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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

Last Updated on May 9, 2024

In this post, I’ll share with you the best road trip itinerary for Kerala based on my experience of travelling to the state again and again in the last 6 years.

Kerala is a culturally rich, liberal, and breathtakingly beautiful state of southern India. It's vastly different from the northern side of India both in landscape and cuisine. So, planning what to do here on a limited time can be overwhelming.

I will help with your Kerala trip planning with an itinerary for Kerala for 7 days with ideas to modify it for longer or even shorter durations.

If you already have a basic knowledge about the state, then jump to the Kerala itinerary .

I' ve tried to cover all bases in the post to help you plan a trip to Kerala . Expand the table of contents below and jump to the relevant section if you want to.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

The Best 1-week Kerala Itinerary at a glance

While you can tweak as per your liking after reading the full article, this is the plan I recommend for your first vacation in Kerala.

Day 1: Reach Kochi via train or flight and then hire a cab (or rent a self-drive car) for your Kerala trip. Explore Kochi and end the day with a Kathakali performance.

Day 2: Drive to Alleppey or Kumarakom and stay in a houseboat. It's time to rejuvenate in luxury after the hectic sightseeing at Kochi.

Day 3 & 4: Drive to Munnar on day 3 and explore the exceptional beauty of nature. You will need to stay at-least 2 nights in this resplendent hill station.

Day 5: Drive to Thekkady for wildlife safari and to witness the Kalarypayattu performance.

Day 6: Drive to Kovalam for some luxury experiences, much needed after the hectic sightseeing in the hills

Day 7: Drive to Trivandrum for exploring the historic charms and shopping before you depart.

In a 10-day Kerala itinerary you can include a day-trip to the Athirapally waterfalls from Kochi. From Thekkady you can drive to Varkala – an offbeat coastal paradise.

From Varkala you can easily visit the Jatayu Earth center – a new landmark in Kerala. Then drive to Kovalam the next day and depart from Trivandrum on the 10th day.

You can go slightly off-the-beaten track even in a packed 7-day Kerala tour. Skip the wildlife experience in Thekkady for a day trip to Athirapally waterfall. Or stay near the Varkala beach instead of Kovalam.

First time in Kerala? I recommend booking Kerala tour with Sangine Holidays . You can ask them to customise based on your preferences.

2 Weeks Itinerary for Kerala Roadtrip

Most of the tourist destinations and international airports are concentrated in the southern part of Kerala. So, most of the shorter Kerala tours are also designed to explore the south. Entire northern half of Kerala is therefore left out in my 7 and 10-day itinerary above.

If you can plan 2 weeks in Kerala , you could see how the culture and cuisine transform as we move from north Kerala towards the south, even in this rather tiny state.

Northern Kerala towards the Karnataka border has a strong Arabic influence in their culture, architecture and cuisine. Here you're more likely to get the best type of non-vegetarian dishes like Keralite biryani, chicken curry etc.

As you move towards the south you notice a distinct change. Towards the hills in the south there is a dominant influence of Hinduism. You'll find a plethora of pure vegetarian restaurants serving Appam-ishtew, idli, iddiyappam etc . 

On the coastline, there is a larger European influence in the monuments but also a blend of old Hindu culture as seen in the attire and performances. So, here's how I'd plan a longer itinerary of Kerala for 2 weeks .

Day 1: Take a train or overnight bus to Kasargod from Bangalore or anywhere else.

Day 2: Explore Bekal Fort , beaches and backwaters of Kasargod

Day 3: Drive (or take a bus) to Sultan Bathery in Wayanad . Take a wildlife safari there

Day 4: Visit Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagara Dam in Wayanad

Day 5: Trek to Chembra Peak in the morning. Have a brunch and drive to Palakkad

Day 6: Explore Palakkad – Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam and Hanuman Temple

Day 7: Drive to Kochi via Athirapally falls

Day 8: Exploring Kochi

Day 9: Drive 126 km to Alleppey and take a houseboat tour

Day 10: Explore Alleppey and drive to Munnar

Day 11: Exploring the best of Munnar and Chinnakanal

Day 12: Skip Thekkady and drive to Varkala

Day 13: Take a memorable day trip to Munroe Island

Day 14: Explore Varkala and drive to Kovalam

Day 15: Drive to Trivandrum for departure

🙋‍♀️Want to custom-design your Kerala itinerary and have some questions? Join the awesome Backpack & Explore Facebook community – a safe place to discuss all your queries and concerns about traveling in India

A quick note on name of the places

Because of the colonial history of India, many popular destinations have an anglicized name that were coined by the European colonizers. The names have been reversed to their original form post indepedence.

However, because of the complex pronunciation, people unofficially refer to them by their anglicized names. So, before you get confused by these names, here is a short lexicon of Kerala's cities for you.

• Cochin is the anglicized name for Kochi (which is not at all difficult to pronounce)
• Calicut is the anglicized name of Kozhikhode (pronounced as “koh-ree-kode”)
• Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is the anglicized name of Thiruvananthapuram (a proper tongue-twister challenge for foreigners)
• Alleppey is the anglicized name of Alappuzha , city in the namesake district

One Week in Kerala – The Plan in Details

So, let's dive deeper into the wilderness of Kerala and take a virtual tour that will make you fall in love with the state.

Day 1 in Kerala – Arrive at the Historic Kochi

Kochi is the unofficial tourism and cultural capital of Kerala. It has a well-connected railway station as well as an international airport. So, this is a great place to start your trip.

As soon as you arrive, bargain the rates for a local cab. Normally the rates start from Rs. 12/km for lower-end 4-seater cars, and the fares would go up for the type of car, number of seats, travel season, night rates etc.

You can check the rates here to have a fair idea of the current rates and avoid being scammed.

Kochi is a bustling modern city haunted by a long, intriguing history. It's the place believed to be Vasco da Gama's passage to India .

Then there's the oldest Jewish quarters in India that you can find in Kochi, the Pardesi Synagogue standing as a tall testimony to the thousand years of religious tolerance in India.

There are the Dutch Palace , Portuguese churches as well as remnants of the Bristish colonialism. And thriving despite centuries of brutal invasions and colonial atrocities are the age-old pagan art forms that you can witness through dance performances, artefacts in the markets and music.

Kochi's beauty lies not in its architectural grandeur but in the unique stories behind the buildings, the streets and corners.

Kochi Sightseeing Plan

Assuming you reached Kochi at around 10 am, you can drive directly to Mattancherry Palace . The Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace was actually a monument gifted by the Portuguese to the Indian raja. It was later extended and renovated by the Dutch in 17th century.

After a tour of the palace, enjoy a walking tour of the Jew Town and visit the Pardesi Synagogue .

Then drive back to Fort Kochi . There are some amazing places here for having a delicious lunch.

I have created a map here for a walking tour of Kochi.

The best way to explore Kochi in one or two days is with a local tour guide. Check our my recommendations below.

🌟A guided walking tour of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry with a local

🌟A private tuktuk tour with hotel pickup. This is suitable for people of all ages and small families

Stay near Fort Kochi , so that you can easily walk to the beach to see the photogenic Chinese fishing nets in the evening during the golden hour. Then return to Fort Kochi for dinner and an enthralling Kathakali dance performance in the Kerala Kathakali Center. It is one of the eight classical dance forms in India and also one of the most difficult dance forms in the world.

Best places to Stay in Kochi

Hotel Marine Inn – A 5-star luxury hotel located at the Marine Drive, in close proximity to Kochi's highlights Casino Hotel – CGH church – A sustainable 5-star luxury property located midway between Marine Drive and the Dutch Palace. In the mid-range and budget category, Fort Bridge View hotel located in Fort Kochi is the perfect place.

Check out other options and get best prices below.

Day 2 – Relax in the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarkom

After an exhausting, yet fulfilling day exploring Kochi, it's time to relax in the backwaters of Kerala. Today we will drive 55km to Alleppey, often touted as the Venice of India .

But before that we can wake up early and walk to the beach to catch a glimpse of the sunrise and explore the morning markets.

After a wholesome breakfast at hotel, we set out for Alleppey or Kumarakom. They are on two sides of the Vembanad lake – the largest natural lake in India.

You can either stay in a houseboat or in a hotel on the banks of Vembanad lake . 

A day in Alleppey

Assuming that you started from Kochi at around 10 am you will reach comfortably by 11:30 am. Kochi is a bustling city with heavy traffic, so we need to account for that time.

Take a boat-ride for 3-6 hours to explore the beauty of canals, watch the birds enjoying the sun and the blossoms of the lake, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

While on your boat or Shikara, visit the Pathiramanal island to say “hi” to the thousands of birds that flock into the magical backwaters during winter.

Stop midway at a village, to relish on sea-food prepared with fresh catch of the day mixed with Kerala's spices. If you book a houseboat for stay you can have a traditional fish-meal for lunch in the boat itself.

On our trip, we stayed in a lakeside cottage and hired a shikara for maneuvering through the narrow canals and have lunch at one of the villages on the lakeside.

After the soulful trip, take some rest in the afternoon to avoid the scorching sun. Then drive to explore the beaches, churches and temples of Alleppey.

Next visit the Alleppey lighthouse, Alleppey beach and the loveliest Marari beach at sunset.

Once again, a paid trip will help you optimize your short time in Alleppey. These are the best-rated tours.

🌟 A 6-hour private Shikara cruise through the canals and lakes of Alleppey

🌟 There's a popular 2-day houseboat trip from Kochi to Alleppey to explore the backwaters of Alleppey and then return to Kochi Port.

Best places to Stay in Alleppey

Lemontree Vembanad Resort

☑️Affordable luxury ☑️Houseboat and Cottages

A 4-star luxury hotel on the banks of Vembanad lake, with options to stay in houseboat as well as lake-view cottages. You can read my full review here

Xandari Riverscapes

☑️Organised houseboat tours

A fleet of luxurious houseboats floating in the backwaters of Kerala.

Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey

While I haven't stayed here, I have always been impressed by the hospitality at Sterling properties in India. They are great options for affordable luxury accommodations .

Day 3 in Kerala trip plan: Drive to Munnar

Munnar is one of my favorite places in India. I think it is the best hill station in south India which despite the hype, manages to leave you awestruck at its raw natural beauty.

Speckled with waterfalls, adorned by lush green tea gardens, and pine forests, and surrounded by lofty hills, Munnar does seem like God's own country.

While most people stick to places near the Munnar town, the outskirts, especially the Chinnakanal region is breathtaking.

On Day 3, you have to drive about 180 km from Alleppey to reach Munnar. While driving you will bid goodbye to the coastal warmth and move higher towards the hills.

As you enter the serpentine roads of the Western Ghats , turn off the AC and wind down the windows of your car.

The temperature has suddenly dropped, and the scenery has completely changed within a 4-hour drive. Watch out for the scenic viewpoints at every turn.

Try not to stop everywhere you want to, lest you get late, or the driver gets annoyed.

Don't have a fixed itinerary for the day. Rather just stop and absorb the beauty around you wherever you can.

I highly recommend staying away from the city center and close to some tea garden. Keep an eye for the numerous waterfalls as well while driving to your hotel.

Best places to Stay in Munnar

Sterling Munnar

☑️Family Activities ☑️Best Location

Located in Chinnakanal area right opposite to the Tata Tea Garden, this is where we stayed on our second trip to Munnar. A perfect place to stay on a family vacation, with great activities for kids as well as the elderly.

Elephant Passage Resort

☑️5-star luxury ☑️Great Views

Located 25km from city center, this is the most affordable 5-star luxury you can get in Munnar. There's jacuzzi rooms, infinity pool and great views of nature.

Day 4 – Exploring Munnar

After a fulfilling brunch at hotel or outside, you can set off for a long exhausting tour of Munnar. One day may not be enough, but here's an itinerary covering the most memorable places in Munnar.

Drive to Eravikulam National Park right after breakfast. You need to set aside at least 2-3 hours for the trip, because of the long queue for tickets, the safari bus-ride and exploring on foot.

The beauty of this sensitive Nilgiri-biosphere is awe-inspiring. You will lose the idea of time while exploring the waterfalls and spotting the Niligiri tahr (an endangered species of animal found here) while walking in the forest. 

After this, head to Kanan Devan hills for a tour of the Tea factory

Then drive to Mattupetty Dam . If it is too crowded (which likely it will be), then drive to Kundala lake for a boat ride. 

And then, skip Top Station and save yourself some time for the other spectacles.

Similarly, if you want to watch the elephants, Carmelagiri is a touristy location where you can ride on them. But a more offbeat place for Elephant sighting is the Anayirangal Park (aka the Elephant Abode) in Chinnakanal . For more such tips and detailed guidance on your Munnar trip, check out my Munnar itinerary .

Like any other hill stations, most places close by 5pm. Stop at the Lockhart viewpoint on your way back to the hotel.

Shall I tell you a secret?

Skip the tea factory tours in Munnar and instead head to Kolukkumalai in the early morning.

Technically it's in Tamil Nadu state, but Chinnakanal is the closest getway to this hidden paradise on earth which also has one of the world's oldest and higest tea-factory .

Take a tea factory tour here instead after a bumpy jeep-ride.

Day 5 – Thrilling Thekkady

Thekkady is situated only 90 km away from Munnar, but it can take about 2.5 – 3 hours to reach because of the hair-pin belts. It is the home to Periyar National Park, the abode of Royal Bengal tigers among many other stealthy predators.

It's also significant for religious pilgrims as this is where the trek to the Ayappa Temple of Sabrimala begins.

Make sure you stay close to the Periyar National Park which is the center of all the activities in Thekkady itinerary.

Thekkady Sightseeing Plan

Assuming you started from Munnar at 9-9:30, it will be almost noon by the time your reach Thekkady.

Head to the reception of the Periyar National Park and get the brochure for all activities they offer and their timings

First you can go on a jeep ride through the tea and spice plantations. It will also take you to Ottakathalamedu, a hill-top from where you cans see magnificent panoramic views.

Then, after a quick lunch it will be time for the unmissable Periyar Lake Cruise . You will see a host of migratory birds in the lake, deer and antelopes on the banks, and, if lucky, you have a chance to spot elephants here too. 

Spend the evening shopping in Kumily and then head on to Mudra Cultural Centre to witness Kalaripayattu . This is an ancient martial art form which is both brave and beautiful.

If you have the energy, you can also book a thrilling night safari in the forest. Or simply rest at night; you've had a long day already.

Best places to Stay in Thekkady

Abad Green Forest Resort ☑️Best Location

Located in the Periyar National Park area, this 4-star property is the best place for luxury jungle experience.

Chrissie's hotel ☑️Pocket-friendly

This is one of the most popular pocket-friendly property near Periyar National Park. It's also pet-friendly!

Day 6 – Pamper yourself at Kovalam

Our trip is coming to an end soon. But don't be sad as it's time to drive to Kovalam. Located approximately 215 kilometers (134 miles) from Thekkady, it will take around 5-6 hours by road.

While like everywhere else in Kerala there's a plethora of options available for different budget types, I highly recommend booking a beach-side spa resort in Kovalam.

In most places in Kerala you can easily stay in budget hotels and explore outdoors all day. But Kovalam and the Alappuzha regions are famous for Ayurvedic Spa and medicinal treatment. Why not pamper yourself a bit here?

Kovalam itinerary for the day

Assuming you started from Thekkady at 9 am, it will be almost 3pm by the time you reach Kovalam.

You can stop for lunch on your way to the hotel, or have lunch immediately after checking in.

You can then head off to the  three beautiful beaches of Kovalam  – the  Lighthouse beach , the  Hawah beach  and the  Samudra beach . You can trek to the short cliffs for capturing amazing views.

You can spend the entire evening strolling in the beaches or go for an  Ayurvedic spa massage .

Best places to Stay in Kovalam

🥇 Raviz Kovalam (formerly Leela Kovalam)

☑️Stunning Location ☑️5-star Luxury

Located at the cliff-top the views from this hotel is heavenly. The water looks vanilla-blue from here.

Samudra Leisure beach resort

☑️Pocket-friendly☑️Spa available

At nearly half the rate of Raviz or Taj, you can enjoy luxury at pocket-friendly rate . This also has a wellness center for Ayurvedic spa.

Day 7: Bidding goodbye from Trivandrum

The last day of a vacation always makes your heart heavy. But don't worry, we still have a lot to do today before we depart from Trivandrum in the evening. 

It is located only 19 km away from Kovalam and you can reach easily within 30 minutes through the smooth coastal road. But before that we will take a detour to Poovar, a floating town in the Poovar lake near Kovalam.

After a delectable lunch in the Poovar island you can drive to the airport for final departure.

A guide to Kerala Trip Planning

Now that you have your Kerala trip plan and a detailed 7-day itinerary of Kerala, I want to share some practical information to help you travel. Here are a few travel tips and trivia about Kerala that you need to know before going on this vacation.

How to reach Kerala?

Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, and road. There are three main international airports located in Kochi , Trivandrum , and Calicut respectively. Several railway stations connect Kerala to other parts of India.

All the destinations mentioned here can be covered on the most scenic road trips from Bangalore , the city where I live in.

🚙 🚗 Rent a  Zoomcar  for self-driving all the way in Kerala 🚔

Going around in Kerala

While I'm all for exploring India solo, I get that it can be a bit overwhelming if you're not a local. So, your best bet is to rent a cab with an English-speaking driver.

But hey, if you're up for a little adventure, local transport like KSTDC buses work great for inter-city travel, and tuk-tuks are your go-to for getting around town.

If you're the kind who likes to take the wheel, you can also book a self-drive car. Just make sure to download the maps and have an online translator app handy.

📲 Getting simcard is difficult in India for foreign nationals. The easiest way to stay connected is with an India e-sim . 🤳

Cuisine and Dining in Kerala

While you have a plethora of “safe” options in most hotels in India, Kerala's authentic cuisine is a must-try.

Rice is the staple food of Kerala and most of the dishes are just the most innovative, mind-boggling ways you can use rice. These are my favorite Keralite dishes.

• Kerala porotta aka Malabar porota(a white-flour Indian bread) with fish-curry
• Appam-stew ( Appam is a type of pancake made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk which is usually had with a vegetable stew)
• Iddiyappam with curry (looks like idli made of rice noodles)
• Puttu with curry (Putti is a cylindrical shaped steamed rice cake)
• Karimeen Fry
• Bamboo chicken biriyani

Although known for sumptuous sea food and one of the few states in India where beef preparations are mainstream, Kerala is actually a great place for vegans.

Many of the authentic dishes as you can see in my list above use only vegan ingredients sourced locally.

If you have time, and want to do something memorable, take a home cooking class of Kerala cuisine

What is the best time to visit Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is between November to January . This is the winter season, when coastal Kerala is still hot but comfortable. Rest of the year is extremely hot and humid, except for the Western Ghats region.

If you want to spend most of the time in the Western Ghats of Kerala, you can visit any time of the year.

In fact, if you want to see the famous boatrace in Alapuzha , you should plan your trip around August . This is the peak monsoon season, so temperatures cool down significantly. It will still be humid in the coastal region, but the hills will look spectacular.

The boat races are held as part of the “Onam” celebrations. It is the harvest festival of Kerala, and one of the most important days in Malaylam Calendar.  ( Malaylam is the native language of Kerala, also the native culture).

Just check for the weather reports before embarking on road-trip in the monsoon . 

A few more Frequently Asked Questions Answered

How many days are enough for kerala.

You cover the best of Kerala on a tight schedule in 7 days. This is usually the most practical time-frame most people have for spending in one state of India.

If you can extend your stay to 10 days, you will have more time to explore some of the destinations and enjoy some excursions.

If you are on an India tour and can't afford a week for Kerala , 5 days should be enough to enjoy the unmissable experiences – natural beauty of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam along with some cultural performances.

Ofcourse the longer you stay the better.

How to explore Kerala in 5 days?

A Kerala trip plan for 5 days should ideally have 1 day in Kochi for historic sightings, 1-day Alleppey for experiencing the backwaters and some amazing clean beaches and 2 days in Munnar for blissful Western Ghats experience.

On day 5, drive from Munnar to Kochi via Athirapally Falls. That's what I suggest because I love Munnar. However, you can squeeze in Thekkady on Day 3 and skip Athirapally Falls.

If you are visiting Kerala for the first time and have only 5 days, I highly recommend this packed 5-day Kerala trip by Saffron India Tours .

What souvenirs can I bring back from Kerala?

You can bring the best quality of Indian spices – cardamom, cloves, cinnamon etc. What most people would ask me to bring whenever I travel to Kerala is “ Banana chips “. These thinly slices dried bananas deep-fried in coconut oil is a delicacy that can travel with you back to your home easily.

Besides I highly recommend buying Kerala cotton or Kerala silk sari. You can also buy “ Mundu ” for men in the same material. The white saris or mundu with golden border is a specialty.

Is Kerala safe for solo travelling?

Kerala is one of the safest states in India for tourists. Women usually don't face lecherous stares or bad behavior in public places in Kerala. You are less likely to be scammed as a tourist. Only thing that scares me is the speed at which people drive in the hills in Kerala.

How expensive is Kerala?

In my experience I have found Kerala more expensive than the other states of south India when it comes to tourism. It is certainly the most famous tourist destination in south, and the tariff for cabs, fun-activities, etcetera is relatively higher.

Having said that it is completely affordable for budget backpackers with good hostels and homestays starting from Rs. 1000/- per day.

You cover the best of Kerala on a tight schedule in 7 days. This is usually the most practical time-frame most people have for spending in one state of India. If you can extend your stay to 10 days, you will have more time to explore some of the destinations and enjoy some excursions. If you are on an India tour and can't afford a week for Kerala , 5 days should be enough to enjoy the unmissable experiences – natural beauty of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam along with some cultural performances.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this article inspires you to travel to this amazing state and make memories of a lifetime. I will leave you with a list of my favorite travel sites for travel planning in India. 

If you liked this post, you may also find these articles interesting.

Best of Karnataka – One state, many worlds

Best of Enchanting Tamil Nadu

I have already linked detailed itineraries to the places mentioned in my post. But here they are again for you to read and save for later.

Munnar travel guide

Thekkady travel guide

Wayanad itinerary

Kasargod (Bekal) travel guide

Top Travel Sites in India for 2024

🏨 Booking.com  for the best hotel prices (Price match and free cancellations)

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For free accommodations, use Trusted House Sitters

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17 Comments

Wow! I never realized all there is to do in this region, and I love the itinerary. Thanks for the pointers and great list of things to see and do!

Thanks a lot Meggie.

I have been to Kerala 23 years ago! I really loved it but I was only there for a very short time. I remember seeing the houseboats on the backwaters and thinking I’d like to come back someday and do that. This is excellent information you have provided. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for reading. Hope you come for another trip.

That’s a long time. I hope you come again to see what has changed and spend a night in the houseboat

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Kerala on four occasions within the past three years, and each visit brings forth a fresh allure. My most recent visit o Kovalam refreshed me for at least the next couple of months.

Thanks for this comprehensive post. Now I know what exactly to look for in my next trip.

Great post! The thing that draws me to Kerala is how lush, green and gorgeous the natural landscape can be. Places like the waterfalls at Munnar are just stunning and it would be fantastic to see all the wildlife. Oh, and then the food! 😀

Thank you so much. I hope you visit soon

Wow that beach view is amazing – did you have a favorite one? I have never heard of Kerala but have enjoyed reading about it as I am trying to learn more about the different states of India. Will be saving this for my trip to India!

Thanks a lot Natalie. My favorite beach in Kerala is Kovalam. I love the Marari beach too. Glad to help further if you’re planing a trip to Kerala

What a stunning place to visit- those waterfalls are amazing. And I would definitely love to take a boat ride to see elephants, how awesome!!

What a wonderful guide — so much excellent information!

And the history of the region — I never knew! Thank you!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts

Munnar and tea gardens are sooo on my list! I was planning a visit in 2019 while working remotely from Pune, but didn’t get around to it, as work got too busy. But looking at your recommendations, definitely a must-visit!

thanks a lot Alina Hope you get to take this trip soon

I love the Munnar waterfall as well as the idea of a 6 hour cruise! The animals look cute and so glad you can see them from the bus.

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Unforgettable 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: see the Best of Kerala

Planning a trip to God’s own country?? read my 10 days Kerala Itinerary which will allow you to see the best that Kerala has to offer. I also included a few Kerala travel tips.

Kerala, India’s southernmost state is known as God’s own country and for every right reason. The state is blessed with backwaters, lagoons, tea and spice plantations, wildlife as well a vibrant culture. There are so many things to do in Kerala!!

It is an extremely safe state for family tours, group travelers, as well as women, and solo travelers. That is one of the reasons why it is popular not only in India but also with international travelers. Kerala or Rajasthan is generally the first choice of visit in India.

So here is the Perfect 10-day Kerala itinerary by road to explore the lush greenness and the lovely countryside.

Note: This itinerary starts in Kochi(Cochin International Airport) and finishes in Varkala (leaving from Trivandrum International Airport).

• 1 10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips
• 2 What is the best way to cover this 10-day Kerala itinerary?
• 3.1 Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing
• 4.1 Things to do in Munnar
• 5.1 Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar
• 6.1 Things to do in Kumarakom
• 7.1 Things to do in Alleppey
• 7.2 Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?
• 8.1 Things to do in Varkala
• 9.1 Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram
• 10 Best time to visit Kerala
• 11 Must visit activities in Kerala
• 12 Must try the food in Kerala
• 13 How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary
• 14 Getting around Kerala

10 days Kerala itinerary & Kerala Travel Tips

What I love most about Kerala is lush greenery, amazing backwaters, rolling hills with tea plantations, varying landscapes throughout the state, amazing temples, beautiful beaches, a blend of cultures, and amazing food- it offers everything one can ask for! Every place has its charm and Kerala is special on its own.

In this article, I have covered the Best places to visit in Kerala, must-visit attractions how to get there, and what to do. I have covered most of the things to do in Kerala in this 10-day Kerala itinerary article which may help you to plan your perfect Kerala trip.

What is the best way to cover this 10-day Kerala itinerary?

It is ideal to hire a car or self-drive to cover the maximum number of places possible. However, this itinerary can be covered using public transportation such as a bus.

Ideally, you can fly or ride a train up to Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram which are the major cities in Kerala, and driving from here to other places is ideal. The plus side is both are on the coast so one can cover the entire state either from north Kerala which is Kochi to south Kerala which is Thiruvananthapuram or vice versa.

This itinerary will cover various places from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum).

Day 1 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore Vibrant Kochi

Kochi is the major airport in Kerala and is connected to the country’s most important domestic airports as well as many international ones. Kochi is the economic capital of Kerala and is the perfect Keralean city to orient you towards the state and what to expect. In its modern lanes still lies the traditional heart.

You can see the fort, and Kochi beach, enjoy a traditional meal, and cultural dance, or enhance your senses with a spice market, all in one city. But I suggest that you experience each of these in various places across Kerala.

To make the most of your 10-day Kerala Itinerary , make sure you arrive early in the morning so that you can freshen up and start exploring Kochi right away! I suggest spending one day in Kochi and then moving towards the hills of Munnar.

Things to do in Kochi: Kochi Sightseeing

Thankfully, most of the sightseeing places are all located in one part of the city. Spend the half-day at Fort Kochi and the rest of the day visiting other Places in Kochi. In Fort Kochi, you can visit the Mattancherry Palace and Pardesi Synagogue. Mattancherry Palace is also known as the Dutch Palace which has beautiful mural paintings.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Fort Kochi as it is known for Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture. The famous bamboo Chinese Fishing Nets are still being used for 500 years, it is interesting to learn how they still work! St Francis and Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica are also must-visit Places while in Kochi.

Also, check out souvenir shops on Princess Street. Kochi is a good place to watch the Kathakali Dance show which is an ancient dance form of India. If you have more days in hand, I would recommend spending 2 days in Kochi and exploring its cafe scene. One must visit Kashi Art Cafe to see the unique art creations.

Day 2-3 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary: Munnar – Hill Stations and Spice Plantations

Munnar is Kerala’s favorite hill station. Famous for its tea gardens, it is indeed a tourist paradise. Chosen by people of all ages, there is a lot to do or not in Munnar. Ideally, you need 2 days in Munnar.

Leave early from Kochi for a 5-hour road trip to Munnar- One of the Best Hill Stations in India. The city traffic will slowly reduce towards this hill town as the cool breeze will welcome you.

As you go closer to Munnar, the straight roads will turn into zig-zag rods and all you will see around are acres and acres of tea plantations across the valleys.

Things to do in Munnar

Munnar is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala. It is a great location to spend 2 days amidst the tea plantations and hills. The temperature remains cool throughout the year in Munnar. One of the most popular things to do in Munnar is take a stroll in one of the many tea plantations that are open to visitors.

India produces the best tea in the world and you can take guided tea-tasting tours that explain the history and manufacturing process, you can even taste different varieties of tea at the end of the tour. You can buy what you taste from the retail shop.

Related Read: Ooty- the Tea Capital of India

The next day, pay a visit to one of the many wildlife parks in Kerala. Eravikulam National Park which is situated close to Munnar is famous for the goat species known as Nilgiri Tahr. These mountain goats exclusively roam in the hills of Munnar and it is amazing to catch a glimpse of them in their natural habitat.

It is best to book the tickets online to avoid waiting in line. If you want to cover more wildlife parks, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 2 hours away from Munnar and has sightings of birds, elephants, and spotted deer.

The park will take up most of the morning so you should head towards Mattupety Dam and Tea Estate , Echo Point, and Top Station which are some of the most touristy places in Munnar. These are good places for a photo-op and have a nice relaxing atmosphere.

Apart from this, there are so many places to visit near Munnar and you can even take do many adventure activities in Munnar.

There exist many hiking trails which can be covered with the help of local tour operators or guides. Rock climbing, rappelling, and many such adventure camps also exist in Munnar which offer activities from a few hours to days.

Day 4-5 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thekkady-Periyar

Thekkady is another hill station in Kerala. While it is okay to give this a miss if you are visiting Munnar,I will highly recommend you to visit Thekkady. Thekkady is 4 hour driving distance and the roads from one hill station to another are nothing short of breathtaking.

Things to do in Thekkady-Periyar

After reaching Thekkady, relax for a bit and then take a stroll in the many spice plantations in the area. Kerala is the largest producer of spices such as black pepper, small cardamom, and cloves.

It is also the largest producer of rubber. Many spice plantations allow visitors and take them on a guided tour where each of these fruits and spice trees is shown and their life cycle is explained.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural event of the Kathakali dance . Kathakali is a religious dance that draws inspiration from the Ramayana and stories from Shiva traditions. It is performed by men in traditional attires with face paints.

It takes hours to perfect the art of getting ready for the performance. All of this is showcased during the show. There are many places where this takes place.

On the next day, get ready to visit Periyar. One of the top things to do in Thekkady is visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thekkady is home to the stunning Periyar river which hosts the elusive Tiger in its forests.

To experience the best of Periyar Tiger Reserve, opt for Bamboo Rafting which includes a trek through the Jungle and a Boat ride. A boat ride on the Periyar River is therapeutic with beautiful and peaceful surroundings.

The ride paints a beautiful picture with broken tree barks in the river, deers drinking water from the riverbank, and cormorants trying to catch a fish. Catching a glimpse of a tiger or elephant is difficult on a boat ride but not impossible.

If you are a serious wildlife enthusiast, you can choose to take up a gypsy ride in the forest or even decide to stay in the forest guesthouse. This whole experience of exploring the untouched beauty of  Periyar Tiger Reserve may take 6-7 hours.

Day 5-6 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Kumarakom

After the boat safari in Periyar, it is time to move to Kumarakom. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a refreshing change from the hills to the lake.

It is located 3 hours from Munnar so by the time you reach Kumarakom it will be evening. So relax and chill on the banks of Vembanad Lake watching the sunset.

Things to do in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a popular destination lined with resorts for a relaxing stay. There are some resorts located on the banks of Vembanad Lake while some are in the backwaters.

There is an option of choosing a houseboat here. You can choose to stay in Kumarakom and explore Alleppey the next day or choose to spend 2 nights in 2 different places. You can read about my one day in Kumarakom along with many recommendations.

Day 7: Alleppey : Cruising Through Coconut Groves

Kumarakom and Alleppey are located on opposite sides of the Vembanad lake and both have backwaters, which Kerala is famous for.

Things to do in Alleppey

Other than exploring the country life in Alleppey, relaxing by the backwaters, or experiencing ayurvedic massages, there are not many activities to do in Alleppey. If you want to cruise the backwaters and stay a night on a houseboat you might want to choose Alleppey.

The boats leave from both locations but Alleppey has by far the biggest choice for a backwater cruise. You can either choose Kumarakom or Alleppey in this itinerary and save a day. If I had to choose, I would choose Alleppey over Kumarakom for the rugged country life.

If you choose to go for the houseboat cruise, note that the boat sails only for 6 hours. Local regulations reserve the lake for the fishermen at night and all houseboats have to dock by 5:30 pm.

Instead, choose a hostel on the backwater and hire a shikara or narrowboat to navigate through narrow channels. The Shikara boats are available around the backwaters and if you request them they will show you many birds around the area.

Should you go to Alleppey or Kumarakom?

This depends on your choice and what you want to do! If you want to cruise the backwaters and want to spend the night in a houseboat, choose Alleppey. There are more choices to choose houseboats for Alleppey. You will not find many resorts for the stay for the Alleppey.

If you want to experience both the resorts and overnight Stay in a Houseboat or cruise, Kumarakom would be the better choice. Many resorts offer packages for the same.

Day 8-9 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Explore the beaches of Varkala

The day is the 8th day of the Kerala itinerary to visit the beach town of Varkala. Varkala is approximately 4 hours from Alleppey and is famous for stunning and clean beaches all across. Varkala is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala and for good reasons.

firstly, the iconic cliff beach and the shops, and cafes around the cliff make it one of the hippiest places in Kerala. Secondly, it has a beach that is perfect for surfing in India. Thirdly, it has many Yoga ashrams and is known for its Ayurveda. These reasons are enough to include Varkala as one of the must-visit destinations in your 10-day Kerala itinerary.

Things to do in Varkala

Enjoy the evening sipping coconut water overlooking the sunset on Papanasham beach or Bekal beach. Taking a dip in the beach water will relax you from all the driving you have been through in the week! Or perhaps some yoga by the beach may calm your nerves?

On the next day, visit the Varkala cliffs. Varkala is the only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the sea. It is a perfect place to take a stroll, play some volleyballs or simply chill in the many cafes set up on the cliff. Do visit the red laterite cliff which is one of the most popular tourist places in Varkala.

If you want to drive away to do something else, Kappil Pozhi Lake is a serene lake that is approximately 6 kilometers from Varkala town. It is surrounded by coconut and palm trees which makes it tranquil. If an adrenaline rush is on your mind, Varkala offers Paragliding adventure activity over the cliffs, overlooking the ocean.

Anjengo Lighthouse is another place you can visit while in Varkala. Climbing a good 250 stairs from the lighthouse offers a stunning panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

You can try surfing, visit Yoga Ashram, or visit the beaches of Varkala, there are so many things to do in Varkala that keep you relaxing.

Day 9-10 of 10 Days Kerala Itinerary : Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum) is the capital of Kerala and is distinguished by its British colonial architecture and art galleries. Thiruvananthapuram is the last leg of the journey which is located 2.5 hours away from Varkala.

Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram

One of the most popular places to visit in Trivandrum is the Shri Padmanabhaswamy temple. The temple is said to be built as an amalgamation of Dravidian and Kerala-style architecture with tall Gopuram.

After visiting the temple, visit the museum complex which is something not to be missed. Also known as Palayam, the Museum Complex houses a museum (Napier Museum), an art gallery (Chitra Art Gallery), churches, a botanical garden, and a few markets. The museum and art gallery inside the complex are known to have restored many historic artifacts and selective paintings.

Next day head to Kovalam, a small beach town located 30 minutes from Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam is most famous for its iconic Kovalam beach and Vizhinjam Lighthouse , a must-visit while in Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam Beach will certainly remind you of one of the North Goa beaches if you have been to one!

Water sports, beachside shacks, people sunbathing on the beach, and overall a lot of crowds will welcome you to the beach. But it has a vibe not to be missed!

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse and promenade along the beach which is lined with stores, cafes, and restaurants are a few of the distinctive features of the beach. After climbing 150 stairs of the lighthouse, you will come across beautiful landscapes not to be missed!

Either go for a swim on the beach, laze around in the lounge chairs or sit back in one of the cafes and read a book. And end your trip by just chilling out by the beach.

Best time to visit Kerala

Kerala enjoys a tropical climate across the year but the best period to visit Kerala is from November to March when the weather is much more pleasant. Most visitors prefer the Indian winter period because it’s warm but not too hot and fewer chances of rain in Kerala.

From April, the temperatures start rising towards 30 degrees and more. Most tourists avoid Kerala during these months but it is a great time to explore the region if the heat doesn’t bother you and the hotel rates are lower with fewer crowds.

June, July, and August are the monsoon season in Kerala which is extremely hot and humid. There are heavy showers and floods are common during this time of the year.

Must visit activities in Kerala

• Kumarakom Boat race which takes place in September and October
• Cochin Carnival which is widely celebrated in January

Must try the food in Kerala

Kerala food deserves a blog of its own because it is influenced by so many different cuisines across the world and has developed a unique flavor that is hard to get anywhere. The distinct curry leaves and coconut used in the local food will keep you coming back for more. Kerala cuisine has an abundance of rice, tapioca, and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available in plenty here! These dishes are available in humble roadside restaurants as well as resorts.

Some of the must-try vegetarian dishes are:

• Malabar Parotta with Kadala Kurma
• Appam with curry – a soft thin pancake made from rice batter and served with curry
• Puttu and kadala curry – Rice Cake made out of steamed rice flour; cylindrical in shape
• Idiyappam with curry – Noodles made out of rice batter
• Erissery (Lentil & Pumpkin Stew) – a kind of dal curry
• Payasam (Rice kheer) – a dessert made out of milk and rice
• Sadya – a feast consisting of many vegetarian dishes served on Banana leaf

Some of the must-try non-vegetarian dishes are:

• Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Fried Chicken)
• ​Kerala Prawns Curry
• Karimeen pollichathu (fish)
• Malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry
• Fish moilee

If you are fussy about the food then you can find so many cafes and restaurants that serve vegetarian, nonvegetarian, and regular continental dishes. Most hotels and resorts serve a variety of food at their restaurants.

How to reach Kochi, Kerala for 10 days Kerala Itinerary

Kochi has an international airport and is well-connected with most major cities of India and the world. Here is how to reach Kochi.

Reaching Kerala by Air

Cochin International Airport is 25 km away from Kochi city at Nedumbassery. Visitors can board direct flights from Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc.

There is also good air connectivity to Kochi from most Gulf countries and South Asian countries. Most people prefer to fly in and out of the Kochi International Airport as Kochi is near most of the sightseeing places to visit in Kerala.

Train to Kerala

Most of the major tourist places of Kerala are well connected by train. Also, India has a heavily connected train network that covers all major cities of India. The state capital of Kerala- Kochi has train connectivity to Ernakulam Junction which is the busiest rail junction in Kerala.

You can board direct trains from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Mangalore, Bangalore, and many others. Internal state connectivity is also good from here. You can reserve a seat in the AC or Sleeper class via the IRCTC website . For shorter journeys, you can travel in a general compartment.

Kochi is well-connected to neighboring cities and states. The NH-17 connects the city to Mumbai, Kozhikode, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Goa. Deluxe Volvo buses, AC sleepers, as well as AC normal buses, are also available right from the cities to across the major destinations.

Kerala KSRTC runs numerous buses within Kerala to reach major tourist destinations. You don’t require any prior reservations to board these Buses. Check the Bus timings online on the KSRTC Website. You can show up at the station and board the bus as per your route. If you want to do a long-duration trip, you can always book the Bus via Red Bus or any other online website.

Getting around Kerala

To reach one destination to another, you can travel via Kerala KSRTC buses. It’s a reliable and convenient option. Trains are also a popular option for transportation around Kerala.

Within cities, you can rely on tuk-tuks or auto rickshaws which are a common way to get around in the cities in India. You can hire an auto for a full day at lower prices than taxis.

If you are a luxury traveler and want a comfortable trip without budget issues, hire a car with a driver throughout your stay in Kerala for your 10-day Kerala trip.

If you like my 10 days Kerala itinerary Post, Pin it for the later:

Mayuri Patel, owner of the fernwehrahee Blog loves to travel and helping you to plan your Next Trip! She is full time Travel Blogger, dreaming about her next adventure! Join her Journeys where she takes you to destinations around the world with the pinch of history & culture!

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23 Things to Know Before You Visit Kerala

Everyone told us that Kerala was going to be the perfect introduction to India.

A ‘soft-landing’ into a country that’s more like a continent, where spirituality and chaos reside side-by-side in a cornucopia of colour. Stretching along the south-west coast of India, it promised to offer a delicious culinary experience as well as storybook landscapes and idyllic beaches.

Truth be told, we were looking for place that would give us that easy way into discovering why so many travellers love India so much. We were escaping the UK’s impending winter gloom in search of sun and shore, and wanted somewhere to have an adventure that felt like a bit of a holiday too. A place where we could feel like travellers again, immersing our senses in somewhere completely new, but without the challenges or strong culture school which would come with being parachuted straight into Calcutta or Delhi.

Kerala was that place, and it really was a perfect introduction to a more tranquil, more tropical version of India

After our three-week trip by train and bus from the cliffs of Varkala to the tea-dressed hills of Munnar , via the beautiful backwaters along the Malabar coast to the fading grandeur and culture of Kochi , we wanted to share our practical advice to help you plan and prepare for your own adventure in Kerala state.

If you’ve travelled in India before, then several of the points herein may be familiar or well-experienced already. However, whether it’s your first time or third time, you’ll still find plenty of the sort of tips or suggestions you may not think of (or which other articles won’t tell you) but can make the world of difference to your own trip. From how to be guaranteed safe drinking water to why it’s tough to find a beer, advice on our favourite beaches to the trouble with ATMs in Kerala, and why you absolutely have to get into full-on curry mode.

Here’s 23 things to know before you visit Kerala.

Alcohol in Kerala is Pretty Uncommon

It all began back in 2014, when the government, aghast at the fact that their state had the very worst alcohol consumption (and therefore problems) in all of India, decided to dramatically change the licensing rules - removing licences for the vast majority of bars and increasing the price that they must pay in order to secure a renewal.

And it worked.

We spoke with a number of young people during our time in the region who stated they didn’t drink at all, or perhaps only once every couple of months.

If like us however, you’re not willing to give up your thirst-quenching afternoon beer entirely during your travels, you’ll be pleased to know that Kerala is not a ‘dry’ state. Alcohol remains legal, and restrictions on the consumption of alcohol were actually softened in 2017 - the government stated that it “believed in restraint and not prohibition” . Therefore, with a little effort you can always find a bar, especially in touristy areas, with most upmarket hotels choosing to invest in the pricey licence - just look out for the big bold ‘BAR’ sign.

Just be warned that this increased licence cost is most definitely passed on to the customer, with large bottles of Kingfisher costing between Rs. 250 - 280 (£2.6 / €3.1 / $3.5) - a huge amount of money in India and much more expensive than in, say, Goa. The only exception to this is in the beach town of Varkala , where it’s possible to buy a covert bottle of beer from pretty much every café and restaurant along the beach front. It won’t be placed on your table, may be referred to as ‘holy water’ and you’ll be required to drink it out of ceramic mugs, but at Rs. 150 - 180 it’s significantly cheaper.

In addition to licensed bars, there will also be designated alcohol shops in every town, but it’s limited to 5 bottles per purchase, and it’s one purchase per day.

Read Later | A Traveller’s Guide to Varkala

There is a definite ‘best time to visit kerala’.

Whilst you could feasibly visit Kerala year-round, the absolute best time to plan your trip is between October and March. Before this, torrential monsoon rains (at their worst from June to August) and flooding make visiting the beach towns pretty unpleasant and travel inland potentially tricky. Beyond March, temperatures in Kerala increase quite significantly, with blistering hot days proving unmanageable for most travellers.

The only exception to these seasons is if your visit is for a longer term (usually a week to a month) Ayuverdic retreat, with no intention of exploring the rest of the state; you’ll save a lot of money attending the retreats during low season and an alternative indoor focus means the storms won’t really trouble you.

Tourism peak season in Kerala runs from mid-December to mid-January, with large numbers of Indian and foreign tourists visiting the region. During this period you can expect price increases and limited availability on some accommodation and experiences.

Insider Tip | Learning yoga is incredibly popular across Kerala, with many travellers coming here to gain a teaching qualification or to simply hone their skills. Every place you’ll visit across Kerala will have several yoga schools, whilst a multitude or hostels, cafes, and centres offer daily yoga drop-in sessions for as little as Rs. 300 (£3.2 / €3.7 / $4.2). If you want to find a good yoga course or school in Kerala, check out this website .

One name is sometimes not enough

Due to the linguistic complexity of Kerala and remnants of colonialism, you may note that several towns or airports are referred to by two or three different names. For example, Trivandrum is also called Thiruvananthapuram, whilst Alleppey is also called Allapahauza.

Most people will understand either name, but it does mean you just need to double-check before confirming that flight or train booking! 

You need to pick your entry airport wisely

If your Indian adventure is only going to involve Kerala, Kochi International Airport / Cochin International Airport - with the unforgettable COK airport code - is the most common entry-point for Europeans and serves as the perfect jump-off point for Kochi , the hill stations of Munnar , and the backwaters of Alleppey , before working your way down to Varkala’s beaches in the south.

However, this route does mean that you’ll need a travel day to get back for your return flight, and likely not be able to make it northward in Kerala.

Alternatively, you can start in Thrivandrum Airport in the south and work your way upwards, which is what we did due to a slightly cheaper overall cost travelling via Muscat with Oman Airways. In this case, we recommend you either spend your first night near the airport or train station (if you arrive late), or hightail it to Varkala after you land via a taxi for Rs. 1500 (£16 / €18.5 / $21) or a taxi then 2-hour train journey.

We did look into flying into one airport and then out of another, but the significantly increased flight costs meant just didn’t make financial sense.

Don’t change your money in the airport

Really, this goes for anywhere in the world .

The rates are notoriously terrible and they prey on those that wander into the departure or arrival hall not knowing any better.

However, this advice comes with a caveat for anyone travelling to India for the first time; you can’t actually withdraw or exchange Indian rupees outside of India - meaning that you’ll likely have no option but to source some local currency from within the confines of the airport.

When we arrived into Trivandrum, we unfortunately couldn’t get the ATM to accept our fee-free card (more on the tricky ATMs in Kerala later), and so were forced to change the bare minimum of our emergency stash of GBP to cover our taxi ride to the train station, buy a couple of snacks and pay for our train ride to Varkala.

But you better believe that we begrudged every single extra rupee they were making from us on that shoddy exchange rate (which seemed to change with each request)!

If the airport ATM doesn’t work for you and you’re forced to do the same, just be certain to have a currency conversion app on your phone to check the rate that you’re being given. Alternatively, take a note of the rate before you fly so you have a general idea. You will never get that rate matched at an airport currency exchange, but you want to try and get as near to it as possible!

In short, if you have to change money at the airport, don’t get a huge amount of rupees and make sure you do your sums before agreeing to hand your money over.

Read Next | How To Manage Your Travel Money Better

Plan | 7 Wonderful Things to Do in Munnar

English is spoken widely, but…..

Given the high levels of education and literacy in Kerala (it has the highest of any Indian state) and that English is the lingua franca across India’s diverse demographic we, perhaps naively, assumed that English would be widely spoken in Kerala. And whilst we had absolutely no problems communicating on a basic level, there were only a handful of people we met on the road or out and about with whom we were able to have a deeper conversation. As we find that the very best insights to a country come from the people of that country, we therefore bombarded those we could speak with, with a thousand and one questions!

Malayalam is actually the official language of Kerala, and the primary language of the state’s 34.5 million inhabitants. However, there are many languages and dialects spoken across Kerala - including Tamil, Hindi, Kannada - and you will find that the main language spoken can change from region to region (e.g. Tamil was prominent in some areas).

Lots of people Kerala can converse in English, and it will be the go-to language for travellers, but just don’t be surprised if the level of English amongst a number of people you meet in here is actually quite basic.

Thank you in Malayalam is ‘nanni’ by the way!

It’s a relatively small state

One of the reasons Kerala is perfect for standalone two or three week adventure is that the distances (especially for the Indian subcontinent) are relatively short and manageable.

In the compact state, following the well-established traveller trail in the south, no journey by rail or bus will take more than 6 hours, with many being much shorter. This thankfully removes the need for unpleasant 16-hour overnight journeys or a fruitless attempt to sleep in the aptly named ‘sleeper carriage’ on the train.

Speaking of trains…

…always take the train

Coming from UK, we’ve grown up with the idea that train travel is expensive, poorly run, and unless tickets are purchased about six months in advance, absolutely not worth the money. However, upon arriving to Trivandrum train station and stepping upon that busy platform on a warm November evening, we knew that there would be no other way we’d prefer to travel in India.

We even joked amongst ourselves that of all the places we’d love to return to, camera in hand, was a Keralan rail station - a kaleidoscopic presentation of India’s colours and cultures criss-crossing the tracks, where waiting around was an activity all on its own for us.

Train travel in Kerala is also cheap-as-chips, and far more enjoyable option than taking a bus or private shuttle between destinations.

We’ve written an entire post on first-timer’s tips for train travel in India (including how to find and book tickets in advance), so instead of repeating ourselves here, follow this link (coming soon!) and rid yourself of some of the confusion that the process can bring.

Of course, for some destinations (particularly those up in the hills like Munnar or a little more off the beaten track) bus travel may be the only option. Bus stations will usually have a visible timetable, but if you’d prefer to check or book online, check-out the KRSTC website or RedBus - the former is the state wide public bus operator, whilst the latter is a nifty way to get an idea of routes and book tickets online (just be aware that it doesn’t contain all buses in Kerala).

It has some cracking beaches

Although Goa to the north, is far more famous for its beaches and beach-bum vibes, Kerala’s coastline is home to a handful of EXCELLENT beaches.

Throw in the fact that they don’t have any of the negative connotations of late-night techno parties, are far less busy, and more for the types for whom responsible travel is not even an afterthought, then it may be the biggest reason why you chose Kerala instead of Goa!

For a great beach, good food, and a quiet backpacker vibe, you should be making a beeline for the clifftops of Varkala . However, if you’re in search of an off the beaten track paradise, go to Kannur . 

Keep Reading | A Curated Guide to KochI, Kerala’s Pretty POrt City

The food is bloody incredible - and soooo good for veggies.

Before we visited India, we were advised on more than one occasion (and by several people), that we would absolutely get fed up of eating nothing but curry for a month. Yet, as the weeks rolled by, we got more excited about settling down in front of a bowl of spicy goodness than less!

The bottom line is that Keralan cuisine is bloody delicious. Just the right amount of spice, delicate seasoning and lots of coconut milk - reflecting the fact that beautiful coconut palms are everywhere in this tropical part of the world.

In a country that is 80% Hindu , it’s hardly a surprise that it’s also an exceedingly good place for vegetarians.* Travelling in predominantly meat eating countries so much - we’re looking at you Latin America - we’ve become used to seeing eating out as more of a necessity to source sustenance than an exclusively enjoyable pastime. That’s why having a hostel with a kitchen is such an important part of the travel style over there.

Kerala was a big change - especially as restaurants are commonly classified as only veg, or conversely, only non-veg.

Even in the restaurants that served a variety of meat and meat-free dishes, there was always an entire page dedicated to vegetarian dishes; we’ve never felt so spoilt - or put on so much weight during a short term trip!

During our time, we developed a particular addition to masala dosas for breakfast, chapatis with everything, paneer kadai curries, puttu, parottas, and gobi manchurian (which isn’t Keralan but is basically crack).

Insider Tip | We also did an amazing cooking class in Kochi, and highly recommend doing at least one in Kerala - read more about it here .

*although India as a whole isn’t quite as vegetarian as people think .

The Homestay Conundrum

In the main traveller spots in Kerala, you can find accommodation to suit absolutely every level of luxury, facilities, and budget.

However, there are couple of important things to know in advance about accommodation in Kerala:

Homestays | Perhaps because homestays have a really specific meaning in Latin America, it took us a wee while to get our head round the Indian version. However, lots of homestays in Kerala appeared - to us at least - to just be a guesthouse in the traditional sense i.e. a family home with a few rooms for tourists above or round the back. Ranging from basic to quite fancy, they offered a chance to stay in a local’s home and maybe interact a little throughout your stay, but meals aren’t offered and everyone is quite separate.

However, there are also homestays in Kerala which give a more ‘immersive’ sort of experience, including eating freshly prepared traditional meals with the family, having more opportunities to get to know each other, and something where the host really goes out of their way to give you a memorable cultural and hospitality experience. Sometimes these places charge a pretty penny for the privilege, especially once they become published in a guidebook.

To be frank, we only experienced the latter unintentionally in a place that we thought was a guesthouse, whilst the homestay we stayed at ended up being much more of a guesthouse!

So yeah, sorry we can’t help too much on that - maybe let us know your own experience when we’re back?

Hostels |Guesthouses, hotels, and homestays are much more commonplace, but hostels do seem to be growing in quality and quantity across Kerala. There are a few chains (e.g. the modern Zostel or the slightly grungy Lost Hostel ), but by and large we found that hostels in Kerala were much more focussed on catering to solo backpackers rather than backpacking couples i.e. they were exclusively dorm-beds or only had one or two private rooms.

So, if your travel style is similar to ours and you’re a couple, just be aware that you may not be able to get a private double in the hostel you really want to stay in unless you book well in advance.

We booked all our accommodation for the Kerala trip via booking.com (visit their Kerala page here ) and Airbnb - always take a good look at the guest reviews before booking.

Tip | It’s normal to take your shoes off before entering anyone’s home in Kerala, and this applies too to lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants. This is also the case for Hindu temples, but the vast majority of these are not open to non-Hindus anyway.

you simply have to visit the backwaters

When you began looking into the upcoming trip to Kerala, we bet one of the first places you put on your itinerary were the backwaters. Yes?

Well, we totally get it.

The backwaters are to Kerala, what Machu Picchu is to Peru. By far the state’s biggest foreign and domestic tourist draw, you cannot possibly spend time in this part of India and not visit. What might have come to your attention in this process however, is that finding information about how exactly you do this isn’t always easy (beyond simply: take a houseboat, that is, without any consideration of why this may not always be the best thing environmentally).

So, to clear up any confusion, we’ve put together a post covering all the useful things you’ll need to know to plan your trip to the Kerala Backwaters , so you can make the right decision for you.

Read Next | How to Plan Your Trip to the Kerala Backwaters

it’s definitely a budget backpacker destination

If you’re looking for a good value place to escape for some winter sun, then Kerala is it.

Prior to boarding our flight, we’d set a joint travel budget of £35 / Rs. 3,300 per day (€41 / $46) for the Kerala portion of our trip, but we actually came in a little over at an average daily spend of £38 (£19 each). However, as parts of this trip were more ‘holiday mode’ than with a ‘strict budget backpacker mentality’, we indulged in great food without really worrying about prices, ordered a few more overpriced Keralan beers, and stayed in a slightly nicer hotel with a private balcony in Munnar ( this place ).

It’s important to note that, if we had to, we could have comfortably come in under budget in Kerala without really compromising on anything over the18 days.

To help you plan your own travel budget, or get an idea of how much a curry or a dorm bed costs, read ‘ What Things Cost in Kerala ’ next.

Insider Tip | We travel with two Mastercard bank cards which don’t charge us fees to access money from ATM fees abroad (read more about them and tricks to avoid ATM fees here ), and they’ve been reliable on all our previous travels. However, we ran into quite a few issues with the ATMs in Kerala, with many of the cash machines not working with any of our cards.

We think this is because they likely only worked with cards issued by the specific bank, but it took a lot of trail and error to find out which worked and which didn’t, and which banks charged fees to withdraw cash. So, to help you out, this is what we found:

Bank of India | No ATM fee, but very often would not work with our card.

South India Bank | Several times unsuccessful, several times successful! It does however charge a withdrawal fee of Rs. 200 (£2.1 / €2.5 / $2.8).

Federal Bank | Successful withdrawal each time, but it charges a withdrawal fee of Rs. 238.

Canara Bank | Worked every time and did not charge a withdrawal fee.

Read our post ‘ how to avoid ATM fees and charges when you travel ’, if you’d like to know more information about the cards we use, plus tips for every trip so that you never ever get ripped off by the exchange rate on ATM abroad again!

Keep Reading | A Definitive Guide to Kannur, The Home of Kerala’s Most Beautiful Beach

Understand the visa situation.

When it comes to planning for Kerala, an important thing for every traveller is making sure you get your Indian Visa sorted before you go anywhere near a plane.

There are unfortunately a lot of nefarious websites and companies out there trying to mislead travellers into paying inflated costs or fees to secure the visa, many of them making the process seem complex, expensive, or uncertain.

The good news? It’s none of those things.

Instead, the vast majority of travellers simply have to apply and pay online for the Indian E-Visa at least 4 days before they travel, and it only costs $10-25 USD for a 30-day visa (depending on your nationality and time of year).

To avoid all confusion, and ensure you don’t end up apply using a scam website or service, we have written this clear and concise guide to help you get it all sorted independently - How To Apply for the Indian E-Visa .

mobile data is cheap

With the need to feel connected at all times often trumping the desire to feel connected to the place you’re travelling within, we made the decision that for this particular trip we wouldn’t buy a SIM card for our phones. Instead, we relied on wifi in places we were staying and restaurants we ate in.

Besides a couple of moments when having access to google or an updated map would have eased our journey a tad, we found the whole thing incredibly liberating.

Old school travel really does have a lot going for it sometimes.

That said, if you choose - like we have in many other instances - to buy the mobile data, you’ll be pleased to know that it is incredibly cheap. Companies such as Vodafone offer unbelievably good deals such as 2-3GB per day, everyday for 30 days for less than Rs. 600 (£6 / €7.5 / $8.3). Just make sure your phone is unlocked so that it works with the SIM.

One thing to bear in mind though is that, no matter how tempting it may be to buy a SIM card as soon as you land at the airport or at the first shop you see, foreign travellers regularly encounter problems with the SIM card activating. Sometimes this may be a simple mistake, other times it’s definitely a scam.

Therefore, it’s advisable to wait until you arrive in your first destination. That way, if you have a problem, you can return to the shop in the next day or two and get it sorted. For obvious reasons, this is not going to be possible if you buy the SIM card in the airport.

Regarding requirements for buying your SIM, we’ve heard mixed stories from travellers we met along the way in India. Some were able to simply provide limited details and hand over their cash, whilst others needed to provide a photocopy of their passport and a passport photo. Our advice would be to go in prepared for all eventualities (and you should always be travelling with a few spare passport photos anyway).

It should go without saying, but ensure you purchase your SIM from an official supplier to avoid potential scams.

Lastly, with only a couple of exceptions, we found the wi-fi connections across Kerala to be pretty decent and fast for everything we needed.

Insider Tip | Please remember to get your travel insurance sorted in advance for India; we use True Traveller , but World Nomads is a popular alternative. If you don’t think you need travel insurance, then read this post .

ladies, you’ll need to cover up a little

Unlike a number of other countries in the world, there is no prescriptive way to dress in Kerala for travellers (yoga pants aside).

However, it becomes quickly apparent that even amongst young people in Kerala, traditional dress is strongly favoured; this means a shirt and rolled up ‘lungi’ for men and a modest yet bright and beautiful sari for women.

Simply put, exploring the towns and cities of Kerala in the same attire you’d wear on a hot day in Europe is not entirely appropriate. Whilst nobody will tell you off - irrespective of what you’re wearing - you’ll almost certainly feel uncomfortable and perhaps a little disrespectful.

Some foreign women chose to cover up almost completely whereas I (Emily) went for a mix of lightweight cotton trousers / dungarees with a loose vest top or just above the knee summer dress that covered my chest. I also always had a thin scarf to chuck around my shoulders if I felt that a little more coverage was appropriate - and highly recommend always having this with you.

Some of the items you’ll likely have in your wardrobe already, but we’d actually recommend just purchasing the others once in India (rather than buying said similar items made in India back home for much much more).

If you need a rule of thumb: cover the boobs and shoulders more often than not, trousers or loose long skirts are the safest bet or go for modest knee-length shorts + skirts.

Insider Tip | Speaking of covering up…at the time of writing, malaria in Kerala is low to no risk. As with any adventure, be sure to check the current situation and vaccination advice over at the NHS Fit for Travel website . Always remember to pack good bug spray (we use this excellent non-DEET natural one ) and enough good quality high UVA and high SPF suncream too.

People really are very friendly

Normally this is one of our little bug-bears.

Sitting around a hostel, having the usual hostel-chats, and somebody (often the same person who travels with juggling batons and an ever-lasting supply of weed) will remark, irrespective of the actual country, that everyone is just so bloody wonderful and kind - without any understanding that there are shitty human beings all over the world and the six people you met over the last few days aren’t necessarily a representative sample size for an entire nation’s population.

Yet, here we are saying that people were so damn friendly in Kerala.

Smile as you walk down the street and everyone will smile back, enter a small chai shop and people will want to speak with you, ask for directions to a specific place and you’ll be given directions to more places than you can possibly visit in such a short amount of time. There will be selfie requests in abundance.

Of course, we’re not naive. We know that behind a number of these seemingly kind gestures was often a desire to sell something, or perhaps earn a small commission. But hey, at least they did it with a smile!

Seriously though, we left Kerala with nothing but good things to say about its people and how they treated us. Goa on the other hand…

Did You Know | You will see the distinctive red flag of the Communist Party, and no shortage of posters proudly emblazoned with the hammer and sickle, all over Kerala. Naturally, this made us curious to understand why this was the case. Our tour guide in Munnar told us that party here is more like a socialist or social democrat party, rather than one necessarily looking to overthrow the bourgeois and take control of the means of production, but this excellent article by the Washington Post is the best place to get an understanding of why the Communist Party has always been so popular in Kerala and why it continues to win elections here.

Read Later | 11 Things to Know Before You Visit the Kerala Backwaters

Getting covered in oil is essential.

At over 3,000 years old, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest types of medicine - and it originates from Kerala.

Taken as a whole, it involves treatment of specific medical conditions with plants and spices (overseen by a specialist Ayurvedic doctor), and well as a variety of preventative therapies. However the most common way that foreign tourists encounter it is via a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

Spend even the shortest amount of time in one of the popular tourist destinations in Kerala, and you will spot at least one spa / clinic offering a variety of massages, all aimed at certain perceived imbalances or specific muscular problems. They’re not as cheap as massages that can be found in other popular Asian destinations (such as Bali), but you really can’t visit the region and not indulge at least once.

Of course, with such interest in Ayurveda, not all massages are created equal, but even at the cheaper end there’s worse ways to spend your time than being covered in oil and rubbed down for an hour - even if you have to wear a paper thong and don’t feel entirely relaxed throughout the entire experience!

For an authentic and professional experience we’d recommend speaking with your accommodation provider for their recommendations or picking one of the more expensive options in the destination to get a better guarantee of actual skill and comfort.

It’s Easy to get to Goa from Kerala

Indeed, some of you may be trying to choose between the two right now or already know that you’re visiting both on this trip!

To reach Goa from Kerala, it’s either a long train ride (best broken up in Kannur ) or a flight to Vasco de Gama International airport. Train connections were a bit limited, and it’s a really good idea to book your tickets at least 2-3 days in advance so you are assured a seat in the sleeper carriages.

There’s actually a whole state in between Kerala and Goa, but nobody seems to visit it. 

Did you know | Due to their levels of education, millions of Keralans have lived and worked in the Gulf States (Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates etc) since the 1970s. Remittances from ex-pats, or the Kerala diaspora, totalled a $12 billion USD in 2018 (about a third of the Keralan GDP) and a chunk of this goes toward building large homes and businesses. Bipin, our guesthouse owner in Kannur, had recently returned to Kerala permanently and was able to build the business with the money he had saved. However, this dependency on migration does mean that Kerala’s fortunes are inextricably linked to the shifting fortunes and economies of these countries, and it is not without its own risks and challenges .

There’s a diversity in faith

There are some travel moments that will stay with you for ever. For me, one of those occurred on the six hour train journey from Aluva to Kannur.

As passengers came and went, one gentlemen sitting opposite remained a constant. Clasping his worn rosary beads, he eventually engaged us in conversation, proud to tell his story about the time he saw the Pope in Rome. On the bunks to our left, a Muslim man would pray at various intervals. With his colourful markings on his forehead, the man in the bunk below was clearly Hindu.

Three religions within one carriage space, all with visible signifiers of their religion and their God - a moment that really made me feel like I was in a different place from entirely.

India’s spiritual make-up of India is complicated, and has become increasingly politicised in the last few years under the Hindu nationalism of Prime Minister Modi. However, what travellers need to know and appreciate before they visit Kerala is the faith and religion continue to play a very visible and important role for locals, and that Kerala has quite a different composite of religions to elsewhere in India (i.e. Christianity is much higher, at about 18% in comparison to the 2% national average ).

The most important thing? Just be aware, be curious, and be respectful.

How To Avoid Delhi belly

We can proudly state that we busted a myth during our time in Kerala: a visit to India doesn’t ALWAYS result with a dose of ‘Delhi Belly’!

One whole month, a bucketful of curries, and not a single dodgy tummy or toilet-dash moment.

Whether this comes as a result of luck, an exclusively vegetarian diet, or cast iron guts, we’re not sure. But we’re definitely taking the win, and are happy to share a few tips to help you avoid the skits!

Firstly, bring a refillable travel filter water bottle to India.

We have used these for the last three years across Latin America, Africa, and on this India trip, and the technology is simply fantastic. We just fill it up from any water source (except the sea) and instantly have access to safe drinking water, with 99.9% of the bad stuff removed. Aside from that, they also severely reduce our plastic consumption on the road as you don’t have to buy bottled water every day and everywhere.

When we were staying in an accommodation that didn’t provide free filtered water, we used these almost exclusively for our drinking water (we only had to buy two plastic 1 litre bottles on the whole trip out of necessity).

We use and recommend these bottles by Water-to-Go (find out more here ), but The Grayl Ultralight is a stylish but more expensive alternative (buy it here )

If you want to know more about how travel filter water bottles work, and why they’re bloody brilliant, then read this post .

Regarding other potential water-intake sources in Kerala, this is where Andrew and I had slightly differing views. I was much more gung-ho about the whole thing, using tap water to clean my teeth, drinking fruit juices from tiny local establishments, and never thinking to question the source of the ice floating in my drink. Andrew on the other hand was more cautious - and ever so slightly frustrated that it never turned around to bite me in the ass!

For eating out, avoiding meat absolutely helps you to minimise the chances of illness whilst travelling in India. We regularly ate at little roadside restaurants, necked a few chais from several tea stands, and chowed down on a few street snacks.

As with any country with a reputation however, simply use your common sense: avoid places with no customers, if you’re going to eat meat or fish then be a little pickier about its quality, and if you’re not entirely convinced the jug of water put in front of you at the restaurant is filtered, perhaps give it a miss.

And make damn sure that you pack plenty of those anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets in case you do end up suffering some tummy trouble…

Lastly, nearly every hostel and guesthouse we stayed in provided unlimited, free filtered drinking water for guests from a water dispenser - which is obviously great! So, if you don’t bring a travel filter water bottle with you, at the very least bring a reusable water bottle (like this one ) so that you can fill up regularly and don’t have to rely on buying lots of plastic bottles.

Read Next | How To Use Less Plastic When You Travel

Keep Reading | How To Apply for the India E-Visa

National park disappointment is likely.

When we began plotting our route through Kerala, one dream came up again and again - to see elephants, wild and free. And given the relatively large number of national parks within the state lines, we naively assumed it would be rather easy.

The reality?

During our three weeks within Kerala, we didn’t even come close. The truth is that the population of wild elephants in Kerala has reduced vastly, meaning that actually seeing one in many of the most popular national parks is incredibly unlikely.

We do a LOT of research on things and read countless reviews of pleasant days out in Periyar but with only a few bird sightings, guides that confessed they hadn’t seen an elephant in months. Worst of all, at the popular Wayanad, where there seemed to have at least been a few sightings, you have to pass through park gates with - we kid you not - two elephants chained up, in captivity.

At the end of it all, after changing our itinerary multiple times, we ended up not visiting any of the national parks as it just didn’t sound worth it.

Of course, we’re not saying don’t try your luck at one of the many national parks in Kerala (although knowing what we know now about Wayanad, we struggle to recommend that as an option at all now), but accept that it is much more likely to be an enjoyable nature experience than a David Attenborough moment with a few big-eared friends!

Responsible Travel | Elephants have different role within Indian history and culture. However, that does not justify tourists feeling that they can ride them, have ‘fun experiences’ with them, or get up close and personal without questioning why a wild animal is happy for you to be that close. The truth is that many elephants are tortured and mistreated to be used in the tourism industry, and you should not support it. No matter how much you want to do it, please do not ride an elephant in India and do in-depth research before doing any tourism activity involving an animal which should be in the wild.

Find out more about how the tourism industry exploits animals by visiting World Animal Protection .

You Will Love It

It was the beauty of Kerala which drew us in, and it enchanted us throughout the three-weeks as we travelled northward along the coast.

The food exceeded expectations, the ‘soft-landing’ into India delivered enough to tantalise without any downsides, whilst the opportunity to fit beaches, culture, and a trip to the tea plantations in a relatively short space of time allowed us to enjoy the ideal mix between a bit of adventure and a relaxing holiday.

If you’re looking for an escape from the doldrums of a European winter, then Kerala really is the perfect option - for some more inspiration take a look out our destination guides below or start with our Kerala & Goa itinerary post (coming soon, promise).

Scroll down and you can find more of our curated guides for travel in Kerala!

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KERALA TRAVEL GUIDE | The Best of Kerala Without the Crowds

Our Kerala travel guide covers the best places to visit in Kerala and how to get the best out of this beautiful corner of India with fewer crowds, supporting local and sustainable travel options along the way.

Exploring the Best of God’s Own Country

Think swaying palm trees, crashing surf, coffee plantations, hill retreats, silent backwaters, rice paddies, beautiful national parks that are home to a host of wildlife and you’ve teleported yourself to Kerala.

One of the better known states of India, there’s a lot to pack in to a trip to Kerala. Known as God’s Own Country, Kerala in South India has a lot to offer: from ayurvedic retreats and yoga centres, to hill stations and tea plantations up in the Western Ghats (mountains), to national parks that are home to tigers and elephants, to palm fringed beaches. And then there are the Kerala Backwaters, which despite their overcrowding issues, still provide a serene backdrop to any Kerala experience – when experienced in the right way.

We spent over a month travelling Kerala at the beginning of this year, and despite having more time to spend than many visitors to Kerala, we still could not fit everything in. There’s a lot to do in captivating Kerala: so pick wisely!

ⓘ TIP: Planning a trip to India? Join our free India Travel Facebook group here !

This guide will help you get to the best of your time in Kerala – we have put together our recommendations for travelling mindfully in Kerala. Here you’ll find the best eco friendly resorts, homestays, community tourism projects, wildlife projects, locally owned restaurants, and a whole lot more!

What’s in a name? The place names in Kerala are a bit of a jungle. For some strange reason most places seem to begin with a ‘K’ or an ‘M’ (if anyone can enlighten us as to why please do so!), the names are also remarkably similar / mix-up-able, and there’s also an eclectic mix of old and new names used. Allapuzha is commonly referred to as Alleppey still, whereas Kollam – which was Quillon – universally goes by its new name. We’ve included both old and new names wherever relevant in this Kerala Guide to help with getting around.

Ecotourism in Kerala

Kerala’s beauty is no longer a secret, and with its popularity have come crowds of visitors – both from within India and from overseas. Those crowds have congregated in specific areas of Kerala and led to problems for Kerala’s wildlife, environment and local inhabitants: from pollution, to over-development, to lack of local empowerment and economic benefit from tourism.

Local resources have become drained, including water, and upsetting that very delicate balance of flora and fauna. In Alleppey, where going on a house boat cruise is on the bucket-list for so many, the scenes are often of overcrowding of houseboats, islands of floating plastic and filth a-top inky black water.

The good news is that it is possible to travel in Kerala in a way that avoids the eyesores and mass-touristed spots, and more importantly supports local and community based initiatives where local Keralites see the benefits from tourism. We’ve got you covered for the best of sustainable travel in Kerala.

A word – before we begin – about use of the word “Ecotourism” in Kerala (and the rest of India). Ecotourism, unfortunately, is not always and only used for places that are focused on the principles of responsible tourism (ie. giving back to local communities, being environmentally sensitive and protecting local people and cultures). Instead, “Ecotourism” in India is often used to describe any tourist activity which involves the outdoors (such as walking, camping) and / or seeing wildlife. Whether or not it is eco-friendly or in any way sustainable. 

Short on time or too busy to plan your own trip? There are plenty of local tour companies who can help such as eKeralaTourism  who offer many of the highlights of Kerala or can offer tailor made itineraries.

There are also global companies such as G Adventures who we have travelled with several times and recommend. 

Find out more about G Adventures South India Tours here.

Our Top Picks for Where to Stay in Kerala

Coconut Lagoon (High End) – For luxury along the backwaters there’s no better place than Coconut Lagoon. Owned and run by Keralan family run CGH Earth group, watch the sunset over the backwaters in this beautiful and sustainable hotel which is only accessible by boat… Check rates & book Coconut Lagoon here!

Ashtamudi Villas (Mid Range) – Set on the southern end of Kerala’s backwaters in Kollam, Ashtamudi Villas are owned and run by a local, who also offers trips in dug out canoes and kayaks to local villages for a more intimate experience with the backwaters. Perfect for chilling in one of their lake-side hammocks and experiencing a much less touristy side of the backwaters… Check rates & book Ashtamudi Villas here!

Marari Beach House (Budget) – Right on Marari Beach (one of Kerala’s nicest beaches near Kochi), this simple place is clean and walking distance to the waves. Perfect for hanging by the beach for a few days! Check rates & Book Marari Beach House here!

North Kerala

Kannur & thottada beach.

Kannur was our first port of call in Kerala after spending 3 weeks in beautiful Bangladesh. As our first taste of Kerala this year, Kannur did not disappoint.

Northern Kerala has been off the beaten track for many visitors to Kerala, who have focused more on the central and southern parts of the state. But that may be about to change. This year, Lonely Planet has named Northern Kerala as one of Asia’s hotspots , and as a paradise for those seeking a quieter taste of Kerala. Small homestays line the palm fringed shores, with uninterrupted views out across the Arabian sea.

Planning a trip to Kerala? Grab your Lonely Planet here!

Where to Stay in Kannur & Thottada Beach

Thottada beach is one of the best beaches in the area, with a range of accommodation to suit all budgets . There aren’t any facilities as such or shade, so the best time to visit is morning or late afternoon for a stroll. Ladies are recommended to cover up a bit on the beach as this is a rural and mainly Muslim area.

We stayed at Haris Seashell Inn  just outside of Kannur, which turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made. Owned by the enigmatic and kind Mr Haris, these bungalows are perched on a clifftop, with panoramic views out to the beaches below and the sea. I loved waking up and falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves below.

Mr Haris has done a lot to build the guesthouse in a sustainable way – the villa and rooms are made of repurposed  / upcycled materials salvaged from inhabited traditional Kerala houses, there is an organic farm, and Haris Seashell employs a number of physically handicapped staff, to name but a few initiatives. We happened on this place by chance but were delighted to find  place that was doing so much to create a positive impact!

Check rates and availability for Haris Seashell Inn here .

Getting to and from Kannur

Kannur is well connected by railway north to Goa and Mumbai, and south to Kochi and the rest of Kerala. There’s reportedly a new airport for those coming from further afield. There are also buses connecting to the rest of Kerala and nearby Karnataka state. Our recommended mode of transport in India is by train.

Little heard of – outside of India at least – Wayanad is a tranquil uphill oasis of homestays, quiet villages, scenic winding roads that take you through wild forests, and is a place where you can truly escape.

Things to do in Wayanad

There’s no “centre” to Wayanad as such, so to the first time visitor it can take some time to get your bearings. Sights and activities are spread all over the region, so wherever you base yourself, some road travel will be involved. Our best tip is to pick somewhere quiet to stay, un-plug and relax to the backdrop of the peaceful Wayanad scenery. It’s better not to try to pack too much sightseeing in – but rather adapt to life at a slower pace.

Jeep Safaris.  Wildlife is a big attraction here, but we found our jeep drive at Tholpetty to be disappointing. After an early start and being inline at the forestry department by 6am to get our tickets, we got the second jeep out of the gates. We didn’t see anything apart from a few deer.

Unfortunately the “Safari” consists of a 30 minute drive through the section of national park that is right next to the road, in a line of about 20 jeeps. If you’re more than the second or third jeep in, your chances of seeing wildlife are likely non-existent. We should probably be happy that this means less interference for the animals! As an alternative, safaris at Muthunga are reportedly better than Tholpetty – and even better are the wildlife opportunities in neighbouring Karnataka state.

Beyond the safaris, there are beautiful lakes to visit  and countless hikes one can go on. There are several different boating lakes. Pookode lake has pedals-style boating (we did not visit here) and Banasura Sagar Dam is the place to go for those needing an adrenaline kick – on a speedboat. There is also a slow ferry that you can go on around the lake, at 12 midday.

Homestays in Wayanad

We were lucky enough to stay in two amazing homestays in Wayanad.

The first we found through I-likelocal.com – our go to website for homestays and responsible tourism activities in Asia. We planned to stay one night in a homestay on a working coffee plantation, but our one night turned into four nights! In a simple cabin away from the main house and down a bamboo walkway, we were surrounded by trees and jungle.

Our shady balcony was the perfect spot to relax and read, practice a little meditation, and just enjoy the sound of the birds. Hosted by a welcoming couple, the homestay is the family home and plantation of Sunil, who is also a responsible tourism advocate. We enjoyed chatting about the development of tourism in Wayanad over many a cup of home-grown coffee. 

The homestay is a short distance (15 minutes by rickshaw) from Meenangady, which is a small town with some simple but good thali and dosa restaurants and is a regional transport hub.

Find more information and rates for i-like local homestays here .

Our second homestay in Wayanad was with the inspiring  Kabani Tour  which we found through Visit.org. Kabani Community tourism have set up two village community tourism projects in Kerala and are currently working on a third. Promoting “thoughtful travel”, their concept is one that revolves around travellers experiencing village life through homestays, meeting village elders, learning more about traditional life through guided walks and learning more about traditions. Revenue is then reinvested directly into the community from these activities.

We went to the Kabani village of Mothakara which is famous for its Women-to-Women travel initiatives. Set among villages of winding lanes, emerald paddy fields, and extended lolly-pop shape betel-nut trees, this village is a truly peaceful place. Local women from the village have been trained in guiding and showing (female) visitors to the village, the ways of local village life. These women previously had no employment opportunities, but rather were housewives.

Through the Women to Women travel project they have been given the opportunity to expand their horizons through interactions with visitors to the village, and also to earn additional income for the family. Initially the women did not have any English language skills, and relied on communicating through gestures, expressions, and through their hearts. Over time, English words have been exchanged and learned, and the project has continued to grow. These days these even a guesthouse run entirely by this inspiring team of women. Unfortunately during our visit, the women guide team were oversubscribed and so we didn’t get to experience their project in full; however we did get to meet the charming Radha. 

Our homestay – where we stayed in our host family’s house – was the soft bed and crisp cotton sheets kind of comfortable, and we were served some of the most delicious home-cooked food during all of our time in Kerala.

Find out more info and book Kabani’s Women-to-Women tour here . 

Responsible Travel in Wayanad

Despite Wayanad being little known and considered “off the beaten path” outside of India, it is a different story within India. Wayanad has become / is becoming a popular escape for weekenders from Bangalore and the visitor footfall (or carfall) is steadily increasing. As such Wayanad’s blissful peace and quiet is coming under pressure from tourism, too. Do your bit to leave a positive impact from your visit by taking time to learn about the local culture, respecting the environment by not littering (even better – avoid plastic bottled water) or causing noise pollution (being noisy) and consider staying somewhere that supports eco friendly travel.

We did not have time to visit all of the ecotourism options in Wayanad, so here are some suggestions beyond our experiences above:

Eco Friendly Hotels / Resorts in Wayanad

• Uravu Bamboo Grove is an award winning sustainable lodge, with design-led rooms surrounded by nature.
• An award-winning sustainable guest house set high up in the Wayanad hills, Fringe Ford  is a place that prides itself on being “as cut off from the world as you can get” (we think that’s a good thing!).
• Award winning CGH Earth’s property Wayanad Wild  offers a luxury escape deep into the forest

Wayanad Responsible Tourism Tours & Activities

The best way to support responsible tourism in Wayanad is to be environmentally sensitive (e.g. avoiding plastic and limiting your water use), using public transportation if possible to reduce the number of cars on the road, and to be respectful of wildlife. There are a number of operators offering ways to connect with the local culture and community on your trip, here are a few resources (we did not use all of them, but they are all reputable and highly regarded organisations.

• I-like Local offer a number of Farmstays, Homestays and responsible experiences
• The Blue Yonder offer trips including day activities throughout Kerala.
• Many of the accommodations listed above will be able to help you arrange activities during your stay in Wayanad.

Getting to and from Wayanad

Wayanad is easily accessible from the northern Kerala cities of Calicut (Khozikode) and Kannur. There are also connections to Cochin, Bangalore, Mysore and other major regional hubs. There are more frequent bus services to Calicut, although you can take a direct bus from Mananthadvady to Kannur. There are no railway connection to / from Wayanad. Most buses are run by KSRTC but we found the redbus website far more helpful.

Central Kerala

Kochi / cochin.

Kochi / Cochin (the town’s old name)  is one of Kerala’s most popular tourism spots and transport hubs, and so the starting point for many travellers in Kerala. It’s possible to spend many a day wandering the old lanes of Fort Cochin between colonial houses, organic cafes, art galleries, churches and boutiques. Note that Cochin is quite separate (it is an island) from the mainland town of Ernakulam, where all major transport arrives and departs from.

Things to do in Kochi

Kathakali Performances  – for many visitors, a Kathalkali performance is on their list – this is a chance to see traditional Keralan dance and music, complete with incredible makeup and costumes. The Kerala Kathakali Centre is the most authentic theatre to see this at.

Exploring Fort  Cochin –  taking in its churches, museums and even Synagogues. As an old trading and naval outpost, over the last 600 years, Kochi has seen the arrival of many immigrants of different nationalities and religions – from Portuguese to Dutch, to British to Arabic traders. There’s an Indo-Portugese museum, a Dutch cemetery, as well as several beautiful churches to explore such as the Santa-Cruz basilica. There’s also a growing number of art galleries (often with cafe), such as the Kashi Art Gallery.

Shopping –  there are plenty of artisan style shops in Fort Kochi, making it something of a shoppers paradise. Many shops sell organic toiletries and ayurveda products, and lovely Aambal is an eco clothing store  which sells hand-woven, natural and handmade and recycled fashion.

Eating –  There are plenty of cafes lining the streets of Fort Kochi, and if you’ve been on the road for a while, this is a good place to splurge on western treats aka good pizza and avocado wraps with a good latte. It does come at a price though. The local fare is much bewe dtter priced, usually more delicious, and we got bitten by the traditional Keralan Thali bug, at the Solar Cafe . For a truly authentic dining experience head to Authenticook to arrange to dine in someone’s house. We were hosted by the charming and kind Bindu at her home in Ernakulam and enjoyed a delicious brunch.

Take a day trip (or longer) to Marari Beach –  The beaches at Kochi itself are grubby (at best) but head an hour and a half or so south, and the lovely Marari beach awaits. Rent a two-wheeler and drive straight south through paddy fields, small towns, and backwater scenery. Marari beach (also known as Mararikulam) itself is as yet not very developed, and is a pretty stretch of sand with clean water for swimming. Accommodation options nearby vary widely in quality if you want to stay longer – the shacks on the beach looked decidedly dilapidated, whereas the Marari Beach hotel is fit for a king.

The Kerala Backwaters –  Kerala’s largest draw, you’ll likely be offered a backwater cruise (or two) during your time in Kochi. See more on arranging a backwaters trip below , we don’t recommend  booking it from Kochi due to high prices.

Where to Stay in Kochi

The Fort Kochi area is the place where most visitors stay – while there are plenty of hotels over in Ernakulam on the mainland that are useful for if you have an early / late bus or train to catch, most of the main attractions of Kochi are in the fort area. Homestays are the name of the game here, and the city has seen an explosion in them. Indeed you can’t walk more than a few meters without coming across a homestay sign. The word “homestay” has been applied in a liberal sense though – and these are usually just guesthouses with a number of rooms that are sold on a bed & breakfast basis, but hosts are usually very welcoming!

Because of the explosion of homestays in Fort Kochi, the centre can get a little crowded and there are no “eco-friendly” accommodation options as such in Kochi. For a quieter experience, head a little away from the fort. If travelling in December / January, book well in advance!

Check rates and book accommodation in Kochi here.  

Getting to and from Kochi

The main gateway to Kochi is Ernakulam. There are two train stations (on opposite sides of the city so please check which one your train arrives at/leaves from) Ernakulam Town (sometimes referred to as “North Railway” and Ernakulam Junction “South Railway”). Trains run north-south along the Indian coast and link directly to Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and southern Kerala. There are also direct trains across country to Bangalore, Chennai and even Delhi (46 hours!). Buses run routes from Ernakulam across the region.

Kochi airport is also located in Ernakulam about an hour away from Fort Kochi, and is remarkable for being fully run on solar energy! It’s a major hub and as well as domestic flights has connections to the Gulf countries, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Singapore.

Despite being one of Kerala’s major attractions this is one place that we failed to squeeze into our Kerala itinerary, except for passing through its scenic gardens. Tea is of course, the name of the game here and is the main draw, and most visitors come to soak up the ambience and enjoy being surrounded by the beauty of the tea gardens.

Munnar tea country resort is a sustainable accommodation option – they have implemented sustainable initiatives and are looking to reduce their footprint.

Find prices and book Munnar hotels here .

South Kerala

Thekkady & periyar tiger reserve.

Travelling inland and up into Kerala’s mountains – the Western Ghats – was one of the highlights of our Kerala trip. Winding through hills, tea plantations and around several hair pin bends, our bus journey (although bumpy) provided spectacular views. Thekkady is best known for Periyar National Park (or sometimes, rather optimistically known as Periyar Tiger Reserve) and many come here for a chance to see Kerala’s wildlife. It’s also, more simply, a chance to get away from the hot and humid air of the backwaters and coast.

Things to do in Thekkady and Periyar

Exploring Periyar –  Kerala’s Western Ghats are one of the largest refuges for wildlife in India, and Periyar National Park is one destination that tourists flock to, in the hopes of seeing wild elephant, leopards, tigers and more. There are various ways to explore the national park, but during our trip to Periyar  we found some to be far more enjoyable than others. While the boat trip on the lake felt like a foray into disneyland, we loved walking in the park in the early morning mist with our local guide (Periyar is one of the last remaining parks you can walk into), and we also loved our stay at Kerala’s most sustainable resort, in Thekaddy: Spice Village .

Learn about Tribal Communities near Periyar –  Periyar and the surrounding area are home to different tribal communities , including the Mannan, Paliyan and Malampandaram tribes. Such communities often leave a significantly different lifestyle from “mainstream” society, and as such are sometimes marginalised. They have an unprecedented knowledge of the forest areas, and are now benefitting from the tourism that comes from Periyar through a number of ecotourism initiatives. You can support the people who have relied on the forest in the past by taking a walk or trek with one of the village guides, or going to visit the Tribal Heritage Museum in Thekkady.

Seeing Wildlife – While we loved our visit to Thekkady and our stay, if your primary motive for visiting is to spot wildlife, you may be disappointed. Due to crowds, many animals hide deep in the forest. And we can’t say we blame them! Get the full low down on visiting Thekkady and Periyar in our post here .

Where to Stay in Thekkady and Periyar

The highlight of our time in Thekkady was without doubt our stay at the beautiful and very eco-friendly Spice Village Resort . This resort has won awards for its environmental and community initiatives, and no wonder… the resort is powered by a solar plant the size of a football pitch,  they have their own water filtering and bottling plant, a paper recycling operation (all paper you’ll find in the hotel is recycled), several types of compost, biogas, and the list goes on. It’s also a beautiful place to relax – designed as a traditional spice village, the cottages are well spaced out and set among tranquil gardens, where black monkeys and birds rest peacefully over head. You will not want to leave!

Check rates and book Spice Village Resort here . 

There are a few other small eco-friendly lodges and smaller accommodations such as Indhrivanam, a vegan and eco friendly homestay, however we did not have time to check out their credentials in person.

Check rates and book Indhrivanam here . 

Kerala Backwaters

The number one tourism draw in Kerala (and possibly southern India) are the Kerala backwaters, and the chance to take a cruise along them. Over recent years images of floating quietly and serenely through Keralan villages on a converted traditional Keralan rice barge, surveying life, warm chai in hand, have drawn in the crowds. After all, who wouldn’t be tempted by such a blissful watery escape?

Over the last ten years, crowds have flocked in steadily increasing numbers to Alleppey (Allaphuza) which – somewhat prophetically if not wistfully – has been self-dubbed as the  Venice of the East.  What were once tranquil backwaters have become noisy, congested with tourists and polluted in many parts – due to poor regulation of houseboat tourism and overcrowding. Where tourism was once seen as a blessing by locals, it has now become a bit of a curse. The inky black waters of Alleppey itself tell of a different side to the Kerala backwaters .

To Houseboat or not to Houseboat?

One of the biggest culprits in spoiling the backwaters has been houseboat tourism. There is no accurate figure for how many houseboats are currently in operation, while un-registered houseboats have been clamped down on since 2015, the number of houseboats have still been growing. In recent efforts to curb houseboat tourism growth further, Kerala tourism recently introduced a measure as part of their Kerala Responsible Tourism mission that prevented any new licences being granted for new houseboats on the Kerala backwaters. Results, however have yet to be seen, and sources say that it’s not working: when a ship retires from service, the licence is simply “recycled” for a new houseboat – meaning little to any reduction in the number of houseboats. During our time in Alleppey we saw rows on rows of houseboats moored just outside the town, hoping for customers.

So what’s the the problem with the houseboats? Essentially the damage that they cause falls into a few different categories. The most obvious is their environmental impact – 95% of houseboats are diesel powered, and that fuel often leaks into the waters. Many boats are high-end and offer air-conditioning, meaning the constant burning of fuel on board to power the boat and generators. There are no sewage treatment facilities on the boats meaning that sewage is dumped directly overboard, and there’s no waste disposal either – meaning that the plastic water bottles you drink from usually go straight over the side too.

This pollution has impacted water quality, and fishermen have reported a decline in fish and prawn stocks in areas frequented by houseboats, meaning a direct impact on the livelihood of fishing communities in the backwaters. For many villages, their only water supply is from the backwater channels themselves for cooking and even drinking – more shockingly only a fraction of villagers reported boiling or treating the water in any way before drinking it. In the agricultural sector there has been an effect too, with concerns over polluted paddy fields, damage to rice crops, and even labourers becoming reluctant to work in the polluted fields.

Then there is the noise pollution for locals from the passing boats (many of which blare (awful) music loudly), and the lack of economic or social benefit for most locals from houseboat tourism. Houseboat tourism was initially thought to provide economic benefits to locals by providing jobs on boats, but in reality the high prices that tourists pay for their houseboat experience rarely reach the villagers who need to deal with the effects of the passing boats. Rather the money goes to companies and private individuals who often own large numbers of houseboats. Granted there are jobs on the boats, but this number is small compared to the number who feel the effect of pollution in the backwaters.

For all of these reasons we decided not to go on a houseboat cruise in Alleppey or elsewhere on the Kerala backwaters, and we don’t recommend it.

Exploring the Backwaters Responsibly

But what about my backwaters dream? Worry not – there are some less damaging ways to enjoy Kerala’s watery scenery. In general, these consist of either taking public ferry routes that are already in service, and/or staying on land next to the backwaters. Choosing to use existing infrastructure helps to keep our footprint lower and brings more benefit to locals, particularly in the case of choosing to stay in existing accommodation, particularly if it is homestays or on a small scale.

One of the best places to stay next to the backwaters and enjoy all their beauty, without supporting houseboats is Kumarakom – more on that below!

Alleppey (Allappuzha)

Alleppey is backpacker central and ground zero for backwater cruises – expect wherever you stay to persist with offering you houseboat services during your stay. We however enjoyed our time in Alleppey (we spent nearly a week there) and found it to be a great town for unwinding, with good wifi for when we needed to catch up on work, good food, and plenty of facilities.

Things to do in Alleppey

The Beach – away from the backwaters scene, Alleppey is blessed in being located both on the ocean with its own long beach, and on the edge of the backwaters. The beach itself is a nice stretch, and has a number of accommodation options, and cafes. We loved strolling the beach at evening time when the bhaji and chai wallahs come out to sell their tasty snacks, and the beach becomes a popular gathering point for families and couples. The beach is reportedly safe for swimming although take care as the waves can get strong. The beach is quite touristy and you’ll see plenty of pale skinned visitors in their swimwear, but we recommend ladies to cover up with a sarong while not swimming.

Take the Local Ferry  – ferries go on a number of different routes leaving from Alleppey and are a chance to see the backwaters, the local way. We took the morning ferry to Kottayam (3 hours) and returned the same day at 3pm from Kottayam to Alleppey. It made for quite a long day on the boat, but we loved the experience of sitting in the well ventilated boat and seeing local life. The 3pm return ferry to Alleppey was filled with school children ( please do not give them pens as this encourages begging from tourists ) giving us plenty of opportunity to chat and practice their English. You can find the Kerala Water Transport Dept schedules here .

Go on a Walk of Old Alleppey –  The Award Winning Preserve Alleppey Society , started by a group of local ladies, was created due to the need to preserve the character of Alleppey. In a country where it is uncommon for women to be able to work as guides or in tourism, this is a cause well worth supporting to encourage the work of women in tourism, and also to see the original character of Alleppey. The ladies offer guided walks of Alleppey and cooking classes.

Where to Stay in Alleppey

Like other tourism hotspots, Alleppey has seen a surge in accommodation options over recent years, and is suffering from the problem of too many homestays and hotels being opened. When we visited, homestays were complaining of being empty (despite us visiting in January – supposedly high season). Homestays also vary hugely in quality. We moved quickly from our first homestay which we did not like until we found Heritage Homestay (below).

We loved our time at Heritage Homestay – a very simple, locally owned place with two big and airy rooms at the front – which immediately felt like home to us. Run by the charming and very kind Johnny and his team, the homestay is located about 10 minutes walk from the beach.

Check prices and book Heritage Homestay here .

Nestled on the opposite bank of Lake Vembanad from Alleppey, Kumarakom is the perfect place to slow down and experience the backwaters (from shore) at their most peaceful. The lake is large and looks like an inland sea, providing the perfect backdrop for beautiful sunsets over the water. Kumarakom is also one of the locations where Kerala tourism is implementing more sustainable measures: many hotels and tour companies are part of an initiative to minimise their environmental impact and make sure that products are procured locally where possible, helping to maximise the economic benefit that goes back to locals.

Things to do in Kumarakom

Enjoy life at a slow pace – possibly the best thing to do in Kumarakom is – not much! Our best memories were of sitting back and watching the sunset from the serenity of Coconut Lagoon (below). Taking a quiet stroll along the backwaters and through villages is a great way to get a sense of local life here.

Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary –  This is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India, with many rare species being sighted particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August.

Where to Stay in Kumarakom

We loved our stay at Coconut Lagoon , one of CGH Earth’s most beautiful properties. The experience here is unique, the only way to arrive and leave here is by boat. The resort has been hard at work at sustainability too, and is part of the Kumarakom responsible tourism initiatives. Wake up to the sight of passing boats and the resort’s own rare breed “lawnmowers” (aka cows). There’s also a renowned Ayurveda centre on property.

Find more info and book Coconut Lagoon here .

Getting to and from Kumarakom

One way to reach Kumarakom is by boat, there is a ferry service to Muhamma on the other side of Lake Vembanand, near Marari beach. Services are not that regular though, so you may find taxi / private transfer is the easiest way to get here. There is no train station or direct buses to Kumarakom. 

Kollam (formerly known as Quillon) is another quiet alternative for exploring Kerala’s backwaters, this time from the southern end, and it’s also a colourful former fishing town set on the Arabian sea. It’s a great place to get off Kerala’s beaten tourist path for a couple of days if you want something a bit different. Outside our guesthouse, we didn’t see any other foreigners during the three days we spent here. 

Things to do in Kollam

Ashtamudi Lake –  Away from from the beach and on the other side of Kollam lies Ashtamudi lake, which forms the southern end of Kerala’s backwaters. The lake offers opportunities for boat trips to Monroe island in the lake and exploring village life – there are fishing villages dotted around the lake. The government run boat trips are cheaper than the same itinerary offered by private companies. There’s also a ferry that goes all the way to Alleppey from Kollam. 

Beach & Tangasseri Lighthouse –  head a little south of the centre of Kollam and there’s a beach (nothing spectacular) and a pretty fishing harbour filled with colourful boats. Tangasseri lighthouse, standing tall in red and white stripes is a good lookout point across the town and out to sea – climb up the stairs for your daily dose of cardio. A visit just before sunset provides the best light. 

Where to Stay in Kollam

We struck gold with our choice of Ashtamudi Villas, a small and peaceful retreat with about eight bungalows on the banks of Ashtamudi lake. The resort is largely eco-friendly, with a focus on using natural materials and reducing waste, and it is the perfect spot for lounging in the gardens in a hammock and just reading a book while fishermen pass in their dug out canoes just a few meters away. Mr Joseph, the owner, also runs boat trips to small channels and villages around the lake. 

Find more info and book Ashtamudi Villas here .  

In the south of Kerala along the Arabian sea, Varkala is fast becoming the new hippie destination of south India – some would say the next Goa. Set atop cliffs, Varkala is the place for sunsets, yoga, ayurveda and perfect turmeric lattes. We didn’t make it to Varkala, but given the number of people who told us we should go, we thought we’d include it in this guide! If you have tips to add, let us know in the comments section below. Alcohol is officially not permitted in Varkala, although you may find some places serving it. Seeing as tourism in Varkala is booming, so is a problem with plastic waste and (over) development. Please do your bit by avoiding plastic bottles wherever possible. 

Need a bit more help with your Kerala trip? We recommend G Adventures Tours. Find out more here!

Things to do in Varkala

The Beach –  we’ll start with the obvious, many come to Varkala to sit back and enjoy some sun, sea and sand. Varkala’s beach is set below cliffs – beaches become quieter and cleaner if you venture further north or south from town. Do watch out for currents and big waves while swimming as the waters here are known to be treacherous. 

Take to the Waves –  Surfing outfit Soul & Surf (who we loved during our visit to Sri Lanka ) offer surfing retreats, courses and lessons combined with yoga, massage and music. They work to minimise their impact and work with as many locals as possible. Their base in Varkala is at the top of the cliff, with prime view out to the ocean. More info here . 

Anjengo Fort & Lighthouse –  Sometimes spelt as Anchuthengu, 10km south of Varkala, this fort was built in 1696 as the first Malabar stronghold for the British East India company. Climb up the nearby lighthouse for views down onto the fort and coastline. 

Eat and Juice your way around town –  Varkala is full of trendy juice bars and organic cafes (the wifi may or not work), perfect for reading a book or a day away from the beach. 

Take time for yourself  with a yoga or ayurveda retreat – Ayurveda and Yoga options about in Varkala and there are many to choose from. Some offer one off treatments whereas others offer week+ long detox programs. Book Ayurveda and Yoga retreats in Varkala here . 

Where to Stay in Varkala

Puccini Lala Eco resort has an art cafe and eco friendly mud rooms, and is a conscious / sustainable living concept. They also offer healing and cooking classes. 

More info and book Puccini Lala here . 

The Bohemian Masala is an alternative eco retreat that has been built as handcrafted tribal herbal cottages – using a mixture of mud and traditional ayurvedic herbs that are sure to provide a restful and healing night’s sleep. The huts are set in gardens filled with hammocks and quiet spots for reading and relaxation. 

More info and book Bohemian Masala here . 

Getting to and from Varkala

The best way to reach and leave Varkala is by train; trains leave for Kollam, Alleppey and Ernakulam to the north, and to Trivandrum to the south (which has regular connections). There are also buses to Trivandrum and Kollam. 

Have you been to Kerala or are you adding it to your “ bucket list”? Let us know about your Kerala experiences in the comments below. 

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Life on the water: human stories from Kerala's palm-fringed backwaters

The waterways of the Indian state teem with birdlife and the rhythms of rice production. But beneath the surface, the Periyar National Park and the tranquil Vembanad lake are finding a balance between the needs of agriculture and nature.

Vishal, a ranger in the Periyar National Park, is patrolling a tourist boat heading out onto Periyar Lake early in the morning. As he struts, he announces tiger facts to an increasingly confused audience. He starts each of his proclamations with a demand for our “kind attention”. Vishal has a neatly pressed olive-green uniform, a serious countenance and a black moustache so impenetrable it looks like it could deflect bullets.

“Your kind attention,” Vishal repeats, walking between the rows of seated passengers as the boat putters away from its jetty. “We have around 40 tigers here. Very strong animals. Many bison, too. No giraffes.” His final remark seems something of an afterthought: “You’ll only find giraffes in Africa. And Australia.” At this news, he certainly has my attention. “But tigers, yes, we have many. Tigers are only found here in Asia. And in South America,” he continues, incorrect again, before closing with some eyebrow-raising bragging on the felines’ behalf. “Bengal tigers are very strong — stronger than six lions,” he says. “Tigers can kill elephants, no problem.”  

I don’t think Vishal wishes to mislead us, more that he’s innocently indulging in a bit of hyperbole to emphasise a point: this is tiger country and tigers aren’t to be trifled with. I’m less clear about why he mentioned the giraffes, but he speaks with such authority that no one in our small group has the guts to press him.

This much is true, however: Periyar National Park and its namesake lake lie in the highlands of Kerala, a winding five-hour drive east from the state capital of Kochi, through seemingly endless corridors of tea plantations and spice gardens. Established in 1982, the park’s status as a tourism destination, much like the wider state’s, is slowly growing, both domestically and internationally. Not that it’s possible to tell from looking at it, but the huge lake is actually man-made, dating back to 1895 when the ruling British erected the Mullaperiyar Dam, quite accidentally creating an Edenic wildlife sanctuary.  

Vishal boat is one of three double-decker, park-operated vessels heading off shortly after dawn in search of wildlife along the lake’s shores. “The mornings are very cold,” says Vishal, which, unlike some of his pronouncements about wildlife, is correct. “Maybe the mammals will wait until afternoon to get warm before moving,” he adds, stamping his feet. I suspect Vishal is insuring himself against the possibility of us seeing nothing during the excursion. Tigers have spent 200,000 years evolving to go unseen, and while they have been spotted from these noisy boats, sightings are incredibly rare. We’ve a much more realistic chance of spotting gaur (a wild cattle species), Asian elephants and wild dogs.  

These cruises leave every morning throughout the tourist season, which starts in October and runs until June, when the monsoon makes the journey far less appealing. For the past two years, flooding (particularly severe in 2018) has meant that park has been off-limits to visitors.  

In real life, the lake looks less artificial than it does on a map, its waters spreading into valleys like insidious fingers. But despite having been here for 125 years, it’s yet to erode certain vestiges of the former landscape. As we move south along one of these watery digits, our route seems to be marked by huge stakes. Initially, I think they’re markers to show boat captains which channels are shallow enough to navigate, but I soon see that they’re actually the remnants of dead trees, long since drowned by this unnatural body of water.

Indian cormorants, river terns and grey-headed fish eagles are among the species using them as perches from   which to launch sorties into the water. Behind them, jungle stretches up hills and to the horizon, disappearing into the blue sky. Up here, far from the more polluted coastal areas, the sky really is blue, and most of the plants   are so perfectly formed and bombastically green as to appear shop-bought. The animals clearly appreciate the conditions. Over the hour or so we’re out on the lake, we see healthy herds of gaur lumbering around the   shoreline and a wild boar nervously peering through the scrub.

Later, on a nature walk beginning at the Periyar Nature Interpretation Centre — now led by a more measured guide, Subhash — I come face to face with a cranky-looking gaur, almost get urinated on by a Nilgiri langur and see a small herd of sambar deer flitting though the jungle-like wraiths. Just as we begin to turn for home, we also stumble across a family of Asian elephants casually crashing through the undergrowth, apparently not in the least concerned by Vishal’s gossip that super-strength tigers are plotting to assassinate them.  

Monsoon weeding

India has a population of over 1.3 billion people; to put it another way, one person in every six on Earth hails from the country. Kerala contributes relatively modestly to this glut of humankind, being the 13th most populous of the 28 states; Kochi, the historic trading port at the state’s heart, doesn’t even make the list of the nation’s top 20 megacities. It is, however, home to a notable record-breaker: India’s longest lake, the mighty Vembanad, which clocks in at 60 miles from top to bottom and empties out into the Laccadive Sea at the Port of Kochi. The second largest body of water in India, the livelihoods of around 1.6 million people depend on it.  

One of them is Sabu Amani, a farmer and part-time tour guide from the village of Manjira. Other than when a 20-year army career periodically took him away from home, the 53-year-old has spent his whole life here, at the very water’s edge, as did at least four generations of his family before him. I meet Sabu aboard his noisy boat, the Chottanikkara Amma . As we traverse a small waterway, he points out a dozen or so species of bird. “That’s a blue-tailed bee-eater, a migratory species. Comes here from Nepal and the Himalayas around October, then leaves before the rains,” he says, flexing his ornithology muscles.

As was the case in Periyar, the monsoons of the past two years resulted in widespread flooding here. “In 2018, the water went inside everyone’s house,” says Sabu with a frown. “August 15th, boats were sent out to help people, but it took 15 days before they got to us here. Very tough.” To his annoyance, the deluges also meant that Kerala’s traditional snake boat races (a hugely popular spectacle involving 100 oarsmen per vessel rowing to the frenzied beat of large drums) haven’t happened since 2017.

With this year’s monsoons still several months away, we’re on our way to visit his home, where family members will, variously, demonstrate traditional ropemaking and weaving and coconut-harvesting. First, we have to get there, though, which would be a simple business were it not for a blanket of water hyacinths covering the surface of the river.

As far as pollutants go, it’s hard to imagine many more beautiful than the water hyacinth, with its mauve flowers — Indian pond herons and bronze-winged jacanas walking between them like inspectors looking through crime scenes. The plants sit atop the water and, while looking very pretty, draw out oxygen, reduce sunlight and suffocate algae and fish below. They tend to snag in boats’ propellers, too. “When the saltwater comes, the hyacinths will die, but now it’s a big problem,” says Sabu, sucking his teeth. The natural cycle of the lake should mean that when the monsoon rains come, the surging freshwater forces saline water out into the Laccadive. For the other, rain-less, half of the year, the ocean creeps back in and the water becomes brackish; opposing forces taking turns at controlling the lake. However, in order to improve rice production, it was decided in the 1970s to build the Thanneermukkom Bund, a massive saltwater barrier with a central gate that stretches across the middle of Vembanad like a belt that’s too tight.

It was designed to keep half the lake filled with freshwater long enough to allow for two rice harvests, but this restriction has interfered with the natural cycle and enabled the water hyacinths to spread at an alarming rate.

It’s hard to tell how much Sabu cares about that, save for endlessly having to clear his boat’s propeller of snagged hyacinths. He is, after all, a rice farmer and the barrage has, for the time being, made his life more comfortable. He also sees the rising value of tourism and in the future hopes his three children will follow him into that business, rather than toiling in the paddies.  

As we enter his front garden to watch his daughter demonstrate weaving rope by hand, a group of men in cobalt overalls come to watch us, in turn. There’s much shared fascination, at least until their foreman catches them skiving and sets them back to work hauling sacks of rice onto a truck, depriving them of the chance to laugh at our own oafish attempts at making the rope.

As our group says goodbye to Sabu and family just after sunset, I’m left wondering how long the lake’s unnatural pattern can continue. With record floods, rising overpopulation, worrisome air quality and plastic pollution, India often feels like the climate crisis writ large. Having learned of the challenges faced by Vembanad, it’s clear the odds are stacked against the ecological heath of Kerala’s waterways. But, as I’m later to find out, there’s hope, too.  

Below the surface

As we look out from one of Kerala’s ubiquitous kettuvallam   houseboats, it’s hard to believe that tranquil Lake Vembanad is facing any problems at all. These vessels provide the quintessential Kerala backwaters experience: lazily navigating waterways between colossal rice paddies, languidly observing the lives of those who live there. Occasionally, giggling teenagers dare each other to wave to us, but for the most part we’re ignored. The sun is warm, the breeze a refreshing whisper and the cold Kingfisher beers gratefully received. Hours pass like this, and it’s an undeniably lovely way to spend an afternoon, watching the people fishing and washing in the water, birds doing the same, snake boats sitting idle, all life appearing forever unrushed. The most urgent activity appears through the haze: two goats butting each other while crows look on at the edge of a rice field that’s almost ready for harvest.  

In no way do these huge, gold-green spaces look like the environmental bulldozers they are. Modifications to Vembanad first began in 1865 during British rule. Some estimates say as much as two-thirds of the lake and its marshes have since been reclaimed for growing rice, each mega-paddy named after the local king who approved the British plan for its creation. From above, they look like shards from a dropped pane of glass, all straight lines and sharp corners. Of course, this rearrangement of the natural landscape drastically altered the ecosystem, but at the time no one would have predicted the future cost.  

Aboard the   kettuvallam I feel like I’ve rejoined part of that history. These double-decked, thatch-roofed tourist boats look like they belong to a precolonial era. Kerala was regarded as so agricultural that tourism only really took hold here in the early 1990s. The boats have since become incredibly popular — an estimated 2,000 are now thought to be sailing around Vembanad. Outside of the monsoon season, this armada typically spends half of each day navigating the narrow waterways between the paddies or else heading out into the larger body of the lake itself, the distant north shore of which is always lost in the blue-grey horizon.

After disembarking the boat, our group visits the local office of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) , where we’re met by project coordinator Jojo. For the past decade, the trust has worked with National Geographic — and, more recently, our tour operator, G Adventures, too — to address environmental concerns around the country. By way of introduction, Jojo tells us that our visit is contributing to the trust’s funding (via a contribution by G Adventures).

Stalking the room barefoot, Jojo speaks passionately about a history of “uncontrolled human interventions”, clearly concerned about the fate of the lake and its wildlife. On the wall, a poster shows a fish being speared by a plastic straw. I can’t read the Hindi text, but I understand the message very clearly. “A study in the 1980s said the lake had 180 species of fish,” Jojo continues. “But ever since we started a fish count in 2008, the maximum number of species we’ve found is   117.”

Jojo explains that things are a little better for the black clam population. Around 60% of India’s entire production is harvested in Vembanad, offering a cheap, sustainable form of protein to locals. ATREE encourages the farmers to collect any plastic they find while gathering clams (last year they removed 80 sacks). I ask why, during my week in Kerala, I haven’t seen the clams on any English-language menu. Jojo smiles. “Well, you know they’re filter feeders,” he replies. “Our stomachs are used to them, but you might surely have some problems.”

We head out to watch some of the clam-steamers go about their pungent work. Afterwards, we walk to the lakeshore, where fishermen are navigating small islands of water hyacinths, looking for blooms of fresh clams. As we watch the men work in the morning sun, Jojo asks a passing fisherman to hack the top off a fresh coconut for each of us. I’m relieved, although perhaps not surprised, to note that the drinking straw in my coconut is made of paper.

As one of the fishermen rakes the shallow lakebed and comes up with nothing, I ask Jojo if he’s pessimistic for the future. “No, not overall,” he replies quickly. “We have a concern about the siltation of the lake — it’s getting shallower — but the government is enforcing new regulations and we’re seeing pollution come down.” And if he were in charge? Well, the houseboats would stay, he says, but — no surprise here — there’d be changes made to the barrage. “The only way to revive this system is to let the salinity come like it used to, by keeping the gates open longer,” Jojo explains. “Keep it natural, that’s it.”  

In his more optimistic moments, Jojo believes that, with successful ecological management, Vembanad can become an example for other parts of this colossal country to follow. If the tide can literally be turned in Kerala, he reasons, it can happen elsewhere, too.

Getting there & around Air India offers the only direct flights to Kochi from the UK, departing from Heathrow twice weekly. British Airways flies twice daily to Mumbai from Heathrow, with codeshare flights on to Kochi.   Etihad Airways flies daily from London to Kochi via Abu Dhabi. To explore the state, book ahead with a tour operator or organise local car transfers through your hotel.  

Average flight time:   10h (direct).

When to go Kerala is defined by two rainy seasons. While the October monsoons tend not to cause much disruption, the same can’t be said of the summer rains (June to August) in recent years. For the rest of the year, the weather is warm and often humid, averaging 27C. The area around Periyar National Park benefits from being at higher altitude and so is cooler than coastal Kochi.

Where to stay   Peppervine Kumarakom Heritage Resort

More info:   keralatourism.org

How to do it G Adventures offers a bespoke, seven-day TailorMade South India trip from £1,649 per person, based on two sharing. Includes B & B accommodation, some meals and a host throughout. Excludes flights.  

Published in the Nov/Dec 2020 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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The Ultimate Kerala Travel Guide

India is a beautiful country. There are enchanting locations from its head to toe. Kashmir in the North has been the fancy of everyone around the world for a very long time but no more. Anyone now visiting  India  never flinches to have Kerala on their list. And why wouldn’t it be? For those visiting, here’s the ultimate Kerala travel guide to help plan your trip to this beautiful region.

Kerala is a wondrous state and accommodates so many physical features ranging from the  seas, the mountains and everything in-between . So, when you are visiting Kerala the next time, make sure you are not missing on any of the below-listed places.

Kerala Travel Guide

Our Kerala travel guide includes how to get to Kerala as well as the best places to visit in Kerala, including the not-to-miss Kerala beaches!

Getting to Kerala

A very important thing to take care of, while travelling in Kerala is the airport connectivity.  The 2 major airports in the state are in Kochi in the North and Thiruvananthapuram in the South.  So either you start your trip from the North going towards the South or the other way round.  This way you’ll be able to cover more places and use the time at your hand in the most optimum manner. You can view the Indian Railways schedule and book your tickets here , or search below.

Tourism in Kerala

It is one of those fully absorbing places that are highly praised for its excellent tourism infrastructure. You can enjoy being in the midst of wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, lakes, hill stations as well as enjoy rich cultural festivals. You’ll be amazed at the outstanding structural design, villages and polite natives.    Vacationers also come here to resuscitate themselves at Ayurvedic Treatment & Spa Center. In fact, the whole state is a  picture-perfect tourist destination . On the other hand Kerala is more than tourist spot; it is also a destination used for  divine and intellectual exploration .

View some of the most popular Kerala tourism places and the activities that you can get up to here .

Wellness and yoga in Kerala

Kerala is a popular destination for yoga and wellness retreats. If you’re interesting in spending a few days immersed in either yoga, meditation or Ayurveda, we recommend checking out a few of the options available on Tripaneer .

Below are a few of the most popular retreats in Kerala:

• 7 Day Wellness Retreat with Yoga, Meditation, and Ayurveda in Kerala
• 10 Day Ayurveda Panchakarma Detox Retreat in Chalakudy, Kerala
• 28 Day Ayurveda Panchakarma and Yoga Retreat in Kerala
• 4 Day Relaxing Ayurveda Treatments and Yoga Retreat in Kerala

Nature in Kerala

On your tour of Kerala you will learn why the state is known as  “God’s Own Country” .

The rich culture and heritage of Kerala also attract nature lovers from all over the world. Once you step into this charming paradise, all other things will appear dull and fading. The good part is that you can enjoy all this abundance without making any big hole in your pocket.   You can explore the backwaters of Alleppey (read more about things to do in Alleppey ), beaches of Varkala, deep and dense forests of Thekkady, and the tea gardens of Munnar. The cool and crispy feel of this beautiful hill town called Munnar offers a perfect view to its tourists. Enjoy a hot cup of tea and overwhelm the sweet smell of pleasing surroundings.   Apart from these, you can visit harbors of Cochin, Kumarakom and incredible Wayanad.  The extensive mountains and thick and profound forests will give you an out-of-the-world and one-of-a-kind experience.

Kerala Travel Guide: Best places to visit in Kerala

Since there are so many beautiful Kerala destinations for its visitors, how about having a look at some of them? Yes, just dive into some of the most popular and enjoyed places of this paradise!

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a  port city in Ernakulam district  of Kerala state. It is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala and also a good place for a Kerala Backwaters trip. The city of Kochi is the right amalgamation of the words ancient and modern. The dockyards with huge ships are a sight to see. One can cruise around the city to take a tour of it .  The main spots are the Mattancherry Palace, Jew town Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, Bolgatty Palace, St.Francis Church etc.

If here, you must witness the Chinese fishing nets at work .  Walk the lanes of Jew town and enrich in the Jewish and Portuguese influences this place has. You should also visit the Lulu Shopping mall.

Search for accommodation in Kochi .

The next destination you can cover is the surreal hill station of Munnar. Munnar is one of the  most famous hill stations in Kerala  located in Idukki district. Also known as the Switzerland of South India, Munnar is one of the best summer destinations in India and also one of the top places to visit in Kerala.

The high rise mountains are covered in tea plantations.  Just sit in the balcony of your hotel and watch the painting like scenery unfold in front of your eyes. Rose garden, Kundala Dam lake, Echo point, Kanan Devan Tea museums are a few of the many places you must visit.

At the tea museums, tourists are shown how tea is made and the various processes involved in its production. You can buy a lot of spices, essential oils, teas amongst other souvenirs. It’s also popular to do those as a day trip in Munnar , which then include the visit to a tea museum, and tea and spice plantations.

Look for accommodation in Munnar .

This Kerala destination is included on all Kerala travel guides – and you can’t skip it when visiting the region!

A 5-hour drive from Munnar will bring you to the Venice of East, Alleppey.  The Kerala backwaters are simply beautiful.  Alappuzha or Alleppey is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake. Popularly known as the ‘ Venice of the East ’, Alleppey tops the list of best tourist places in Kerala. Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destinations of Backwaters of Kerala .

Alleppey enjoys a prominent place in the list of the finest tourist places in Kerala. The  houseboat stays, backwoods tours and peaceful beauty  of this place fascinate a good number of people to its land. In fact, it will not be wrong to say that it is one of the most famous spot to taste Kerala’s backwaters.

The depiction of Lord Curzon about this place Alleppey as Venice of East is not at all an overstatement. A  houseboat holiday  is what tourists look for on visit to this land. Different areas of lovely paddy fields, old-fashioned sanctuaries, lakes full with water lilies and interesting fishing hamlets make Alleppey one of the finest places to visit in Kerala.

Kuttanad, Alappuzha Beach, Mannarasala, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mullakkal Temple and Krishnapuram Palace are the some popular tourist places in Alleppey.

Search for accommodation (including houseboats) in Alleppey .

A 5-hour drive from Alleppey will bring you to the clean and pristine beaches of Kovalam. Kovalam, on the shores of the Arabian Sea, is one of the  most famous beaches in Kerala  and also one of the most popular places for sightseeing in Kerala. The beautiful Kovalam Beach is also known as the ‘Paradise of the South’. Kovalam is literally filled with endless coconut trees, breathtaking views while approaching the beach.

For anybody tired from Goa, this is the  perfect destination to unwind . Two beaches namely Havah beach and Lighthouse beach are the highlights of Kovalam. Just chill and enjoy the beach vibe at the any of the best beach resorts in Kerala.

Lighthouse Beach, Vizhinjam Mosque, Samudra Beach, and Eve’s Beach are the top places to visit in Kovalam. Kovalam is also famous for  Ayurvedic massages  and many yoga resorts.

After Kovalam, head to Thiruvananthapuram. Visit the Pothy’s mall and don’t miss to watch the Kathakali performances.

Kumarakom is a  cluster of little islands on the famous Vembanad Lake  in the beautiful state of Kerala. Mapped near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a peaceful little hamlet along with interesting scenaries, ever pleasant weather and arresting flora and fauna. You can experience a mix of everything here:  authentic Kerala cuisines, backwoods, fresh gusty air, warmness of Keralite and delicious fresh coconuts .

Also known as the Queen of Vembanad, Kumarakom is the most famous Kerala Backwaters destination and is among the best places to experience Kerala Tourism. A houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Vembanad Lake is really an amazing experience. The Bird Kumarakom Sanctuary, Vaikom, Pathiramanal Island, Aranmula Temple and Erumeli are the popular Kumarakom tourist places. There are also loads of  accommodation options in Kumarakom .

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary , one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India, is located at Thekkady in Kerala. The park was established in 1950 and was declared as a Tiger Reserve in 1978.

The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam adds to the charm of the park. Thekkady is famous for Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr, etc.Murikkady, Chellar Kovil, Mangala Devi Temple, Suruli Falls and Pullumedu are the popular tourist places in Thekkady.

Wayanad is one of the  marvelous hill stations in Kerala  and also one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kerala. Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns and are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district.

Blessed with several rain forests, Wayanad is also a wonderful monsoon destination in India. Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi and Edakkal Caves are the best places to visit in Wayanad.

Trivandrum,the capital city of Kerala, is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala. Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, it is considered as one of the cleanest cities in India.

Trivandrum is famous for its alluring tourist spots including beaches, historic monuments, lakes, unexplored mountain ranges etc.

Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Kowdiar Palace, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo are some of the top tourist places in Trivandrum.

Thrissur or Trichur is the  cultural capital of Kerala  and also one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Thrissur hosts the world famous Thrissur Pooram held in the month of April / May.

This festival is the most colorful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. UNESCO has awarded Thrissur Pooram as the most spectacular festival in the world.

The Vadakkunathan temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Paramekkavu Temple,Guruvayur Temple, Athirapally Falls, Peechi Dam & Sanctuary, Thrissur Zoo, Vilangankunnu and Shakthan Thampuran Palace are the top places to visit in Thrissur.

Athirapally

Athirapally Waterfall is one of the  most popular waterfalls in India  and one of the top tourist places in Kerala. Formed over Chalakudy River, the waterfall drops from a height of 80 feet through several streams offering great scenic beauty.

In rainy season, the water flow is full and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala. The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Chapra falls and Sholayar Dam, Valparai are the nearest attractions to Athirapally. 

Kerala Travel Guide: Top beaches in Kerala

While Kerala is renowned for its backwaters and hill stations, there are also some beautiful beaches in Kerala. Alleppey Beach, Varkala Beach, Bekal Beach, Cherai Beach and Kozhikode Beach are the famous beaches in Kerala apart from Kovalam Beach. 

Bekal Beach

Bekal Fort Beach is an attractive and charming beach that lies in the Kasaragod district of Kerala.  The beach is popular for its backwaters, forts and scenic beauty.  The beautiful stretch of the shallow beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). The beach offers an amazing view of the grand Bekal Fort which stands on the shores of the Arabian Sea. Bekal beach became a major holiday destination and one of the most renowned beaches of Kerala.

Varkala Beach

Varkala is a  popular beach town as well as a place for pilgrimage in Kerala . Also known as Papanasam Beach, Varkala Beach is one of the top and beautiful Kerala Beaches and also one of the top tourist places in Kerala. One of the highlights of this beach is the cliffs that are adjacent to the sea and from which mineral water pours out containing important medicinal properties. The beach also offers adventurous sports activities like water skiing and surfing. One can also visit the 2,000 year old Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the nature care center on the beach.

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach is one of the most popular beaches and the major tourist places in Kerala. Kozhikode Beach is blessed with wonderful scenery and peaceful, refreshing ambiance. The sound of the gushing waves, the mighty Arabian Sea and the clean azure waters, attracts tourists from all around. The old lighthouse and two crumbling piers that run into the sea, adds the beauty of the beach and retain its old world charm.  The beach offers common activities like sunbathing, windsurfing, para- sailing, beach walking, fishing, etc.

Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach with its stunning beauty has become a hugely popular tourist attraction, located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island in Kochi. It is also called as the  Golden Beach of Kerala  and the  Princess of Arabian Sea.  The far end of Cherai Beach is lined with Chinese fishing nets which offer a pleasing view. The beach offers various water sports activities like water scooters, speed boats, snorkeling and canoe ride. Cherai Beach is famous among the people in Kochi and the must visit place in Kerala.

Alleppey Beach

Alappuzha Beach, also known as Alleppey Beach is one of the top places to visit in and is one of the top attractions of Kerala.  Often referred as  ‘Venice of East’ , Alleppey is one of the popular destinations of Kerala Backwaters. The beach of Alleppey is also perfect for various water sports activities such as a motorboat cruise, surfing, diving, para-sailing and swimming in the blue waters of the Arabian Sea.

This beach is also popular for the grand event of Nehru Trophy Boat Race that takes place every year in the month of August.

That’s our comprehensive Kerala travel guide. Now that you know about the best places to visit in Kerala, you can start planning your Kerala itinerary.

I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.

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Northern Kerala Travel Stories

5 reasons why Kerala deserves a place on every India itinerary

Locals call Kerala “God’s own country” for a reason. Down in India’s most southern state, tranquil backwaters give way to vibrant rainforests and tropical jungles, bursting with spice plantations and wildlife.

It’s a magical little paradise away from everything the usual set of guidebooks often associate with India and the north of the country.

Like many people travelling to India with a full-time job, I really had to pick and choose where I went to get the most out of a fairly short trip. Kerala was on my travel itinerary from the start, and here’s five reasons why it should be on yours too.

It’s completely unique to the rest of India

Tourist epicenters like Delhi and Jaipur often feel crowded and hectic, yet incredible in their own way. But they aren’t all that India has to offer. Taking a flight from India’s capital down to the state of Kerala only takes a few hours, but it truly feels like a night and day transition. Relaxation practically oozes out of the warm, tropical air, where the pace of life is slower and calmer.

Kochi is diverse in every sense, even down to the various religions practiced in India’s most southern state. In Fort Kochi (a must on your travel itinerary) you can see a Hindu Temple, a Church and a Synagogue all practically on the same street, all the while hearing a Muslim call to prayer from a nearby Mosque. You can also find traditional Chinese fishing nets and 16 th- century Portuguese houses from the colonial era, all adding to the cultural melting pot that is Kochi today.

Three must-visit places in Kerala, according to one of Intrepid’s amazing local leaders in India, Sana Jinah :

I recommend Kochi, Munnar and Varkala. Kochi for the history. Munnar for the peaceful vibes, mountains and tea plantations. And Varkala for amazing views of the sea from the cliff – it’s the only beach in India which is next to a cliff!

READ MORE: 5 GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR SOLO TRAVEL IN INDIA

Kerala is one of the best places on Earth to see animals in their natural habitat

Let’s face it, ethical tourism is a huge concern wherever you are in the world – and wherever you are, the only way to see truly animals with a truly clear conscience is in their natural habitat. You can find that here. Within Kerala’s emerald green mountain ranges is the spectacular Periyar National Park, nearly 1,000 square kilometers of jungle, trekking paths and lakes that is bursting with wildlife.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

“Lock your balcony to keep out naughty monkeys”, read a sign in my hotel room in the nearby town of Kumily. I thought this was just a joke until I heard the excitable chattering of a troop of monkeys on the roof, making their ways to the trees using my balcony as a shortcut. You’ll find the common Indian monkey everywhere in the small towns surrounding Periyar, but the park itself is home to many more species – including the illusive black monkey, recognizable from its golden brown or gingery mane.

Monkey business aside, Periyar is best known as a tiger reserve and one of the few places you can see Bengal tigers outside of captivity. Visit during the month of April to maximize the chance of seeing one.  Don’t worry about tiger attacks though – secure campsites are built into a deep tiger-proof trench.

I turned up at Periyar National Park woefully out of season in the depths of the monsoon and still managed to see black monkeys, water buffalo and the briefest glimpse of a figure running ahead of us – which my guide later said was a jaguar. Plan ahead and if you’re lucky you’ll see a tiger or an elephant in the way that nature intended.

VISIT PERIYAR NATIONAL PARK ON THIS 15-DAY ADVENTURE THROUGH SOUTHERN INDIA

The landscape is dreamy

Wake up on one of the long wooden houseboats that glide along the tranquil Kerala backwaters and you’ll think you’ve arrived in paradise. Much of Kerala’s appeal is its dramatic diversity, the way in which the low-lying tropical beaches and lakes meet the towering hills and tea plantations of the Western Ghats.

An Intrepid group trekking in the Kerala backwaters

The main reason many travellers come to Kerala is, of course, to experience the famous backwaters. Essentially the backwaters are a complex chain of lakes and lagoons leading inland from the Malabar Coast. After a long few months travelling or a stressful period at work, I can’t think of anywhere else in the world I’d rather be.

Once used for transporting rice and spices around the state, the long wooden houseboats are now mostly for tourists – some even have onboard Jacuzzis and personal chefs. You can spend a few days traversing the maze of backwaters, or just a day as I did. Either way it will be an unforgettable experience.

VISIT THE BACKWATERS OF KERALA ON THIS 15-DAY SOUTH INDIA TOUR

Travel away from the coast for a few hours and you could be in a totally different country, given the steep change in scenery. I stayed in the aptly named Cardamom Hills, where the sweet and dreamlike scent of its namesake permeates the air. The idyllic growing conditions mean you’re likely to spot (or more likely smell) coffee, pepper or tea plantations on your ascent up the hills.

You’ll have the best meal of your life, three times a day

The real star of the show is the Kerala-style dosa, a paper-thin crepe about the length of your arm that can be loaded with coconut chutney, masala potatoes and a sour lentil and tamarind broth known as Sambar. This is traditionally served for breakfast, but you can find it all day long in one of Kerala’s many restaurants and homesteads. Kerala’s close connection to the Arabian Sea means that fresh fish is never off the menu. Try it fried up and served on a banana leaf with that omnipresent coconut chutney.

READ MORE: A MUST-READ FOODIE’S GUIDE TO SOUTH INDIA

It’s not just the food that makes Kerala unique. Where else in the world can you turn up at a tea factory, gaze across at the fields where the tea leaves were grown and drink the freshest cup of your life?

Lose yourself in a yoga retreat

Kerala is the spiritual home of Ayurveda, one of the world’s best-known forms of alternative medicine, which puts a heavy focus on yoga and meditation. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or don’t know your dharma from your downward dog, there’s something for you.

The infectiously good vibes in India’s most Southern state mean you’ll probably be in a state of relaxation from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave, and there’s no better way to take advantage of that than yoga.

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Spiritual people travel from all over the world to Kerala’s Ayurveda academies to learn about the practice, most notably to the schools in Ernakulam (just outside Kochi) and in Kollam to the south. If that’s not your bag, you can take in the lifestyle for just a few days in one of the tranquil yoga retreats tucked away in the Western Ghats.

They say the monsoon season is the best time to practise yoga. Just as the short bursts of heavy rain are nature’s way of revitalising the land, being here at this time can have a totally cleansing effect on your body.

That’s more than just a holiday.

Ready to visit this incredibly stunning part of the world? Check out Intrepid’s wide range of trips in India.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel x2, iStock/g01xm, Intrepid Travel, Jack Cummings x2.)

Feeling inspired?

Jack Cummings

Works in social media at VICE in London and has written for a bunch of UK newspapers. Jack finally ticked off his top bucket list destination of India last year, traveling around the North and South of the country. He wants to get back out there as soon as possible.

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The 10 Amazingly Unique Experiences In Kerala

A trip in India’s golden triangle often ends with a choice between Goa or Kerala as the last stop. Kerala’s warm temperature and lush vegetation aren’t the only things that set it apart from the rest of India. Along with a mountainous backdrop to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west, Kerala has developed a unique culture with its language, clothing, religion, music, also art. Poverty and illiteracy rates are lower than in any other state in the nation.

There are many wonderful locations to visit in Kerala . Quite simply, you’ll be able to see and do things that you won’t elsewhere, many of which have been around for centuries or more. Still, it’s the unique culture of the state that really sets it apart from the others.

Table of Contents

10 Most Unique Experiences in Kerala

Here’s a list of our favorite things, along with recommendations for where and when you may see and do each one. Moreover, our team is happy to help you include them in a well-balanced vacation plan.

1. Backwaters of Kerala: A Houseboat Adventure

Kerala’s backwaters are an essential part of every trip to the state. There is a symbiotic relationship between the palm-lined shores and the awe-inspiring fauna and settlements tucked into the backwaters. Make sure your Kerala vacation packages include the backwaters, whether you’re going alone or with a group.

Unwinding in a hot tub with your sweetheart may make for a memorable romantic getaway. If you want to learn more about the cultures and customs of these interior lakes, lagoons, and rivers, consider staying at a homestay or a guesthouse along the route.

2. The first light of day on the tallest tea plantation in the world

Kerala & Tamil Nadu border towns Munnar and Kolukkumalai are home to the world’s highest tea estate, Kolukkumalai. In the shadow of Meeshapulimalai, South India’s second-highest peak, its lush green terraces encircle the shola forest.

We recommend waking up early in order to see one of southern India’s most breathtaking spectacles, as a rising sun may be visible rising from a thick layer of clouds over the Tamil plains at dawn. After that, you may have a tour of the estate’s charmingly antiquated tea processing facility, which still has its original Scottish-built equipment!

• Kerala Package for 10 Days
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• Kerala Houseboat Tour 5 Days
• Check More Packages for Kerala

3. Kathakali

The Kathakali dancer’s exquisite make-up is a trademark of Kerala. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to see a performance of this esoteric style of ritual theater. The shows produced in cities and beach resorts are suited to the Western audience’s typically short attention spans.

It’s a good thing, too, since Kathakali’s complex vocabulary is there via a sophisticated vocabulary of hand signals, facial emotions, and stances. You don’t have to. The display, accompanied by angelic vocal melody and percussion, has the potential to enthrall.

While Kerala isn’t the only place to see elephants parade about temples in elaborately decorated costumes is only present in this place.

The tuskers are riding by teams of young mahouts armed with peacock fans, golden parasols, and whisks of black and white yak hair, followed by ear-splitting drum ensembles and fireworks displays. The optimal time to watch one of these spectacular parades is between October and February.

5. Ayurveda resort Somatheeram

Around 5000 years ago, Ayurveda got famous as a comprehensive treatment method by the ancient Indians. Even though it’s been around for a long time, this wisdom is still relevant today. Ayurveda clinics and resorts abound in Kerala, with Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort being one of the finest in the country.

Also known as the “Mother of All Healing”, the resort has been offering Ayurvedic treatments to visitors for more than two decades. The resort’s name refers to its focus on health, wellness, rejuvenation, stress management, or any other kind of therapy. In this place, you’ll be able to really feel happy.

6. A beach on Varkala Island

Among India’s top beaches, Varkala is a must-see destination and an unforgettable experience. This beautiful seaside all along the Arabian Sea has cliffs and sandy beaches dotted throughout.

South India’s Varkala beach, in particular, is well-known for its sunbathing, swimming, and tranquility. Pilgrims go to this spot in hopes of finding redemption and forgiveness for their sins.

7. Check out the Snake Boat Races if you haven’t already!

Imagine the sight on the faces of the spectators as a large group of rowers competes in a boat race. Sounds intriguing, don’t you think? Unique and traditional snake boat races in Kerala provide tourists with a wonderful experience.

Onam is a time for Kerala’s famous snake boat races to take center stage. It’s an outstanding wooden canoe that can hold up to 100 rowers comfortably. Nevertheless, August or September are the most common months to observe this holiday.

• 10 Days South India Package
• South India Itinerary 12 Days
• 13 Days South India Temple Tour
• South India Package 15 Days

8. Look at Theyyam

Theyyam is among the best things to do in Kerala since it gets performed in front of the village shrines of North Kerala. Some of Kannur’s neighborhoods are home to some of the city’s most talented dancers.

Visit the Kerala Museum in Kochi to see a stunning show. To avoid missing out, keep an eye on the Theyyam calendar for upcoming activities.

9. Feel the aesthetic waterfalls

The state of Kerala is home to a plethora of waterfalls. Athirappilly, in particular, exudes radiance. It’s an amazing feeling to see such a sight for the first time. Surreal ecstasy surrounds you as you listen to the roar, see the rainbows, and float in the mist.

Trekking and vehicle safaris in the middle of the forest are great ways to observe wildlife such as elephants and bison. Visit the waterfalls and have barbecues. While on vacation in Kerala, soak in the rushing water or stand for some romantic photos.

10. Kumarakom is a great place to go birdwatching

When birds from other lands come to visit, you too must make an effort to come along. For birdwatchers in India, Kumarakom Sanctuary is a must-visit location. Kumarakom offers an excellent chance to learn about birds.

The sanctuary, located in the picturesque hamlet of Kottayam along the 13-kilometer-long Vembanad Lake, is home to millions of birds of all kinds. Waterfowl, cuckoos, owls, egrets, herons, and other waterfowl are among the most often seen birds. Finally, one of the best things to see in Kerala is a bird viewing at Kumarakom.

Final Words

‘God’s own land’ is a beautiful place to visit. Among the many things to do in Kerala are a variety of gastronomic delights, stunning beaches, peaceful backwaters, and a variety of massages. Apart from these, there is so much to see and do in Kerala’s breathtakingly lush terrain. There’s a lot more to do here than meets the eye.

Learn more about Kerala by visiting:

• Kerala Destinations to Visit in November
• Top Places for Kerala See in October
• 5-Star Luxury Hotels in Kerala
• 16 Famous Places to See in North Kerala
• Top 10 Things To Do In Thekkady, Kerala
• In September Kerala Tourist Places to Visit
• Top 7 Destinations to Visit Kerala in December

About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

Related posts.

Top Amazing Reasons to Visit Alleppey Kerala

Historical Places In Kerala: Amazing Stories of Historic Significance

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Explore Kerala With The Best Travel Blogs

Your ultimate guide to the hidden treasures of kerala.

Are you planning a trip to Kerala and looking for some inspiration? Look into our amazing travel blogs! We provide the best travel blogs to Kerala, showcasing the best places to visit, travel tips, famous attractions, best hotels and rooms, etc. Get ready to trip to kerala with our online kerala trip guide to stunning beaches, lush forests, and vibrant cities through the eyes of experienced travelers and locals. Trust us, our best travel blogs for Kerala will make your trip planning process much easier and more enjoyable. Start exploring now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Kerala!

If you're heading to Kerala, it's best to research in advance. Our best travel blogs about Kerala offer valuable insights into the top tourist places, things to do, and places to stay. You can also find helpful pieces of information like Kerala travel stories, Kerala tourism blogs, and other related questions.

Kerala is a beautiful state in southern India, known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse cuisine. Our best travel blogs in Kerala will help you discover the top tourist places like Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam, Thekkady, and Wayanad. You can also explore other popular destinations like the backwaters of Kerala, hill stations like Vagamon and Ponmudi, and beaches like Varkala and Marari.

So, before you pack your bags, make sure to check out the best travel blogs Kerala to plan your trip better.

No matter where you go in Kerala, there's always something new to discover. So if you're looking for a memorable travel experience, be sure to add Kerala to your list of must-visit destinations!

Backwater Bliss

Explore Kerala's iconic backwaters, a network of serene lagoons, lakes, and canals fringed by lush greenery and picturesque villages.

Spice Capital

Immerse yourself in Kerala's rich spice heritage, with fragrant plantations showcasing a variety of spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

Cultural Kaleidoscope

Experience Kerala's vibrant cultural tapestry through its colorful festivals, traditional dance forms, centuries-old temples and monuments.

Pristine Beaches

Relax on Kerala's pristine sandy shores, bordered by coconut palms, offering idyllic settings for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Kerala Travel Guide

We offer you a chance to discover Kerala’s rich heritage, experience the vibrant culture, historic depth, and timeless traditions of Kerala. From ancient temples and majestic palaces to colourful festivals and traditional art forms, Kerala holds a diverse and fascinating heritage. Explore Kerala’s natural beauty ranging from the calm backwaters and green Western Ghats to the pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea coast. Get ready for a journey through attractive hill stations, serene rivers, and lush tea gardens, and experience the unique beauty of Kerala’s vast wilderness. We promise to provide you with an everlasting experience.

Whether you’re seeking a relaxing journey into nature, an adventurous trek through the mountains, or exploring bustling cities, we are here to make the perfect plan for you. Discover a wide range of travel destinations and accommodation options with us that suit your budget and preferences. Experience the scenic beauty of Kerala like never before with Visit To Kerala. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, we promise an unforgettable journey to Kerala filled with warmth, hospitality, and endless fun. Start planning your Kerala adventure with us today and embark on the journey of a lifetime!

The VisitToKerala Story! A Trip Guide to Kerala

VisittoKerala – your ultimate travel guide to Kerala! We are dedicated to providing tourists with extensive information on Kerala’s top tourist attractions, must-visit places, and exciting activities in God’s Own Country. Our goal is to help you explore and enjoy the very best of Kerala, making your vacation truly unforgettable.

Through our descriptive travel blog on Kerala, we offer comprehensive information about the most popular tourist destinations, cultural centers, and natural wonders. Visittokerala aims to be your ultimate resource for planning and maximizing your trip to Kerala.

We cover all of Kerala’s main tourist spots, ranging from the breathtaking mountains of Munnar and Wayanad to the captivating beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. Whether you are interested in wildlife, history and culture, beach relaxation, or water sports, we help you identify the perfect places to visit.

Our team of local experts is committed to being your helpful guide, providing you with the best recommendations, tips, and insights to enhance your Kerala experience. With VisittoKerala, embark on a remarkable journey through this beautiful state, embracing its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes.

Explore the Beauty

Kerala travel guide 2024: all you need to know for your trip

A trip to Kerala brings you in contact with ancient traditions, tropical landscapes and endless beaches. The city of Cochin and its natural parks are must-see attractions in what is known as the “God’s Own Land”.

Basic facts about Kerala

Kerala ( കേരള ) is located in the extreme southwest of India and is one of the most popular states for international tourists. Decades of left-wing rule have made Kerala a leader in social rights. It is one of the few Indian states that has eradicated illiteracy and has an enviable education and health system.

• Population . The 35 million Keralis or Mallus live in the only state with a democratically elected communist government for decades. This has made it a unique place in India, with 99% literacy, a good basic education system and an enviable religious tolerance. Kerala has 55% Hindus, 25% Muslims and 20% Christians.
• Capital . Trivandrum is the capital of the state. It is located in the south of Kerala and has 1.5 million inhabitants. The largest city is Kochi with 3 million and is the main port and cultural capital of the state.
• Languages . Malayalam is the official language of Kerala and one of the 25 languages recognized in the Indian Constitution. It is spoken by some 35 million people. English is also widely spoken, and unlike in Tamil Nadu, many Keralites speak either Hindi or Urdu.

What visa do I need to travel to Kerala?

You can travel to Kerala with a passport valid for 6 months and a tourist visa for India . No special permits are required to tour the state. However, please note that tribal areas have restricted access. You can check the visa requirements for India here .

India travel guide: all you need to know for traveling in 2024

What to visit in Kerala: must-see destinations

Kerala is a state with an impressive nature. The Malabar coast has places of great beauty, such as the bays of Kovalam or the cliffs of Varkala, but also long sandy beaches in Mararikulam , Poovar or north of Cochin.

Many travelers usually end their trip in southern India in Kerala, as it is the best place to relax and take care of their body and mind.

1. Western Ghats: tea and spices

The mountains of Kerala are the Western Ghats . Tea plantations were established at this latitude, and you can see them in several places such as Periyar , Munnar or in the area of Ooty which already belongs to Tamil Nadu.

The Cardamom Hills area is the epicenter of pepper and cardamom production, the two most valued spices in southern India.

2. Kerala backwaters in Alleppey

Kerala has a unique ecosystem, the backwaters . This area reclaimed from the sea is full of rice fields and isolated villages that you can visit aboard a kettuvalam.

The traditional boats used to transport rice have been converted into houseboats with all the comforts. It appears that time has not passed in this region around the towns of Alappuzha and Kumarakom .

3. Periyar National Park

Kerala’s wildlife parks have very diverse fauna, from herds of elephants to Bengal tigers. However, they are very lush parks, so sightings are difficult, except in the dry season.

The most famous nature reserve is Periyar , but there are other excellent places to enjoy nature such as Parambikulam, Silent Valley or Eravikulam.

4. Cochin, the heritage town

In terms of historical and cultural heritage , Kerala was one of the first regions of India to have contact with the world, thanks to spices.

Cochin is the cultural capital of southern India and a cosmopolitan city, the result of a mixed population and European rule for five centuries. Synagogues, royal palaces, colonial warehouses… All in a city built on islands that celebrates the most famous Art Biennale in India .

5. Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala

The state capital Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) is less known, but has many historic buildings such as the maharaja’s palace and the residence of Lord Napier. In addition, you can go to the beaches of Kovalam which are half an hour drive away.

As a curiosity, you should know that Hindu temples in Kerala do not allow access to non-Hindus. Therefore, unlike other areas of India, visits to places of worship are smaller. Instead, you can visit synagogues with many centuries behind them, Portuguese churches and the oldest mosques in India.

Ayurveda and traditional arts

Kerala is also known as the birthplace of Ayurveda . In fact, no other state in India has maintained the practices of traditional Indian medicine with the same zeal.

Here you will find the Ayurvedic clinic where you can perform a panchakarma or simply purify yourself for a few days before returning home.

How to get to Kerala

Arrival in the state of Kerala is usually through Cochin (COK) and Trivandrum (TRV) airports. Both international airports have domestic and international connections to several European capitals, although the best way to connect to Kerala is via the Middle East. There are many flights from Emirates , Q atar Airways , Etihad and other Gulf airlines.

• Calicut (CCJ) was one of the great capitals of the state. Today it gives access to the main nature reserves in the Western Ghats such as Wayanad, Silent Valley or Muthanga.
• Kannur (CNN) is an area of Muslim majority and has a special attraction if you want to enjoy little known beaches.

Book a flight, bus or train ticket

Kerala by train.

Kerala is in the extreme south of the country and in the most difficult area to access. The major railway lines pass preferably through Tamil Nadu. The cities of Kerala are well-connected with Goa and Mumbai.

How to book easily train tickets in India

The journey from Mumbai to Cochin takes 24 hours (Hazrat Nizamuddin – Trivandrm Rajdhani Express) and from Goa to Cochin about 12-14 hours (Mumbai – Ernakulam Duronto Express). It is convenient to take the night route.

The Mysore – Kochuveli Express gives you access from Cochin to Karnataka via Mysore, but with a journey time of 15 hours.

Kerala by road

• From Madurai along the coast . It is accessed from the south to Kanyakumari through a sparsely populated area of Tamil Nadu. In the extreme south, in addition to Kanyakumari , you can stop at several points of interest, such as the Suchindram temple or the Padmanabhapuram palace in Thuckalay. The entrance to Kerala is through an area of beaches and mangroves, and then you reach Kovalam and Trivandrum . The total of this journey is 8 hours.
• From Madurai through the mountains . You can enter the state by crossing the Western Ghats stopping at Periyar or Munnar. The ascent from Madurai takes about 3 hours and the descent to the lowlands of Kerala takes about 5-6 hours to the backwaters or Cochin. You should dedicate one or two nights to visit the natural park and the tea plantations.
• From Mysore. Kerala can be accessed through a very interesting area with the natural parks of Muthanga, Bandipur and Mudumalai. The route continues to Ooty and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu to finally descend to Calicut or Cochin. This route deserves several stops.

Getting around Kerala

Don’t get complacent about Kerala being small and highly developed. Road transport in the state takes quite a long time. So for long distances between the north and south of the state, choose the train if possible.

Kerala’s public buses go everywhere, but make a thousand stops. It is important to be prepared for very long journeys on the coast, as you have to cross many towns with heavy traffic. If you go at a time when it may rain, you should know that the windows have no glass, only a shutter that does not close well, and it is common for water to enter the vehicle.

The mountain roads of Kerala are much quieter in terms of traffic, but they have many curves and are often in poor condition.

A good option to travel around Kerala is to hire local cabs between the main tourist destinations and then move around the place by public transport, autorickshaw or on foot, as they are small towns or villages such as Fort Kochi, Kovalam, Varkala or Periyar.

Best time to visit Kerala

A trip to Kerala depends greatly on the time of year you travel. Most of the year in Kerala there is a humid tropical climate, which allows for the state’s lush landscapes.

However, be aware that the monsoon enters India from the southwest and when it arrives laden with rain it leaves two to three months of continuous flooding. The Kerala monsoon is the most intense monsoon in India. It is not advisable to travel in Kerala in the months of May to July.

In the Western Ghats there is always a cooler climate and drizzles are common all year round, although more intense from May to September.

The high season in Kerala extends from October to March, with special occupancy in December and January, coinciding with the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Kerala festivals

Kerala is known for maintaining a good balance between all religious communities. Hindus, Christians and Muslims share the space and the festive calendar. However, the most colorful events in Kerala remain Hindu celebrations and cultural events.

As everything is celebrated in Kerala, the calendar is full of dates not to forget. But beware, Kerala is the state that celebrates Diwali, the Hindu festival par excellence, the least.

September 5-17, 2024

The most important festival of the year is Onam . During several days, beautiful flower kollam are made on the doors of the houses to welcome the mythical king Mahaballi . It is an eminently familiar celebration. You can tell that Onam has arrived by the boom in shopping, as relatives exchange gifts.

Snakeboat races

Cochin, Alleppeu and Backwaters. August to October

Another highlight on the Kerala calendar is the snake boat races. The most popular team sport in the world consists of races of elongated boats (chundan valloms) of about 30 meters with more than a hundred rowers each. The most famous regatta is the Nehru Trophy in August, held on Lake Vembanad.

Theyyam Season

Kannur and Kasaragod. From October to March

From October to March in the northern part of Kerala, it is the season for theyyam. This unique celebration takes place in little local temples and it is convenient to get in touch with a local agency or a local guide who can take you there, sometime at very odd timings.

Trivandrum. April 12-21, 2024

For ten days, between March and April, large figures of the Mahabarata Pandavas protect the temple and call Indra to bring the monsoon rain. On the tenth day they are carried in procession to the Shangumugham beach escorted by elephants and a royal retinue.

Alpashi Ustavam

Trivandrum. October 2024 (date to be confirmed)

If you like public celebrations, you must attend the Alpasi Utsavam festival. A large procession with elephants and deities led by the maharaja of Travancore leaves Trivandrum for Shangumugham beach to immerse the images in the sacred water.

Eid ul Fitr

April 9-10, 2024

The end of Ramadan is celebrated with great anticipation throughout Kerala.

October 3-12, 2024

Nine nights of devotion dedicated to the Shakti goddesses.

December 25th

The large Christian community celebrates the rooster mass and singing of local Christmas carols. The Christmas period is especially celebrated in Cochin. Road traffic is restricted in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry where most of the Catholic population is concentrated.

Hindu festivals in Kerala are governed by the Malayalam lunar calendar. Muslims follow the Islamic lunar calendar.

What to eat in Kerala

The cuisine of Kerala has much in common with other southern Indian states. Unlike neighboring states, Tamil Nadu is a more arid region in some areas. The most famous Tamil dishes are:

• Red bananas. Kerala means the country of coconuts, but in reality the most emblematic fruit is the banana. There are more than 50 varieties grown in Kerala, many of them unique in the world.

• Fish fry . Fish is a fundamental ingredient of the Kerala diet. There are various fishes that are battered in spices and fried to compel the daily Kerali menu.
• Kottu paratha . This repurposing dish uses Malabar parathas, the typical bread of Kerala, chopped and dipped in a chicken curry with a little of its sauce for stir-frying. It is like fried rice but with bread as the base ingredient.

• Fish moilee. A mild fish curry based on coconut milk, very common in the state of Kerala.
• Appam with kurma . The appam is bread based on fermented rice flour served with vegetarian curries such as kurma, a very light recipe based on coconut milk and turmeric.

All my posts about Kerala

Here you will find all the articles I wrote about Kerala and may be useful when you plan your journey.

DESTINATIONS

• Kovalam beach: what to see and do in the south of Kerala
• 10 cool things to do in Kanyakumari
• Things to do in Trivandrum and how to plan your visit
• Periyar Tiger Reserve
• Things to do in Ernakulam and how to plan your visit
• Tips for booking your hotel in Kovalam
• Tips for booking the perfect hotel in Cochin

Do you want to plan a trip to Kerala on your own?

These are some tools to help you prepare for your travel to Kerala from home. It’s just about time to plan your next holidays!

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS . This post may contain some affiliate links. These links allow you to follow my recommendations and book them. Thus, you help keep this travel blog ad-free at no extra cost to you.

Travel safe to Kerala!

Leave your questions about Kerala in the comment section below, and I will get back to you. I hope you have an incredible experience in India. Have a safe trip!

POORAM: The Temple Festival

ALLEPPEY: Exploring Venice of the East

KUMARAKOM: Where Pink Water Lilies Bloom

BHOOTHATHANKETTU: A Dam Built By Ghosts

Green Meadows of Vagamon

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In pictures: Most beautiful beaches in Kerala

TRAVEL TRENDS , KERALA Created : May 10, 2024, 09:00 IST

Kerala, often hailed as ‘God's Own Country,’ is renowned for its lush backwaters, misty hills, and vibrant culture. However, nestled along its pristine coastline lie some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world here. From golden sands to azure waters, Kerala's beaches offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and serene tranquility. Here are six of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala that are sure to leave you spellbound:

Kovalam Beach

Arguably Kerala's most famous beach destination, Kovalam is a paradise for beach lovers. With its crescent-shaped coastline, golden sands, and swaying palm trees, Kovalam exudes a timeless charm. Whether you're lounging on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, or indulging in water sports like surfing and parasailing, Kovalam offers a quintessential beach experience.

Varkala Beach

Perched atop majestic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala Beach is a sight to behold. A standout feature of Varkala Beach is its awe-inspiring cliffs, which dramatically ascend from the coastline. These cliffs consist of sedimentary rocks and create a stunning backdrop for the beach. Tourists can leisurely wander along the pathway atop the cliffs, relishing panoramic vistas of the Arabian Sea and the encompassing scenery. Moreover, these cliffs have various lookout points, ideal for capturing breathtaking photographs of the beach and its environs.

Marari Beach

Marari Beach, a tranquil and lesser-known coastal gem nestled in Alappuzha, is situated approximately 11 km away from the town. One of the highlights of this destination is the charming ambience , which adds to its allure. A leisurely evening stroll along the shoreline emerges as one of the most delightful activities to enjoy here.

Cherai Beach

Situated around 24 km away from Ernakulam's industrial district, Cherai Beach rests alongside Vypeen Island, serving as a haven for swimmers. Enthusiasts flock to its shores seeking a serene swim, accentuated by the surrounding coconut groves. Cherai Beach offers a picturesque vista of the renowned Chinese fishing nets.

Bekal Beach

Located near the historic Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach is a hidden treasure on Kerala's northern coast. With its golden sands, swaying palms, and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, Bekal is a photographer's delight. Visitors can explore the ancient fort, stroll along the scenic coastline, or simply relax and unwind amidst the serene surroundings.

Alleppey Beach

Situated in the picturesque town of Alleppey, Alleppey Beach is a serene escape amid the backwaters of Kerala. With its pristine sands, tranquil waters, and breathtaking sunsets, Alleppey offers a perfect setting for romantic walks and peaceful moments of solitude. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions like the Alleppey Lighthouse for a memorable experience.

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Kerala, often hailed as ‘God's Own Country,’ is renowned for its lush backwaters, misty hills, and vibrant culture. However, nestled along its pristine coastline lie some of the most breathtaking beac...

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• 13 Best Kept Secrets of Kerala That Locals Have Been Keeping To Themselves

25 Jun 2023

Pristine beaches, serene backwaters, healing ayurveda and luscious surroundings- this is what Kerala is for you. Right? Well, there are obscure facts about Kerala that we know, but then, there are mysteries and secrets that are unknown! The inconsequential things about God’s own country have many hidden mines which have been clothe by the Keralites. The virgin beaches and beautiful islands have truths yet to be discovered.

Explore the buried reserves that have been inhumed in the hearts of Keralites.

1. The only Smoking Gold – Kerala Gold Or Idukki Gold

Image Credit – Pixabay

Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.    

Have you ever thought of smoking a pot on the immaculate beaches of Kerala? Probably not! Then maybe it’s time to try it! Kerala Gold, the infectious infamous herb is the clone of  Malana cream. This Idduki produced grass has made way to the beaches of Varkala, making it a popular hippie getaway in the country. Heading to Kerala already? Wait, there’s more that you should know!

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2. The only Floating Mall of the country in Alappuzha

Image Credit – K.K Mustafah for The Hindu How about a mall with all your requirements floating on a backwater of Kuttanadu area? The Triveni super store sells anything and everything ranging  from grocery items to TV, refrigerator at subsidized rates. The mall is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and for safety reasons only 20 people are allowed to board at a time.

3. Kerala houses the one and only ‘Gyps Bengalensis’ Vulture

Image Credit – Wikimedia

Kerala is a home to the living White Rumped Vulture or the Gyps Bengalensis. This species of vulture is endangered and almost extinct from the planet. The beautiful bird is huge with wide wings.  For bird lovers and the wildlife photographers capturing it will be a paradise.

4. The only living Tribal King in India without a palace or food

Image Credit – Open Magazine This king does not have a palace with beautiful sculptures unlike the fairy tales that we have heard of. He is the only king of Tribal Kingdom in the entire Kerala.

His life was tougher than any other normal human being of his kingdom. So much so, that he was not employed considering he is a king. He literally scorched for basic needs like food, clothes and shelter.

5.  The beautiful secret route owned by the soul of a Chieftain- Lakkidi

Image Credit – Sudharshan for Wikimedia Long back, a tourist came to Kerala to see this nature’s utmost beauty. He happened to hire a chieftain named Karinthandan to discover the secret routes between the ghats of Lakkidi. On reaching his destination, the tourist killed an unknown adivasi who, he claimed, was trying to take the credit of finding out the same way. But why did the tourist do so?

It is believed that the route was discovered by the chieftain- Karinthandan who had died years ago and his soul had possessed the tourist. Post a series of such incidents, a priest was called. The priest tied the soul of the chieftain with a chain on a tree. It is now believed that the chain grows with the tree.

6.  The Hidden Story Of A Meandering Ghost- Sabarimala Temple

Image Credit – Vinayaraj for Wikimedia Around a 100 years ago, thousands of pilgrims had come to attend the annual festival of Makaravilakku at the temple. On the day of the festival, a jeep crashed in the housebound of a pilgrim, whose shouts and pleads for help went unheard amidst the religious chants.

People who live nearby can still hear the voice of a man wandering around and asking for help. But, he is not seen or heard during the festival when pilgrims from all over the world come to attend the festival.

 7.  The Symbol Of Love – Chembra Lake

Image Credit – Usandeep for Wikimedia A popularly visited spot for sure, but did you know that India’s one and only heart shaped lake existed in the terrains of Kerala? This naturally formed body attracts travelers for its gorgeous views, salubrious weather and serene atmosphere.

 8. The World Without Customs – Dowry Free Zone

Image Credit – The Logical Indian for Facebook The only area in Kerala where dowry system is actually not practiced at all! Here, Kerala proves it’s highest literacy rate in India. We can proudly say that we are not so far from building a better society.

Planning your holiday in Kerala but confused about what to do? These Kerala travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Vivek Writes How His Kerala Honeymoon Was A Perfect Start To His Married Life

Houseboats, Backwaters, & Beauty all around!

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Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, & lots of pretty islands!

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Tea plantations, Backwaters, Houseboats, & More!

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Canoes in backwaters, houseboats, waterfalls, & much more!

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There were warerfalls, lush hills, beaches, & backwaters!

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Beaches, Backwaters, Spas, & More. Take me there now, please!

9. Religious Beliefs Or Punishment? Garudan Thookkam

Image Credit – Akhilan for Wikimedia Do you think flagellating your flesh during Muharram is insane? Then, Kerala is keen to welcome you to the festival of Garudan Thookam. The festival is celebrated with Garudan dance performances and dangles where people are hooked on a shaft. Yes, you read it right, hooked on to shafts! The devotees of lord Kali surrender themselves to her and show their love by such painful ceremonies.

10. Dancing With Fire- Theyyam

Image Credit – Uajith for Wikimedia

Have you ever heard about God possessing humans? You might have; but God possessing his follower & letting him burn is bizarre! It is said that the people dance with fire because they are possessed by the almighty. Well, you’ll have to see Theyyam to believe it!

11. The Largest Growing Ground Of Cashew – Kollam

Image Credit – Arunvrparavur for Wikimedia Kerala has the largest cashew production in the world! Around 118,600 hectares of land is covered under farming. Imagine fairly 140,000 tonnes of cashew is produced every year which is used for export and consumption in India.

12. The Gift Of God- Kallu or Toddy

Image Credit for Wikimedia The state of coconut water has a holy drink in the form of alcohol. The villagers are licensed  to make this drink, popularly known as kallu by localities, by taking out sap from the buds of coconut flowers and fermenting it throughout the day. They say, that your skin gets golden after having this drink of God. Try it this time, maybe?

13. This state wants you to walk through the jungles at night

Image Credit – Nebu George for Wikimedia Want to go trekking in the wilderness at night with horror effects like movies? Kerala has got it for you! Periyar forests allows you go on a night trek. The journey starts at around 7:00 pm in the evening and lasts for 3 – 4 hours. You can take 7 people along with you. The sanctuary provides protection watchers for you to complete your trekking safely.

Further Read: 22 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala That Showcase South India’s Exotic Fauna & Flora

Intrigued? I am equally baffled. Now, share this with your friends and surprise them!  If you know of more such hidden secrets about the God’s own country, share them with us!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Secrets Of Kerala

What can I bring back from Kerala?

You can easily have a long shopping list for things that you can shop from Kerela. But one particular thing that Kerela is quite famous for are its Cashews.

Why Kerala is known as God’s own country?

According to a popular Hindu mythology, Lord Parsurama who was the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, once threw his axe from Kanyakumari towards the north which landed in the ocean from which rose a land that we know as Kerela.

Why is Sabarimala Temple famous?

Sabarimala, which is believed to be the place where Lord Ayyappa meditated after he killed the powerful demoness, Mahishi. Sabarimala is a quite popular pilgrim centre in India and is located towards the east of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala.

Was Ayurveda established in Kerala?

Yes. Ayurveda originated in Kerela almost 5000 years ago.

What is the drink of God?

The villagers of Kerela are licensed to make a drink which they make by taking out the sap from the buds of coconut flowers and fermenting it throughout the day. This alcoholic drink is considered holy and is called the ‘drink of the Gods’.

When is the best month to go night trekking in Kerela?

Any time between March to May would be a great time to experience the wild and enjoy night trekking.

Where can you see Theyyam?

Kannur and Bekal are some of the most popular hubs where you can witness Theyyam.

How do I get to the Chembra lake?

The easiest way to reach Chembra lake is by taking a train to Kozhikode which is 79 km from Chembra Peak Base Camp. If you plan to travel by car, you will have to get down at Kalpetta and from there take a bus or taxi till the Forrest Office.

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