17 Marvelous Things to Do In Kerala For Wonderful Vacations in 2024

Kerala, absolutely deserves to be named God’s Own Country. Owing to the unforgettable experiences of Kerala, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world and not just India. Lush hills of the Western Ghats, scenic beaches along the Arabian Sea, backwaters as far as the eye can see, breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries, to the age-old traditional Ayurveda centers, there is a lot to enjoy in Kerala.

Famous for its beautiful scenery, every experience is a cherished memory. Be it, stay at the beautiful tree houses, houseboat cruise on backwaters, adventure activities, indulging in pampering Ayurveda, learning about ancient culture or more, Kerala is amazing!

Here is a list of the top things to do in Kerala that you must indulge on your holiday, honeymoon or relaxing vacation with family.

17 Best Things to Do in Kerala:

Houseboat ride on backwaters in Alleppey

Alleppey lists among the top places to visit in Kerala. Blessed with the charming backwaters, this is haven for the nature lover. Cruising on the backwaters on a traditional houseboat is truly one of the unique experiences of Kerala. Be it for a vacation with your entire family or honeymoon with sweetheart, it is above all a true delight.

Journey through the blessed eco-sphere of lush greenery, swaying palms, ancient villages and more. Enjoy the luxuries, as well as basic facilities that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.

Time: Starts early in morning

Best time to visit- October to April

Highlights

• Guided village tours and fishing expeditions.
• Candle-light dinner.
• Taste of delicious Kerala dishes.
• Canoeing, kayaking and water sports.
• Ayurveda massages

[ Enjoy houseboat in Alleppey with these customized packages ]

Kolukkumalai Tea Plantation

Namely one of the largest tea plantations in the world, Kolukkumalai is known for adventure, relaxation and old-world sophistication. Explore rocky paths and bask in the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills. Sightseeing is the major lure but equally pleasing is the unique experience of having a taste of the tea, right amid the plantations. In addition of paying a visit, get to buy fresh tea packets from part of main factory.

Time- 7-8 hours.

Best time to visit- Visit anytime except monsoon.

Highlights

• Jeep drive to Kolukkumalai tea plant.
• Beautiful explore of landscapes.
• Panoramic view of mountains.

Backwater stretch of Ashtamudi

One of the most beautiful places in Kerala, Ashtamudi backwaters is amazing. Famous for backwaters that run up upto a length of 16km. The amazing view is served by 8 lakes such as Kanjirottu, Kumbalath, Kureepuzha, Kandachira, Perumon, Thevalley, Kallada and Kumbalath lakes that gives it the name Ashtamudi, ‘the 8 arms of the lake.

Traditional houseboats, small cruise and fishing nets add to the beauty. Experience a rediscovery of heaven, touring through the backwater stretch of Ashtamudi.

Time – 8 hours

Best time to visit- August and March.

Highlights

• Night stay in boat ride.
• Greenery view of paddy fields.
• Sightseeing of lagoons and canals.

Also Read:

Best Backwaters Destinations In Kerala

Attend a Kathakali Performance

A cultural treasure of Kerala, Kathakali is one of the classical dance forms in India, having originated here. Elaborate masks painted in various vibrant hues, incredible colors, make-up and costumes, truly creates a fascinating picture. Attend a performance and be mesmerized in the dance art form. It is one of the best experiences in Kerala.

Time – 3-4 hours

Best time to visit – Once in a month.

Highlights

• Elaborate colorful costumes.
• Graceful body movements.
• Feel strong vibrations.

Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort

Ayurveda is an ancient science of holistic healing that dates back to around 5000 years ago. Although an age-old knowledge, it is effective in today’s times as much as it was in the bygone era. A number of resorts and centers of Ayurveda are available all across Kerala, of which Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort ranks among the best Ayurveda resorts in India.

Proving remarkable health care to tourists for more than 25 years, the resort offers Ayurveda treatment that is truly derived from word “Mother of all healing”. Like its name, the resort caters to treatment of diseases, therapies to promote wellness, rejuvenation, stress management or others. Here you can experience bliss in its true form.

Time- Depends on the treatment or package you choose.

Best time to visit- September & March.

Highlights

• Ayurveda center with experienced masseurs.
• Guided diet plans.
• Relaxing environs to forget your woes.

Varkala Beach

Named among the best beaches in India, Varkala is not just one of the must visit places in Kerala, but an experience to cherish. Dotted with cliffs and sands, the seashore along the Arabian Sea is a beauty along with a dose of adventure.

Known as a blissful beach getaway in South India, Varkala beach, particularly, is famous for sun bathing, swimming and enjoy peaceful environments. Also known as a pilgrimage site, where devotees come to seek cleansing from sins and salvation.

Time – No duration.

Best time to visit- November to February.

Highlights                                                                          

• Sightseeing of Papanasham beach.
• Evening view of sunset.
• Stay in South Cliff.

Vivanta by Taj, Bekal

Undoubtedly, a haven for the holiday-makers in Kerala. Taj Bekal, lets you get pampered at one of the 66 laterite villas and rooms aspired via unique designs. Overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in India, Bekal the hotel caters with its ultimate luxury.

Ketuvallam houseboat, leaf drawings, spiritual themes along with serenity defines beauty of Vivanta. In addition, the opulence of the Taj, makes your stay at this luxury hotel as one of the top things to do in Kerala.

Time – No duration.

Best time to visit- October to March.

Highlights

• Beach just around the corner
• Luxury rooms
• Pampering hospitality
• 24*7 restaurants.

Surya Samudra Kovalam

Another name for romance and bliss, Surya Samudra is one of the best luxury hotels in Kovalam. Enjoy a romantic view of the seaside in Trivandrum. Indulge in spa treatments offered at Niraamaya Spa. Rooms are spacious fitted with terracotta roofs, wooden pillars, tiled floors, invoking dreamy luxurious appearance.

Enjoy a pleasant getaway from hustle-bustle of cities. It is one of the cherished experiences in Kerala that you must include in your holiday.

Time- 24*7 availability.

Best time to visit- Throughout the year.

Highlights

• Multi-Cuisine delights.
• Visit to café samsara.
• Enjoy gourmet sea foods.
• Sightseeing of amazing sunset.

Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

The antiquity of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple lures for a visit. The revered deity of the royal family of Trivandrum, the temple is built in the heart of the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Consequently, one of top things to do in Kerala, India is to visit the temple and pray to the idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple.

Time – Differs according to days.

Best time to visit- Depends upon relevant timings.

Highlights

• View of the statue of Lord Padmanabhaswamy.
• Explore the complex carvings of pillars.
• Gaze into dimly lighted area.
• Special visit to Mandapa.

[ Plan your holidays with our best customized Trivandrum tour packages ]

Watch the Snake Boat Races

Just imagine the look when many rowers row in a synchronized action, competing in a boat race. Sounds fascinating? A snake boat race is Kerala is undoubtedly, unique and traditional that grants all its visitors with an incredible things to do in Kerala India .

Renowned Snake boat races of Kerala mark the calendar during the festival of Onam. Long impressive wooden canoe 100-120 ft contentedly carries 100 rowers. It is basically celebrated in month of August or September.

Time – No duration.

Best time to visit- August-September

Highlights

• Explore the biggest snake boat race in world.
• Oversee 100 men rowing uniformly.
• The power-packed event is a treat for your senses

Stay in a Tree house

Tree Houses in Kerala are eco-friendly tree houses constructed to glimpse one’s experience. Basically, tree houses are well known as Erumadam. Tree houses in Kerala gives perfect view to overlook forests. Traditionally house is covered using materials coir mats, bamboo poles, hay straws and live trees. People confused about what to do in Kerala should not miss the chance to stay in a tree house to gain unique experience. Explore Package.

Time – 24*7 availability.

Best time to visit- October to March

Highlights

• Explore beauty of nature.
• Indulge in activities likewise rock climbing, nature walks & mountain biking.
• Take a spice tour

Also Read:

10 Best tree house resorts in India nestled in the lap of nature

Visit amazing spice plantations or gardens in Wayanad, Thekkady or Munnar.

Spices are the real treasures of Kerala that have lured visitors for centuries. Aromatic, flavorsome delights, these do not just add to food but have a number of medicinal purposes. Pay a visit to the spice gardens and witness how they are grown. Take a guided tour to know everything about is uses and benefits.

Best time to visit- September and March.

Highlights

• Boating at Periyar Lake.
• Explore amazing nature views.

Watch Theyyam

Staged at the various temples of North Kerala in front of village shrine, Theyyam is an absolutely amazing things to do in Kerala. Watch exceptional and beautiful dance at some districts of Kannur. Catch up beautiful performance in Kerala Museum at Kochi. Be alert to dates and events on Theyyam calendar to not miss out.

Time – winter season.

Best time to visit- October to December.

Highlights

• 400 forms of Theyyam artists.
• Unique style of Choreography.
• Popular forms of Theyyam included Kari Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi and many more.

Explore wildlife in Periyar at close quarters

This fascinating Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was formed by Mulaperiyar dam across Periyar River. Basically, three watch towers observed at Edappalayam, Manakkavla and Thannikudi acts as vital source to view amazing life at Periyar wildlife sanctuary.

Enjoy boat rides at Periyar Lake, an interesting safari to pay a visit to wildlife. Go jungle camping, trekking and on nature walks along with stay at wildlife resorts.

Time – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Best time to visit- September and May.

Highlights

• Amazing tour of spice plantation
• Elephant ride
• Ayurveda Massage
• Jeep safari
• Gavi tour
• Nature walks

[ Enjoy Jeep safari in Periyar National Park with these packages ]

Get drenched under a waterfall

Kerala is well-endowed with a number of waterfalls. Athirappily especially is a beauty.  Enjoy the admirable experience of sighting these natural marvels. The roaring noise, the beautiful rainbows and the mists is surreal bliss.

Indulge in trekking and enjoy a good jeep safari via mid-forest to oversee wild elephants and bison. Plan picnics by the waterfalls. Bathe under the gushing water or pose for some romantic clicks of your holiday in Kerala.

Best time to visit – August to October

Highlights

• Amazing view of dams & waterfalls
• Stay at the eco-friendly cottages
• Wildlife sightseeing
• Birdwatching

Watch the sun set at Kovalam Beach

Sunset on the beach is one of the fondest memories of a holiday in Kerala. Enjoy a beautiful sunset at Kovalam beach. Encompassing the combination of three beaches, the view at sun set is blissful.

One of the most popular beach destinations in India and not just the Southern state, the beach is relaxing. Above all, it is one of the must visit places in Kerala.

Best time to visit- October to February

Highlights

• Go for a swim or have fun with the waves.
• Go to the lighthouse to enjoy beautiful beach.
• Nearby attractive beaches such as Lighthouse, Hawa and Samudra beach.

[ Explore holiday packages for Kovalam ]

Explore the Historic Fort Kochi

One of amazing historic forts in Kochi. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese have raised this amazing fort. Discover this place with Chinese fishing nets, Santa Cruz Basilica and Fort Kochi beach.Visit Kochi with these packages.

Time – 4 hours.

Best time to visit- October to March

Highlights

• Past Chinese fishing nets.
• Paddy fields.
• Amazing view of rustic homes.

Bird watching in Kumarakom

When birds from far countries come visiting, you too must pay a visit. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the best places for bird watching in India. Take up the brilliant opportunity to explore birds in Kumarakom.

Settled along the 13 km long Vembanad Lake, in the scenic village of Kottayam, the sanctuary is inhabited by millions of birds of myriad species. Some of the most-spotted birds are waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, water duck, etc. Lastly, bird watching in Kumarakom is admirably one of the top things to do in Kerala.

Time – 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Best time to visit – November and February.

Highlights

• Deciduous forests.
• Explore mixed foraging flocks.
• Diversified variety of bird species.
• Climb to grassy hilltops

[ Enjoy bird watching in Kumarakom with our well-planned tour packages ]

Further, just explore more about our Kerala travel guide . Our superlative Kerala packages offer cherished experiences.

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