Things to do in Kerala: God’s Own Country
Many consider Kerala to be the most serenely beautiful state in South India. The layered landscape of this slender coastal strip defines it: the shimmering backwaters, stunning churches, the spice and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, and the hill stations like Munnar. The Arabian Sea coast and beaches stretch for nearly 600 kilometres. Your subcontinental stride will slow to a blissed-out amble just by stepping upon this swath of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green. As a result of historically significant cities, Kerala stands out from the rest of India.
Kerala is also home to wild elephants, exotic birds, and tigers, in addition to the famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments, and delicately spiced, tastebud-tingling cuisine. Vibrant traditions such as Kathakali, Theyyam, temple festivals, and snake-boat races frequently bring even the smallest villages to life. While Kerala’s numerous experiences contribute to the state’s greatness, here are a few things every visitor should do while they’re here.
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Stay in a House Boat
Alleppey, Kerala’s most popular tourist destination, is about 4 hours from Thiruvananthapuram and offers breathtaking backwater views. While you’re there, don’t pass up the chance to sail in a houseboat, which is one of Kerala’s most popular activities. You can take in the lush green countryside and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch while cruising the calm backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat. It’s exactly as magical as it sounds.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all included for the entire family on the boat, and calling ahead and making a reservation will get you a better deal. You can even enjoy a boat ride on a double-decker boat for about Rs 600 per hour. Aside from the hamlet surrounded by coconut trees, the most popular activity in this area is bird watching. At the very least, you should partake in this delightful play during your Kerala vacation.
Visit a Tea Plantation
Anyone visiting Kerala should pay a visit to its lovely tea estates. Visiting the plantations in Kerala to see tea processing and sample various teas is one of the must-do activities in the state. Stock up on locally grown tea in Bonakkad, Munnar, Idukki, Wayanad, and Thiruvananthapuram, all just a few hours from Kochi. You can try many different types and flavours of tea while visiting tea estates and then purchase your favourite from the museum store. For INR 1500, hire a jeep from Munnar to the 100-year-old Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.
Visit a Coffee Plantation
Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee from the source! For as low as Rs 5000 a night, you can stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and enjoy all of Kerala’s attractions, including hiking, night safaris, campfires, and plantation walks. There is no better way to learn about the coffee-making process, from picking the green beans to brewing them to perfection.
Watch The Snake Boat Race
Snake boat races are held between July and September, particularly during the Onam festival, and watching this exhilarating festival is one of the best things to do in Kerala. You may even rent a boat to watch the race from a distance and cheer on your favourite team as they pass one another on their way to victory. Alleppey is the closest train station, and it is easily accessible from Ernakulam.
Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary
Visiting Thekkady is essential if you want to participate in one of Kerala’s most fascinating woodland activities. Thekkady is recognised for its diverse forest cover, animals, mammals, and aquatic life and is around 190 kilometres from Kochi. With a ride through the Periyar forest, you can see Idukki, the Mullaperiyar Dam, beautiful vegetable farms, sprawling vineyards, and perhaps even a lion-tailed macaque, a critically endangered species. Combine this with an overnight stay in a tent or a treehouse. If you don’t have a car, you can still take a ferry over Periyar Lake to get to the park, which is just as magical. It costs INR 2000 per person for a one-day trip.
Watch Kathakali Dance
If you’ve had your fill of touring, spend an exquisite evening attending a Kathakali show, which is one of the most incredible things to do in Kerala. Kathakali is a classical dance form from India’s southern provinces that originated in Kerala between the 16th and 17th centuries. The dancers are dressed in vivid clothes and portray historical figures through postures and expressions. Historically, it is believed that this dance form developed as a result of a rivalry between two monarchs.
Indulge in an Ayurveda Session
While on vacation in Kerala, you must take advantage of a refreshing Ayurvedic treatment. Kerala is home to a number of Ayurveda resorts that provide a miscellany of natural therapies. They produce a blend of natural herbs and oils that are meant to calm and relax the body and mind simultaneously. Get a massage at one of the eco-resorts, such as the Niraamaya Samroha in Athirappilly, to relieve stress and tension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travelling to Kerala during the Covid safe?
You must follow any safety instructions issued by the authorities. When you’re out, make sure you’re wearing the masks, dressed appropriately and maintain a safe social distance. Maintain a clean atmosphere for yourself and your companions by avoiding crowded venues.
What can you do in Kerala in January?
Because the weather in Kerala is mild in January, you may enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as houseboat rides, visits to the Kalamachal, Pongal celebrations, and meandering through the Sholayar Forest Reserve or the Marayoor sandalwood forest.
When is the best time to visit Kerala?
Kerala is best-visited during the monsoon season when the weather is pleasant. However, to get the most out of your Kerala trip, we’d recommend you travel between June and August.
What is the ideal length of stay in Kerala?
To visit the best of Kerala, you need a week to ten days.
What is the climate like in Kerala?
The climate of Kerala is tropical warm, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The mountains have cooler weather than the rest of the state.
What should I take with me on my vacation to Kerala?
The temperature in Kerala is mild and comfortable. As a result, visiting Kerala in shorts and flip-flops would be a great idea. If you plan to go hiking, make sure to carry a pair of sports shoes.
