise the Backwaters in Alleppey
Alleppey (officially Alappuzha) is the backwater hub most Kerala trip photos come from, a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes connected to the Arabian Sea. The standard way to see them is a houseboat, locally called a kettuvallam, a design originally used to transport rice.
Quick Information
- Location: Alappuzha district, about 60 km south of Kochi
- Best for: Overnight backwater cruises and slow scenery
- Best season: October to March for clear weather; monsoon months (June-August) show greener surroundings but with rain interruptions
- Duration: Overnight (noon to 9-10 AM next day) or a 2-3 hour day cruise
- Type: Kettuvallam houseboat, private or shared
- Timings: Overnight boats depart around noon; day cruises run in morning and afternoon slots
- Price: Roughly ₹8,000-₹20,000+ per night depending on boat size and bedroom count
- Booking: Direct through registered houseboat operators or a travel agent; avoid unregistered roadside touts
2. Walk Through the Tea Gardens of Munnar
Munnar sits at roughly 1,600 meters elevation, and the temperature drop from the coast is immediate. Tea plantations here date back to British planters in the late 1800s, and estates like Kolukkumalai remain working farms open to visitors.
Quick Information
- Location: Idukki district, about 130 km from Kochi
- Best for: Tea estate walks, cool-weather hiking, viewpoints
- Best season: September to March; monsoon (June-August) brings heavy fog that can block views
- Duration: Half day to full day depending on how many estates and viewpoints you cover
- Type: Self-drive, jeep tours (for Kolukkumalai’s steep road), or guided estate walks
- Timings: Kolukkumalai sunrise jeep rides start around 4-5 AM; estate visits generally run 9 AM-5 PM
- Price: Tea Museum entry is nominal (under ₹150); Kolukkumalai jeep rides run ₹500-₹1,000 per person
- Booking: Estate visits usually don’t need advance booking; Kolukkumalai jeep rides are best arranged a day ahead through local operators
3. See the Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park
A short drive from Munnar, Eravikulam is the main spot to see the Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat species found almost nowhere else in the world.
Quick Information
- Location: Near Munnar, Idukki district
- Best for: Wildlife spotting without a long trek
- Best season: October to March; park sometimes closes February-March for the tahr breeding season, so check ahead
- Duration: 2-3 hours including shuttle bus ride
- Type: Shuttle bus access only; no private vehicles inside the park
- Timings: Usually 8 AM-4 PM, seasonal
- Price: Entry plus shuttle fee, typically under ₹200 for Indian nationals
- Booking: Permits sell out on weekends; arrive early or book in advance where available
4. Spot Wildlife at Periyar National Park, Thekkady
Periyar is built around an artificial lake formed after the Mullaperiyar Dam was constructed in 1895. Boat safaris on the lake are the main way to see elephants and sambar deer, tiger sightings are rare and shouldn’t be the reason for the trip.
Quick Information
- Location: Thekkady, Idukki district
- Best for: Boat safaris, guided forest treks
- Best season: October to March for comfortable weather; warmer months can also work well around water sources when animals gather to drink
- Duration: Boat safaris run about 2-3 hours; treks can run half a day
- Type: Lake boat safari, guided forest trek, bamboo rafting, night patrol
- Timings: Boat safaris depart in morning and afternoon slots, adjusted seasonally around sunrise and sunset
- Price: Rates vary by activity and current forest department tariff; confirm current pricing on the official booking portal before payment
- Booking: Kerala Forest Department office in Thekkady, or the official online permit portal
Want Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey combined into one Kerala itinerary? Let’s plan it.
5. Explore Fort Kochi’s Colonial Layers
Kochi carries layers of Portuguese, Dutch, and British trading history, and Fort Kochi is the neighborhood where that history is most visible, from the Chinese fishing nets along the waterfront to a 1568 synagogue in Jew Town.
Quick Information
- Location: Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district
- Best for: Walking history tour, sunset views, antique shopping
- Best season: Year-round, though October-March avoids peak humidity
- Duration: Half day to full day
- Type: Self-guided walking tour or hired local guide
- Timings: Fishing nets are most active at sunset; St. Francis Church and synagogue keep standard daytime hours, with the synagogue closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays
- Price: Mostly free to walk around; synagogue entry is a small nominal fee
- Booking: No booking needed for the walking areas
6. Watch a Kathakali Performance
Kathakali is a classical dance-drama form from Kerala, known for elaborate face makeup that can take two to three hours to apply. Tourist-oriented shows in Fort Kochi run shorter versions with a makeup demonstration beforehand.
Quick Information
- Location: Fort Kochi (Kerala Kathakali Centre, See India Foundation)
- Best for: Cultural experience, photography
- Best season: Year-round, indoor performance
- Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours including makeup demonstration
- Type: Seated theater performance
- Timings: Evening shows, typically starting 5-6:30 PM
- Price: Under ₹500 per person
- Booking: Walk-in usually possible, but advance booking recommended in peak season (December-January)
7. Trek or Relax in Wayanad
Wayanad is Kerala’s least touristy major hill district, largely because it’s a longer drive from Kochi, around 4-5 hours. Edakkal Caves, with rock carvings estimated at over 6,000 years old, is the main historical site.
Quick Information
- Location: Wayanad district, northern Kerala
- Best for: Trekking, caves, quieter wildlife spotting
- Best season: October to March; Edakkal Caves climb is best avoided during monsoon (June-September) due to slippery rocks
- Duration: Full day for caves plus a viewpoint; 2-3 days if adding Chembra Peak and the wildlife sanctuary
- Type: Trekking, cave visit, wildlife sanctuary safari
- Timings: Caves generally open 9 AM-4:30 PM, closed Mondays in some seasons
- Price: Cave entry under ₹100; guide fees separate
- Booking: Chembra Peak trekking access has occasionally been restricted for conservation reasons, confirm current rules locally before planning around it
8. Relax on Varkala’s Cliffside Beach
Varkala is built on red laterite cliffs, unusual for Kerala’s otherwise flat coastline, with cafes and shops lining the cliff edge above Papanasam Beach.
Quick Information
- Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district
- Best for: Sunset views, quieter beach atmosphere, budget stays
- Best season: October to March; sea can get rough during monsoon
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Type: Cliff walk, beach time, cafe hopping
- Timings: Cafes and shops generally open through the day into late evening
- Price: Free beach access; cafe and stay prices are generally lower than Kovalam
- Booking: No booking needed for the beach itself; stays should be booked ahead in peak season
9. Visit Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is Kerala’s original beach resort town, developed for tourism since the 1930s, with a wider range of hotels and more built-up infrastructure than Varkala.
Quick Information
- Location: Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district
- Best for: Beach infrastructure, water sports, families
- Best season: October to March
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Type: Beach resort town with lighthouse climb, water sports
- Timings: Lighthouse generally open through the day with a midday break
- Price: Lighthouse entry is a small nominal fee; water sports priced separately per activity
- Booking: Water sports operators are available on-site; no advance booking typically required
10. Try a Traditional Ayurvedic Treatment
Kerala is considered the birthplace of Ayurveda’s modern commercial practice, with more certified centers than anywhere else in India.
Quick Information
- Location: Available statewide, concentrated in Kochi, Kovalam, and Munnar
- Best for: Wellness, muscle recovery, longer detox programs
- Best season: Traditionally considered most effective during monsoon (June-September), when cooler air is believed to aid oil absorption
- Duration: Single sessions (1 hour) up to full panchakarma programs (14-21 days)
- Type: Oil massage, steam therapy, full panchakarma detox
- Timings: Varies by center; longer programs require a doctor’s consultation first
- Price: Single sessions from ₹1,500-₹3,000; full programs cost significantly more depending on duration
- Booking: Look for centers registered with Kerala’s state Ayurveda tourism certification rather than resort spas using the branding loosely
11. Eat Your Way Through Kerala’s Food Scene
Kerala food is distinct from both Tamil and North Indian cuisine, built around coconut, rice, and seafood, with sadya, appam-stew, and fish curry made with kudampuli among the dishes worth seeking out specifically.
Quick Information
- Location: Statewide, best in Kochi, Alleppey, and smaller towns over resort restaurants
- Best for: Local food experience beyond hotel buffets
- Best season: Year-round; sadya feasts are especially significant during Onam festival (August/September)
- Duration: Ongoing throughout the trip
- Type: Local restaurants (“toddy shops” for informal settings), home-style eateries
- Timings: Standard meal timings; toddy shops often open by late morning
- Price: Local meals generally ₹150-₹400 per person; resort dining costs more
- Booking: No booking needed for most local spots
12. See the Silent Valley National Park
One of the last pieces of untouched tropical evergreen forest in India, Silent Valley avoided large-scale logging after a 1970s hydroelectric project here was cancelled following environmental protests.
Quick Information
- Location: Palakkad district
- Best for: Undisturbed forest, birdwatching, quieter alternative to Periyar
- Best season: October to March
- Duration: Half day to full day
- Type: Restricted-access nature reserve, guided visits only
- Timings: Limited daily visitor numbers; entry restricted to set hours
- Price: Entry fees are modest but access is limited, confirm current permit rates before visiting
- Booking: Permits required in advance through the forest department; not a walk-in destination
Need help booking houseboats or forest permits ahead of time? We handle that.
13. Visit Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point Near Munnar
A short drive from Munnar town, these two spots are usually combined into one half-day trip, Mattupetty for boating on the reservoir, Echo Point for the actual echo effect off the surrounding hills.
Quick Information
- Location: Near Munnar, Idukki district
- Best for: Short boat ride, easy add-on to a Munnar day trip
- Best season: October to March; water levels and visibility are best post-monsoon
- Duration: 2-3 hours combined for both stops
- Type: Speedboat/pedal boat ride, roadside viewpoint
- Timings: Generally 9 AM-5 PM
- Price: Boating charges are nominal, typically under ₹300 per person
- Booking: No advance booking needed; tickets available on-site
14. See Athirappilly Waterfalls
Often called the “Niagara of India” locally, Athirappilly is Kerala’s largest waterfall and one of the more dramatic sights in the state, especially right after monsoon when water volume peaks.
Quick Information
- Location: Thrissur district, about 70 km from Kochi
- Best for: Waterfall views, short nature walk
- Best season: June to January for strongest flow; water reduces noticeably by summer
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Type: Viewpoint with a short walk down to the base
- Timings: Usually 8:30 AM-6 PM
- Price: Entry fee is nominal, under ₹100
- Booking: No booking required; can get crowded on weekends
15. Explore Vagamon’s Rolling Hills
Vagamon is a quieter hill station than Munnar, with meadows, pine forests, and a paragliding spot that’s drawn more attention in recent years without the crowds that come with it yet.
Quick Information
- Location: Idukki district, about 65 km from Munnar
- Best for: Paragliding, quiet hill walks, avoiding Munnar’s crowds
- Best season: September to May
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Type: Hill trekking, paragliding, meadow walks
- Timings: Paragliding sessions typically run mid-morning to late afternoon, weather-dependent
- Price: Paragliding costs roughly ₹2,000-₹3,000 per flight
- Booking: Paragliding operators recommend booking a day ahead, especially on weekends
16. Walk Bekal Fort
Kerala’s largest fort, built in the 17th century, sits on a headland with the Arabian Sea on three sides, one of the few spots in the state where a historical monument and a beach view come together in one visit.
Quick Information
- Location: Kasaragod district, northern Kerala
- Best for: History, coastal views, photography
- Best season: October to March
- Duration: 1-2 hours for the fort, plus time at the adjoining beach
- Type: Self-guided fort walk
- Timings: Usually 8 AM-5:30 PM
- Price: Entry fee is nominal, under ₹50
- Booking: No booking required
17. Browse the Spice Markets of Kozhikode
Kozhikode (Calicut) was a major hub of the historical spice trade, and its old town markets still sell pepper, cardamom, and cloves much as they have for centuries, alongside the city’s well-known halwa shops.
Quick Information
- Location: Kozhikode district, northern Kerala
- Best for: Spice shopping, local food, less touristy city experience
- Best season: Year-round
- Duration: Half day
- Type: Market walk, food tasting
- Timings: Markets generally open through the day, busiest in the morning
- Price: No entry cost; spice prices vary by season and quality
- Booking: No booking needed
18. Watch a Theyyam Ritual in Kannur
Theyyam is a ritual art form specific to northern Kerala, where performers are believed to embody deities during elaborate, fire-lit ceremonies at village shrines, a very different experience from the tourist-oriented Kathakali shows further south.
Quick Information
- Location: Kannur district, northern Kerala
- Best for: Authentic ritual experience, not staged for tourists
- Best season: Mainly performed November to May, tied to temple festival calendars
- Duration: Performances can run several hours, often through the night
- Type: Live temple ritual, attended rather than booked
- Timings: Varies by temple and festival schedule; needs local inquiry ahead of time
- Price: Free to attend, as it’s a religious event, not a commercial show
- Booking: No formal booking; a local guide is recommended to identify which temple has a performance scheduled during your visit
19. Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur
This Shiva temple is one of the oldest in Kerala and the center of Thrissur Pooram, widely considered the state’s biggest temple festival, held annually around April-May.
Quick Information
- Location: Thrissur city
- Best for: Temple architecture, festival timing visits
- Best season: Year-round for the temple; specifically April-May for Pooram
- Duration: 1-2 hours for a regular visit; a full day if attending Pooram
- Type: Temple visit, festival attendance
- Timings: Standard temple hours, roughly 4 AM-10 PM with midday closure
- Price: Free entry; non-Hindus are generally not permitted inside the inner sanctum
- Booking: No booking for regular visits; Pooram gets extremely crowded, so early arrival matters
20. Bird-Watch at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Set along the Vembanad backwaters, this sanctuary draws both resident and migratory birds, with the migratory season bringing species from as far as Siberia.
Quick Information
- Location: Kumarakom, Kottayam district
- Best for: Birdwatching, combining with a backwater stay
- Best season: November to February for migratory birds
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Type: Walking trail, small boat rides along the backwater edge
- Timings: Early morning is best for bird activity; sanctuary generally open 6 AM-6 PM
- Price: Entry fee is nominal, under ₹100
- Booking: No advance booking required
21. Take a Boat to Poovar Island
Poovar sits where a river meets the Arabian Sea, giving it a distinctive stretch of golden sand backed by backwaters on one side and open sea on the other.
Quick Information
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram district, near Kovalam
- Best for: Backwater-to-beach boat rides, floating cottage stays
- Best season: October to March
- Duration: Half day for a boat trip; overnight if staying at a floating cottage resort
- Type: Boat cruise, resort stay
- Timings: Boat rides typically run through the day
- Price: Boat trips cost roughly ₹500-₹1,500 per person depending on duration
- Booking: Recommended to book boat slots a day ahead in peak season
22. Relax at Marari Beach
Marari is a fishing village beach near Alleppey, less developed than Kovalam and known for a slower pace, with local fishing activity still visible alongside the resorts that have opened here.
Quick Information
- Location: Mararikulam, near Alleppey
- Best for: Quiet beach stays, watching local fishing life
- Best season: October to March
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Type: Beach relaxation, village walks
- Timings: No fixed timings; beach accessible throughout the day
- Price: Free beach access; resort pricing varies widely
- Booking: No booking needed for the beach; stays should be arranged ahead in peak season
23. Visit Cherai Beach
Close to Kochi, Cherai is a convenient beach stop where the backwaters and the Arabian Sea sit close enough together that both are visible from certain points along the shore.
Quick Information
- Location: Vypin Island, near Kochi
- Best for: Easy day trip from Kochi, dolphin sightings in early morning
- Best season: October to March
- Duration: Half day to full day
- Type: Beach relaxation, short backwater views
- Timings: Best visited early morning or late afternoon
- Price: Free beach access
- Booking: No booking required
24. Drive Up to Ponmudi Hill Station
Ponmudi is a lesser-known hill station close to Thiruvananthapuram, reachable via a winding hairpin-bend road that’s part of the appeal for road-trip travelers.
Quick Information
- Location: Thiruvananthapuram district
- Best for: Short hill escape near the capital, less crowded than Munnar
- Best season: September to March
- Duration: Full day trip from Thiruvananthapuram
- Type: Scenic drive, short nature walks, viewpoints
- Timings: Best done as a daylight drive; roads are winding and not ideal after dark
- Price: No entry fee for general access
- Booking: No booking needed
25. Tour the Hill Palace Museum, Kochi
Once the official residence of the Kochi royal family, this is now Kerala’s largest archaeological museum, housing royal artifacts, paintings, and weaponry across a large palace complex.
Quick Information
- Location: Tripunithura, near Kochi
- Best for: History and royal architecture, indoor option on a rainy day
- Best season: Year-round, indoor museum
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Type: Museum tour, palace grounds walk
- Timings: Usually 9 AM-4:30 PM, closed Mondays
- Price: Entry fee is nominal, under ₹100
- Booking: No advance booking required
Best Time to Visit Kerala
October to March remains the standard recommendation, with temperatures between 24-32°C and rainfall dropping off after the southwest monsoon (June-September) ends. December and January are peak season, with the highest prices and biggest crowds around Christmas and New Year in Kochi and the beach towns. Monsoon season isn’t a write-off, Munnar’s hills turn dramatically green, and Ayurvedic treatments are traditionally considered more effective in that period, but some treks and boat activities get restricted for safety.
How Many Days Do You Need in Kerala?
Seven to ten days covers the core route comfortably: 2 days in Kochi, 2-3 days in Munnar, 1-2 days in Thekkady, 2 days in Alleppey or Kumarakom, ending with 1-2 days at a beach town. With two weeks, add Wayanad and slow the pace, a lot of Kerala’s appeal comes from slow boat rides and unhurried walks rather than a packed checklist.
Why Choose Nisha Prime Travels for Your Kerala Trip
Planning a route across this many regions gets complicated fast, especially once permits, seasonal closures, and houseboat operator quality get involved. Here’s why booking through Nisha Prime Travels is worth considering over piecing the trip together yourself:
- On-the-ground experience. Our team has personally traveled every route covered in this guide, Kochi to Munnar, Munnar to Thekkady, Thekkady to Alleppey, and recommendations are updated when a road closes, a permit rule changes, or a stay we’ve used stops being reliable.
- Direct operator relationships. Houseboats in Alleppey and Kumarakom are booked directly with operators, not through resellers, which typically means better boats for the same price and a direct contact if something needs fixing mid-trip.
- Registered tour operator. Nisha Prime Travels operates under Kerala’s state tourism department guidelines, offering accountability that independent freelance “Kerala experts” online often don’t.
- Pace-based itineraries. Trips are planned around how much travel and how many transfers you actually want, not a fixed template padded with extra stops.
- Transparent, itemized pricing. No last-minute houseboat “fuel surcharges” or forced Ayurvedic spa add-ons, the quoted price is the final price.
- Verifiable trip records. Past client feedback and trip details are available on request rather than curated testimonials alone.
Ready to plan your Kerala trip? Get in touch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kerala safe for tourists?
Yes, Kerala is consistently rated among the safer Indian states for tourists, including solo female travelers, due to high literacy rates and lower crime statistics compared to national averages. Standard precautions still apply around isolated beach areas at night.
What is Kerala famous for?
Backwaters, Ayurvedic medicine, tea and spice plantations, Kathakali dance, and a food culture built around coconut, rice, and seafood.
Do I need a permit for wildlife safaris?
Yes, parks including Periyar and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary require entry permits, bookable at the entrance or through the Kerala Forest Department’s online system. Weekend slots at Eravikulam near Munnar can fill up.
Is a houseboat trip worth the cost?
For most first-time visitors, yes. A shorter day cruise offers a similar core experience at a lower price if the budget is tight.
Can I visit Kerala with kids?
Yes. Houseboat cruises, Kathakali shows, and beach towns are generally kid-friendly. Longer treks and pre-dawn jeep rides suit older kids and teenagers better.
What should I pack for Kerala?
Light cotton clothing for the coast and cities, a light jacket for Munnar and Wayanad evenings, mosquito repellent, and modest clothing for temple visits. An umbrella is worth carrying even outside monsoon season, since weather can shift quickly.