10 Best Things to Do in Kerala, India
Everyone calls Kerala “God’s Own Country.” I already feel spiritual and ridiculously optimistic just by seeing its photos in the magazine. I can’t imagine how it will feel when I see it in real life.— It is a land of diverse landscapes, rich traditions, and soul-stirring natural beauty.
Travelers can watch a mesmerizing Kathakali performance in Kochi, trek through the green hills of Wayanad, or spot elephants at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. The sun-kissed beaches of Varkala and Kovalam are ideal for unwinding, while an authentic Ayurvedic massage promises deep rejuvenation.
Don’t miss indulging in a hearty banana leaf Sadya meal or visiting the thunderous Athirappilly Waterfalls, often dubbed the “Niagara of India.” Here’s a guide to the 10 best things to do in Kerala.
Dance-drama with vivid costumes and expressive storytelling. Sateesh Reddy Patlolla / Unsplash
1. Watch a Kathakali Performance in Kochi
One of the most captivating cultural experiences in Kerala is watching a Kathakali performance in Kochi, where ancient mythology comes to life through dance, drama, and vivid visual storytelling.
This classical art form, native to Kerala, is known for its elaborate costumes, intricate facial makeup, and exaggerated expressions that convey entire narratives without a single spoken word.
Performed mostly in temples and cultural centers like the Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi, the show begins with a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the hours-long makeup process, where performers transform into gods, demons, and noble heroes using natural colors and bold designs.
As the performance unfolds, accompanied by rhythmic drumming and traditional chants, you’ll witness a mesmerizing display of hand gestures (mudras), precise eye movements, and stylized body language that together narrate epic tales from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Sail traditional houseboat for a peaceful, scenic escape. Abhishek Prasad / Unsplash
2. Cruise the Backwaters on a Houseboat (Alleppey & Kumarakom)
Aboard a traditional kettuvallam, handcrafted from bamboo and coir, you’ll gently float through a network of serene canals, lagoons, and lakes that weave through palm-lined villages and emerald paddy fields.
As the boat glides over still waters, the world slows down, giving glimpses of daily life along the banks: fishermen casting their nets at dawn, children cycling on narrow paths, and women in vibrant sarees tending to their homes.
The houseboats, now transformed into floating cottages, come equipped with cozy bedrooms, private decks, and freshly cooked Kerala meals served hot by an onboard chef.
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3. Explore Munnar's Tea Plantations
Explore the rolling hills of Munnar. Gaurav Kumar / Unsplash
Located about 1,500 meters above sea level in Kerala’s Western Ghats, Munnar is famous for its endless slopes of emerald-green tea gardens that seem to touch the sky.
As you stroll through the misty hills, you’ll be greeted by cool mountain air, the soothing scent of fresh tea leaves, and panoramic views around every corner.
These plantations, originally established by the British in the late 1800s, are still active today, many run by Tata Tea, one of India’s largest tea producers
A visit to the Tata Tea Museum is a must; it beautifully showcases the history of tea in the region and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how your morning cup is made, from plucking to packaging.
Whether you’re walking along the narrow trails between the bushes, sipping freshly brewed chai with a view, or just soaking in the calm vibe, Munnar’s tea estates give a refreshing escape from the chaos of city life.
4. Relax on the Beaches of Varkala or Kovalam
Varkala is one of everyone personal favorites. It’s the only beach in Kerala where cliffs dramatically rise beside the Arabian Sea. From the top, the view is unforgettable: golden sands below, coconut palms swaying above, and cafes perched along the edge where you can sip fresh juice with your feet dangling over the cliff.
There’s even a natural spring here believed to have healing properties, and the nearby Janardana Swamy Temple, over 2,000 years old, adds a spiritual touch to the area.
Meanwhile, Kovalam, just 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is known for its crescent-shaped beaches, Lighthouse Beach being the most popular.
It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or indulging in a traditional Ayurvedic massage as waves crash in the distance.
5. Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)
A visit to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is like stepping into the wild heart of Kerala. Tucked away in the lush Western Ghats, this protected area covers around 925 square kilometers and is one of India’s most famous tiger reserves.
What makes Periyar truly unique is the chance to explore it by boat safari on Periyar Lake, which winds through thick forests and grassy shores.
As you quietly cruise along the water, you might spot elephants bathing, wild boars wandering, herds of sambar deer, and even Malabar giant squirrels leaping through the trees.
It’s also a paradise for bird lovers, home to over 260 species, including hornbills, kingfishers, and darters. There are also guided nature walks and bamboo rafting experiences that take you deeper into the forest.
6. Experience an Authentic Ayurvedic Spa
If you’re craving deep relaxation and healing, there’s nothing like experiencing an authentic Ayurvedic spa in Kerala, the very birthplace of Ayurveda.
This ancient system of natural medicine, believed to be over 5,000 years old, focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through herbs, oils, diet, and massage.
Across Kerala, you’ll find certified Ayurvedic centers, some attached to luxury resorts, others tucked away in peaceful villages, giving therapies like Abhyanga (full-body oil massage), Shirodhara (warm oil poured on the forehead), and detox treatments tailored to your dosha (body type).
The oils are made from medicinal herbs found in the Western Ghats, and the therapists are usually trained under traditional Ayurvedic doctors.
Here, you find it incredibly calming; your stress melts away, your skin glows, and you come out feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded. Whether you choose a short rejuvenation session or a full wellness retreat, Ayurveda in Kerala isn’t just a treatment; it’s a gentle return to your natural rhythm.
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7. Ride the Toy Train to Ooty (via Nilgiri Hills)
The train starts from Mettupalayam in Tamil Nadu and climbs nearly 46 kilometers to reach Ooty, winding through lush valleys, thick forests, tunnels, and old stone bridges.
What makes it so magical is how slow and scenic the ride is; the little blue-and-cream train chugs along hillsides at a relaxed pace, letting you soak in waterfalls, tea gardens, and villages perched on slopes. It’s like being inside a vintage movie scene.
The experience feels peaceful, nostalgic, and perfect for photography lovers. Even though it’s technically not in Kerala, it blends beautifully with any Kerala itinerary, especially if you’re exploring the Western Ghats or looking for a cool, refreshing escape in the hills.
8. Taste Traditional Kerala Cuisine
Savor traditional Kerala cuisine served on fresh banana leaves. Saveurssecretes / Pexels
One of the best ways to truly experience Kerala is through its traditional cuisine, rich, soulful, and full of bold flavors.
I still remember my first Sadya meal served on a fresh banana leaf; it had over a dozen vegetarian dishes like avial, thoran, sambar, rasam, and payasam, all beautifully balanced in taste and color.
This grand feast is usually eaten during festivals like Onam or weddings, and it’s always eaten with your hand, adding to the connection with the food.
If you love seafood, Kerala is a paradise. Spicy fish curry made with tamarind, coconut, and red chilies is a staple along the coast.
For breakfast, you must try puttu and kadala, a comforting combo of steamed rice flour cylinders and black chickpea curry. And don’t leave without munching on the crispy, salty banana chips or enjoying a warm pazham pori (banana fritter) with tea in the evening.
Whether it’s a homely meal in a village or a traditional thali at a local restaurant, Kerala’s food is a celebration of its land, spices, and simplicity.
9. Go Trekking in Wayanad
If you love nature and adventure like I do, trekking in Wayanad is something you just can’t miss. Tucked away in the northern part of Kerala, Wayanad is known for its lush forests, mist-covered hills, waterfalls, and untouched beauty. One of the most popular trekking spots here is Chembra Peak.
Along the trails, you might pass through tribal villages, spot butterflies, and hear the sounds of hidden waterfalls in the dense greenery.
The hike to the top is not too difficult but truly rewarding, especially when you see the heart-shaped Hridaya Saras Lake on the way up, a favorite for photos.
Wayanad is also home to the ancient Edakkal Caves, where you can hike uphill to see prehistoric petroglyphs carved into stone walls—proof that humans lived here thousands of years ago!
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Kerala Tourism – Official Website: keralatourism.org – it’s the go-to portal for curated travel info, curated itineraries, local experiences, festivals, wellness retreats, and cultural highlights. https://www.keralatourism.org/?utm_
Kerala’s largest cascade, often called the “Niagara of India. Joel Aj / Unsplash
10. Marvel at Athirappilly Waterfalls
If you’re looking for a breathtaking nature experience in Kerala, then a visit to Athirappilly Waterfalls is a must. The moment you hear the roar of the water and feel the cool mist on your face, you’ll know why it’s so famous.
Surrounded by dense forests and part of the Chalakudy River, Athirappilly isn’t just a scenic spot—it’s also home to rare wildlife like hornbills, leopards, and even elephants.
It’s a favorite shooting location for many Indian films, including scenes from blockbusters like Baahubali and Raavan.
There are walking paths that let you view the falls from both the top and bottom, making it the best place for photography, picnics, or just soaking in the beauty.
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Hi, I’m Pooja Mokashi, a passionate storyteller and travel content creator behind Travel Meet World. Based in Mumbai, I love discovering local cultures and helping travelers explore the world with confidence and smart planning.
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