kerala travel guide

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For many travelers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 373 miles (600km) of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar. Just setting foot on this swathe of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the hectic action of the rest of India, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Northern Kerala

Wayanad's ethereal 345-sq-km sanctuary is accessible only by two-hour jeep safari (₹680), on which you might spot langurs, chital deer, sambar, peacocks,…

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, around 2000 elephants and 35 to 40 tigers wander the lushly green hills of South India’s most popular wildlife reserve,…

Pardesi Synagogue

Kochi (Cochin)

Originally built in 1568, Mattancherry's synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took…

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace was a generous gift presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), as a gesture of goodwill by the Portuguese in 1555…

Museum of History & Heritage

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Occupying a handsome 120-year-old heritage building within the Kerala Tourism complex, this intelligently presented museum traces Kerala's history and…

Napier Museum

Housed in an 1880 wooden building designed by Robert Chisholm (a British architect whose Fair Isle–style version of the Keralite vernacular shows his…

Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission

The incongruously salmon-pink Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission, 30km northwest of Kollam, is the famous ashram of one of India’s few female gurus,…

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This reserve on the 5-hectare site of a former rubber plantation on Vembanad Lake is the haunt of a variety of domestic and migratory birds. October to…

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Kerala and beyond

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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How to Plan a Trip to Kerala (Guide for First-timers 2024)

4 reasons to visit kerala.

• Top 7 Places to Visit
• Best 11 Things To Do
• Festivals and Events

Keralan Food

Best time to visit kerala.

• Best Accommodation
• How to Travel

Tailor-Make Your Kerala Itinerary

Kerala is often called God's Own Country because of its incredible natural beauty and charm. This South Indian state is a tropical paradise with beautiful waterfalls, bountiful wildlife, and a laid-back and peaceful vibe.

If you want to explore the main highlights of Kerala, your trip should be at least 4-5 days but a full 7-8 days is better. The top 3 places to visit in the state are Kochi with its great food and culture, Munnar with its expansive tea plantations, and Alleppey with its canal networks.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about planning your trip to Kerala including why you should visit, where you should go, what you should do, what to expect with food and accommodation, as well as a sample itinerary for your trip.

• Kerala is the perfect place to visit for travelers who are looking for a relaxing and laid-back trip to India or those who have visited India once before.
• In Kerala, visitors can explore tea and spice plantations, take a boat ride through rural backwater villages, try great food, and experience Ayurveda or yoga retreats.
• The top places to go in Kerala include Cochin, Munnar, Periyar National Park, and Alleppey.
• Kerala has excellent heritage hotels and gorgeous resort accommodation that offer spa services and Ayurvedic treatments.
• The best time to visit Kerala is from December to February, but those who don't mind hot weather can also visit from March to May.

Kerala is not usually the first place that travelers think of when they start planning a trip to India, but it is the perfect location to relax and is especially great for travelers who have already visited the Golden Triangle and have seen classic India.

While the rest of India tends to be chaotic, crowded, and dry, Kerala is tropical, laid-back, and peaceful. The culture here is unique and the scenery and wildlife are unbeatable.

1. Culture and cuisine that are refreshing and different from anything else in India

Kerala is a small piece of land that contains a large mixture of unique cultures. From the influence of the Portuguese, Arabs, and Chinese that you will find in Kochi to the rural villages of the backwaters, in Kerala travelers can experience parts of India that are often unseen.

The uniqueness and diversity of Keralan culture can also be seen in the local cuisine. Out of all the states in India, Keralan food is the most loved for its sweetness, fresh seafood, and mixture of aromatic spices that provide a depth of flavor without too much heat.

2. An abundance of opportunities to experience Ayurvedic treatments or do yoga

Kerala is the best place to go to experience Ayurveda which is one of the world's oldest and best-known forms of traditional medicine. This state is known for its Ayurvedic retreats that give clients unique treatment plans to cure their ailments naturally.

Kerala also offers yoga retreats and classes for people of all levels. Yoga enthusiasts can take a few classes or enroll in a longer and more intense program that involves meditation and spiritual awakening.

3. The state is absolutely full of unique wildlife and animals

Kerala has more than 25 wildlife reserves and its vast jungles are teeming with beautiful wild animals like elephants, Bengal tigers, and monkeys.

Periyar National Park is one of the state's biggest wildlife reserves covering almost 100 square kilometers of jungle. This is one of the best places to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park also includes lots of other critters like flying squirrels and macaques.

4. A tropical paradise with beaches, jungles, and forests

The state's absolutely beautiful scenery is one of the reasons that Kerala that draws so many visitors and continues to leave them awestruck. The coasts are lined with white-sand beaches that are bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and tall palm trees on the other.

Once you leave the coast, you can head into the villages of the backwaters which are small patches of farmland separated by deep canals with blue waters full of lotus flowers.

In the hill stations near the Western Ghats, visitors can take in the lush green mountain forests and the local tea and spice plantations. In the national parks, you'll find the dense jungles, calm lagoons, and picturesque waterfalls.

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Top 7 Places to Visit in Kerala

Although Kerala is a small state, it has a lot to offer and many incredible places that are worth visiting.

Travelers who have 4-5 days can spend time in Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey.

Those who have 7-10 days can also add visits to some of the state's other beautiful destinations such as Periyar National Park or some top beaches.

Kochi or Cochin is often called the 'Gateway to Kerala' and is the first place travelers will visit upon their arrival in the state. Kochi was originally an important port city during the spice trade and was once a Portuguese colony . The city has also been influenced by the Arabs, British, Dutch, and Chinese.

Walking through Fort Kochi, visitors can take in the charming colonial architecture, see the Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, stop inside a spice shop to try the locally grown pepper or cardamon, and relax in boutique coffee shops near the Arabian Sea.

Munnar is Kerala's most famous hill station which was originally founded by the British as a place to grow tea. Today, Munnar is still famous for the variety and flavors of tea it produces. It also has coffee plantations and spice farms that grow everything from ginger and garlic to vanilla, cloves, and cardamom.

Munnar is located in the Western Ghats and because of its higher elevation is a great escape from the heat and humidity of the rest of the state. Here you can stay in a resort and spend your days taking in the rainforest scenery or touring aromatic plantations.

3. Alleppey

Alleppey is the name of a small island that is located in Kerala's famous backwaters . The backwaters are an area of Kerala with many small villages and farms that are separated by a complex system of canals . The people in these villages have their own unique culture and language.

The best way to explore this area is to rent a houseboat. Houseboats are comfortable and private boats that come with a captain and a chef and take travelers on excursions through the backwater canals.

4. Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady and is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in South India. This is a great eco-tourism destination where travelers can explore the jungles and see animals in their natural habitats instead of in captivity.

In Periyar, visitors can take a safari through the jungle or boat through the waterways in search of Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, and mischievous monkeys.

5. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is one of the best beaches in India due to its striking views and location. Varkala is a long stretch of land that is bordered by sheer cliffs on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.

When visiting, travelers can stay in resorts and hotels on the cliff that overlook the beach and sea below. Varkala is becoming more and more popular these days but is still less developed than Kovalam while also offering plenty of beach shacks and shops for travelers.

6. Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach is the most popular and most developed beach in Kerala. This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for plenty of things to do, great restaurants, and adventure sports.

Kovalam is a great place to get a traditional Ayurvedic massage which will helps your body achieve balance and calm. Kovalam is full of massage parlors and most hotels here offer Ayurvedic treatments too.

7. Marari Beach

Marari Beach is located about 30 minutes north of Alleppey and is a quieter and less developed beach that is off the normal tourist track.

Marari is the perfect place to go after taking a tour of the backwaters on a relaxing houseboat. Here you can continue your relaxation by spending some time on the sand near the coconut groves.

Get some inspiration about  How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India .

Best 11 Things To Do in Kerala

A good way to figure out where you want to go in Kerala is to first decide which experiences you are most interested in.

Check out the top 11 things to do in Kerala below:

1. Cruise Through the Backwaters

One of the most popular things to do in Kerala is to explore the backwaters on a houseboat. Taking a houseboat through the canals of local villages is an incredibly relaxing experience. On the boat, you can sit on the upper deck and unwind while your personal chef and captain take care of the rest.

Taking a cruise through the backwaters gives travelers an opportunity to see culturally unique villages that would otherwise be difficult to reach. It is also a great way to take in the tropical scenery of the Keralan countryside.

2. Get an Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine practice that includes many different methods to bring the body back into balance through a variety of techniques that have been studied for 5000 years.

Those who are interested in learning more about Ayurveda can spend some time at an Ayurveda retreat where they will get a personal diagnosis and treatment plan. Most hotels and resorts in Kerala offer Ayurvedic massages for those who are curious but don't want to take the retreat route.

3. Relax with Yoga

Kerala is a popular destination for travelers who want to learn more about yoga and meditation from the place they originated.

Yoga practitioners of all levels can spend time at an Ashram where they will learn about the principles of yoga and follow a strict schedule and regimen. There are also plenty of options for more laid back yoga retreats that include yoga on the beach and massage treatments.

4. Take a Cooking Class

Keralan cuisine is famous for the way it achieves a perfect balance in the use of local spices and ingredients. Compared to North India, Keralan food is lighter and sweeter in flavor.

Taking a cooking class is a great way to get hands-on experience with this important part of Keralan culture. In your class, you can learn how to make the classic sambar (veggie curry), dosa (a flat rice batter crepe), fish masala, and more.

5. Explore the Tropical Jungles and See Native Wildlife

Kerala has a large variety of national parks and wildlife reserves. The most famous is Periyar which is a great place to see wild tigers and elephants while on a jungle safari.

Eravikulam is a beautiful park that is located near Munnar and is full of great forest treks and famous waterfalls and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful parks in the state with its expansive evergreen forests.

6. Visit a Tea Plantation

Kerala is one of the top tea producing states in India and has some of the best plantations that grow the most high-quality tea. The Munnar hill station is covered in tea fields and plantations that visitors can explore.

All the tea in Munnar is handpicked by field workers to ensure quality. After exploring the plantations, travelers can hike around the surrounding hills or check out the local Tea Museum.

7. Explore the Spice Plantations

The high elevation hills of Munnar aren't just perfect for growing tea but are also great places to grow a variety of spices. The spices grown on plantations in Munnar have long been very lucrative for the state of Kerala and were once considered to be highly valuable by merchants from Europe, China, and the Ottoman Empire.

When exploring a spice plantation, you'll find a variety of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, mace, and ginger all growing in their separate sections of the field.

8. Take a Food Tour

When talking about Kerala, one thing that is always mentioned is its incredible food. While it might seem like we are over exaggerating when we say Keralan food is amazing, our proof is in the travelers who return from India with nothing but love for this fresh and balanced cuisine.

The best way to experience everything that Keralan cuisine has to offer is to take a food tour. These tours often include cooking classes, visits to plantations, and lots of sampling and tasting.

9. Join in a Festival

Because the culture of Kerala is completely different from the rest of India, the state also celebrates unique and interesting festivals. Participating in a festival is one of the best ways to understand more about India's complex relationship with religion and local heritage.

Onam is Kerala's biggest festival of the year and is celebrated in late August or early September. This festival lasts for 10 days and includes large feasts, traditional Kathakali dance performances, music, intricate rangoli decorations, rituals, and boat races.

10. Hike Through the Lush Green Landscape

The Himalayan region of India is the most famous amongst trekkers who are interested in difficult climbs at high elevation. Kerala offers a different type of hiking that is more relaxed with the goal of taking in rural villages and tropical scenery.

The Western Ghats are the best area in Kerala for hiking or walking tours. Here you will find a large variety of landscapes including shrub forests, tropical jungles, evergreen forests, and rolling grasslands. On your walks, you will also see plenty of local wildlife including birds and small animals.

11. Unwind at the Beach

Kerala has a long coastline filled with beautiful tropical beaches that are surrounding by tall palm trees and the Arabian Sea.

Besides relaxing in the sun, Kerala's beaches offer plenty of things to do. In recent years, many beaches have become popular places for Ayurveda or yoga retreats where clients can learn about these traditional practices while also catching some rays.

The Keralan coast is also the best place to try local seafood dishes. Here, fish is caught and then immediately brought into restaurants where it is freshly cooked. Nowhere else does fish masala taste better than on the beaches of Kerala.

Festivals and Events in Kerala

While the most important festival for most Indians is Diwali, the most important holiday of the year in Kerala is Onam . Onam is a 10-day celebration that occurs in early September and is celebrated through many rituals and events.

During Onam, travelers can watch as people perform pujas or rituals at temples and celebrate in the streets of Kochi with dance performances and music. Onam is also famous for the beautiful rangoli which are designs that are made from colored rice and flowers.

Kerala also holds many temple festivals that celebrate one specific temple with rituals and parades of painted elephants. Our favorite temple festival is Thrissur Pooram which is celebrated at Vadakkunnathan Temple.

Other great festivals to experience in Kerala include Theyyam , the 800-year-old celebration of deities, and the boat races including Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey.

If there is one thing that travelers can't stop talking about in Kerala, its the food. While food all over India is incredible, Keralan food is beloved by so many for its fresh ingredients, sweetness, and flavor that includes many spices but is not too hot.

One of the most famous and commonly eaten dishes in Kerala is fresh fish masala . This dish includes the catch of the day cooked in a spice-filled coconut sauce.

Another great thing to try in Kerala is the South Indian dosa . Dosas are a typical South Indian breakfast food that are made from rice batter and are fluffy and light pieces of flatbread. Dosas are often dipped in sauces or gravies like sambar.

Hotels and resorts in Kerala often have great chefs that serve some of the best authentic local food along with some western options. Eating in your hotel for lunch is a great way to get an introduction to Indian food. We also recommend eating in specialty restaurants or cafes to try out some local specialties.

If you want to learn more about Keralan food and spices, then make sure to take a cooking class to get first-hand experience with how authentic local food is made.

Kerala has a tropical and humid climate.

The best time to visit is typically from December to February when the state experiences dry and slightly cooler weather. This is the high season for tourism in Kerala which means higher prices on accommodation and travel. With Asia Highlights , you enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure ( detail⇒ ).

It is possible to visit Kerala during the hot season from March to May. During this time you can expect hot and humid days with temperatures typically 28 and 32°C (82 and 90°F). The hot season is the best time to visit Kerala's wildlife reserves because the animals are more active in hot weather.

Kerala experiences a long monsoon season that typically lasts from June to November. The state actually gets hit with two monsoons. The first brings the most rain and lasts from June to September. Kerala sometimes experiences flooding at this time.

The second monsoon hits in November and December, but brings much less rain and can be a great time to visit for those looking for more affordable prices on yoga retreats or Ayurveda resorts.

Best Accommodation in Kerala

Kerala is the perfect place to spend your holiday if you are interested in staying in beautiful colonial heritage hotels or resorts with pools, spas, and massage treatments. No matter where you go in Kerala, you'll be able to find great options for accommodation.

Check out some of our recommendations below:

Cochin is the largest city in Kerala and was once colonized by the Portuguese. This area's unique history makes it the perfect place to stay in a beautiful heritage hotel. We love the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa for its old-world charm, first-rate spa, and views of the harbor.

We also love the Trident Cochin for its 5-star facilities, beautiful gardens, and Ayurvedic center. If you would like to stay in a beautiful location that's farther away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can check out Le Meridien Kochi which overlooks the Cochin backwaters and has two beautiful restaurants that serve great western and Indian dishes.

Munnar is Kerala's best hill station and is famous for its cool and comfortable weather. This is a great place to stay in a luxurious hotel with views of the surrounding tea plantations.

One of our favorite hotels in Munnar is Fragrant Nature Munnar which is located in the mountain forest surrounded by wildlife. This hotel offers comfortable bungalows with mountain views and cozy fireplaces. Fragrant Nature also has a restaurant with all-day dining that serves North and South Indian cuisine.

We also love the Windmere Estate for its great views and location near the aromatic coffee and spice plantations and Ragamaya Resort & Spa for its luxurious rooms and on-site authentic Ayurvedic treatments.

When traveling to the backwaters of Alleppey, you will spend at least one night on a houseboat. If you would like to stay in the area for a longer period, then there is nowhere better than at a homestay. Homestays are a great way to get to know the local people. Most homestays in Alleppey offer simple but comfortable accommodations.

Our favorite homestays include Venice Castle and the Bella Art and Meditation House .

How to Travel in Kerala

In order to get to Kerala, most people will fly into the Cochin International Airport. This airport receives flights from many domestic cities including Delhi and Mumbai and a few international flights as well.

Once you have arrived in Kerala by plane, the best way to travel throughout the state is with a private chauffeured car. Hiring a chauffeured car is quite affordable in India and is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel in Kerala.

Here are the normal travel times by private car:

• Cochin to Munnar: 4 hours
• Munnar to Periyar: 4 hours
• Periyar to Alleppey: 3.5 hours
• Alleppey to Cochin: 2 hours

It is also possible to travel between these cities by bus. Local buses normally take longer than traveling by a private car and are often uncomfortable and crowded.

While there are some trains in Kerala, train travel is not as convenient as other methods of transportation. Kerala is a very hilly state that is full of dense jungles and wet lowlands making building large highways and train routes difficult.

At Asia Highlights, we tailor-make the itinerary of every guest to suit each traveler's specific interests and travel goals.

Our basic Kerala itinerary consists of visiting Cochin, Munnar, Periyar, and Alleppey. Go ahead and take a look to get some inspiration and then contact us if you would like to make changes or add on different destinations.

There are many benefits of taking a private tour of Kerala. Through a private tour, you will be able to see the best parts of this beautiful state conveniently and comfortably. The cost of a private tour includes a chauffeured car, private English-speaking guide, breakfast and lunch, and your gorgeous hotel.

Day 1: Arrive in Cochin

On the first day of your Kerala journey, you will arrive at the Cochin International Airport and then will be met by one of our representatives at the arrivals gate. Afterward, you will be introduced to your private chauffeur who will take you to your hotel.

Feel free to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel spa or exploring nearby neighborhoods.

Day 2: Cochin

On your second day, your private guide will take you around this ancient port city to explore the streets of Fort Kochi and other areas. Here you can learn about Cochin's diverse heritage by visiting the Dutch Mattancherry Palace, Portuguese Santa Cruz Basilica, and the St Francis Church which is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India.

In Cochin, you can also take a cooking class, visit spice shops, relax in high-end restaurants, and explore local art galleries.

In the evening, head to the waterfront to see the fisherman using the famous Chinese fishing nets and get great photos of the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Day 3: Munnar

After Cochin, you will take a private transfer to Munnar where the weather is cooler and the vast tea plantations are surrounded by misty jungles. Here, you can spend your first day touring a tea plantation, visiting the tea museum, or simply taking in the views of the surrounding forests from your hotel.

Day 4: Munnar

Wake up in the early morning to take a trek through the gorgeous forests and surrounding hills. On your trek, you will see various animals and plants and take in the beautiful views.

After your hike, you can check out some of the local coffee and spice plantations to learn more about Kerala's flavors. You can also take an excursion to the nearby Eravikulam National Park.

Day 5: Periyar

Spend the next morning in Munnar at your hotel spa or sipping a cup of tea while taking in the surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, you transfer to Periyar National Park via private car.

Day 6: Periyar to Alleppey

Wake up in the early morning to take a jungle walk with a park ranger to see monkeys, deer, giant squirrels, and some beautiful birds. Jungle walks typically last for around 3 hours and it's important to wear good shoes and comfortable clothes.

For those who don't want to walk, it is possible to take a boat safari through the jungles. Periyar National Park has wild Bengal tigers but spotting them often takes multiple days spent inside the park.

Day 7: Alleppey and the Backwaters

In the afternoon, head to Alleppey where you will meet the captain of your gorgeous houseboat. Spend the afternoon cruising through the canals and trying authentic local cuisine.

You can sit on the boat's upper deck to catch some sun with views of the surrounding villages.

Spend the night on the boat in your own private room.

Day 8: Return to Cochin Airport

The next morning, your driver will meet you at the docks and take you back to Cochin where you can catch your flight to your next destination.

Explore Kerala with Asia Highlights

If you want to see the best destinations in Kerala and have meaningful cultural experiences along the way, then look no further than Asia Highlights. At Asia Highlights, we make tours that are specifically created to fit the needs of each individual customer. Let us plan your trip for you so that you can just relax and prepare for your dream vacation.

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10 days road trip in Kerala: An itinerary and Guide

Last Updated on December 5, 2023 by admin

Planning a Kerala Itinerary across the state? This blog on 10 days road trip in Kerala covers all the Kerala highlights for first-time visitors. This classic Kerala tour covers Central and South Kerala tourist destinations.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Kerala is the backwaters against the swaying coconut and palm trees. However, there is much more to Kerala than that – the beautiful architecture and heritage of Fort Kochi , tea estates of Munnar , spice plantations of Thekkady , wildlife sanctuaries in Shola forests , landscapes filled with coffee farms and virgin beaches. 

The God’s own Country is power-packed with a plethora of things to do in Kerala , see and experience for all kinds of travellers. Dive into this ultimate Kerala travel guide to assault your senses as I help you plan a 12-day road trip across some of the popular destinations.

In this 10 days Kerala itinerary, I’ll be covering Central Kerala locations such as Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom and Alleppey and South Kerala locations such as Varkala and Trivandrum.

Kochi – 1.5 days

Munnar – 3 days

Thekkady – 2 days

Kumarakom – 1 day

Alleppey – 1 day

Varkala – 2

Trivandrum – 1.5 day

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET AROUND KERALA

This Kerala road trip is based on a self-driven car so as to save time while travelling from one place to another. Ideally, it is best to hire a car that services the 10 days in Kerala trip from point to point.

If you are on a budget and have more days in hand, you can spread out the itinerary to suit your travel style. Public buses serviced by Kerala State Road Transport Services (KSRTC) ply between each town of Kerala and are comfortable and affordable. 

WHERE TO START THE 10 DAYS ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

It is ideal to start at Kochi (formerly Cochin) which is on the southwest coast of India. All modes of transport – domestic and international are easily available to reach here.

DRIVING OR RENTING A CAR FOR A ROAD TRIP IN KERALA?

While many would feel like driving by themselves during the entire journey but be mindful that this itinerary involves going on mountain roads. I would recommend driving on hills, only if you have done this before. Also, you would probably be too tired driving all-around to actually enjoy the entire journey. 

Car through many rental services like Zoom Cars, Revv, Mychoize, etc. can be received at the Kochi airport. 

If self-drive is not your thing, hire a local guide who will take care of everything for you. On my latest trip to Kerala, everything was taken care my tour guide – C Satish. Car booking, accommodation, kind of places I want to stop at, food preferences and a detailed itinerary. He made the entire trip to Kerala extremely effortless and seamless. His knowledge of his home state is commendable (architecture, heritage culture, flora, food and the list goes on). I highly recommend him for arranging accommodation, planning a Kerala itinerary or even for food recommendations. He is based in Kochi and is a great resource for Fort Kochi Heritage Tour as well.

C Satish can be reached at +91 9495690929

Day 1: Kochi

How to get from kochi airport to fort kochi.

Kochi Airport is around 36 kilometres from Fort Kochi, so having a car to pick up is a must. In my 3 visits to Kochi, I always requested my hotel or tour guide to arrange for a car pick-up. This guarantees that the car driver is genuine and you don’t have to keep checking your phone if you are being taken in the right direction!

App-based taxi and auto services are also available. You can simply download Ola or Uber and book a taxi. However, many times these taxis are not available so charge more for unforeseen reasons.

Pre-paid taxis are also available from the booking counter in the Kochi Airport arrival hall.

Bus service is available for transfer from Kochi airport into Kochi city.

Things to do in Kochi in one day

Kochi, the largest city in Kerala, has historically been an important port city from earlier times. Reach Kochi by late evening so as to start the next day with a visit to Fort Kochi. With a history of the European spice route trade, there are many places in Fort Kochi reminiscent of that bygone era.

Fort Kochi is one of the most happening places in Kochi and has many architectural and heritage places. Beautiful artsy cafes, wall arts and heritage homestays line up the Fort Kochi area.

Fort Kochi Heritage walk

Kochi Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Pardesi Synagogue and St Francis Church are the must-visit places in Fort Kochi. Do not miss out on the working of Chinese Fishing Nets which have been functional for decades.

Shopping is a must while in Fort Kochi so head over to Jew Street for spices, handicrafts, Kerala souvenirs, traditional Kasavu sarees and snacks.

Day 2 in Kochi should be spent at the beautiful Cherai Beach as well as learning about the Chendamangalam Handlooms .

Where to eat in Fort Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Oy’s cafe, and Loafer’s corner are some of the best cafes in Fort Kochi and are open for breakfast too.

For lunch, try the traditional Kerala sadya (meal on banana leaf) at Bharath Hotel.

Where to stay in Kochi

For a luxurious experience: Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty

For a heritage experience: Ginger House Museum and Hotel

Medium budget: Abad Atrium , Niko Hotels

If you are a backpacker choose: Zostel, Kochi

Kashi Art Cafe, Fort Kochi

Day 3: Kochi to Munnar

On day 2 start early for the 5-hour road trip to Munnar. For Munnar, it is not about the destination, but the journey. Enjoy the hot and humid air giving way to chilly winds as the car passes the road with tea gardens on both sides.

Famous for the lush tea estates which you can romance along the way while hoping that there is no roadblock due to elephants crossing the highway. Relax and enjoy the valley views while sipping on Chai after reaching! If you are not too tired, you can go for a short hike.

Things to do in Munnar

A short hike is possible to Echo point which is 15 km one way. Trekking in Munnar is also a great way to explore the tea gardens and Shola forests. Or you may choose some adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling in other nearby towns of Munnar. Other trekking trails in Munnar include Top Station Trek, Chokramudi Trek, Meesapulimala Trek and Lakshmi Hills Trek amongst others.

Exploring the Munnar tea plantations during Road trip in Kerala

Next, head towards the Eravikulam National Park to sight the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or the mountain goat. The 15 km journey, the waiting line and a small hike up the Kannan Devan hill will consume over 4 hours. On the way back you may stop at the Mattupetty dam and head towards its catchment area if you want to try some water sports.

Other things to do in Munnar include visiting Attukal Waterfalls, Lakkum Waterfalls and paying a visit to Lockhart Tea Factory & Museum.

Where to stay in Munnar

For a luxurious experience: Spice Tree Munnar, Blackberry Hills Spa and Resort

Medium budget: Hotel Cloud Valley

If you are a backpacker choose: Vedanta Wake up

Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park Munnar

Day 5: Munnar to Thekkady

Gear up for another hill station of Kerala which is 4 hours away from Munnar.  

Things to do in Thekkady

After reaching Thekkady, the most important place to visit is the Periyar National Park. Thekkady offers boat safari on Periyar and one can see wild animal gets on the river banks. The river has barren tree logs and the landscape across the mountains looks breathtaking. Bird and animal sighting is possible here and in the 2 visits so far, I have got some great shots! Read in detail about Periyar National Park .

After the national park visit, the evening can be spent attending a cultural program – Kalaripayattu or Kathakali at the Kadathanadan Kalari, Mudra Cultural Centre.

Kathakali performance in Thekkady

Ayurvedic massage in Thekkady is also one of the things to experience. In Thekkady there are many resorts offering ayurvedic retreats offers that are month-long ayurvedic treatment solutions for people suffering from chronic ailments. It is like a resort where people can stay for long durations and get their treatments done with consultation from an in-house doctor.

On the next day before moving to the next destination, spend some time in spice gardens knowing and sniffing the organic produce. A guided tour of Thekkady spice gardens is the awe-inspiring experience of how each spice that we use in Indian cooking is made. 

Read in Detail: Places to visit in Thekkady

Where to stay in Thekkady

For a luxurious experience: Greenwoods Resort , Cardamom County, Thekkady

If you are a backpacker choose: Jungle Paradiso Homestay

Periyar National Park Boat Safari

Day 6: Thekkady to Kumarakom

Move over to lakes from the hills by visiting the town of Kumarakom. Leave early morning from Thekkady and drive 4 hours to reach the idyllic village of Kumarakom

Things to do in Kumarakom

Popular as a spa destination, Kumarakom is lined with luxurious resorts along the Vembanad lake. Kumarakom is gorgeous thanks to the lake and backwaters. Spend the evening watching the sunset by the Vembanad Lake, go on a river cruise or choose to visit the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary.

Sunset on Vembanad lake, Kumarakom

One of the most interesting ways to spend time here is to know and experience the activities under Responsible Tourism in Kumarakom . Learn some crafts and ways of living of the local villagers, interact with them and how easy it is to lead an ethical lifestyle.

Where to stay in Kumarakom

For a luxurious experience: Kumarakom Lake Resort , Aveda Kumarakom  

If you are a backpacker choose: Nallathanka Nest Homestay

Coir rope making in Kumarakom

Day 7: Kumarakom to Alleppy or Alappuzha

Alleppey is the backwater town of Kerala and can be reached from Kumarakom by driving for 1.5 hours.

Things to do in Alleppey

The backwaters paradise of Kerala should be experienced by not spending the time on a houseboat which is expensive but by choosing a homestay on its banks! Take a canoe ride which will take you to small alleys wherein you can also do a village tour and watch the sunset over paddy fields.

Watch the sunrise and chill at the backwaters and watch the boats go by listening to the birds sing on the coconut tree near you. Read in detail: Kerala Backwaters of Alleppey

Where to stay in Alleppey

For a luxurious experience: Sterling Lake Palace Resort

If you are a backpacker choose: Nomad’s Hostel

Canoe ride in Alleppey Backwaters

Day 8: Varkala

This is Day 8 and time for some Vitamin Sea! 

Things to do in Varkala

Varkala is a famous beach town with beautiful virgin beaches – Papanasham and Bekal. Take a dip or just relax by the beach listening to the waves crash.

Visit the picturesque Kappil Pozhi Lake which is approximately 6 kilometres from Varkala town. It is surrounded by coconut trees that give this peaceful and tranquil lake some serious wanderlust vibes. On the way back visit the red laterite cliff which is one of the most popular tourist places.

Where to stay in Varkala

For a luxurious experience: Gateway Varkala

If you are a backpacker choose: Mad about Coco

Kappil Pozhi Lake Varkala

Day 9-10: Trivandram or Thiruvananthapuram

Drive from Varkala to Trivandrum, the Kerala state capital which is a 2 hours journey. 

Things to do in Trivandrum

Trivandrum has a lot of influence of British architecture and can be seen in many buildings. You may choose to visit Napier museum which has historical artefacts, Kerala science and technology museum or Kanakakkunnu Palace.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most important temples of Lord Vishnu and is now the world’s richest temple too. The temple has a sleeping Vishnu idol, which is a unique feature.

Spending a night in the Kovalam houseboat is one of the most popular tourist activities in Thiruvananthapuram. Book a traditional houseboat that is made out of reed, cork, and bamboo. Cruising with Kovalam Houseboat Tours is a great way to spend time in Kovalam backwaters. One can lounge around watching the sunset or villagers going about their way. The cruise offers unparalleled views of backwaters.

Where to stay in Trivandrum

For a luxurious experience: Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram

If you are a backpacker choose: Bed Pods

Kanakakunnu Palace Trivandrum

This sums up the 10 days road trip in Kerala, India. This road trip offers a plethora of landscapes, sights, and cultural experiences which is bound to leave you rejuvenated!

FAQs related to Kerala road trip

Best time to visit kerala.

The Winters months (November to February) are ideal to visit Kerala. The temperatures are moderate and humidity is less (read: bearable). The hills can get chilly in the morning and night but maintain a comfortable temperature during the day.

However, winter is also the time when most people travel to Kerala. So expect to pay higher charges for cars and hotels. 

Kerala monsoon can be uncomfortable for some but the months of July and August are popular with local tourists who want to chase waterfalls and enjoy a rainy vacation.

Is the weather in Kerala good for a road trip in Kerala?

The average summer temperature is 24°C-37°C; while the average winter temperature range from 17°C-33°C. It rains quite often around the year.

Must try food of Kerala?

Kerala food is a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals mostly cooked in coconut oil. Do try the delicacies like ‘ appam-stew ’, ‘ puttu-kadala curry’, ‘ Avial ’ and ‘ iddiyappam ’ for breakfast or lunch. Just like the North-Indian thali, the Kerala thali is called sadya and is served traditionally on a banana leaf.

You will find the regulars like Idli, Dosai and Uttapam or even Punjabi and Indian-Chinese dishes in most of the places.

Traditional Kerala Sadya

What to wear in Kerala?

Comfortable clothing like a t-shirt and jeans is recommended. Women can choose a knee-length dress. Try to wear camouflaged colours during safaris.

Is Kerala safe for travellers/solo travellers/female travellers?

Kerala is extremely safe for all kinds of travellers, even solo women.

Sustainable tips for an ethical Road trip in Kerala

• Kerala is one of the cleanest states in India, in spite of the tourist influx so let’s try to maintain the same and be disciplined.
• If you come across a wild animal crossing the road/highway, give them time and space. Do not encroach on it by trying to get a selfie.
• Do not write on the palace walls or rocks at the beach. Let’s maintain the pristine heritage.
• Avoid wearing perfumes while going in the seawater or national parks.
• Blend in the culture by wearing the right clothes and eating the local food.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. It means it adds no extra cost to you if you book through the link but I get a referral bonus which helps me earn a little to keep this website up and running.

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Ketki Gadre

Ketki is an environmental consultant and a sustainable travel blogger, who loves nature, wildlife and heritage. She enjoys bringing places to life through her informative blogs to inspire readers to travel sustainably and become responsible travellers.

10 Best Things to do in Kandy

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The backwaters of Kerala sound beautiful. I love the idea of taking a canoe ride and village tour. Seeing sunsets over the paddy fields would just be icing on the cake.

Kerala has always intrigued me ever since the program to bring bloggers there has been on. I can see some of the beauty through your exceptional photos of unique scenes.

I love that you drove to each destination. My husband and I think that you see so much more of an area by driving yourself from place to place. I’m glad that there are plenty of outdoor activities like hikes and canoeing. Seems like a great trip!

I have always wanted to go to Kerala and your guide reminds me that it is still I destination I want to get to! I was wondering if this is an itinerary that you could do via public transportation as I prefer not to rent a car when I travel solo. Would that be a viable option?

Hi Alison, yes this itinerary is very much doable in public transportation. Luckily public transport is super efficient and safe in Kerala and you shouldn’t face any problem. I hope you have a good time whenever you are in India 🙂

This is a great itinerary. Kerala looks beautiful. I’d love to visit the beaches and the spice plantation. Your sustainable tips are spot on for many locations. My daughter keeps asking to visit India …. perhaps this should be our destination.

I always recommend Kerala as the first place international tourists to go. Northern states tend to be very overwhelming and relatively not safe. I am sure you and your daughter will have an amazing time in Kerala 🙂

This is an area of India that is VERY high on our bucket list of places to visit. Therese has a friend who live near Trivandrum and has shared how wonderful the region is with us. I love that you can do this via public transport too though I have to imagine having a vehicle would offer much more freedom to explore … is driving relatively easy? And by that I mean for a someone not used to India. 😉

It would be difficult to drive on Indian roads if you are not used to it. But you can easily hire a taxi for the duration and it would work out to be cheaper.

This looks stunning, I’d love to get lost in Kerala for a week or so. I’ve never been to India, but I hope to get there soon.

That sunset in Kumarakom is so pretty that I would have to go there just for that shot over the water! Glad to know that the winter is the best time to visit because I’m not a huge fan of summer. Is it still pretty hot or does it actually get cool?

Thank you for showing another side of the country that I might have not known otherwise. This looks so well taken care and peaceful. What I love is that you can experience it as a backpacker as well as on the luxury side. I cant wait to visit India!

This Kerala travel guide is an absolute gem! It’s packed with all the information I need to plan my trip. From the picturesque backwaters to the lush tea plantations, every aspect is beautifully covered. I especially appreciate the detailed itinerary suggestions—it’s like having a local guide right at my fingertips. Thanks for sharing such valuable insights and making my Kerala travel dreams a reality!

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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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Passionate about all things India travel - journeys of transformation and discovery, local experiences, and getting under the skin of India.

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Kerala is the southernmost state on India’s western coast. A progressive socialist region—Kerala boasts of one of the highest literacy rates in the country—it’s also one of the country’s most beautiful, with a long sandy coastline, velvet green hills, and dense forests, all interpenetrated by the snaking channels and sweeping expanses of the backwaters. The state has a rich history and a tradition of hospitality, and it’s easy to slip right into the relaxed pace of life. The state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is also known as Trivandrum; the popular city of Kochi is also known as Cochin.

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Photo Courtesy of Chiara Goia

Can’t miss things to do in Kerala

Beaches, backwaters, and tea and spice plantations aside, there’s a lot of history to be enjoyed in Kerala. Stroll around Fort Kochi, the historic core of the city, and travel back to the time of spice traders and merchants along the lanes of Jew Town, past the Paradesi Synagogue. Visit the Santa Cruz Basilica and St. Francis Church, before heading to Mattancherry to enjoy the murals and temple art at Mattancherry Palace, a 1555 gift from the Portuguese to the Raja of Kochi. Kerala is home to some of the biggest temples in India and is a popular pilgrimage destination, with temples like the historic Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the Guruvayur Temple in Guruvayur, and Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.

Culture in Kerala

Dance, music, and art are ingrained in the local way of life. Many Indian classical dance forms trace their roots to Kerala’s waters. The most well-known of these are kathakali —a dance drama traditionally performed only by men—and the graceful, 16th-century form of mohiniattam , a temple dance performed only by women. Kerala is also known for its ancient practice of kalaripayattu , a dramatic martial art form that dates back 3,000 years; daily shows take place at the Cochin Cultural Centre in Kochi. Modern forms of artistic expression are also revered; Kerala’s film industry is famous for churning out Malayalam masterpieces and blockbusters, rivaling the Hindi film industry based out of Mumbai.

Food and drink to try in Kerala

Three big influences dominate Kerala’s culinary culture: Hindu vegetarian preparations, which include the festive sadhya —a banquet of at least 20 dishes served on banana leaves—and popular rice-based snacks such as dosas and idlis ; the Islamic influences of Malabar cuisine, known for its aromatic biryanis and flatbreads served with beef fry; and Syrian Christian flavors, with roast duck, stews, and crepes, as well as rich Christmas cakes. All three styles of cuisine make good use of coconut, both grated and in milk form. Seafood and root vegetables are also common, as are an assortment of homegrown spices.

Kerala isn’t a place where you stock up on soft cottons and colorful footwear. In Kerala, you stock up on metals: brass, bronze, copper, and gold. Ornate brass and copper vessels, statues, and idols are particular specialties. In addition, given the popularity of jewelry in the state, there’s a gold shop on every other street corner. Products made from coir, a coconut fiber, are also a big draw, and include masks, mats, and handbags. Other items to look for include wood carvings, elephant figurines, foot stools, and unique vintage items, including ornate furniture. Shipping can be arranged by most sellers, if necessary. If you prefer to travel light, buy a bag of fresh, homegrown spices.

Practical Information

The weather in Kerala is comfortable from late October to May; June to September is monsoon season. Kerala has three airports that serve international and domestic destinations: Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode. All foreign visitors require an Indian visa. You can get around in private taxis, or take tourist buses and trains for longer distances. Malayalam is the local language, but English is widely understood. Local transactions are made in the Indian rupee (INR); hotels, big stores, and restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller establishments might not. ATMs are widely available. Most bills include a service charge in lieu of tip; if this is not added, it’s common to tip 10%. Electricity is 220 volts.

Guide Editor

Neha Puntambekar

Every moment is a journey, and every destination is a story waiting to be told. Explore Kerala's Rich Heritage and Natural Beauty with us!

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Kerala: nature's cultural haven.

Embark on a journey to Kerala, the jewel of South India, where verdant landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant traditions await. Explore lush tea plantations, unwind on pristine beaches, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Kerala's cultural heritage. From serene houseboat cruises to exhilarating wildlife safaris, Kerala offers a myriad of experiences for every traveler. Plan your unforgettable adventure today!

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

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

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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!

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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

Last Updated on April 17, 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.

A Quick Outline

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

The beautiful park in Sterling Munnar, covered in green is full of great activities for Children

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

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚗Book local transport on 12Go

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For hostels around the world, check out Hostelworld

🛍️ Myntra for travel fashion and Amazon for travel gear

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Author Alice is a full-time business professional with a penchant for writing and travel planning. She shares her travel stories and exclusive practical tips on Backpack & Explore, that you won't find anywhere else.

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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The Ultimate KERALA Itinerary Guide 2021 – 7 Days / 14 Days / 24 Days Guide

Since the travel sector is slowly opening up, I decided to finally embark on a long-awaited trip to Kerala that was on my list for quite some time, taking all the safety precautions. If you want to read the post COVID-19 lockdown guidelines for Kerala, check THIS post out. After traveling in Kerala for about a month, I understand why this place is called “God’s own country”.

If the idea to explore Kerala has been on your mind too, I would highly recommend you to go for it. And to make the planning portion easier for you, here are three different kinds of suggested itineraries to cover most of the must-visit gems in the state that you’ll cherish forever.

7 day Kerala backpackers’ itinerary guide

Vagamon – Alleppey – Varkala

Day 1 – Land at Cochin airport. It will take you three hours to reach Vagamon from Cochin. Watch the sunset from Justin’s peak. Day 2 – Go for a sunrise trek to Ginamala or Moonmala. Roam around the hilly town to enjoy the grandeur of nature. Visit Marmala waterfalls in the afternoon. Also, you may do sunset paragliding if you want to indulge in some adventure. Day 3 – After an early breakfast, leave for Alleppey . After a three-hour journey, head to the floating bazaar for local food and shopping. Day 4 – Have breakfast and go for a 3-4 hour Shikara ride with Oscar cruise (personal recommendation). Have lunch at Taste of India. Head back to the city and go to Marari beach to chill. Roam around the beautiful city and yes, don’t miss the food (shappu meen curry, or Kerala Sadhya)! Day 5 – After breakfast, head towards Varkala . Walk around the cliff beach and enjoy the lit coastal street. Try cafes like Inda cafe or True Thomas. Day 6 – Try surfing in the morning. Chill by the beach/ hire a scooter and explore the small town of Varkala. Lunch at Babu farm (near the black sand beach) for garlic butter prawns. See the black sand beach, go shopping for junk jewelry, Itra, cork yoga mats etc. Have dinner at God’s own country kitchen. Day 7 – Have breakfast and head to Thiruvananthapuram airport to depart (1 hour away from Varkala).

14-day Kerala rejuvenation itinerary guide

Athirappilly – Vagamon – Varkala – Alleppey – Kochi

Day 1 – Arrive at Cochin airport, travel to Athirappilly for two hours. Spend the night in Athirappilly. Day 2 – Go to the falls in the morning for a beautiful view and then after lunch head to Vagamon (4 hours journey). Relax during the night and watch the starry skies. Day 3 – Go for a sunrise hike to Justin’s point and chill there for a while. Have lunch and head for an offroad experience or a sunrise trek to Moonmala or Ginamala. Day 4 – Chill in the morning and head to Marmala waterfalls. You can take a tour of the Uluppuni Tunnel. After lunch, go for a paragliding experience and watch the classic Vagamon sunset skies. Day 5 – Spend the morning walking through Murugan Hill before lunch. After lunch, head to Varkala (4.5 – 5 hours road journey). Visit God’s own country for dinner. Day 6 – Start your day in Varkala, with a yoga session by the beach, and have breakfast at Inda Cafe. Roam around the Varkala coastline and explore local shops. Day 7 – Go to Babu farm for breakfast and go to the black sand beach nearby. Next, hire a scooter and cover the insides of the town. Have food at Darjeeling cafe or bait and hook. Day 8 – Spend your morning on the bright sunny beaches of Varkala. Leave for Alleppey (3-hour journey) after an early lunch. Once you reach Alleppey, go to the floating bazaar or canal bazaar for a local dinner. Day 9 – Start your day with a light breakfast and taking a walk through the Marari beach. Go for a Shikara ride (lasts 3-4 hours) and go to Taste of India for a local food experience. Head back to the hotel/place of stay and relax by the beach sunsets of Alleppey.

Day 10 – Learn about the art of Kalaripayattu and go to Cafe Catamaran by the beach for lunch. Canal Bazar in Alleppey is a wonder and you should not miss it. Go there for food and shopping for spices, oils, decor items, etc, and have dinner at the Canal Bazaar with a local street food shop. Try what they suggest (I suggest crab roast or puttu kadala).

Day 11 – Head to Kochi after breakfast (1.5 hours drive). Take a ferry ride in Kochi and then head to Sri Muruga Cafe for a local style early dinner. Day 12 – Start your morning exploring the Chinese fishing nets of Kochi. For lunch, go to Jew town and visit the Paradesi synagogue or jew synagogue. Must have biryani at Kayees Rahmathullah cafe for lunch and go to fort house restaurant for a beautiful relaxing dinner with a view. Day 13 –  Take a beautiful sunrise walk by Cherai beach in the morning and then have some local breakfast. Head to princess market for shopping and lunch at Qissa Cafe. Explore Mattancherry Palace and St. Francis church or spend time by the marine drive. Day 14 – After breakfast, head to the Cochin airport and depart.

24 Day Ultimate Kerala Itinerary Guide

Kozhikode – Wayanad – Thrissur – Athirappilly – Munnar – Thekkady – Vagamon – Varkala – Alleppey – Kochi

Day 1 – 3: Kozhikode

Day 1 – Arrive at the Calicut International Airport and introduce yourself to the lively city of Kozhikode . Have lunch/ dinner at the popular S.M. (sweet meat) street. Day 2 – Go for a backwater ride in the morning and visit Lions’ Park. Head to the Kozhikode beach in the evening to hang out and enjoy the soothing sunset. Day 3 – Go to Kappad beach in the morning and then head towards Wayanad (3-hour drive).

Day 3 – 6: Wayanad

Day 3 – Arrive in Wayanad by the evening. Stargazing in Wayanad is one of the most amazing experiences of the little hilly town. Day 4 – Head to Wayanad tea gardens in the morning. Have lunch at the Clay Hut restaurant. Go to the Banasura dam before 4 p.m. to catch a view of the sunset. Don’t forget to shop for coffee beans and grab a local payasam. Day 5 – Start your day with a bamboo boating experience in Kuruva island (closes at 4 p.m.). Roam around the tea gardens and hike to the beautiful Chembra Peak. Day 6 – Rent cycles in the morning and bike along the Nilgiris. Post an early lunch, head towards Athirappilly (a 9-hour drive).

Day 6 – 8: Athirappilly

Day 6 – Reach Athirappilly by the night and relax through the evening. Day 7 – The main attraction in Athirappilly is the iconic Athirappilly waterfalls. You can also visit the Vazhachal waterfalls. Day 8 – Have a hearty breakfast and leave early for Munnar (a 4-hour drive).

Day 8 – 10: Munnar

Day 8 – Arrive at Munnar , a slightly colder town in Kerala. Visit Anayirankal/Mattupetty Dam and Lake. Day 9 – The tea capital of Kerala, Munnar, has a lot to offer when it comes to splendid vistas. Start your day with visiting the Munnar tea plantation and estate. After lunch, drive to the Top Station and Echo Point for a sunset view. Day 10 – Just before leaving for Thekkady, drive up to the Anamudi Peak. Start your journey to Thekkady after lunch. (a 3 hour drive)

Day 10 – 12: Thekkady

Day 10 – Arrive in Thekkady , a town that offers many green hikes and treks. Day 11 – Spend a day in Periyar National Park among the flora and fauna. (I suggest you to check whether the safari is open with the hotel/accommodation you have chosen for your stay.) Day 12 – Explore spice plantations and don’t forget to visit the Chellarkovil waterfalls. After lunch, leave for Vagamon. (a 2 hour drive)

Day 12 – 15: Vagamon

Day 12 – Arrive at Vagamon and don’t miss the night sky full of stars. I recommend to stay at Zostel Vagamon or Winter Vale Green Stay Resorts. Day 13 – Vagamon has hikes and viewpoints that offer some of the best sunrise experiences. Head for an afternoon hike/drive to Marmala Waterfalls, where you can cliff jump into a pool which is 30-40 ft deep. Spend your evening gawking at the beautiful falls among the lush green. You can also go for a sunset paragliding experience. Day 14 – Start your morning with breakfast and an optional off-roading experience with Zostel Vagamon. Trek up to the Ginamala or Moonmala trek. Day 15 – Have an early breakfast and say goodbye to Vagamon. Start your journey to Varkala. (a 4.5 hours drive)

Day 15 – 18: Varkala

Day 15 – Welcome to Varkala , the bohemian land of rejuvenation and delicious food. Once you reach Varkala in the evening, spend time by the Cliff beach. Don’t forget to have dinner at God’s Own Country. Day 16 – Start your morning early and rent out a scooty/bike. Ride through the coastal street of Varkala and enjoy the best of both worlds. I highly recommend going to @inda_cafe and @truethomas.in for wholesome meals, the first one for continental food and the second for Indian/Kerala cuisine. Continue your scooty ride to the Black Sand beach and bask in its serenity. Day 17 – Two must-have adventures await you in Varkala – surfing through the day and or a sunset backwaters ride at the Kappil beach. Day 18 – Go to North Cliff beach in the morning and walk along the boardwalk, filled with shops that sell antiques to itras and junk jewellery to hippie clothes. Leave from Varkala post lunch and head to Alleppey. (a 3 hr drive)

Day 18- 21: Alleppey

Day 18 – Arrive in Alleppey by the evening and relax at your accommodation. I stayed in a homestay called Lemon Dew which is right by the beach. You can also opt for a homestay which is next to the backwaters or closer to the boat jetty. Or a nice resort by the backwaters. Day 19 – Begin your journey in Alleppey with a Shikara ride. (lasts 3-4 hours) You may opt for @oscar_cruise for the same. Don’t forget to take a stop at Taste of India for some delectable local food. Spend your evening in the Canal Bazar or Floating Bazar for shopping and local experiences. Garlic Butter Prawns and Shappu Meen Curry should be dishes on your bucket list. Day 20 – Visit the serene town of Kumarakom for the bird sanctuary, backwater lakes and the unbeatable sunsets. Alternatively, you can opt for a Houseboat experience in Alleppey. Houseboats are beautiful from the inside, but they only sail through bigger channels of the backwaters, so you miss out on the smaller ones. But having said that, it is still very relaxing and enjoyable to be inside one and sailing in one of Kerala’s largest lakes called Vembanad lake. If you want to opt for an eco-friendly houseboat experience (a boat that runs on solar power as opposed to diesel), find Thara Eco Boat on booking.com or alternately contact @oscar_cruise ! Day 21 – Spend your morning chilling by the Marari beach. Leave for Kochi after lunch and shopping (a 1 hour journey).

Day 21 – 24: Kochi

Day 21 – Arrive in Kochi and head to Sri Muruga Cafe for a local style dinner. Day 22 – Start your day in the Jew Town of Kochi, that adorns the iconic art and culture of the state. Don’t forget to visit Paradesi Synagogue while in Jew Town. Day 23 – Take a walk to the Cherai Beach in the morning for a beautiful south sunrise. Spend some time by the iconic Chinese fishing nets of Kerala. A biryani meal at Kayees Ramathulla cafe is a must! Day 24 – Soak in the end of your trip through Kerala because it’s time to head back home!

That’s it – now you have a base to start planning your trip according to your preference of time period. Kerala is undoubtedly a gem of a place that offers unmatched sights, experiences, and memories. If you have any other query related to traveling in Kerala, ask away in the comments section!

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Best Time to Visit Kerala

Best season to visit Kerala : September to March as Kerala’s weather is cool during this period.

Peak Season: The months of  September-March see the most tourists in Kerala. This is when the monsoon season has given way to the winters, making for sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. Also, Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Kerala is a delight to experience.

Shoulder Season : The days during these months, June-August are very sunny, while the evenings are usually frequented by thunderstorms

Off-season: The summer months from April to May bring to Kerala fewer crowds, cheap tariffs and humid weather due to frequent rainfall. The state is less congested during this season and if you can brave the heat, this is the best time to plan a trip for the budget backpacker.

Budget for Kerala

Budget options:

• Information about budget stays in Kerala: Cost per person will be Rs 500 to 800 per day
• Information about mid-range stays in Kerala: Cost per person will be Rs 1500 to 3500 per day
• Information about luxury stays in Kerala: Cost per person will be Rs 5000 and above per day

For Budget Travellers: INR 500 - 800 a day

• Accommodation in hostels and inns: INR 150 - 550
• Food in local cafes and street eateries: INR 50 - 100
• Public Transport in local trains and buses: INR 7 - 100
• Sightseeing and Plays: INR 10 - 200

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1500 to INR 3500 a day

• Accommodation in mid-range hotels and homestays: INR 800 - 1500
• Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 500 - 700
• Local transport in local taxis: INR 250 - 400
• Guided Tours: INR 10 - 1000

For Luxury Travellers: INR 5000 and upwards a day

• Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 3500 and upwards
• Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 700 and upwards
• Local transport in private cabs: INR 500 and upwards
• Activities and Guided Tours: INR 500 and upwards

Popular Tourist Places in Kerala

God's own country has been a favourite among travellers from around the world for centuries. It is a place that is known to excite, entrance and enrapture. Here's Tripoto's hand-picked list of attractions that you absolutely cannot miss while exploring Kerala tourism.

Kerala Backwaters: One of the things you must see when you are there are the backwaters of Kerala. One of the most important contributors to Kerala tourism, they are called backwaters because the freshwater that comes from the rivers merges into lakes and is then used for paddy fields or goes to the ocean from the lakes. Some of the best Kerala backwaters are Alleppey Backwaters, Kuttanad Backwaters, Kumarakom Backwaters, Cherai Island Backwaters, Cochin Backwaters, Kottayam Backwaters, Kozhikode Backwaters, and Thiruvananthapuram Backwaters. Backwaters are one of the topmost things that should be there in Kerala tourist places list.

Kerala National Parks: Kerala in India is rich in biodiversity and landscape beauty. Kerala National Parks are amongst the best places which make up Kerala tourism. Following are the National Parks in Kerala that should be in your travel itinerary when you explore Kerala tourism. Eravikulam National Park is rich in flora and lush green vegetation and is open from November till April. Silent Valley National Park, home to elephants, panthers, tigers and many more species, is open from September to March, Periyar National Park known for safari, rafting and other activities is one place you should definitely explore. These National Parks contribute to most of Kerala Tourism and the best time to visit to explore these beautiful wildlife habitats is from December till March.  

Kerala Beaches: Beaches in Kerala are a symbol of calmness and peace. These beaches are a bit different from the beaches that you must have seen in places like Goa and Kerala tourism has made sincere efforts to preserve their beauty. With white sand, coral reefs and tranquil blue waters, these beaches offer a wonderful experience. Kerala state is a centre point between the Arabian Sea and the western ghats and provides you with a great view. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam Beach in Thiruvananthapuram, Marari Beach in Mararikulam, Varkala Beach in Varkala and Alappuzha Beach in Alappuzha.

Kerala Waterfalls: Kerala is home to many waterfalls and is considered to be one of the best waterfall destinations in the country. Kerala waterfalls are also amongst the famous tourist spots for Kerala tourism. Some of the best waterfalls in Kerala are Athirappilly Falls (82 ft) where activities like jungle safari, rafting, camping, bird watching and trekking are done. Some of the other waterfalls in Kerala are Meenmutty Falls in Ponmudi (984 ft), Soochipara Waterfalls (656 ft), Palaruvi Falls (299 ft) and Adyanpara Falls (350 ft). Most of the Kerala falls are surrounded by abundant greenery and deliver a scenic view.

Kerala Temples: A trip to Kerala is not complete if you don’t visit Kerala temples. There are various places in Kerala but temples of here depict a lot about the history and culture of this place. So, if you are one of those people who wish to experience different cultures, then you must explore all the temples of Kerala. Residents of Kerala are spiritual and follow some rules in the temples and at their homes, which you must respect. Some of the best temples in Kerala in terms of architecture are Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple  Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor and Chottanikkara Devi Temple, Ernakulam.

Places to see in Kerala state: Kerala in India is the thirteenth largest state in terms of population and is divided into 14 districts. Various tourist destinations in Kerala contribute to Kerala tourism. There are beaches- Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, hill stations- Wayanad, Munnar,  temples- Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, forts- Palakkad Fort, Bekal Fort, and many more, museums- Arakkal Kettu Museum, Ethnological Museum, and many more other places to see. Kerala state has a lot to offer, so, visit Kerala to know about Kerala’s culture, Kerala’s history, and Kerala points of interest.

Best party places in Kerala: There is a lot to know about Kerala tourism, Kerala’s culture, and Kerala’s history when you visit Kerala but partying in Kerala is a little offbeat. Though you get served alcohol at some places, Kerala’s nightlife is something that Kerala tourism doesn’t really promote. Some of the good party places in Kerala include Mezzo, Avenue Regent in Kochi, Armoury Restrobar, Brunton Inn Courtyard in Kochi, and Seagull, Fort Cochin in Kochi.

Places to see in Kerala:  Most of Kerala Tourism is attracted towards Fort Kochi, Muzuris, Kerala Backwaters, Marari Beach and Munnar.

Famous tourist places in Kerala :

• Tourist attractions in Kerala- Alleppey, Kochi  
• Visit Kerala destinations- Kumarakom, Bekal  
• Kerala points of interest- Munroe Island, Jatayupara Earth Center

Best places to visit in Kerala :

• Information about Kerala- Know about Kerala’s history, culture, seasons, people & life and visit Kerala tourist spots.
• Best places in Kerala- Kovalam, Cochin, Wayanad
• Kerala Tourism recommends- Hill stations, Beaches, Museums

Explore Kerala

Kerala, India suitable for : Couples, Families, Friends

After several campaigns launched by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation, Kerala is now a well-known tourist destination and Kerala tourism is only growing. Tripoto’s travel guides are brought up to support you with the best available options in Kerala. With this informative Kerala Travel Guide, you can plan a hassle-free trip. By curating articles, places to visit, hotels, resorts, and user-generated travel content, you can find complete information about Kerala, right here on this page.

Kerala tourism has endless tourist attractions. Filled with lush green forests, outpouring waterfalls, backwater resorts, exotic wildlife and fabulous monuments, Kerala tourism is globally famous for its beauty. The main Kerala points of interests are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Alappuzha lighthouse, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, mountains of Munnar and Kovalam Beach. This is not it, there are many more temples, beaches, monuments, waterfalls and forts in the state. This state is suitable for everyone, especially if you are planning a honeymoon. Check out the video to see the well-known beauty of Kerala.

Though Kerala state just constitutes 1% of the total area of the country, it is a region of beautiful natural beauty. Hence, Kerala tourism is rising gradually, as there are several tourist spots in Kerala. The main Kerala tourism points of interest include Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kovalam- a beach town, Munnar- a hill station, Alleppey- a network of backwaters & houseboats, Thekkady- a national park, Kochi- a sea bordering city, Varkala- a city surrounded by cliffs, Munroe Island, and Wayanad- a hill station. Read some day-wise itineraries by real-travellers and plan a trip that includes all the top attractions in Kerala.

Kerala is known for its palm-lined beaches, backwaters, coconuts, spices, and various art forms. Visiting Kerala is like visiting a tropical paradise. With the following Kerala vacation packages, you can get the perfect holiday tan along with endless memories. Most Kerala tourism packages offer individual tours, cars, and houseboats to make your transfers seamless. Whatever you have in mind when planning your Kerala tourism package – be it oriented towards culture, wildlife, food, honeymoon or a family trip, we have it covered. If you are looking for Kerala tour package that ticks all your boxes, we bring you the best Kerala tour packages .

Things to Do in Kerala

• Visit Kerala Beaches- Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach               
• Visit Kerala Temples- Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram,   Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalapuzha
• Visit Kerala Hill Stations- Wayanad, Munnar
• Visit National Parks- Eravikulam National Park, Kumarakom National Park

Getting to Kerala

Kerala Airport: Kerala Tourism is rising as there are five airports in Kerala state.

• Kannur International Airport
• Cochin International Airport
• Calicut International Airport
• Trivandrum International Airport (Naval Airport)

Apart from these airports, there are some more upcoming airports in Kerala, India.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Kerala tourism is usually associated with greenery, unique culture, Kerala temples, densely forested hill stations in Kerala for hiking and trekking, wildlife habitat, lakes and Kerala beaches. Apart from this, Kerala backwaters centred around Kollam, Kumarakom, and Alappuzha is also a major tourist attraction in Kerala.

Some of the best tourist places contributing to Kerala tourism include Alleppey, Munnar, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Bekal, Vagamon and more. For Kerala beach fun, you can visit Kovalam, Varkala, Kannur, Kasargod, Kizhunna beach, and Kavvayi Backwaters. Experience canal cruise at Munroe Island and go for wildlife sightseeing at Thekkady. Best places to visit in Kerala also include Thrissur and Guruvayur that offer travellers an insight into the spiritual and cultural heritage of Kerala India.

Famous hill stations which are a part of Kerala tourism include Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, Ponmudi, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Idukki and Peermedu. Other hill stations in Kerala such as Ayyampuzha, Gavi, Athirapally, and Charalkunnu are among the lesser known locations and are considered to be very peaceful destinations that are a big part of Kerala tourism.

Some of the best tourist places to see in Kerala tourism during a short trip (4 Days) are Munnar, Thekkady, and Alleppey. If your Kerala state trip extends for more than 4 days, then you can also include Kovalam in your Kerala itinerary.

Cheapest Kerala tourism packages start from INR 9,000/- (without flights). The price of Kerala vacation packages differs based on the included amenities. Check out Kerala travel packages on our website if you're planning on booking a holiday. We hand-pick packages from various sites ensuring you have multiple options to choose from.

The most convenient Kerala airport is Cochin International Airport located in Nedumbassery, Kerala. Cochin International Kerala Airport is located near most of the famous tourist destinations in Kerala that making it a popular and accessible choice amongst tourists.

Temples in Kerala showcases the rich culture and heritage of Kerala tourism along with finely architected wonders of Kerala state. Popular Kerala temples include Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, and Udiyanoor Devi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Tali Temple and Lokanarkavu Temple in Kozhikode, Sivagiri Temple in Varkala, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam, Chottanikkara Devi Temple in Ernakulam and Mannarasala Nagaraja Temple in Mannarasala. Some Kerala temples are also listed amongst the 'World's Richest Temples'.

Kerala witnesses pleasant weather throughout the year. However, September to March is the peak season for Kerala tourism. Kerala weather is categorised into three tourist seasons, i.e summer off-season from March to May, monsoon from June to August, and peak season from September to March. The best time to visit Kerala is between September to March since Kerala weather during that time is cool and comfortable, ensuring that you get to explore all Kerala tourism destinations and points of interests.

Beaches in Kerala are one of the major sources contributing to the popularity of Kerala tourism in India. There are various commercialised as well as lesser-commercialised Kerala beaches to enjoy the Kerala trip to the fullest. Some of the famous Kerala tourism beaches are Kovalam Beach, Varkala Beach, Marari Beach, Kannur Beach, Cherai Beach, Thottada Beach, Kappil Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Beypore Beach, Kappad Beach, Alappuzha Beach and Bekal Beach.

Being one of the most famous tourist destinations in India, Kerala tourism offers easy and affordable transport options for travellers. One can easily travel within the Kerala state using public transport or private cabs. Public transport facility in Kerala India includes Bus, Local Train, Autorickshaw, and Taxi. Also, Kerala Transportation Authority offers waterways transportation services such as Ferry, Boats and Jhankar for promoting Kerala tourism.

If you're travelling to Kerala from any state in India, then you can opt for a train rather than a flight for an affordable trip. Kerala tourism has a well-connected Indian Rail Network for easy transfers to and from Kerala India. Also, if you're travelling to Kerala from nearby cities or states, then you can travel via inter-state buses heading to this destination for convenient and relatively cheaper transfers.

Kerala tourism has numerous budget hotels offering basic amenities for a comforting stay. Some of the budget Kerala hotels include Hotel Hillview Munnar, Krishna Inn, The Wind Munnar, Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel, Hotel Samudra KTDC, Park Residency, Srivar Hotel and more. These Kerala hotels offer basic amenities along with reliable customer services for a decent stay to complete your Kerala trip.

Kerala history dates back to millions of years, assumed to be a part of Stone Age and Neolithic Era (5000 BC approx.) due to the presence of pictorial writings and carvings at Edakkal Caves. Being known as Chera Nadu during the prehistoric era, Kerala has been a major spice trade epicentre since ages. During the rule of Maurya Emperor Ashoka, Keralaputra (Kerala state) was divided into five kingdoms - Chola, Tamiraparani, Satiyaputra, Pandya, and Ashoka empire. 'Kerala' state was formed in 1956 by merging the Malabar district of Madras State, Kasaragod taluk of Dakshina Kannada and the state of Travancore and Cochin.

There are several 5-star hotels located around various tourist spots in Kerala to make Kerala tourism popular. Some of the best 5-star hotels in Kerala are Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Parakkat Nature Hotels and Resorts, The Leela Kovalam, Forte Kochi, Novotel Kochi Infopark, Le Meridien Kochi and more. These 5-star hotels in Kerala offer luxury services and recreational activities to guests for a refreshing stay.

Basic Kerala tour packages include internal transfers, airport transfers, sightseeing, meals, accommodation, and flights (varies). You can customise your Kerala tour package as per specific requirements depending on your budget. You can also check out Kerala travel packages and Kerala tourism guide on Tripoto.

The scenic Kerala destinations have several resorts that offer a comfortable stay to travellers. Some of the best resorts in Kerala are Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort, Bethsaida Hermitage, Poovar Island Resort, Samsara Harmony Beach Resort, The Leela, Coconut Lagoon, and Kumarakom Lake Resort in Kumarakom, Kerala India.

On average, 4 to 5 days is an ideal Kerala trip duration to explore some of the famous destinations which are a part of Kerala tourism such as Kumarakom, Alleppey, Thekkady, and Munnar. 

Kerala's culture is a mix-bag of Dravidian and Aryan cultures. The culture of Kerala reflects the organic and authentic continuity of rituals, style, and classic layout of traditions by the Malayali people. One can easily witness the beauty and simplicity of Kerala culture through its temples, architectural wonders, prehistoric carvings, and modest lifestyle of people living in Kerala India.

Kerala tourism is a combination of various types of places, starting from hill stations to beaches and lush green landscapes. Some of the sightseeing places in Kerala are Kuttanad Backwaters, Marari Beach, Cochin, Pathiramanal, Krishnapuram Palace, Mannarasala Temple, Mattupetty Dam, Karumadikuttan Statue, Pothamedu View Point, Arthunkal Church, Anamudi, Blossom Park, Ambalapuzha Temple, Devikulam and more.

The peak season of Kerala tourism is starting from September to March. During this season, Kerala weather is relatively pleasant and cool.

Kerala, India

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The state of Kerala stretches for 550 km along India’s southwest coast, divided between the densely forested mountains of the Western Ghats inland and a lush, humid coastal plain of rice paddy, lagoons, rivers and canals. Its intensely tropical landscape, fed by the highest rainfall in peninsular India , has intoxicated visitors since the ancient Sumerians and Greeks sailed in search of spices to the shore known as the Malabar Coast. Equally, Kerala’s arcane rituals and spectacular festivals – many of them little-changed since the earliest era of Brahmanical Hinduism – have dazzled outsiders for thousands of years.

The best travel tips for visiting Kerala

Best things to do in kerala, best places to stay in kerala, how to get around, how many days do you need in kerala, what is the best time to visit, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for india, created by local experts.

13 days  / from 1800 USD

A Trek Through Ladakh's Markha Valley

Trek through the Markha Valley, taking in the jaw-dropping Himalayan landscape, camp in traditional mountain villages, and discover hilltop monasteries. This unique journey combines the culture of the Buddhist faith with the natural beauty of the mountains and the hustle and bustle of Delhi.

15 days  / from 2745 USD

Rajasthan: The Land of Kings

Experience the Land of Kings in luxury.This trip around Rajasthan takes you to Jaipur's palaces, sacred pilgrimage sites and deep into the desert hills. Breathe in the excitement of Delhi and visit the Taj Mahal. Then come nightfall, lay your head to rest in former royal palaces and magical forts.

6 days  / from 785 USD

The Holy City of Varanasi

The flat, sunburnt plains of the Ganges River are India's breadbasket: a densely populated area, it is home to many of the country's greatest sights. See Delhi and all its treasures, then fly to Varanasi, the most sacred stretch of the Ganges and one of India's most intense and atmospheric places.

Travellers weary of India’s daunting metropolises will find Kerala’s cities smaller and more relaxed. The most popular is undoubtedly the great port of Kochi (Cochin) , where the state’s long history of peaceful foreign contact is evocatively evident in the atmospheric old quarters of Mattancherry and Fort Cochin.

In Kerala’s far south, the capital, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), is gateway to the nearby palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and provides visitors with varied opportunities to sample Kerala’s rich cultural and artistic life.

One of the best aspects of exploring Kerala, though, is the actual travelling – especially by boat, in the spellbinding Kuttanad region, around historic Kollam (Quilon) and Alappuzha (Alleppey); travellers are increasingly setting out from Kumarakom too.

Cruisers and beautiful wooden barges known as kettu vallam (“tied boats”) ply the backwaters, offering tourists a window on village life in India’s most densely populated state. Furthermore, it’s easy to escape the heat of the lowlands by heading for the hills, which rise to 2695m.

Roads pass through landscapes dotted with churches and temples, tea, coffee, spice and rubber plantations, and natural forests, en route to wildlife reserves such as Periyar , where herds of mud-caked elephants roam freely in vast tracts of jungle.

RoughGuides tip: Planning a trip to India? Perhaps our local experts in India can help you!

Kerala backwaters © Shutterstock

From the chilled-out clifftop town of Varkala to hiking around the tea plantations and grassy mountains of Munnar, here’s what to do in Kerala.

#1 Chill out at Varkala

Devout Hindus have for hundreds, and possibly thousands, of years travelled to Varkala , 54 km north up the coast from Thiruvananthapuram, to scatter ashes of recently-deceased relatives on Papanasam beach.

The beach, 4 km from Varkala town itself, is dramatically set against a backdrop of superb, burnt-clay-coloured cliffs, which, coupled with comparatively low-key development, makes this a more appealing place to spend a beach holiday than Kovalam.

Tightly crammed along the rim of crumbling North Cliff, its row of restaurants and small hotels stare out across a vast sweep of ocean – a view that can seem almost transcendental after sunset, when a myriad tiny fishing boats light up their lanterns.

Rough Guides Tip: make sure to read all about the best beaches in Kerala

Varkala beach, India © Shutterstock

#2 Explore the beautiful waterways of Kerala

One of the most memorable experiences for travellers in India is the opportunity to take a boat journey on the backwaters of Kerala. The area known as Kuttanad stretches for 75 km from Kollam in the south to Kochi in the north, sandwiched between the sea and the hills.

This bewildering labyrinth of shimmering waterways, composed of lakes, canals, rivers and rivulets, is lined with dense tropical greenery and preserves rural Keralan lifestyles that are completely hidden from the road.

The region’s bucolic way of life has long fascinated visitors. And the ever-entrepreneurial Keralans were quick to spot its potential as a visitor destination – particularly tourists willing to pay to explore the area aboard converted rice barges (kettu vallam).

Since its inception in the early 1990s, the houseboat tour industry has grown exponentially in size and sophistication, bringing with it major environmental drawbacks as well as increased prosperity.

#3 Go hiking around Munnar

The tea plantations, grassy mountains and dazzling viewpoints around Munnar are the perfect antidote to the heat and humidity of the coast.

Although south India’s highest peak, Ana Mudi, is off-limits due to the Nilgiri tahr conservation programme several of the other summits towering above Munnar can be reached on day-treks.

The hiking scene is surprisingly undeveloped and it makes sense to use the services of a guide, particularly for Meesapulimalai Peak (2640m), which can be accessed from Silent Valley or Kolukkumalai estates and could easily be incorporated into a multiday excursion. Always check whether transport to and from the trailhead is included.

Munnar - Kerala, India © Shutterstock

#4 Take a free walking tour around Fort Cochin

Dutch, Portuguese, British and traditional Keralan townhouses line the backstreets of Malabar’s old peninsular port. See the fisherman hauling their catch at sunrise and take in a performance of kathakali – elaborately costumed ritual theatre.

The grid of old streets at the northwest tip of the peninsula, is where the Portuguese erected their first walled citadel, Fort Immanuel, which the Dutch East India Company later consolidated with a circle of well-fortified ramparts.

Only a few fragments of the former battlements remain (the outline of the old walls is traced bythe district’s giant rain trees, some of which are more than two centuries old), but dozens of other evocative European-era monuments survive.

Get to grips with Fort Cochin’s many-layered history by picking up a free walking-tour map. It leads you around the district’s more significant landmarks, including the early eighteenth-century Dutch Cemetery, Vasco da Gama’s supposed house and several traders’ residences.

#5 Witness dramatic spirit-possession ceremonies at temples in northern Malabar

Parades of extravagantly decorated elephants, backed by drummers and fireworks, form the focal point of Kerala’s Hindu festivals, among them Thrissur’s famed Puram; you can also see intimate (theyyem) spirit possession rituals in the north.

Theyyem (or theyyam) – the dramatic spirit-possession ceremonies held at village shrines throughout the northern Malabar region in the winter – rank among Kerala’s most extraordinary spectacles.

More than four hundred different manifestations of this arcane ritual exist in the area around Kannur alone, each with its own distinctive costumes, elaborate jewellery, body paints, face make-up and, above all, gigantic headdresses (mudi).

Unlike in kathakali and kudiyattam, where actors impersonate goddesses or gods, here the performers actually become the deity being invoked, acquiring their magical powers. These allow them to perform superhuman feats, such as rolling in hot ashes or dancing with a crown that rises to the height of a coconut tree.

Rough Guides Tip : make sure to read all about the best temples in Kerala

#6 Explore the isolated mountain region of Wayanad

The seven mountains encircling the hill district of Wayanad, 70 km inland from Kozhikode , enfold some of the most dramatic scenery in all of south India.

With landscapes varying from semi-tropical savanna to misty tea and coffee plantations, and steep slopes that rise through dense forest to distinctive, angular summits of exposed grassland, the region ranges over altitudes of between 750m and 2100m. Even at the base of the plateau, scattered with typically ramshackle Indian hill bazaars, it’s cooler than down on the plains.

The main Mysuru–Kozhikode highway, NH-17, slices through Wayanad. Since the late 1990s, it has been the source of new income in the form of overstressed dot-com executives and their families from Bengaluru and Delhi, with numerous high-end resorts, eco-hideaways and plantation stays springing up to service the screen-weary. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of the best places in India to spot wild elephants.

Wayanad, India © Shutterstock

#7 Visit the iconic Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabha, the god Vishnu reclined on a coiled serpent with a lotus flower sprouting from his belly button, is the presiding deity of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, a vast complex of interlocking walled courtyards, shrines and ceremonial walkways in the south of the city.

The iconic image of the temple’s seven-tiered, Tamil-style gopura gateway, reflected in the waters of the adjacent bathing tank, graced the front pages of many newspapers across the world in June 2011 when it was discovered that a vast horde of treasure had been discovered in vaults below its inner sanctum.

Sealed inside the secret chambers were sacks of diamonds, a thousand kilograms of gold, thousands of pieces of gem-encrusted jewellery and, the pièce de résistance, an exquisite 1m-tall gold image of Vishnu shimmering with precious stones. Experts are still debating the value of the items, with estimates ranging from US$40–200 billion. Either way, the find makes this by far the richest place of worship in the world. Non-Hindus are unfortunately not permitted inside

Thiruvananthapuram, India © Shutterstock

#8 Take in the wonderful Puttan Malika Palace

The Puttan Malika Palace, immediately southeast of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, became the seat of the Travancore rajas after they left Padmanabhapuram at the end of the nineteenth century. The cool chambers, with highly polished plaster floors and delicately carved wooden screens, house a crop of dusty royal heirlooms, including a solid crystal throne gifted by the Dutch.

The real highlight, however, is the elegant Keralan architecture itself. Beneath sloping red-tiled roofs, hundreds of wooden pillars, carved into the forms of rampant horses (puttan malika translates as “horse palace”), prop up the eaves, and airy verandas project onto the surrounding lawns.

The royal family have always been keen patrons of the arts, and the Swathi Sangeetotsavam festival, held in the grounds in January, continues this tradition.

#9 Relax on Kovalam's beaches

Kovalam consists of four coves, each with markedly different characters. It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to walk from one end of them to the other, but there’s no shortage of potential pit stops along the way to restore your energies.

The largest and most developed cove at Kovalam, known for obvious reasons as Lighthouse Beach, is where most foreign tourists congregate. The bay is overlooked by the eponymous lighthouse at the southern end. You can scale the 142 spiral steps and twelve ladder rungs to the observation platform for a fine view.

A small rocky headland divides Lighthouse Beach from Hawah Beach (or Eve’s Beach) – almost a mirror image of its busier neighbour, although backed for most of its length by empty palm groves.

Kovalam Beach, the third of the coves, is dominated from on high by the angular chalets of the five-star Leela resort. Coachloads of excited Keralan day-trippers descend here on weekends.

The most northerly of Kovalam’s quartet, Samudra Beach was until recently a European package-tourist stronghold.

Kovalam Beach ©Shutterstock

#10 Or join the devotees on Papanasam beach

Known in Malayalam as Papa Nashini (“sin destroyer”), Varkala’s beautiful white-sand Papanasam beach (also known just as Varkala beach) has long been associated with ancestor worship. Devotees come here after praying at the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple on the hill to the south, then perform mortuary rituals on the beach, directed by specialist pujaris (priests).

The best time to watch the rites is in the early morning, just after sunrise – though out of respect, it’s best to keep your camera in your bag. Western sun-worshippers keep to the northern end of the bay, where whistle-happy lifeguards ensure the safety of swimmers by enforcing the no-swim zones beyond the flags: the undercurrent is often strong, claiming lives every year.

Dolphins are often seen swimming quite close to the coast, and, if you’re lucky, you may be able to swim with them by arranging a ride with a fishing boat.

Seashore of Papanasam Beach, India © Shutterstock

#11 Have a nose around the Old British Residency

Of the few surviving colonial vestiges, the only one worth a detour is the former British Residency, a magnificent 250-year-old mansion on the shores of the lake, now only open for official events. Among the last monuments surviving in India from the earliest days of the Raj, it perfectly epitomizes the openness to indigenous influences that characterized the era, with typically Keralan gable roofs surmounting British pillared verandas.

There are no set visiting hours – just turn up and ask the manager if you can have a look around.

#12 Take a backwater cruise from Kollam

DTPC run popular cruises from Kollam to Alappuzha on alternate days, with stops for lunch and tea. Tickets can be bought on the day from their tourist office at the boat jetty on Ashtamudi Lake, and at some of the hotels. They also offer exclusive overnight kettu vallam cruises, and half-day canal trips to nearby Monroe Island, as well as guided village tours taking in Ayurveda factories, coirmakers, boat-builders and bird-nesting sites.

You may find that you get a far better impression of backwater life by hopping between villages on the very cheap local ferries. DTPC have timetables and route information; tickets are sold on the boats themselves.

#13 Listen to the sound of songbirds at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

A twenty-minute bus ride west of Kottayam brings you to the shores of Vembanad Lake, where the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary forms the focus of a line of ultra-luxurious resorts on the water’s edge.

A backwaters cruise hereabouts is a much better bet for peace and quiet than in Alappuzha or Kollam, although you will have to pay a little more if you want to arrange things from here: your hotel or homestay will be able to help.

The small Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in the wetlands is a good place to spot domestic and migratory birds such as egrets, osprey, flycatchers and racket-tail drongos, as well as glimpses of otters and turtles in the water.

Kumarakom kingfisher © Shutterstock

#14 See some of Kerala’s most celebrated medieval wall paintings at Ettumanur

A day-trip from Kottayam is the magnificent Mahadeva (Shiva) temple at Ettumanur, on the road to Ernakulam, whose entrance porch holds some of Kerala’s most celebrated medieval wall paintings. The most spectacular depicts Nataraja (Shiva) executing a cosmic tandava dance, trampling evil in the form of a demon underfoot.

Rough Guides tip : make sure to visit one of these waterfalls in Kerala

#15 Explore one of the largest national parks in India

One of the largest national parks in India, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as the Periyar Tiger Reserve) occupies 925 square kilometres of the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats. The majority of its visitors come in the hope of seeing wild elephants – or even a rare glimpse of a tiger – grazing the shores of the reservoir at the heart of the reserve.

Daily safari boats ferry day-trippers around this sprawling, labyrinthine lake, where sightings are most likely at the height of the dry season in April. However, for the rest of the year, wildlife is less abundant than you might expect given Periyar’s overwhelming popularity.

Periyar National Park, India © Shutterstock

Kerala has an extensive range of accommodation , much of it of very high quality. Look out for heritage hotels, a good hostel scene as well as family-run guesthouses.

Kochi (Cochin)

Historical Kochi has numerous accommodation options and serves as a convenient base to explore the surrounding attractions. From scores of excellent homestays to luxury palaces-turned-hotels, the choice seems endless.

Fort Kochin

This European-esque city is renowned for its wide choice of homestays and heritage accommodation. The hostels aren’t bad either.

This popular hill station is a great place to get away from it all and the town has lots of guesthouses and homestays to pick from .

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Famous for its backwaters, Alleppey is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ and staying on a traditional houseboat here is one of Southern India’s greatest experiences.

Located near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is another prominent backwater destination in Kerala that has a wide choice of houseboat options.

There are some basic bed-only spots amongst the forests and national park in Wayanad.

Situated along the coast of the Arabian Sea, Kovalam is a famous beach destination with humorous hostels and hotels .

Browse the places to stay in Kerala.

Most travellers will navigate Kerela using trains and buses, though a trip through the backwaters on a boat is an essential experience in the state too.

Kerala has an extensive railway network that connects major cities and towns within the state and also provides connectivity to other parts of India.

Taxis, both regular and app-based services like Uber and Ola, are available in cities and can be hired for local travel or day trips.

By auto-rickshaw

Found in every town and city, auto-rickshaws are ideal for shorter distances and can be easily found near bus stands, railway stations, and popular tourist spots.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates a comprehensive bus service connecting various towns and cities within the state. It is an affordable option and covers most major destinations.

Since Kerala is known for its backwaters, travelling by boat is a unique experience in areas like Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kochi.

Kovalam's beach © Shutterstock

To get a well-rounded experience of Kerala, you’ll need a minimum of 7 to 10. This allows you to visit popular destinations such as Kochi (Cochin), Munnar, Alleppey (Alappuzha), Thekkady, and Kovalam. However, if you have more time, you can extend your stay and explore additional places such as Wayanad, Varkala, Kumarakom, and Thrissur.

Keep in mind that Kerala has a diverse landscape and various attractions, so the number of days needed may vary based on your preferences and the pace at which you prefer to travel. It's also worth considering whether you want to participate in activities like Ayurvedic treatments, houseboat cruises, or cultural performances, as these may require additional time.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our India itineraries .

The period from December to February is generally considered to be the best time to visit Kerala, especially if you’re planning some beach time – the skies are blue and the humidity isn’t too fierce. From March the heat builds up until the skies open in June for the state’s first monsoon, which lasts until August and is more intense than October’s “retreating” monsoon.

Visiting in December? Make sure to read our article about visiting Kerala in December

A word of warning, however, for budget travellers. Kerala’s accommodation is pricey (though it tends to be of a high standard) and in high season cheap places to stay are thin on the ground everywhere. March, April and May are good months to negotiate discounts and the best time to hike in the cooler climes of the Western Ghats

Find out more about the best time to visit India .

Festivals in Kerala

Huge amounts of money are lavished upon many, varied, and often all-night festivals associated with Kerala’s temples. Fireworks rend the air, while processions of caparisoned elephants are accompanied by some of the loudest (and deftest) drum orchestras in the world. Thrissur’s famous Puram festival is the most astonishing, but smaller events take place throughout the state, with everyone welcome to attend.

Between December and March it’s possible to spend weeks hopping between village theyyems in northern Kerala, experiencing rituals little altered in centuries. The snake boat races in June, August and September are an incredible sight, while Christmas sees paper lanterns and fairy lights decorating homes and churches. Kerala’s Hindu festivals are fixed according to the Malayalam Calendar, so dates change from year to year – see keralatourism.org .

• Swathi Sangeetotsavam (Jan)
• Maha Shivrati (Usually early March; the moonless night)
• Vishu (Mid-April)
• Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (Second Sat in Aug)
• Onam (Ten days in Aug or Sept)

Connected to most major Indian cities, Beemapalli airport lies 6 km southwest of Thiruvananthapuram and receives plenty of daily flights.

The long-distance KSRTC Thampanoor bus station is opposite the railway station in the south-east of Thiruvananthapuram, within walking distance of most of the city’s budget accommodation. Numerous private bus companies also run interstate service.

Kerala’s capital is well connected by train with other towns and cities. Although you can buy a ticket just before departure, getting seats at short notice on long-haul journeys can be a problem, so make reservations as far in advance as possible from the efficient computerised booking office at the station.

Find out the best ways to get to India .

Discover more places in India

• Munnar, India
• Periyar, India
• Thiruvananthapuram, India

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written by Andy Turner

updated 18.06.2023

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Plan Your trip

• Kerala Tourism

A Welcoming Destination Where Nature, Beaches, Backwaters, Ayurveda, and Culture Await You.

Hill Stations

The scenic and serene hill stations in Kerala offer ultimate rejuvenation to a tired soul.

The picturesque emerald backwaters of Kerala take you on a tour of the unique lifestyle of the villages in the state.

The sandy beaches of Kerala with azure waters are undoubtedly the perfect places for a beach holiday in South India.

• Best Time to Visit
• How to Reach
• Places to Visit
• Things to Do

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About Kerala Tourism

Encompassing serenity, Kerala is a charming South Indian destination that should be in every traveller’s bucket list. Adorned with the emerald backwaters, sprawling and lush tea estates, pristine hill stations, and azure Arabian Sea, Kerala tourism boasts numerous tourist places with which you will fall in love instantly.

In North Kerala, districts like Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram have many attractions for the tourists. Wayanad offers a lovely hill station holiday whereas Kozhikode offers a great beach holiday and an opportunity of bird watching.

In Central Kerala, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki have a number of experiences in store. Thrissur is a culture aficionado’s paradise while Idukki and Ernakulam are the hotspots for nature lovers.

In South Kerala Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram are ready with a variety of experiences like backwaters and houseboat in Alappuzha; beach vacations in Kollam, and a glance at rich history of Kerala at Pathanamthitta.

Kerala tourism isn’t only about imbibing natural beauty but its rich culture that is festooned with dances, festivals, delectable cuisine, literature, Ayurveda therapies, and art & craft. Kerala has it all, and you have to see it, to believe it.

The state opens its doors to beach holidays with picturesque beaches like Varkala, Kovalam and Marari. Giving a good run to pristine beaches are the backwaters of Kerala that can be best experienced in Alleppey and Kumarakom.

Kerala's beach and backwaters are accompanied by its lush and surreal hill stations, of which Munnar, Wayanad and Vagamon are the best places to visit in the summer season. With Western Ghats covering some of its area, Kerala is the best wildlife destination and is perfect for birdwatching.

We, at Tour My India would be happy to help you explore the scenic destination of Kerala, and therefore, offer to you the finest Kerala holiday packages and deals. With our best Kerala travel packages, you can rest assured for a hassle free and memorable holiday in Kerala.

List of Top 10 Most Visited Tourist Destinations of Kerala

Alleppey: Kerala’s favourite backwater tourist destination, Alleppey is famed for offering an incredible experience of staying and cruising in a traditional houseboat.

Munnar: Adorned with myriad tea estates and rolling hills, Munnar is without a doubt the best hill station in Kerala. It is a must visit tourist place in Kerala for a relaxing holiday as well as relishing adventure activities.

Kochi: A cosmopolitan city with a bustling port, Kochi is where the modern lifestyle meets the traditional one. The city is the perfect reflection of Kerala and has many experiences up its sleeves.

Thekkady: Fringing the popular Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a hill station in Kerala that attracts many nature and wildlife lovers. It is one of the best places to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kerala.

Thrissur: The cultural capital, Thrissur does not need an introduction. From drawing a large crowd on its Temple Festival (Thrissur Pooram) to being an abode to several cultural centres, the city is a must-visit in Kerala.

Kovalam: A small coastal town with some of the best beaches of Kerala, Kovalam is a place where you get to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising.

Wayanad: Dotted with camping sites, trekking trails and gorgeous waterfalls, Wayanad is a peaceful and picturesque hill station that is perfect for holiday in Kerala.

Kumarakom: The favourite place for luxury seekers desiring a holiday on the backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is replete with luxury houseboats and resorts promising an experience of a lifetime.

Kozhikode: Home to serene beaches and historic sites, Kozhikode is where Vasco Da Gama landed when he discovered India. The city is a perfect place to get an authentic experience of Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram: The capital city, Thiruvananthapuram is where you can find authentic Kerala’s food, intriguing sights and a cluster of Victorian museums; it’s a place of many experiences.

Best Time for Visiting Kerala for Holidays

The best time to visit Kerala is between October and February, when on an average the weather is conducive to go on sightseeing tours and enjoying all the activities offered in the state.

Quick Important Facts & Information About Kerala

Kerala tourism latest news update 2023, 1. kerala breaks tourism records in 2022, welcomes highest number of visitors ever.

Another feather in the crown of the tourism department in Kerala! Popularly known as the ‘God’s Own Country,’ Kerala witnessed a spike of 2.63 per cent in the footfall of domestic visitors in 2022 after the hiatus of two years of the pandemic. According to PA Mohammad Riyas, Kerala’s Tourism Minister, 1.88 crore domestic tourists visited the state in the last year, which is an all-time record ever, since its formation. Mohammad Riyas also announced the names of the most popular tourist places in Kerala which have welcomed the most tourists. According to the reports , six districts of Kerala, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Pathanamthitta received major tourist footfalls in 2022. Moreover, the minister said that Kerala has become a trending wedding destination after the COVID pandemic, which helped the state to achieve the record. He also said that in terms of international tourists, the state is expected to become a tourism hub for Ayurvedic treatment, specifically for European tourists, soon.

2. Kerala Feels Proud Ranking Ninth in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2022 List

Kerala has been ranked ninth as an eco-tourism destination in the list of World’s Greatest Places 2022 by TIME magazine. The US-based magazine wrote that the spectacular beaches, marvellous temples, amazing backwaters and the superb hospitality of people make the place the ‘Incredible Kerala’. The magazine also mentions the new project named ‘Karavan Meadows’ that promotes sustainable tourism similar to backwater tourism. Minister of Kerala Tourism, Mohammed Riyaz told the press about the latest Kerala Tourism news update and said it’s all become possible due to the hard work and policies made by the sector. Other World’s top destinations to explore are Ras al Khaimah (UAE), Park City (Utah, US), Galapagos Islands, Dolní Moravo of the Czech Republic, Seoul, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Doha, and Detro, which are ranked above Kerala in the list.

3. Kerala Tourism Bags Prestigious ‘Responsible Tourism Global Award’ at World Travel Mart, London

At the World Travel Mart in London, Kerala Tourism won the esteemed Responsible Tourism Global award. PA Mohammed Riyas, the state's minister of tourism, accepted the honour on the department's behalf in London. The Kerala Government's Responsible Tourism Mission's STREET initiative was recognised with the prize. The water street project that was put into place in Maravanthuruthu in the Kottayam district received special attention from the jury.

Kerala Holiday Packages by Destinations

Athirapally

Best selling kerala tour packages.

9 Nights - 10 Days

Exotic Kerala Tour

7 Nights - 8 Days

Escape to Kerala

6 Nights - 7 Days

Wonders of Kerala Tour

Magical Kerala Tour

Enchanting Kerala Tour

3 Nights - 4 Days

Munnar Hill Station Tour

Kerala tour packages by theme.

Honeymoon Tour

Family Tour

Beach Tours

Hill Station Tours

Pilgrimage Tours

Backwater Tour

Wildlife Tours

Luxury Tour

• Best Time to Visit Kerala

Summer Season in Kerala

The summer season between March and June in Kerala can be extremely hot with temperature going above 35°C.

Monsoon Season in Kerala

Monsoon begins from June and ends in September in Kerala. The state experiences heavy rainfall and extreme humidity during monsoons.

Winter Season in Kerala

Winter season in Kerala is from November to February when the weather is pleasant and the temperature remains under 30°C.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Dotted with tea gardens and rolling hills, Munnar is one of the top attractions in Kerala.

• Tea Plantation

Home to the scenic backwaters and traditional houseboats, Alleppey is the must-visit in the state.

Offering a blend of modernity and traditions, Kochi is the best place to learn about Kerala.

Dubbed the Cultural Capital of Kerala, Thrissur is known for Thrissurpooram and many cultural centres.

• Green Fields

Peaceful and naturally blessed Wayanad is only next to Munnar as the most preferred holiday destination.

• Western Ghats

Periyar National Park

Blessed with rich flora & fauna, Periyar National Park is amongst the top wildlife reserves in South India.

Reckoned Kerala’s first bird sanctuary, Thattekkad is a home to a wide variety of birds on the banks of Periyar.

• Bird Sanctuary

Unarguably the first choice of every beach lover, Kovalam is a beautiful beach destination in Kerala worth visiting.

The capital city Trivandrum is home to beautiful beaches, rich history, and cultural heritage that are a must-see.

Boasting pristine beaches and rich history, Kozhikode is amongst the top destinations to visit in Kerala.

Home to the Ashtamudi Backwaters and adorned with a long coastline, Kollam is a perfect holiday destination in Kerala.

A coastal village near Thiruvananthapuram, Poovar has a picturesque setting that attracts many tourists.

Offering a fascinating mixture of old and new, Ernakulam is flanked by the Arabian Sea and is thus a must-see.

• Portuguese Houses

A secluded beach destination, Marari is perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday near Alappuzha.

Home to the popular Guruvayoor Temple, Guruvayoor is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim towns in India.

One of the most picturesque waterfalls in India, Athirapally is ideal for nature lovers and romantic couples.

Parambikulam

Offering wildlife sighting and adventure, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve in Palakkad is a perfect for a thrilling experience in Kerala.

Top Things to Do in Kerala

Ayurveda Treatments & Therapies

Avail a wide range of Ayurveda treatments in Kerala that has many wellness resorts and centres.

Houseboat Stay & Cruise

Relish one-of-its-kind experience of staying and cruising in a houseboat on the backwaters of Kerala.

Wildlife Safari & Birdwatching

Enjoy enthralling wildlife safari and sight the rich flora & fauna of Kerala at its various wildlife reserves.

Watersports

Indulge in the adrenaline rushing water sports on the beautiful and adventurous beaches of Kerala.

• Cultural Performances

Imbibe the rich culture of Kerala and watch varied martial arts and dance performances like Kathakali.

Keralan Cuisine

Savour the delectable dishes of Keralan cuisine that has many interesting elements and textures.

Eco Tourism

Enjoy nature from close quarters and that too without harming it in any way in Kerala with its ecotourism venture.

Dotted with some of the most scenic trails that are adventurous, Kerala is a great destination for hiking and trekking.

Coracle Boating

Try one of its kind Bowl Boat riding or Coracle Boating between Mundommoozhy and Irattayaar for an unforgettable experience.

Village Tour

Kerala offers travellers a pristine, peaceful, indigenous experience through an extensive tour of the villages of Kerala.

• How to Reach Kerala

Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode all have their own airports connecting them to major cities of India.

Along with Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has several railway stations connecting it to the rest of India.

NH 17, NH 47, and NH 49 connect Kerala to the major cities of India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. when is the best time to visit kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is between October and February when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. The monsoon season between June and September is also a good time to visit and enjoy the natural beauty and Ayurveda therapies. In the summer season, it can be difficult to plan a trip to Kerala because of high temperature and humidity. However, hill stations like Munnar can still be visited in the state.

Q. What is the best way to travel to Kerala?

Kerala enjoys a good connectivity via rail, road, and air. Many of its major cities have their own airports, whereas, trains and roads almost all parts of the state.

Q. Is it safe to visit Kerala in the monsoon season?

Yes, it is safe to plan a trip in the monsoon season to Kerala. However, it is recommended to check the weather forecast before planning a trip and also keep an eye on the news.

Q. Do your family tours to Kerala have something for the kids?

Yes, our family tours to Kerala include several activities like horse riding, boating etc. for the kids.

Q. Is Kerala safe for solo women travellers?

Yes, Kerala is quite safe for solo women travellers. However, it is advised to practise caution like one does anywhere in the world while travelling.

Q. In which season Ayurveda therapy in Kerala is recommended?

The monsoon season (June to September) is considered the ideal time for Ayurveda therapy in Kerala. In the rainy season, the pores in the body open which allow the Ayurvedic herbs used in therapies to absorb well.

Q. What are the must-try dishes in Kerala?

The best dishes to try in Kerala are:

• Puttu and kadala curry
• Karimeen pollichathu (fish)
• Malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry
• Erissery or pumpkin and lentil curry
• Palada payasam (dessert)

Q. Why to book Kerala holidays with TMI?

We are a certified travel company with over 18 years of experience. We are capable of offering 24x7 personalised and cost-effective services for Kerala tours.

Why Choose TMI for Kerala?

Experienced

An experienced Kerala tour operator, with a team of an experienced travel enthusiast ensure to give our clients well-designed Kerala South India tour packages.

We are certified by major tour and travel associations in India and world like IATA, IATO, TAAI, IMF & MOT (Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India)

Happy Customers

TMI has received numerous accolades from its happy customers for its excellent services and best Kerala holidays.

Local Offices

We have local office in Kerala for our customers to find assistance anytime and anywhere.

Kerala Travel Guide Essential Information

• Accommodation
• Travel Tips
• Tourism Festival

Where to Stay in Kerala?

Kerala invites tourists to savour a plethora of experiences and leaves no stone unturned in offering them the best places to stay. There is a wide range of accommodations available at every popular tourist destination in Kerala. In fact, the lesser-known and offbeat places in the state too have a decent accommodation.

From budget to luxury to heritage hotels to houseboats, camps and homestay, Kerala leaves one spoilt for choices.

Tour My India has association with the top most hotels and resorts of Kerala and offers lowest prices and great deals on every hotel booking made with us. Excellent services are also guaranteed with us!

Major Activities for Tourists in Kerala

Kerala offers an opportunity to have varied experiences that are worth relishing. The state offers the chance to indulge in therapeutic ayurvedic massages; cruising in the houseboats on the pristine backwaters and thrilling watersports on the beaches. The must-have experiences in Kerala also include witnessing exhilarating snake boat races; relishing delectable food; enjoying watching classical dance performances like Kathakali and Mohiniattam or martial art performances like Kalaripayattu.

The state also offers an opportunity to enjoy the tea and spice plantation tours; shopping for handicrafts; wildlife sighting and birdwatching tours.

Kerala Travel Tips

The following travel tips ensure your Kerala trip is hassle-free and that you have a great time in God's Own Country.

• You can bring as much foreign currency as you want to Kerala and get it exchanged.
• Banks are open for transactions from 10:00 - 3:30 hrs on weekdays and on first and third Saturdays. Second and Fourth Saturdays are holidays.
• Several hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept major credit cards - Mastercard and Visa.
• For the best Kerala holiday experience, visit between September and May.
• Carry cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.
• Book your Ayurveda therapies and treatments at centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism.
• A variety of food apart from the cuisine of Kerala is available at major restaurants
• Some temples in Kerala do not permit entry to non-Hindus.
• Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises.
• Nudity is not allowed in any of the beaches in Kerala.
• Smoking is banned in public places.
• When visiting someone’s home in Kerala, make sure to leave the footwear outside.
• Demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.
• To visit a wildlife sanctuary or national park in Kerala, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority.

The following emergency numbers come handy in Kerala

• Police control room: 100
• Fire station: 101
• Ambulance: 102, 108

Police Helpline

• While traveling on Highways (Highway Alert Number): 9846 100 100
• While traveling in Trains (Railway Alert Number): 9846 200 100
• Website: www.keralapolice.org

Visa on Arrival

No separate visa has to be applied for visiting Kerala. Certain countries are allowed visa on arrival (VOA) by the Indian Government. The two airports of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi offer visa on arrival to the nationals of following eleven countries:

• Philippines
• New Zealand

For latest information visit official website of India Visa Online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/

Kerala Tourism Festival

The state of Kerala is unarguably rich in its culture, traditions, and history. To make the visitors acquainted with itself, the state hosts a number of tourism festivals that allow a peek inside Kerala. Some Kerala tourism festivals have been celebrated for a long period of time on an annual basis, while few are added every year in order to offer an authentic experience of the state.

• Utsavam: It is a folk-art festival that is hosted in many parts of Kerala.
• Hop on the Bus: It is a festival organized by Thiruvananthapuram DTPC to offer a sightseeing tour of the city.
• Beach Carnival & Games: Hosted in Ernakulam, this festival offers plenty of entertainment at the beautiful beaches of the city.
• Malabar Carnival: Reckoned the largest cultural cum commercial fair, it is held in Kottakunnu.
• Kadamakkudy Tourism Festival: It is an eight-day festival that exhibits the rich culture and art of Kerala.
• Muziris Paddle: It is an enthralling kayaking expedition that offers an incredible nature’s experience.
• International Arts & Crafts Festival: Held at Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village in Iringal, the festival is worth witnessing.

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Quick Links to Important Information in Kerala

Kerala travel information at a glance, about kerala.

• People & Culture of Kerala
• Kerala Festivals
• Kerala Folk Dance & Music
• Kerala Food
• Things to Buy from Kerala

Kerala Destinations

• Munnar Tourism
• Kovalam Tourism
• Wayanad Tourism
• Periyar Tourism
• Varkala Tourism
• Kumarakom Tourism

Kerala Tourism Packages

• Munnar Tour Packages
• Kovalam Tour Packages
• Wayanad Tour Packages
• Periyar Tour Packages
• Varkala Tour Packages
• Kumarakom Tour Packages

Kerala Holidays by Interest

• Kerala Honeymoon Packages
• Kerala Family Packages
• Kerala Beach Packages
• Kerala Religious Packages
• Kerala Hill Station Packages
• Kerala Ayurveda Packages
• Yoga & Ayurveda
• Houseboat Cruise
• Village Tourism
• Wildlife Safari
• Bird Watching

Kerala Attractions

• Munnar Attractions
• Kovalam Attractions
• Wayanad Attractions
• Periyar Attractions
• Varkala Attractions
• Kumarakom Attractions

Hotels in Kerala

• Hotels in Munnar
• Hotels in Kochi
• Hotel in Periyar
• Hotels in Kovalam
• Hotels in Kumarakom
• Hotels in Varkala

Other Imp Links

• Kerala Tourism Map
• Kerala Tourist Visa
• Film Tourism in Kerala

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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FootLoose Dev

Travel blog by an Indian travel blogger.

Kerala Travel Guide

This Kerala Travel Guide with tips on how to travel there, best time to travel and top places to see in Kerala is all you need to know.

From dense forests to beautiful tea plantations, and rich culture to amazing food – Kerala has something for everyone.

It’s an ideal place for luxury travel as well as budget backpacking. And thanks to its natural beauty, the state has established itself as one of India’s top travelled destinations.

The culture in the state is moreover unique to the rest of India and has been carefully preserved for centuries.

Kerala Tourist Guide

I have been to this Indian state more times than I can remember since I quit my job and became a travel blogger .

Before discussing the top places to see in Kerala, let’s move further in this Kerala travel guide, and talk about a few useful travel tips:

• Train journeys in Kerala are mesmerizing. Choose them over boring bus journeys wherever possible.
• There are many temples to explore. Where most temples allow people to enter in any attire, some require a strict dress code. For general practice, never visit a temple without having your shoulders or knees covered.
• Smoking in public is strictly banned here and you can actually get a challan if found guilty.
• Kerala is one of the safest Indian places for Solo Female travellers .
• The three major mobile networks: are Airtel, BSNL and Jio.
• Kochi, also known as Ernakulum, is the capital and hub of all transport.

And now…

Top Places To See In Kerala

You write a guide on top tourist places in Kerala and do not mention Kochi, not possible. Hence the first place that even I want to mention in my Kerala travel guide is Kochi.

Just like Alleppey, I have been to Kochi twice too. And the most recent trip was in 2021 when I stayed in Fort Kochi for 4 days.

If you enjoy history and colonial architecture, Kochi will be one of the best holiday destinations in India for you. I would also recommend it for finding some amazing street photography. Other than history and architecture visit Kochi for great food and cafe culture.

Some of the defining attractions are Chinese fishing nets, The Jew Town and a 15th-century synagogue.

Walk around the streets in Fort Kochi , and experience the colonial powers that once ruled this land.

Kathakali is a traditional temple dance drama with masked men performing crazy dance moves.

If travel to Kerala and cultural activities interest you, watching a Kathakali performance is a no-miss, and hence an obvious mention in this Kerala travel guide.

You can watch a Kathakali performance in most of the big towns, but if you come to Kochi, book a show at Kathakali Centre in Kochi. A similar folk art form (to Kathakali) is Theyyam , which is performed in the North Malabar region.

Alleppey Backwaters

One of the best tourist experiences in Kerala is sailing through the backwaters, where you can rent a houseboat and explore a maze of interconnected lagoons, canals, and lakes, for days on end. You read any Kerala travel guide and you will see its repeated mentions.

Though you can find backwater in a few places in Kerala, including the town of Kollam, Kottayam Alumkadavu, Kumbalangi, and Alleppey, the backwaters of Alleppey is bigger and more popular. Renting a houseboat in Alleppey can cost over six or seven thousand Rupees per day. A cheaper deal to experience the backwaters, however, is the passenger ferry which takes you places for a price as low as 10 Rupees. A comparatively better option is the Tourist Ferry which takes around 50 Rupees for a 45-minute ride. [Note: Check this state water transport website for an updated ticket price and timetable].

Sivananda Dhanwantari Ashram

If yoga fascinates you, this is perhaps the best (also my personal favourite) option for learning yoga in India. Other than Indians, a number of western tourists come here every year to learn yoga. You can do a basic yoga learning course or stay as a guest for a few days.

Remember that there are two Sivananda Ashrams in India. The main one, where Swami Sivananda’s Samaadhi is located is Sivananda Ashram Rishikesh .

Next in this Kerala travel guide is Varkala, which is, by far, my favourite beach city in India.

Divided into three parts – North Cliff, South Cliff, and Papnasham beach, most of the backpacker activity happens near the North Cliff beach, where accommodation is cheap, and the local markets are more vibrant. Read my Varkala Kerala blog for more about Varkala.

Eating On Banana Leaf

Among the top places to see in Kerala, let’s talk about a recommended experience as well, and that is… eating on a banana leaf.

Though you can experience eating on a banana leaf in the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, if you get to try it in Kerala too, don’t miss it.

Coconut Beer

Widely known as ‘Toddy’ the coconut beer is by far one of the best local beverages I’ve had in India.

There are many government-approved Toddy shops across Kerala where you can sit and drink. It costs about 150 Rupees for half a litre of Toddy in a Toddy shop near Kochi as I happened to visit during my Delhi to Bangalore motorcycle ride.

Visit Munnar for its sprawling tea plantations, the rich natural beauty of winding lanes, comely hills, and dense forests. You can also try a few adventure activities around here, and the trek to Anamudi – the highest peak in south India – is totally awesome. Munnar moreover a quick escape from other warm-and-sweaty places.

That’s all about the top places to see in Kerala. If you want to read about more suggest tourist places, check the Kerala tourism website . You may also be interested in reading a sponsored article I did for them under the campaign Human by Nature by Kerala tourism .

Next in this travel guide on Kerala is the best time to travel…

What Is The Best Time To Travel Kerala

Given tropical and hot weather, the best time to travel to Kerala is only between October and March, when the climate is pleasant and the temperature remains at a minimum.

The monsoon season between July and August is also usually favoured by many who love to hang out in rain. But since I have travelled to Kerala in the monsoon, I don’t have much to add to this Kerala travel guide and best practices.

Now, moving forward…

What Is The Cost of Travelling In Kerala

Except for a few popular tourist destinations, which particularly includes the town of Varkala and Alleppey, food in Kerala is cheap.

You can get a plain small size dosa with chatni at a roadside stall for as low as 20 Rupees, though you might need to eat about 6-8 of those to fill your stomach. Rice is commonly available. A simple fish and rice meal in most places cost about 90 Rupees. Try to dine at the local south Indian restaurants rather than those offering north Indian cuisine to save some cash.

You can also look for ‘Indian Coffee House, a chain of government-owned restaurants that have reasonable prices for good quality, hygienic food.

Accommodation

Accommodation   in Kerala, in most places, is moderately expensive if compared to the rest of India.

From Kochi to Varkala to Alleppey to Munnar – expect a private room for no less than 500 Rupees per day, and this is an off-season rate. These prices can soar to a whopping 1000 Rupees per day during peak season time. For a cheaper deal, you are required to stay outside of the main tourist town, if there’s an option. For example, you can stay in Ernakulam, which is about 9 km away from Fort Kochi for a cheaper deal of Rs 300 per day.

You can also find backpacker hostels in most places, including Kochi, Alleppey, Munnar and Varkala.

That’s all in this Kerala travel guide. If you have any questions or more destinations to add to the list of top places to see in Kerala, please leave a comment below.

A friend of mine who is from Kumarakom suggested the place and it lived upto the expections. Not very commercialized. Relaxed…also its proximity to allepey makes Kumarakom a great halting place.

One solid reason to visit Kerala is “ Kerala, is a miracle”’. It is a bundle of contradictions.During my last trip to Kerala we booked a short term rental with heybnb and had an awesome time in Kerala. Whispering Palms Beach Resort is an is an amazing place which will cater to all your needs!

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Geography
• 4.2 History
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.4 Religion
• 4.5.1 Dance
• 4.5.2 Music
• 4.5.3 Martial arts
• 4.5.4 Drama
• 4.5.5 Cinema
• 4.6 Traditional dress
• 4.7 Government
• 4.8 Economy
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 6.4 By road
• 6.5 By ferry
• 7.1.1 Train fares
• 7.4 By taxi
• 7.5 By auto-rickshaw
• 7.6.1 By plane
• 8.1 Scenic attractions
• 8.2 Historical monuments
• 8.3 Eco-tourism villages
• 8.4 Religious attractions
• 9.1 Ayurveda
• 9.2 Cruises
• 9.3.2 Vishu
• 9.3.3 Christmas
• 9.4.1 Muslim festivals
• 9.4.2 Temple festivals
• 9.4.3 The Sree Padmanbha's Arattu
• 9.5 Adventure sports
• 9.7 Safaris
• 10.2 Banking
• 10.3 Tipping
• 10.5 Shopping
• 10.6 Souvenirs
• 10.7 Fabric
• 10.8 Oils and spices
• 10.9 Murals and paintings
• 11.1.1 Thalis/fixed price meals
• 11.2 Seafood
• 11.3 Breakfast
• 11.4 Dinner
• 11.5 Breads & rice
• 11.6 Sweets
• 11.7 Ethnic food
• 11.8 Cost of food
• 13.1 Homestays
• 13.2 Budget
• 13.3 Mid-range
• 13.4 Splurge
• 13.5 Extended stay
• 14.2 Hartals
• 14.3 "Moral Police"
• 14.4 Other issues
• 14.5.1 Police
• 14.5.2 Fire and public rescue
• 14.5.3 Medical emergency
• 15.1 Medical care
• 15.2 Stray dog menace
• 16.1.1 Hindu temples
• 16.1.2 Mosques
• 16.1.3 Churches
• 16.1.4 Synagogue
• 16.1.5 Jain Temples
• 16.2 Customs and social etiquette

Kerala , ( Malayalam : കേരളം Keralam ) a state in Southern India , is known as a tropical paradise of waving palms and wide, sandy beaches. Kerala is also known as God's own Country . It is a narrow strip of coastal territory that slopes down the Western Ghats in a cascade of lush, green vegetation and reaches the Arabian sea. Kerala borders the states of Tamil Nadu to the east and Karnataka to the north. It is also known for its backwaters , mountains, coconuts, spices and art forms like Kathakali and Mohini Attam. It is the most literate state in India, and a land of diverse religions, where you can find Hindu temples, mosques, churches, and even synagogues. With world-class sporting options, Ayurvedic spas and treatments, eco-tourism initiatives, beautiful tall blue mountains, pristine rainforests, golden beaches and an enormous range of accommodation, Kerala has much to offer the visitor.

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

Here are nine of the most notable cities.

• 8.49156 76.95047 1 Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) — the capital city, famous for its beaches, historical monuments, parks and temples
• 9.49512 76.33163 2 Alappuzha ( Alleppey ) — heartland of Kerala Backwaters with natural maze of canals criss-cross the city, leading to it being called the Venice of the East
• 10.52 76.21 3 Kalpetta — capital of Wayanad district, which is home to three wild life sanctuaries and hill stations
• 11.8689 75.3555 4 Kannur ( Cannanore ) — a historical town famous for its 'Kalaripayattu' martial arts, 'Theyyam' temple dance, political movements, forts, folklore, hand looms, beaches, coffee-growing hills and spices.
• 9.94501 76.25134 5 Kochi ( Cochin ) — a port city and the largest urban agglomeration, known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea' and featuring the ancient cities of Fort Kochi and Mattanchery
• 11.25 75.77 6 Kozhikode ( Calicut ) — heart of the Malabar region and one of the world's oldest thriving trade centres, with many pretty beaches, waterfalls and trekking possibilities, where Vasco da Gama landed for the first time in India
• 10.08893 77.05952 7 Munnar — endless array of rolling tea estates, Eravikulam National Park
• 10.19031 77.17727 8 Sabarimala — beautiful mountain temple that attracts 50 million devotees every year
• 9.60311 77.16146 9 Thekkady — wildlife and boating are the main attractions; extremely scenic place

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 12.392265 75.03293 1 Bekal Fort — a massive coastal Portuguese fort in north Kerala with picture-postcard beauty
• 10.284722 76.568611 2 Athirappilly Falls — is the largest waterfall in Kerala with tall as 80 feet situated in Thrissur district. The famous movie Bahubali was shot here.
• 10.19818 77.00879 3 Eravikulam National Park — grasslands, forest and shrublands are criss-crossed by several streams, this provides a habitat for a wide variety of birds, grazing animals, predators such as the leopard, butterflies unique to the area, amphibians, and sometimes elephants
• 9.8643 76.3594 4 Kerala Backwaters — stretching across central Kerala; no-one should miss a boat journey from Kollam to Alappuzha
• 8.38548 76.97853 5 Kovalam Beach — world-famous beach near Thiruvananthapuram
• 9.4667 77.1667 6 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Periyar National Park — home to one of India's largest tiger populations
• 11.1333 76.4667 7 Silent Valley National Park — rain forest with several endangered, protected species
• 11.709 76.326 8 Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary — caves, waterfalls and pristine forests

Understand [ edit ]

The tourism department of Kerala boasts that the state is God's Own Country . Once you visit, you will see where this claim comes from. The state really is blessed with great natural beauty.

The state is also considered to be one of the safest regions of India. Incidents of local people cheating tourists are almost non-existent. Kerala has high standards of living compared to its neighbours and other Indian states and has indices such as education and healthcare that are on a par with developed countries. Therefore, tourists can relax without being followed around by taxi drivers, touts or guides, though there are some beggars who have migrated from poorer states. Abundant rainfall means that you can find lush greenery that remains pretty much throughout the year. A holiday here is an opportunity for rejuvenation. You can get an Ayurvedic oil massage, spend a day or two on a houseboat with nothing to do but watch coconut trees pass by, or just laze around on Kovalam or Varkala beaches. Thus, tourism is more experiential here, rather than being devoted to seeing highly touristed sights. Kerala was named as one of the "ten paradises of the world" and "50 places of a lifetime" by the National Geographic Traveler magazine.

Geography [ edit ]

Kerala is wedged between the Western Ghats on the eastern side and the Arabian Sea on the west, thus having a wide range of topography from high altitude mountains to golden beaches, and is criss-crossed by 44 rivers. The tributaries, unique backwaters, lagoons and numerous small islands provide many scenic attractions for visitors.

History [ edit ]

The ancient period saw the rise and fall of the first and second Chera empires, which were the only two periods when Kerala was united under a monarch. Kerala is mentioned in the writings of many Greek, Roman, Arabic, European and Jewish travelers and merchants from the 1st millennium BCE. It was known for the spices that were grown in the lush hills of the Western Ghats. During the Middle Ages, there were three powerful kingdoms - Kolathiri/Cherakal in the extreme north, Samuthiri/Zamorin in Calicut (north and central), Travancore in the south. The Portuguese were the first to discover a direct sea route between Lisbon and Calicut in Kerala, and this marked the beginning of European colonisation in the country. Soon the Dutch, French, Italians and British were all lured by the wealth of spices and silk, and came with the intention of forming colonies. The defeat of the Dutch by the Travancore Army at the Battle of Colachel, and the decline of Portuguese Empire and French problems in Europe, resulted in the British gaining the full influence in India, and the annexation of the Malabar region (Kolathiri and Samuthiri) into the British Madras Presidency.

However, the Kingdoms of Tiruvithamkoor (Travancore) and Kochi (Cochin) enjoyed some autonomy under the British. After Indian independence, the kingdoms chose to accede into the Indian Union, and were later merged into a single State of Travancore-Cochin. With the linguistic reorganisation of States, the Malayalam-speaking regions of Malabar and Travancore-Cochin were integrated into the State of Kerala on November 1st 1956. This realised a united Kerala, a dream held since the partition of the ancient Kerala Empire of Cheras in the eighth century. Today, people in Kerala live a largely traditional lifestyle, and much of the rich culture and heritage of the region is well-preserved.

November 1st is celebrated as Keralappiravi (Birth of Kerala) Day (also observed as Malayalam Divasam or Malayalam Day).

Kerala also played host to the first Jewish , Christian and Muslim communities of India. While the Jewish population declined following the establishment of Israel, Kerala still has a synagogue in Kochi. Kerala is known for its secularism and peaceful co-existence and brotherhood of the three major religions - Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

Climate [ edit ]

Kerala, being very close to the equator, has a tropical climate. Kerala experiences heavy rains almost throughout the year, and is one of the wettest areas on Earth.

Kerala has three distinct seasons:

• Summer lasts from mid-February to mid-May. The tropical sun is really hot and temperatures can go up to 35 °C (95 °F) in the afternoons.
• The South-East monsoon is in place from mid-May until early September. Also the North-East Monsoon winds bring heavy showers.
• Winter is mild and lasts from about mid-October to early February. Heavy rains occur from the last week of September until early November, due to the retreat of the South-East monsoon. There is no snow in Kerala, although it is quite cold and misty in the mountain regions.

When in Kerala, carry an umbrella no matter what time of the year it is. You can be caught in a sudden shower in summer which will leave you drenched if you are unprepared. The Kerala sun coupled with the high rate of humidity can be unforgiving in the summer months.

The temperature averages around:

• 28°C–36°C daytime, 24°C–28°C at night in summer seasons of March, April
• 20°C–28°C daytime, 18°C–25°C at night for the rest of the year

Temperatures may drop down to 10 °C (50 °F) or lower during November and December in hilly areas of the Western Ghats, especially at popular hill-stations like Munnar and Wynad. This results in misty days and freezing nights coupled with light cold showers. However, in other places, the temperatures never drop below 15°C.

Summers have become hotter: though the maximum temperature has never risen higher than 36°C, the rising humidity has made summers difficult. The height of the Kerala summer is normally between mid-March and May. Wear only light, loose cotton clothes during this season. Consider a trip to hilly areas, where the temperatures never exceed 26°C.

Kerala experiences mild winds throughout most of the year.

The most pleasant time to visit is from September to March, when the weather is ideal for sightseeing, trekking and boating.

Religion [ edit ]

Hinduism is the largest religion in the state. Hinduism in Kerala is bit different to other parts of India, due to assimilation of traditional Dravidian culture, and later due to the unique practice of Marumakathyam (matrilineal system), which made the society highly matriarchal unlike patriarchal values found else where in India. This also helped the society to be highly tolerant to cross-caste/religious marriages and co-living systems. Also, Kerala is the last place in the world where ancient Hindu Vedic Tantric rites are practiced widely.

Kerala's Islam is also unique. Kerala's trading relations with West Asia brought Islam to its shores around 600 CE soon after its formation in Arabia, through Arab Traders. Islam entered Kerala with an official fanfare and patronage from the ruling Hindu Chera Emperor and since then, Islam has become one of the most popular religions in the state. Unlike other parts of India, Kerala Muslims are mainly descended from Arabs through inter-religious marriages between fisherman families, who are thus called Mappillas (meaning sons-in-law). Unlike other parts of India, Muslims were given high-profile rankings in Kerala society by ruling Hindu Rajas and many of them are placed as close companions of ruling elite. Kerala's Islam is slightly different from Islam from other parts of South Asia, as Kerala follows the Shafi'i School of Islam like many Arab countries such as Yemen, and unlike the Hanafi school elsewhere in India.

Christianity , too, has made a unique mark in Kerala's history. St. Thomas the Apostle came in 52 CE and spread the message of Christ. This resulted in a large influx of Syrian immigrants who soon assimilated with the locals. Kerala has the largest number of churches in India. In terms of denominations, Kerala is home to Roman Catholic Latin Rite, Syro-Malabar and Syro-Malankara denominations, two major Orthodox denominations, two major Protestant denominations and one Nestorian church, apart from innumerable Charismatic/Independent congregations.

For thousands of years, Buddhism was the most influential religion in Kerala. It was only in the 11th and 12th centuries that Brahmanism took hold in the state and Buddhism waned. Today the state has a small Buddhist population and almost all famous Buddhist temples in Kerala has been converted into large Hindu temples, some still having Buddhist saints worshiped. The famed Vadakkumnath Temple in Thrissur was a large Buddhist Vihara, which was converted into a Hindu Temple.

Another minority religion is Jainism , with a fairly small number of followers in Wayanad, Kozhikode and Kochi. Jainism reached Kerala during the Maurya period, when the Great Mauryan Emperor Chandragupta Maurya retired to Shravanabelagola near Mysore in 3rd century BCE, though a large number of Jain monks accompanied him. Jainism became extremely popular in Kerala, with large number of Jain temples, until 6th century CE when there was a revival of Hinduism in Kerala. The decline of Jains resulted in many Jain temples being converted into large Hindu temples. The classic example is the famous Irinjalakoda Bharatha Temple which originally was a Jain temple dedicated to Saint Bharatheswara, a Jain monk, which was converted into a Hindu Temple in 5th century CE as Lord Bharatha (Brother of Sree Rama). Many Jain temples later got demolished during Tipu Sultan's raid.

There are also a lot of followers of Sikhism in the state, mainly those who have migrated from the Indian state of Punjab.

Judaism has existed in Kerala for about 2,000 years, and today a minority of Jews live around Kochi, although there was a mass migration in the 1950s following the founding of Israel . Jews arrived in Kerala during the Crusades when the fall of Jerusalem caused a large number of Jewish immigrants to take refuge in Kerala. The Chera Kulashekara Emperor invited Jews to settle down in Kochi and Kollam areas and issued them various grants and privileges. Unlike elsewhere, Kerala is one of the few places in the world where Jews lived peacefully with Muslims and Christians. Cochini Jews became the largest segment of Jews and several famous synagogues were established, though the first Jewish synagogue, which was established in the 15th century (the Commonwealth's oldest synagogue), is the only remaining one. During Portuguese rule, several synagogues were raided and many were demolished, until the Kochi Kingdom officially asked the Portuguese to stop attacking Cochini Jews. This resulted in the existence of only two synagogues in Kerala: the Paradesi Synagogue of Mattachery (must see while in Kochi) and a small one in Paravur . Synagogues are off-limits to tourists on Saturdays as it is the Sabbath.

Due to its strong socialist values and history of several communist movements, there are a considerable number of atheists in the state.

Hindus constitute about 56% of the population, Muslims 24% and Christians account for about 19%. Communal and sectarian tensions are rare. Kerala is considered the most peaceful place in South Asia.

Culture [ edit ]

Unique to Kerala, the Malayalee culture is derived from ancient Tamil-Dravidian practices combined with Arya-Indian culture, with influences from China, Japan, Arab countries, Portugal, Holland and even from the British. There are a lot of Tamil-Sanskrit elements, resulting in many unique practices and customs. Each community in Kerala has its own unique version of Malayalee culture which will not be found anywhere outside Kerala.

Hindu influence brought Ayurveda (a system of medicine) into prominence. Kalaripayattu (Kerala's traditional martial art) adopted many Hindu practices. While religious beliefs and their associated myths and legends are well rooted in the Malayalee psyche, the influence of communism and the Kerala renaissance has resulted in separation of religion from the daily routine of life.

Kerala architecture has lot of Tibetan-Chinese influence, due to its seclusion from other parts of India when the Western Ghats precluded Tamil influence. Most of the buildings have gabled, tiled roofs and a heavy use of wood with prominent slanting windows and ornamental flora designs. The Sree Padmanabhapuram Palace near Thiruvananthapuram is a classic example of this style.

Dance, music and drama all have distinctive styles. Dance and music performances often attract large crowds.

A good way to experience the entire spectrum of arts and culture of Kerala in one place is at the Annual Kerala State School Art Festival , normally held in December or January. The location changes between various district headquarters on a rotational basis. This was constituted by the government as a competition amongst school children to promote Kerala arts and culture. This is Asia's largest festival according to the Guinness Book of records, with more than 82 art forms show-cased during its ten-day duration.

Dance [ edit ]

Kerala has numerous indigenous dance forms.

• Chavittu Nadakam (Malayalam: ചവിട്ടുനാടകം). This is a highly colorful Christian classical art form that originated in Gothuruth village, North Paravur. It is noted for its attractive make-up of characters, their elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the rhythmic playback music and complementary percussion. This art form highly resembles European opera. Chavittu Nadakam is believed to have originated during the 16th century AD. This form of play is prevalent among the Christian community in the districts of Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur.
• Kathakali . Kerala's celebrated classical ballad with use of large costumes and elaborate make-up. It is a dance drama, noted for wide range of characters. Each character has a special kind of costume and make-up, special movements, particularly extensive expressions, refined gestures, and innovative themes. The dance is accompanied with anchor music and precise drumming. The Kathakali Music is unique as it varies in accordance to expressions and reactions. Whilst traditional Indian epics, mainly the Ramayan and Gita Puran, constitute the main story-boards for the dance drama, many international versions like Shakespearian-Homer-Biblical works are now taken as themes. A glimpse of Kathakali can be seen in shows organised by various cultural centres across Kerala (including the ones at Thekkady), which showcase the art and educate people about it.
• Koodiyattom . An ancient form of theatre with a legacy of more than 2,000 years. This is very stylised Sanskrit theatre and recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity . Most of the characters are noted for Sanskrit recitations and highly stylised movement, particularly eye expressions. Some parts of the stories are expressed only using the eyes.
• Margam Kali (Malayalam: മാര്‍ഗ്ഗംകളി). One of the ancient group dances of Kerala practised by Saint Thomas Christians. The Margamkali is a ritual folk dance in which twelve people dance around a traditional oil lamp (Nilavilakku). They represent the 12 apostles, and Christ is represented by the lamp. They perform the dance wearing the traditional white dhoti and a peacock feather on the turban. Margamkali is essentially famous among the Syrian Christ of Kottayam and Thrissur districts.
• Mohiniyattom . This classical artform of Kerala is a subtle and graceful dance performed by women in traditional costume. Most of the themes are poems, unlike other classical dances which have an emphasis on Hindu mythology.
• Theyyam . This is a ritualistic rite performed in the temples of Malabar. It is an ancient tradition, whereby worship takes the form of performance, rather than formal worship. While dressed in Theyyam costume, performers are considered Gods and Goddesses. There are nearly 41 various types of Theyyam, each noted for its different legend and stories. A visit to any Malabar temples during Theyyam season (Dec-Mar) is advised.

Music [ edit ]

Kerala has its own indigenous music and orchestration.

• Melam . This is a percussion ensemble, with several variants differing in the number of percussive instruments used, as well as the style of playing them. Melam is extremely popular and is mostly used during temple festivals, when more than six hours of continuous playing is the norm. Melam attracts large crowds and creates wonderful notes. The Thrissur Pooram has the largest Melam, with more than 300 musicians in the ensemble.
• Sopanam . Kerala's unique classical music has slow, graceful rhythms. Most of the original versions are poems, and the music is coupled with poetic expression and style. Sopanam is now limited to regular performances at temple events.
• Mappila songs . This music is associated with the local Muslim community. Traditionally, the songs were performed in Mappila Malayalam - a mixture of Arabic and Malayalam - and most tell stories of social systems and customs. Today, Mappila songs are popular amongst youngsters, using Malayalam lyrics. Mappila songs have a charm of their own as their tunes sound a mix of the ethos and culture of Kerala as well as West Asia.
• Poems play a pivotal role in Malayalee music culture. Kerala is extremely well known for its various famous poetic traditions, and a large number of poems of high literary value. Aksharaslokam (Poem recitations) is a common sight in many village temple platforms and during festival times, where poets recites poems and challenge other poets to start their recitation with the phrase, the former has ended his recitation
• Film Music . As elsewhere in India, film music is extremely popular, and Malayalam songs can be heard everywhere.

Martial arts [ edit ]

Kalarippayattu ( Kalari ) is believed to be one of the oldest martial arts in the world. Kalaripayattu has many styles, the best known being Northern Style and Southern Style. While former is focused on using various weapons, the Southern style uses powerful strokes with the bare hand. The knowledge of vital spots, known as Marma, on the human body helped Kalaripayattu warriors make blows that could freeze or kill a person.

Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, mastered Kalaripayattu while in Kerala, and later took it with him to China while he was spreading Buddhism. He taught it to the Buddhist monks in China, which gave rise to Shaolin Kung Fu, which in turn, gave rise to all other forms of Kung Fu, as well as Karate.

The British Government passed legislation banning Kalari, considering it a potential danger, and this resulted in a brief decline. Today, it is a popular sport and exercise option which gets international attention. There are many cultural centres which showcase Kalari techniques, one of them being the Kalari Centre at Thekkady, as well as schools in Thiruvanathapuram, Kottayam and many places in north Malabar.

Drama [ edit ]

Drama was once a very popular medium in Kerala, and played a large role in the spread of Communist ideology and the social renaissance of the region. Due to the popularity of television soaps and cinema, the popularity of live drama has waned. However, some high-end dramas involving technology and innovative themes are gaining popularity in major metropolitan areas. Thrissur is the hub of Kerala drama, with many theatres hosting regular showss. Thrissur also hosts the annual International Drama Festival of Kerala , attracting prominent dramatists, from around the world. Most Kerala dramas are performed in Malayalam, and the stories based on social realities. Some temples offer dramas as part of their Temple festival programs.

Cinema [ edit ]

Malayalam cinema is a popular local entertainment option. It tends to focus on social realities, and avoids the glitz & glamour prevalent in the Bollywood and Tamil movie industries. For Malayalam movies shown in local theatres, there is no sub-titling, except for those movies nominated for out of state awards. Thiruvananthapuram hosts the annual International Film Festival of Kerala which focuses on Asian and Latin movies.

Traditional dress [ edit ]

The traditional costumes of Kerala are called mundu and neriyathu , for both men and women. Sarees and blouses form the traditional costume of Kerala women. Kerala Mundu is very popular in the state and is worn by many men. It's a special white/cream-coloured dhoti worn across the waist. The dhothi has a golden thread work as a strip running down from the waist to the bottom, and the width of the gold thread determines the cost. It is an elegant costume, mostly used for ceremonial purposes. The women's Mundu Neriyathu is similar and has an upper shawl of same material. White is one of the most preferred colour for clothing in the state. Today, different versions of Mundu and Neriyathu with different colours and motifs are available.

Government [ edit ]

Kerala is a traditional socialist-leaning state and both the major parties, Indian National Congress and CPI(M), are socialist parties, and has a strong communist movement. This was the first place in the world where a communist government was elected to power through democratic means. Kerala's communism today is similar to the Chinese way in that it focuses on a market economy and reforms, although officially they are against capitalism. Kerala has a tradition of two major alliances: one led by the Communist Party called LDF (Left Democrats) and another led by the Indian National Congress called UDF (United Democrats). These tend to alternate in power every five years. The current government is led by the LDF under the leadership of Pinarayi Vijayan, who is the State Chief Minister.

Economy [ edit ]

Kerala has been through a period of strong growth with one of the highest per capita incomes in the country, and poverty levels are extremely low compared to elsewhere in India. Most households have family members working somewhere outside the state, typically the Middle East , and their remittances make up approximately 20% of the economy. Agriculture is highly focused on cash-crop cultivation such as rubber, tea, coffee, spices and coconut plantations. Tourism is now a booming industry in Kerala, and accounts for a significant part of the state's economy.

Talk [ edit ]

Malayalam is the official language of the state and is understood by virtually all of the state's residents. Given its unique script, complex grammar, difficult pronunciation, and agglutinative morphology, Malayalam is regarded by many, also in India, as the most difficult language to learn in India, a fact which almost all Keralites take great pride in.

In urban areas, Tamil , Hindi and English are widely spoken. As in the rest of South India, Hindi is not as widely understood in the countryside and people are more likely to readily respond in English than Hindi. As Tamil and Malayalam are closely related, locals may understand spoken Tamil, albeit with some difficulty.

Keralites are typically proficient in several (3–4) languages. One may argue that the Keralites are the polyglots of India.

Almost all bus routes and other important signs, including name boards, are written in Malayalam and some are also in English. Most city bus destinations are prominently written in Malayalam, some having English signage represented in small fonts which are often difficult to read, though all of the bus conductors and ticket checkers understand basic English. Most Kerala Government offices use only Malayalam signage and most Kerala government documents such as receipts and bills are in Malayalam, though there will usually be English-speaking staff on duty.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

There are three airports in Kerala, with flights to domestic and international destinations: Kochi (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), and Thiruvananthapuram . The airports have several carriers operating international flights around the world.

• Cochin International Airport ( COK  IATA ) is the largest airport in the state, as well as the first Indian airport with operations on solar power, with regular flight connections to most parts of India, of the Middle East , Southeast Asia , Sri Lanka and Maldives . Europe- and U.S.-bound passengers need to transit in the Middle East or Mumbai .
• Thiruvananthapuram International Airport ( TRV  IATA ) has regular connections to major cities of India, and to the Middle East , Southeast Asia , Sri Lanka and Maldives . Charter flights for tourism from London, New York and Moscow operate to Thiruvananthapuram.
• Calicut International Airport ( CCJ  IATA ) is a new airport with limited international connects other than to the Middle East .

There are 20 to 25 international carriers offering flights to Kerala. Apart from international carriers, Air India offers international connections from the three airports. Domestic destinations accessible by direct flights from these airports include Chennai , Bangalore , Mumbai , Agatti, Hyderabad , Mangalore , Goa and Delhi . There are daily, and some bi-daily flights, to most Indian cities from Calicut, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. Many of the major Indian low-cost carriers (LCC) such as SpiceJet and IndiGo offer daily flights from major Indian cities.

By train [ edit ]

Indian Railways operates several trains to, from and within Kerala. Trains into Kerala start from neighbouring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu . Long-haul direct train services from cities like Delhi and Mumbai are also available.

Log on to the Indian Railways booking site to book tickets online or you can walk up to any railway station to book tickets between any two destinations in India.

Trains are the most popular method of transport and almost all trains in Kerala originate or terminate in Thiruvananthapuram or Ernakulam , and are usually heavily booked. Buy your tickets as early as possible. Another option is using Tatkal. You need to pay more depending on the class of accommodation, but have a chance of getting a seat. Tatkal is an emergency service, hence its booking is open just 24 hours before departure. The Tatkal booking starts at 10AM on the previous day of travel for AC classes, and 11AM on the previous day of travel for non AC sleeper class. Make sure that you have an Indian railway website login and valid identification card with you during booking. Some travel agents have authorised booking quotas for certain trains.

The luxury tourist train The Golden Chariot offers a South Indian Rail Tour, which includes many parts of Kerala. This is a good option for those who want to visit the South Indian states on a tight schedule. The train starts from Bangalore and covers Chennai , Pondicherry , Tiruchirappalli , Madurai , Thiruvananthapuram , Alappuzha , Kochi and back to Bangalore. The 7 night/8 day package tour costs US$3,000-7,000 depending upon the class taken.

By bus [ edit ]

Inter-state private and government buses operates between neighbouring states. Usually the journey is performed in the night so that you can escape the heat of the day. The most common inter-state bus is Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC-Karnataka) with daily bus from most of Major cities of Kerala to Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore. Tamil Nadu State Bus like SETC also operates regularly from Kerala. Kerala's State bus- KRSTC-Kerala do have regular ordinary bus to most of nearby places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. KRSTC-Kerala also operates a few Volvo AC bus to Bangalore and Coimbatore.

However private bus companies operate more buses than government options. Most of them are well maintained. Kallada, Shama, KPN are the major bus players. Raj National and few others offer pan-India operations. Kallada, KPN and Shama have regular buses to Bangalore, Chennai and many other places in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on various times.

It is recommended that you consider booking long-distance bus tickets on air-conditioned Volvo buses operated by all operators as the quality of the other buses vary significantly.

By road [ edit ]

Kerala is well connected by national highways:

• NH 17 (connecting Mumbai to Kochi via Western coastal side of Goa , Karnataka and almost all towns of Malabar like Kannur , and Kozhikode ),
• NH 47 (connecting Salem with Kanyakumari via Coimbatore , Palakkad , Thrissur , Kochi , Alappuzha , Kollam , Thiruvananthapuram
• NH 212 (connecting Kozhikode to Mysore via Wayanad ),
• NH 49 (Connecting Kochi to Ramaeswaram via Munnar , Madurai ),
• NH 220 (connecting Kollam to Theni in Tamil Nadu via Kottayam , Kanjirapally, Kumily and enters into Tamil Nadu at Kumily),
• NH 208 (connecting Kollam with Madurai via Punalur , Shenkottai, Tenkasi ) and
• NH 213 (connecting Palakkad with Kozhikode )
• NH 212 is a national highway in Southern India, which connects Kozhikode in Kerala with Kollegal in Karnataka via Mysore

Most of the NH roads are dual carriageways. As vehicle density is very high in Kerala, accidents are common. You must be extra cautious while driving here.

As Kerala receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, road conditions are not always consistent. Therefore, expect delays in your schedule especially in monsoon season and afterwards (June–October) even on the National Highways.

By ferry [ edit ]

Kochi is a major cruise port and a large international cruise terminal is under construction. Once completed, regular cruises will be operated from Kochi. A regular luxury Cruise between Colombo , Male and Kochi is now operational. All Lakshadweep bound cruises originate in Kochi and make return trips.

Also private yachts and other sea going boats regularly call at Kochi.

Get around [ edit ]

Kerala is quite well connected with many modes of transport. The flat southern side is better connected than mountainous north.

Trains are good for long-distance travel within the state. Most trains are long-distance trains with stops at many of Kerala's stations. Short-distance trains are mainly intercity passenger trains, connecting only major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Palakkad, Alappuzha, Kollam, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Kannur and Thrissur.

There are two Vande Bharat Express trains that run across the length of the state, from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram . They are uniquely identified by their different colours. The blue and white Vande Bharat Express train runs through Kottayam , while the orange and white one runs through Alappuzha .

Train fares [ edit ]

The average fare for a 200 km distance for different classes is given below :

• First Class AC: ₹1,200
• Two Tier AC: ₹617
• Three Tier AC: ₹430
• AC Chair Car: ₹203
• Sleeper Class: ₹120
• Second class seat in Express train: ₹70
• Second class seat in Passenger train: ₹30

By car [ edit ]

Roads remain the primary, popular mode of transport. Nearly every nook and corner of the state is well connected by road. The primary roads are NH 47, NH 49, NH 17 and NH 212 and are all National Highways. The NH 47 is one of the busiest as it connects Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. The traditional primary road is MC Road, which covers some of the most scenic places in south Kerala. However travel on the NH 47 cuts the time by at least an hour when travelling between Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

State Highways connect to almost all parts of Kerala. Most of the state highways are two-lane roads. Due to heavy rains, it's common to see potholes on most roads. Some of the wettest areas, like Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Iddukki, have very damaged roads.

Kerala has a good network of private and KSRTC buses. Bus fare is usually ₹7 for 3 km with the Fast Passenger and Super-fast services of KSRTC charging a marginally higher price. The air-conditioned Volvo service operated by KSRTC charges around 250% the cost of ordinary fares. In every city of Kerala, there are separate private and KSRTC bus stations. In some cities, KSRTC buses service private bus stations, but never vice versa. Mini buses are more popular because they move very slowly and the crew are very courteous.

For distances exceeding 100 km, night services are better because daytime traffic is hopeless and you can save a lot of time travelling in the night.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are a good but expensive way to cover short distances. Negotiate the price before you get into the taxi. Ambassador and Indica Taxis are the most common services. Ambassador Taxis are rarely air-conditioned and are most commonly used in Thiruvananthapuram. Indica is more common in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kottayam areas. Most of the Indica taxis are air-conditioned. Normal rate is ₹ 50 as minimum rate for 2 km and ₹20 per km later. A/C cabs charge normally 10 to 15% more. In Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, day cabs are available that charge ₹ 450 for 4 hour trip anywhere within city limits or ₹850 for 8 hour trip within city limits. Most these will be Indica.

Terrain vehicles and 4 wheel SUVs are the most common form of taxi in hilly areas.

By auto-rickshaw [ edit ]

Auto-rickshaws, also called autos, are a convenient mode of transport for very short-distance travel. By law the auto driver has to start a meter for every journey. However at times this law tends to be overlooked. It is wise to ask the driver, politely, to ensure he starts the meter at the start of your journey, to avoid unnecessary arguments at the end of the trip. Most of the larger railway stations and all the airports have pre-paid auto-rickshaw and/or taxi stands. Just tell them where you want to go and you will get a slip of paper with the destination and amount written on it. Pay only that amount of money and nothing more.

Kerala has an extensive series of water bodies with rivers, backwaters and lagoons making travel by ferry an effective service. In some places, ferries are more popular and easier than road transport. Most of the places in the Alappuzha-Kuttanad area are interconnected with regular ferry services.

The main waterways route, served by Kerala Water Transport Department boats, are as follows

• (1) Vembanad Lake - 52 km², connecting between districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam and numerous of canals in Kuttanad
• (2) Ashtamudi Lake - 200 km², connecting various points in Kollam district.
• (3) Ernakulam - Vypeen - Fort Cochin ferry (Cochin port & Harbour)
• (4) Muhamma - Kumarakom, connecting islands within Kottayam district
• (5) Vaikom - Thavanakkadavu, connecting Kottayam with Ernakulam districts.
• (6) Payyannur - Parassinikkadavu, connecting various parts of Kannur district.

In addition, the National Waterway- NW 3 has formally opened, which runs from Kollam in south Kerala to Kottapuram in Thrissur district, which will be served by large boats. The final touches to this waterway are underway and scheduled to open during the middle of the year.

Helicopter and air-taxi services are available between Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. These services connect the two major metros with District Headquarters. It's a very expensive way to travel.

There are no intra-city train/metro services in any Kerala city. Kochi has its own metro services, operating within the city limits. A dedicated Inter-city Rail called MEMU is under construction between Kochi and Kollam.

See [ edit ]

Due to its unique geography, Kerala gets rain for at least 7-8 months of the year and the forests are classified as rainforests. There are many opportunities to trek, camp and see wildlife.

Scenic attractions [ edit ]

The Backwaters of Kerala are a maze of lagoons criss-crossed with rivers, shallow pools and canals, all separated from the sea by a narrow strip of sand banks. Backwaters are present throughout the state but Alappuzha and Kottayam are most notable in this regard.

The Blue Mountains of the Western Ghats , popularly known as Nilgiris, are close to Thiruvananthapuram and there are numerous hill stations in this area. The most popular is Munnar, the honeymoon capital of the state. The highest peak of the Western Ghats is Anamudi (2,695 metres), which is good for trekking. The area is also home to several sanctuaries and forest reserve areas. There are more than two dozen waterfalls , both large and small, with numerous rapids and springs. The largest fallwaters are at Athirampally, where three milky waterfalls fall at great speed.

Kerala has 650 km of coastline and numerous beaches . Popular recreational beaches include Alappuzha Beach , Kollam Beach , Cherai Beach, Muzhappilangadu beach and Varkala Beach . Some of these beaches also have historical significance such as Kozhikode Beach where Vasco da Gama first landed in India and Kovalam Beach near Thiruvananthapuram , a centre of Hippy counter-culture in the 1960s.

Historical monuments [ edit ]

Kerala is home to numerous historical monuments that can be found in many cities. It hosts the Cherman Perumal Mosque in Kodungallor which is the world's second oldest intact mosque and is home to many rare artifacts. There are forts in Bekal , Palakkad and Thalassery from the pre-British Raj era that are worth exploring. Also of interest are several palaces in the state. Most notable are the Hill Palace in Kochi and the Palaces at Sree Padmanabhapuram , 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram .

Eco-tourism villages [ edit ]

Kerala was the first state to formally embrace the eco-tourism concept in South Asia , and has made considerable strides in this respect. The Akkalum Tourist Village in Thiruvananthapuram has a floating bridge and beautiful landscaped gardens and many famous statues and sculptures dot the area. Kumbalangi Model Village for Sustainable Tourism near Kochi was a once sleepy fishing village, and now popular visitor attraction with a planned focus on sustainability. Thenmala Eco-Tourist Village in Kollam is the first such place in India, with an intense focus on the natural environment. It offers numerous exhibits include 27 rare trees, many sculptures, and a large musical fountain.

Religious attractions [ edit ]

Kerala is famous for its pilgrimage options. Most of the religious sites are deep-rooted with shades of strong myths, legends, and many have long historical tales of more than 1,000 years to tell. Finding a temple, church or mosque is not difficult, as houses of worship are present in almost every nook and corner. Kerala is famous for its religious harmony. Keralites are very religious people and religious functions dominate all walks of life. This does not mean that those in Kerala are a closed minded people; it's a very open society that accepts respectful debate and discussions about religion.

Many times one can find Hindu temples, Christian churches, Muslim mosques, and even Jain temples in the same city. While in Kerala, take note of the interesting architecture of many Muslim mosques. Unlike other parts of India, Islamic Architecture in Kerala is similar to Kerala Temple architecture without much Persian influence. However, many new mosques are built in Arab Style due to growing Arab influence in Kerala society.

Normally in Kerala, mosques and churches are referred as palli , not masjids as they are called in other parts of India.

Do [ edit ]

Ayurveda [ edit ].

Due to a tourist boom, Ayurvedic spas have became popular for light massages and pleasure treatments. However, this practice is not evidence-based, so if you need medical treatment, do not go to an Ayurvedic hospital.

Cruises [ edit ]

A cruise on the Backwaters of Kerala is a popular visitor pastime. Try renting a houseboat from either Kumarakom or Alappuzha. An individual houseboat can be rented in 24-hour and 12-hour blocks. Rates differ according to the season and duration.

Many tourist villages offer boating opportunities which are an excellent way to sight-see. In general, most villages on or near water will offer a means of transport on their respective body of water. This can be a delightful addition to your trip.

Festivals [ edit ]

Kerala is considered as land of festivals, with numerous festivals falling throughout the year. The national festival of Kerala is Onam , marking 10-day-long festivities across the state, happening between August and September. The second biggest festival is Christmas due to large Christian population in the state, celebrated in grand zest in many cities, particularly in Kochi and Kottayam. All Muslim festivals are celebrated among the community in grand way, everywhere in Kerala. Apart from major religious festivals, most of temples hosts annual festivals as part of anniversary celebrations, famous for large parade of decorated elephants, temple orchestration and fireworks. The most famous among them is Thrissur Pooram celebrated in the Thrissur city during April–May.

Other major festivals celebrated are Vishu (Malayalam New Year day mostly on April 14th), Thiruvathira (considered sacred for Hindu women celebrated during December) and Holy Easter Week. National secular holidays like Independence Day (August 15th), Republic Day (January 26th), Naval Week (December 1st week), Nehru Trophy Vallam Kalli (Snake-boat race in Alappuzha on 2nd Saturdays of August) etc. are celebrated in grand way in various cities.

Onam [ edit ]

Onam is the biggest festival in Kerala. It is the National Festival of Kerala with State holidays on 4 days starting from Onam Eve (Uthardom) to the 4rd Onam Day. Its also one of the most secular festival. Onam Festival falls during the Malayalam month of Chingam (Aug - Sep) and marks the homecoming of mythical King Mahabali who Malayalees consider as their King. Onam is a reminiscent of Kerala's agrarian past, as its considered to be harvest festival.

Onam festivities last for ten days and brings out the best of Kerala culture and tradition. Intricately decorated Pookalam (floral carpets), the mammoth Onasadya (the festival feast), breathtaking Snake Boat Race and the exotic Kaikottikali dance are some of the most remarkable features of Onam, Kerala's harvest festival. Though the festive mood is spread everywhere in Kerala, the focal point of Onam celebrations happens in Kochi. The 10 day festival starts off with Aathachamayam (The Royal Parade on Aatham Day) in Thripunithara (a suburb of Kochi City). The Parade is extremely colour and depicts all the elements of Kerala culture with more than 50 floats and 100 tableaux. The main center of festival is at Thrikakkara temple within Kochi City, believed to be the ancient capital of King Mahabali. The Temple festival also marks the start of Onam.

The festival is celebrated in memory of the mythical King Mahabali and his reign, during which perfect harmony and prosperity prevailed. The King Mahabali's popularity was at its height and led to the envy of the Gods. This golden age ended when Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, expelled him from his throne to the netherworld. On account of his virtue, Mahabali was allowed to visit his subjects once a year, during Onam. Though the myth behind Onam is a Hindu tradition, the festival is equally celebrated in all its zest and glitz by all communities like Christians, Muslims etc. There are special Masses for Onam day in churches and get-together among Muslim families.

Onam is considered to the biggest shopping festival in urban areas, particularly Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode etc. Most of the shops give Mega discounts and special promotions happen for White goods as well as electronic items, making an ideal time for shopping. Dress and fabrics get a special attention during this season and make any shoppers crazy to shop with they die with fatigue. Onam's Eve called as Uthradom is the biggest day for shopping, when its a day for heavy rush for final Onam Shopping, thus calling it as Uthradom Pachil (Uthradom Rush) in almost every part of the state.

Onam day (Thiruvonam) is a silent day, with most of the festivities limiting to homes. In major metros, Onam Special Sadhya (Onam Buffet) are arranged in almost all hotels. Onam feast is the largest of all Feasts in Kerala where minimum 25 to 30 Curries and 4 to 5 Desserts are served. Normally Onam is a pure Veg festival and people of all religions do adopt Veg Foods on Thiruvonam day considering its traditional Hindu origin. However, in Malabar side, its compulsory to have Non-Veg along with Onam Sadhya. Onam evening is marked with village games and cultural programs, mainly limited to rural areas. Thiruvananthapuram city has the biggest official celebrations with 10 day and night long dance, music and various events along with heavy illumination and fireworks. Official celebrations have been extended to Kochi and Kozhikode, though not of the scale as in Thiruvananthapuram. However many private functions and events mark on these Onam Days.

Vishu [ edit ]

The second most important festival in Kerala is Vishu . Vishu falls on Malayalam Month of Medam 1st (normally 14th or 15th or 16th day of April). Its considered as Astronomic New Year, as its the day when Sun enters into Tropic of Cancer. It is considered to be the most auspicious day to start anything new. Though it doesn't have as much as glitz that Onam has, still Vishu is an important day in Kerala, more famous for its Vishu Sadhya (Vishu Feast), Kainettam (First Gift by elders to young on start of New Year) and of course shopping.

Christmas [ edit ]

Christmas is one of the biggest festivals in Kerala. Today Christmas has moved more a secular festival than a religious festival. The days from 23 Dec to 2 Jan are considered the most festive days in a year, with terrific shopping, parties, parades and the entire air is filled with festivities organized by many. Parades on Christmas eves in major churches are worth to watch and special masses in churches as well as Christmas feast are something that anybody wish for. Today most of the large hotels in the state offer Gala X'mas Buffet feasts, which must be a sure try for any tourists, a good opportunity to taste unique Kerala Nasarani (Christian) food specialties.

New Year Eve [ edit ]

New Year Eve on 31 Dec is a major festival in many Kerala cities, as anywhere else. The famous Cochin Carnival and Lighting of Papanai (a tradition inherited from Portuguese). The New Year is welcomed at Kochi, by lighting a huge effigy of Santa-like figure called Papanai exactly at stroke of midnight believed to bid adieu to former year and light to welcome New Year. This is followed by a very gala party with dance and music till morning. These festivities happen in Fort Cochin. Today many clubs and hotels offer New Year Eve bash, which is also a good time to welcome the new year. Many beaches, particularly Kovalam Beach in Thiruvananthapuram hosts one of the largest Beach parties in India to welcome New Year. Beware of heavily drunken locals during party time, as a few cases of attempted molest were reported during beach parties and Fort Cochin Party. However its safe, Tourist Police is being deployed in these areas and in event of such case, swift and strong action are taken. DJ dance parties are very common in cities like Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Muslim festivals [ edit ]

Muslim festivals like Eid Al Fithur (popularly known in Kerala as Cheriya Perunal ) and Eid Al Adha ( Valiya Perunal ) is also celebrated. Its public holidays on these days and special Id Prayers are held in large grounds in morning, followed by public fest. The major celebration happens everywhere in Kerala. Try enjoying the special Kerala Biriyani and other unique food (mostly chicken and mutton-based). Also Id days are known for shopping in these regions, particularly dress and sweets. On Ramadan , special evening bazaars are common in many cities and extremely famous for the unique snacks taken as part of breaking fast. Public drinking and consuming food openly during Ramadan season, for Muslims, is frowned upon. Try Ramadan special sweets and snacks during fast breaking time in Fort Cochin as well as Chala Bazaar in Thiruvananthapuram.

Temple festivals [ edit ]

Kerala's festivals gained more fame, thro' its Temple festivals . Most of the temples do have an Annual festival starting from November end to middle May, which varies according to each temple's annual calendar. Most of the temple festivals is celebrated as part of temple's anniversary or presiding deity's birthday or any other major event associated with the temple. Kerala's temple festivals are very interesting to see, with regular procession of decorated elephants, temple orchestra and other festivities. Most of the temples do have 9 days of festivals and normally on 8th night, its marked with heavy fireworks and special orchestration of temple orchestra and parade of normally 3 to 9 decorated elephants.

Revathy pattathanam is a very famous festival that happens in Kozhikode as a part of Zamorin heritage. The Calicut Grandhavari (Kozhikode Chronicles) states that the Zamorin Raja when he was the Naduvazhi (chieftain) of Ernad earlier, confiscated the Tali Siva temple and forcefully removed sixty Saivite Brahmin trustees. Some of the trustees who resisted were executed. Tradition has it that Revathi Pattathanam, a competition for scholars, came to be organized in the 14th century as a Prayaschitta for this Brahmanahatya (murder of Brahmins, described as one of the five great sins in Dharmashastras). Following the take over of the temple, the royal family came to the verge of extinction due to the absence of progeny. This was interpreted as the consequence of the Brahmin curse. To remove this curse, the Shaiva saint Kolkunnattu Savankal, a contemporary of poet Raghavananda towards the end of the thirteenth century, advised the Zamorin to institute the competition on the latter's birth asterism of Revati every year. The competition was conducted annually and gifts were distributed for winners in four fields of knowledge- Tarka, Vyakarana, Mimamsa and Vedanta. More subjects were added at later stages. Pisharikavu kaliyattam festival is also conducted in Koyilandi in Kozhikode District .

The most famous temple festival, that one should not miss is Thrissur Pooram at city of Thrissur happening between last week of April- middle May. Thrissur Pooram is called Festivals of Festivals, marking the biggest and most gala temple festival. Its actually a competition of festivities between two temples and nearly parades of 30 to 50 decorated elephants along with huge temple orchestration normally associated by 150 to 200 musicians happen, making it a visual treat. Apart from that, heavy temple decors and special lighting will be erected across the city and the most famous part is its heavy fireworks which is normally considered as one of the world's longest fireworks. The fireworks display is also a competition between two temples and goes on for more than 4 to 5 hours, till early morning. The most interesting fact, none of the fireworks are made using help of any computer technology or other electronic gadgets and all are still fired using the traditional means of lighting by hand, which makes it more special, unlike other major fireworks in other global cities. This is an most important festival and worth to see at least once in a lifetime. A word of caution:- the festival is graced by more than 300,000 people across the state and it will be extremely heavy rush in the city on the festival day. Prior booking in hotels as well as on terrace tops is necessary to view the amazing fireworks and parade.

Another major festivals, worth for a watch is Navarathiri during Sept-Oct time as well as Sree Padmanabha's Arattu held twice in a Year. Both are celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram and its focal point is at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple. Navarathiri is considered to be a major festival across India and in Kerala its related to worship of Goddess Saraswathi (Goddess of Learning and Knowledge). In Thiruvananthapuram, Navarathiri season is marked with Parade of Kerala Police from the city to nearby Sree Padmanabhapuram Palace in Nagerkovil district of Tamil Nadu to bring the Royal Idols of Goddess (Goddess Durga is the family god of Travancore Royal family and these are still the continuation of Royal tradition as practiced in Travancore Kingdom). With the Parade of Armed Police, Mounted Police Battalions, Palace Guards, Members of Royal Family, the idols are brought to Thiruvanathapuram city and placed in Ramanar Palace near to Sree Padmanabha temple for the nine nights. The Nine nights are then marked with special musical programs, particularly the famous Classical music festival, which is worth to listen and enjoy.

The Sree Padmanbha's Arattu [ edit ]

The Sree Padmanbha's Arattu is again a Royal Procession of Lord Sree Padmanabha, the presiding deity of the Temple, happening twice in a year. As Lord Sree Padmanabha was the National Deity of the Travancore Kingdom who adored the title of Emperor of the Erstwhile Kingdom, the procession is considered one of the last legacy of royal heritage, with Kerala Police, Indian Army, Air force making its obligation to the Lord. This was part of the British tradition, when Royal Indian Army, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy saluted the lord with 21 gun salute, which is still carried today. The procession is considered to the biggest in the city with the Maharaja of Travancore taking the lead in the procession with a Golden sword followed by members of Palace Guards, Kerala Armed police, Sree Padmanabha's Mounted Guards and Royal Elephants, taking the idols of Lords as a parade throughout the city, to the nearby seashore at Shanumugham Beach for a bath. The time of Arattu is a public holiday in the Thiruvananthapuram city and during the bathing time at Sea shore in Shangumugham beach, no aircraft are allowed to fly over as the Thiruvananthapuram Airport is nearby, as a respect to lord. This happens twice in a year one during Nov-Dec time and another during Mar-Apr time Also once in 12 years, the biggest festival at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple happens, which marks lighting of 100,000 oil lamps, which is world record event, called Lakshamdeepam.

Adventure sports [ edit ]

The large presence of waterways in Kerala allows for a variety of adventure sports. Keep alert for opportunities to try catamaran sailing (a small often wooden vessel with twin hulls joined together), canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing, and para-sailing.

For less wet sports, Kerala offers a wide selection. There is mountain biking, mountain hiking, rock and tree climbing, and paragliding, in the hill and mountain regions.

If you are looking for something a little different, try Oxen Racing . A racer drives two oxens tied to wooden boards and makes 5 circles around the paddy field. This is a popular village sport, done before sowing season, to make soil easier to plough, while providing entertainment. Traditionally tourists are not encouraged to take part in this sport, as it requires high level of skill and expertise, though many tour companies provide this option to their adventurous guests.

Kayaking in rivers and near waterfalls are very famous in Kozhikode. The international Kayaking festival is conducted each year at Kodenchery.

Sports [ edit ]

Like elsewhere in India, many sport options exist in Kerala. Popular sports include football, cricket, volleyball, and athletics. Malayalees are well known for their passion for volleyball and athletics. The majority of great Indian volleyball players and famous athletes, of which many are Olympians, are from Kerala. If you intend to participate in a volleyball game, "bring your A game" as the locals are very good!

Golfing is good, though somewhat limited. Traditionally golf was considered a game for the rich in Kerala, hence one can find good golf-courses only in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. The Trivandrum Golf Course is the oldest golf-course in the Commonwealth and a very good place to play. The Bolgatty Palace Hotel in Cochin has a private golf-course for its guests, which was the traditional golf-course once used by British residents and nobles of Royal English residency of Cochin. Cochin Airport has a state-of-the-art 18-hole golf course and it is good place to play, as well as learn, golf. Munnar has a golf course called High-Range Golf Club which is a scenic place to play. There are few small golf clubs in Iddukki and Kottayam districts, which are mainly limited to its members, though tourists may be allowed to play at slightly higher fees.

Cricket is the hottest craze among the younger generations. You can find most of them playing in very large, open spaces and fields. Regular cricket tournaments are held in Kerala.

Indoor stadiums are common in most of the large metros and district headquarters. Many indoor games are played at clubs and tourist recreation centres. Some popular indoor games are table tennis, badminton and cards. Most of the hotels have large swimming pools. There is also the Kerala Water sports complex in Thiruvananthapuram and the Indoor Sports Centre in Kochi, that provide Olympic-sized pools for various water games.

Safaris [ edit ]

If you are in Kerala, elephants safaris can be a fantastic and memorable experience. Elephant safaris are common in many tourist places like Thenmala Eco-tourist Village and at Kodanadu Elephant Training centre near Kochi, as well as in Periyar Tiger reserve area.

Jungle safari . Kerala has many natural rain forests, with lots of unique flora and fauna. A trek in the forests of Kerala can offer a unique experience. Many forests are protected and to enter in any forest area, you require permission from Forest Office. Guards from the Forest Office may be required to accompany you due to presence of wild animals and to liaise with local tribespeople in some forests such as the Periyar Tiger Reserve , Malayatoor Forest Division , Silent Valley Rain forest in the Nilgiri Hills of Palakkad district, Wayanad forest division and Nilambur Teak forests .

You need a forest permit to enter any forest region and must assure that you do not offer anything to local tribespeople or disturb them in any way. Entering forests, that require permission, without permission is an offence and punishable with charges of trespassing. Hunting and environmental disturbances are also an offence. Kerala tourism, in association with the Forest Office have organised some deep jungle safaris. Jungle lodges are available in outer areas of some of the forests. Check with KTDC or DTPC for more details.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

Kerala has one of the excellent banking systems in India, thus cards (both debit, credit and cash cards) are widely accepted in almost all towns and cities. Banks, money exchange facilities and ATMs are widespread. Traveller's Cheques are accepted in almost all banks. Credit and local debit cards are widely accepted in towns. Rural areas traditionally have a cash-based society, though credit/debit cards are widely accepted in tourist-oriented villages and areas. Foreign debit cards are not accepted, though foreign credit cards are accepted in almost all places. There is a cash limit that can be drawn per day of ₹10,000 when drawn from ATMs. A surcharge of ₹50 is charged for transactions beyond first ten transactions in a month. Foreign currency can be converted into Indian rupees (₹) at any authorised money changers or nationalised banks up to ₹50,000 in value (in one transaction) and any amount above this, requires a bank account and Indian PAN Card. Foreign currencies are not accepted anywhere in Kerala, except in airports and authorised money exchange centers (available at all cities across Kerala).

Banking [ edit ]

The largest Kerala bank is Federal Bank with its headquarters in Aluva, Kochi, with wide range of branches across the state. Major Kerala banks include, State Bank of Travancore, South Indian Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, and Dhanalakshmi bank , apart from almost all national bank brands. International banks such as HSBC, Standard Chartered and Citibank operate mainly in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Tipping [ edit ]

Service charges are common in hotels and restaurants which will be normally included in your bill (standard is 10%, which varies depending upon the status and rankings, but not beyond 15%). In addition to this, tipping is common everywhere and its a social norm to pay tip in hotels and restaurants, normally ₹10-20. In larger five star hotels or similar large restaurants, the tipping norm is normally 10% or 12% of your bill value. No tip is given for auto or taxi drivers, though over-night taxi drivers have to be pay bata (official tip) which shall be charged separately in your taxi bill.

Costs [ edit ]

Kerala is generally an expensive destination when compared to elsewhere in India.

Budget tourists normally require ₹1,000 per day for a decent stay including food. A day may include patronage of ordinary restaurants or road-side hawkers (called Thattukadas) for their food which costs less than ₹40. Middle class tourists can expect daily expenses to keep around ₹1,400-₹2,000 per day with a stay in pretty good hotel and for food in standard restaurants. For those willing to spare no expense, Kerala is a destination that costs normally beyond ₹4,000.

Shopping [ edit ]

Shopping is a national hobby in Kerala, with vast options in all metropolitan areas. The best time to shop is during the Onam or Christmas seasons. One can find amazing discounts, that might make you "mad" with capitalistic zeal. The best shopping during Onam are white goods and electronics, whereas apparel and jewellery are discounted more during Christmas. It is possible to get discounts on many items in these seasons.

Most of the leading foreign brands and products are available (from apparel to automobiles) across Kerala. Apart from regular shopping, consider the following for made in Kerala items.

Souvenirs [ edit ]

• A wide range of coconut shell products can be found in Alappuzha, most of them hand-made.
• While visiting Aranmula, a small town in Pathanamthitta, you will find for sale the famous Aranmula Mirror - a mirror made out of metal instead of glass, using a metallurgic formula which is a closely guarded secret. It is an expensive option, but a truly unique souvenir.
• A visit to any emporium will reveal a lot of handicrafts. Kerala is famous for its wooden crafts , brass models of cultural icons like vallam (snake boats), urus (sailboats), elephants in temple festival style, and traditional jewelry boxes .
• Showcase pieces like Nettipattam (the Caparison used for elephants), molded of plastic and adorned with decorations like peacock quill, are popular with visitors. The God's Own Craft, an organization based in Kochi, has popularised the sale of these plastic pieces, helping visitors bring them home, while retaining the traditional look and charm.
• Coir wall hangings with beautiful pictures and fans made out of Lemongrass that makes natural scent while fanning.

Fabric [ edit ]

• Kerala's traditional Handloom cloth, Mundu and Neriyathu , can be purchased directly from weavers mainly in Chendamangalam near Kochi and Balaramapuram near Thiruvananthapuram.
• Large stores in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and many other cities have good collection of worked sarees, Churidars, dress materials, salwar-suits, Indian men's wear like Kurtha-Pyjama.

Oils and spices [ edit ]

• Kerala, is well known for spices. Cardamom, pepper, cloves, turmeric, saffron and many others can be found when shopping in Kerala's bazaars. Some of the recommended spice markets are Broadway in Kochi and Chalai in Trivandrum . At Wayanad, Idukki, Pathanamtitta, Kottayam and Kozhikode you can find first quality premium spices from many authorised spice centres. These places are famous for value-added spice products like curry masala powders, ready-to-use spice powders, spice essences, extracts, spiced teas and coffee. Rare spice oils and concentrates used as bases for perfume and scents can also be found.
• Many outlets sell unique natural cosmetic powders like mango, orange and papaya peel powder, turmeric powder. These and other spices, herbal powders and natural extracts are good for making face and body cleansing powders and soaps. Its worth to look around and investigate what is on offer.
• Try buying some lemongrass oil, famous for its rare scent. It can also be used on the skin to discourage mosquitoes. There are more than a dozen oils in Kerala, famous for maintaining a healthy skin glow and reducing blemishes and acne.
• Coconut oil is good to keep hair fall under control and nurture hair growth as well as for promoting a healthy glowing skin. Keralites put coconut into a multitude of varying uses. It is used as a high temperature cooking oil and scrapped powder and coconut milk is used in many local cooking styles. Roasted oil & virgin coconut oil are known to reduce cholesterol and are popular for good health. It is also used by expecting mothers for keeping their baby healthy.

Murals and paintings [ edit ]

Kerala is home to many famous national and international painters. The celebrated Kerala murals and oil paintings of legendary Raja Ravi Varma and many others, surely add more charm to your interiors. You can buy murals and paintings of all size and style, that fit to your budget, which is comparatively cheaper in Kerala.

Eat [ edit ]

Kerala cuisine is distinctly different from food elsewhere in India. The major difference that one can easily notice are dominance of rice as staple food and popularity of non-vegetarian dishes. Kerala is known for its incredibly long standing, and liberal consumption of meat, fish and alcohol in comparison to the rest of India.

In stark contrast to other Indian states, beef is commonly eaten in Kerala by members of all religions. Beef, fish and other types of meat have been regularly consumed in Kerala since at least the Chera Dynasty in 500 BCE. Seafood gets a lion's share in typical Kerala's cuisine and lavish use of coconut (in form of coconut oil, coconut milk, powder or paste) gives a distinct taste. Food in Kerala tends to include a variety of spices and most of them are extremely fiery. Kerala also has its own fair share of famous vegetarian cuisines and normally only vegetarian foods are taken during festival days, particularly Onam.

Kerala's cuisine is divided into four basic regional styles, according to ingredient availability and historical influence: Malabar , Central Travancore , Southern Travancore , and Central Kerala . Although all four styles can be found throughout the state, the food will be most authentic within each given region.

Sadhya [ edit ]

One of the favourite for any connoisseur of food would be Kerala's traditional buffet, the sadhya . It is served especially during festive occasion and normally presented upon a plaintain leaf. It generally has up to 24 items and is accompanied by various desserts and savories.

A typical sadhya consists of piping hot parboiled rice with popular Kerala vegetarian dishes like olan ( a dish of pumpkin ), avial ( an assorted mix of all vegetables ), injipulee ( a ginger & tamarind flavouring ), kaalan ( made of yam and yogurt ), thoran ( pan-fried vegetables sprinkled with grated coconut ), kichiadi ( roasted cucumber in yogurt ), pachadi ( a sweet dish made out pineapple or grapes mixed with sour yogurt ), kottukari ( a mixture of few vegetables like raw bananas or pumpkin or potatoes, pan fried mixed with a spicy tomato puree curry base ) etc. In some sadhyas, options like potato stew , masala curry are served. The sambar ( a watery all-Vegetable curry ) and parippu ( lentils, either mashed or curry form ) along with ghee are served as the main appetiser'. Normally 2 to 3 spicy pickles called as achar are served.

Other assortments include pappadam ( fried Lentil-flour paper-thin bread ), along with banana chips and jaggery sweet, served as main appetisers. Towards the end of sadhya, rasam ( similar to mulligatawny soup made out of pepper and tomato water is served, which is good for digestion ) and mooru or sambharam ( spiced buttermilk ) are served. Bananas are also taken as a final note to end the elaborate sadhya's main course. The desserts includes payasam ( a sweet porridge-like, made of jaggery or sugar along with rice, cereals, fruits depending on what type of payasam ) as well as boli , a sweet flour bread, which looks similar to an omelet, along with a banana and sometimes unniappam ( sweet fried rice flour dumpling ).

Normally sadyas are served on lunch time and normally will be pure vegetarian. Onasadhya ( served on the Onam day ) is the most famous, due to having more than 30 curries and an elobrate range of special payasams. Many leading hotels and restaurants now serve smaller versions of sadhya as part of a regular lunch offering. In Malabar, sometimes, fried-fish or chicken curry constitute part of the sadhya, as the Malabar sadhya does not have a vegetarian tradition.

Thalis/fixed price meals [ edit ]

Most of the hotels offer smaller version of sadhya called as thali ( fixed or unlimited serving ) as part of regular lunch. A thali normally has around 8-10 curries along with 2 pickles and pappadams and a payasam. The small hotels and regular lunch homes offer a very small and popular option called meals as a regular lunch option. A normal lunch Meal shall consist of 3 to 4 curries and 1 pickle and pappadam. Fish curry or fried fish are part of fish- meals .

Seafood [ edit ]

Seafood is available all over Kerala and is part of regular Kerala cuisine. In regions bordering the backwaters and lakes traditional cuisine includes fresh-water fish such as karimeen (black pearlspot), prawns, shrimps, kanava ( squid ) and many other delicacies. In most of the parts of Kerala, various varieties of sea fishes are extremely popular and consumed regularly in afternoon lunch. Another popular option is fiery hot fish curry served along with 'kappa' ( tapioca ) or rice. Steamed and mashed tapioca flavoured with turmeric served along with spicy fish curry or mashed chilly gravy is a favorite among Malayalees, particularly those in rural areas.

Breakfast [ edit ]

Kerala is very famous for its elaborate breakfast food. It has been adjourned as one of the best breakfasts in the world, partly due to its high nutritional value and low oil content. Unlike other parts of India, few non-vegetarian items are available on Kerala breakfast menus. Some of the popular breakfast items are;

• Dosas ( crispy fried ricebread ), having flavourings of butter, ghee, masala or plain.
• Idiyappam ( string hoppers - also known as noolputtu and nool-appam ), taken with spicy egg curry or tomato curry.
• Idli ( steamed rice pancake ), a soft fluffy cake taken alone with chutney ( spicy chilly/coconut paste ) and sambar.
• Kadala , a curry made of black garbanzo beans chana and bananas .
• Paal-Appam , a circular, fluffy, crisp-edged pancake made of rice flour, sometimes fermented with toddy or wine or yeast , is taken with chicken stew ( mild spiced coconut milk based gravy ), egg curry or vegetable kurma ( a mixed vegetable curry in coconut milk gravy ).
• Pidiyan ( dumplings made of rice and jaggery ).
• Puttu ( made of rice powder and grated coconut, steamed in a metal or bamboo holder ), taken along with kadala . Varieties of puttu made with carrot, raggi, and with fillings of chicken, mutton, and prawn, are available in some places.
• Malabar parotta , a type of flatbread made by flipping the dough multiple times against a flat and smooth surface until it becomes very thin, then layering it onto itself, before frying in ghee. Malaysia 's roti canai and Singapore 's roti prata was derived from this dish.

Dinner [ edit ]

Dinner is traditionally similar to Lunch in Kerala, though instead of rice, congee or kanzhi ( rice porridge ) is served along with spicy raw chillies and roasted pappadams. Today, dinner is more like North Indian style dinner, with chappathis and parathas dominating the main course along with vegetable or non vegetable curries.

Breads & rice [ edit ]

Kerala doesn't have any indigenous wheat breads in its traditional recipes, though today most of the North Indian breads like naans and parathas are popular options. There are many more unique rice-flour made breads which are not often seen outside Kerala.

• Rice breads - palappams ( milk mixed in normal appam batter ) and kallappams ( palm toddy mixed in normal appam batter ).
• Rice flour breads - pathiris ( a fried rice flour bread ), ghee pathiri ( pathiri baked in ghee ), poricha pathiri ( fried pathiri rather than baked ) and stuffed pathiris ( anything like vegetables, fish or chicken ).
• Malabar paratha ( porotta ) - a famous milled wheat weaved fried (or toasted) bread originated from Malabar, popular throughout Kerala
• Rice - Kerala's most favourite rice is called matta ( a nutritious indigenous variety of rice grown in Palakkad district of Kerala ). Normal boiled rice, served piping hot is a regular staple for lunch as well as dinner. Other popular options are ghee rice, fried rice, saffron rice, turmeric rice and biryani rice.

Sweets [ edit ]

Due to the lesser influence of Arab & Central Asian food on Kerala, the use of sweets is not as widespread as in North India. Kerala does not have any indigenous cold desserts, but hot/warm desserts are popular. The most popular example is undoubtedly the payasam : a preparation of milk, coconut extract, sugar, cashews and dry grapes. There are more than 18 varieties of payasam all having same base constituents and differs from others due to main ingredient. Some of the popular variants are paal payasam ( made with rice grains ), Ada payasam ( with beaten rice flakes ), Paripu payasam ( made from lentils ), pazham pradhamam ( made from banana ), gothambu payasam ( made from wheat grain ) or semiya ( made with vermicelli ).

Other popular indigenous sweets are:

• Unniappam, a fluffy deep-fried rice-bread mixed with ripe bananas similar to the Danish Æbleskiver.
• Pazham-pori, plantain slices covered with a fried crust made of sweetened flour.
• Kozhukkatta, rice dumplings stuffed with a sweet mixture of molasses, coconut.

Savories are extremely popular in Kerala, with fried banana chips as most preferred. Jack-fruit chips, chips made out of rice flour in various forms like achappam, kozhalappam, paka-vada, and hard balls made out of rice flour with jaggery like avilose unda are popular options.

Ethnic food [ edit ]

Travelers will come across several restaurants with signboards Nadan Hotel which is the Malayalam way of describing traditional food. This means a return to the ancient Keralite style of eating on plantain leaves. Sometimes the spices are ground in the old way instead of using commercially available spice mixes. On the whole, the main difference is the presence of a village cook in place of an urban chef.

Cost of food [ edit ]

The prices of food items vary greatly but Indian Coffee House outlets charge as per the following listː

• Vegetarian meals ₹40
• Nonvegetarian meals ₹70
• Ghee rice, single ₹37
• Chicken curry ₹65
• Fish curry ₹47
• Fish fry ₹110
• Egg masala ₹35
• Beef biriyani ₹110
• Chicken biriyani, single ₹95
• Mutton biriyani, single ₹125

Drink [ edit ]

• Water . Tap water is usually not safe to drink. Mineral water is available at almost all shops and is the safest option.

• Tender coconut water , ( karikku ), is available in even the smallest towns. Tender coconut water is extremely popular. This sweet, creamy treat contains an ice-cream like cream which can be drank, housed in a delicious pulp that can be eaten. It's good for you, too.
• Coffee ( kapi ) and tea ( chaya ) : unlike other parts of South India, in Kerala tea is more popular than coffee. It's virtually impossible not to find a stall selling tea. The famous tea of Kerala is the Kannan Devan brand . In Kerala one can find Milma (a milk brand) booths selling tea with milk and snack eateries. Coffee is more popular in urban areasPopular national brands like Cafe Coffee Day and many local cafes offer various flavours of coffees with western/oriental snacks. Kerala's own traditional cafe is Indian Coffee House , which are old-fashioned pre-1970s styled coffee shops that offer Kerala coffee along with regular Kerala foods. From the new generation of cafe, comes Kerala's Coffee Beanz which is now open everywhere. They offer various innovative coffee flavours and traditional Kerala snacks along with lite burgers.
• Juices and shakes , Kerala, being a tropical state, offers many delicious tropical juices. Almost everywhere one can find small juice stalls selling mango, orange, pineapple, lemon, water melon and other juices. Milk shakes mixed with ice-cream is very popular and the best way to beat the Kerala summer heat. Sharja shake and chikoos are popular milk shakes mixed with various fruits and fruit flavour ice-creams.
• Alcohol , Kerala tops in per capita alcohol consumption in India, despite the high rate of government taxation. You'll find a bar in most hotels serving anything from 'kallu' ( Kerala traditional palm toddy ) to Scotch whisky. Alcohol consumption in public is frowned upon, and the bars in everything except the most expensive hotels tend to be seedy. Bars in urban areas nowadays are bit more upscale and hence bit more expensive or carry additional service charges. For budget travellers who wish to have liquors in private, you can buy most of the liquor brands along with beer from Government-run Kerala State Beverage Corporations Limited ( popularly known as Beverage Shop or Bevco ) stores and drink in private. However, there is usually a very large queue in front of these stores and the wait is often long. Additionally, they are closed on the 1st of every month. Kerala have many posh bars and pubs in which to drink. Several restaurants in cities like Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam and Kollam serve alcohol along with regular menu food. Cocktails are extremely popular.
• Locally made palm toddy , called kallu , is tempting to try but some people become sick due to bad brews. If you do try it, make sure you stick to the license-made brew, and not local moonshine. However, on the Alappuzha-Changaserry route, you can find a number of good toddy shops which offer authorised toddy in addition to very tasty, unique Kerala specialties. Even if you don't try toddy, having food from these toddy shops is an excellent way to experience Kerala's distinctive food.

Sleep [ edit ]

With tourism being one of the most important source for the state's coffers, a wide array of accommodation is available for tourists suiting individual tastes, cultural preferences, and prices that will fit the slimmest of wallets. Almost all major cities have hotels ranging from tourist lodges to 5-star hotels and theme resorts. In addition to this, there are youth hostels, home-stays, travel dormitories and small lodges catering to budget tourists.

For a smoother, more peaceful visit, it is advised to lodge on or near beach properties as all other areas of Kerala suffer from traffic issues. Traffic jams are a daily phenomenon in almost all parts of Kerala. Since the railway line isolates the beach side from the rest of the downtown areas, there is a marked peace in the beach areas. This is applicable to all districts of Kerala except the hill districts of Palakkad, Wayanad, Idukki and Pathanamthitta where traffic snarls are rare.

Homestays [ edit ]

Kerala was one of the first states in India to pioneer the concept of homestays and make it a successful industry. Under the homestay concept, you get to stay with a family who can show you around and help you experience the best of Kerala. Your accommodation and food is taken care of at a nominal cost. You will probably stay with a family whose members are well versed, or at least speak decently, in English. All the people offering homestays are vetted by the Government and will have to register themselves as such.

The majority of the home-stays are concentrated in the Fort Cochin area, where traditional large colonial bungalows and Jew houses have been converted into homestays. Alappuzha and Kottayam have many large homestays catering to both rich and budget tourists. Kollam also has its own share of home-stays which are mostly traditional Portuguese bungalows in addition to those owned by the industrialists of the town. There are many small-scale backpacker oriented homestays in Kannur and other Malabar towns.

The government has strict guidelines for Homestays and hence they are generally safe and well-maintained. These homestays range between ₹ 300 and ₹3,500 per night, depending upon the property and its profile.

Budget [ edit ]

₹322.50 and ₹700 are magic numbers when you are looking for budget non-AC and AC rooms respectively. You can expect basic amenities: a bed, a TV and an attached bath-room. Most of the budget hotels call themselves tourist lodges, tourist Home and some hotel. They are rarely star-rated. Most of the hotels near railway stations inside cities traditionally target budget-minded guests. Kerala has a good number of Brahmin's tourist homes which provide rooms for families and couples. If available, choose this option as they are quite safe and quiet. If you are expecting a cheap, extended stay with an attached kitchenette, there are not many hotel options available in Kerala.

Mid-range [ edit ]

For a more comfortable stay, expect to pay above ₹700 (~US$14) for a non-air-conditioned room or more than ₹1,200 (~US$26) for one with air-conditioning. This category includes many 3-star hotels. You can expect more spacious rooms, English proficient concierges, and airport or railway station pick-up and drop-off.

Themed resorts also may also fall in this category. Expect ₹3,000 and above. It is possible to rent out an entire cottage, in an idyllic location. These cottages do come with kitchens.

Splurge [ edit ]

Almost all 3-star and above hotels and resorts fall under this category. Star-rated hotels in India are not cheap. If you are willing to stay in these hotels, most of them throw in a complimentary guided or packaged tour. Most five star hotels provide an attached kitchenette. If you think you might grow tired of Indian food, this would be a good option. Most of these hotels offer only air-conditioned rooms. Average costs can be ₹5,000 and above for a night. For middle and upper class tourists these are attractive options as they are generally very safe and provide a sound holiday.

Extended stay [ edit ]

If you are planning to stay more than 2 weeks, it's far better to look for monthly stay options rather than hotels. Housing in Kerala is not expensive, though it may be slightly on higher side in major metros like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. However, in most of other places, housing is cheaper even by Indian standards.

Serviced apartments are very common in Kochi, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Kollam, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, among others. There are popular service apartments, which offer hotel-like facilities for an extended stay, in Kochi city. Most of these apartments are well furnished with kitchenette facilities. Keep in mind more amenities usually means higher costs and most of these serviced apartments are suited to middle and upper class tourists.

For budget tourists, lodges are best option. In most of the places, you can find lodges or tourist homes that offer single or double room for daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Most of them have standard facilities, including attached toilets. Cheaper ones may not have TVs or personal landlines in each room. There are also options of Men's and Ladies' hostels, where single travellers can stay on a monthly basis.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Crime [ edit ].

• When it comes to crime, Kerala has its share of criminals. Pickpockets are quite common in heavily crowded areas like buses, festival grounds and city shopping areas. Don't trust your hotel cleaning staff with your costly belongings. Also, women are advised not to walk around in tight or revealing clothing. Take care not to roam around late at night, especially if you are alone.
• While in trains or buses, it is absolutely vital not to eat or drink anything which may be offered by a fellow traveller, due to risks of sedation and robbery. A smile and a soft "No, thank you" will suffice to avoid offending the genuine traveller. Be firm, yet polite. This especially holds true for interactions with lone or a couple of fellow-passengers. However, interactions with families are considered to be safer.

Hartals [ edit ]

The major problem one is likely to face in Kerala are the strikes, protest processions and hartals (which are called "voluntary closure of activities" as protest, but are enforced on everyone by the organisers) which are very common in Kerala, considering its high political awareness and socialist leanings. Tourists may get suddenly caught in hartals or road blockades due to protests which may strand you in airports or railway stations. However, you can plan around them because all political parties announce the date and details of major protests far in advance in leading dailies. Regularly follow leading English dailies while in Kerala, speak to your hotel reception desk staff/restaurant staff (smaller towns sometimes have "hartals" called with a day's notice) and keep buffer days for all travel.

On hartal days, normally all forms of transport keep off from roads from morning till evening. So be prepared to walk to your hotel or wait in airport or railway station till evening. Kerala Police normally operate free buses under police convoy to transport tourists and urgent passengers to important areas in major towns and cities; these can be used as a last resort.

"Moral Police" [ edit ]

Many people in Kerala complained of "Moral Policing" or Vigilante groups that attack unmarried couples for making out in public. In 2016 a man was attacked and killed in Mankada, Malappuram because he visited his girlfriend in the night. These vigilante groups never target foreigners, but if you look like an Indian, it is advisable to restrict your movements to the cities and tourist centres only. If you remember these rules of thumb, Kerala will be fine for you.

Other issues [ edit ]

• While boating insist on being offered life jackets. Many boat operators ignore government regulation of statutory issuance of life jackets while boating, which could prove risky, as most of the Kerala's water bodies are deep.
• Though Kerala does not have many touts or so-called "guides," a few people from outside the state do encounter this problem at some tourist centres, especially hill stations like Munnar, etc. Do avoid them completely, as many nowadays are small time thieves and crooks who look for prey. A firm "no" would suffice.

Emergency assistance [ edit ]

Police [ edit ].

The Kerala Police force is one of the most efficient police units in India and the least corrupt. Most of the police officials are well versed in English and Malayalam. Most of the cities do have a very strong police network and it's not difficult to find a police station. Normal law and order police force wear khaki colour uniforms. Traffic Police wear a uniform of a white shirt with khaki pants.

There is a specialised police section for tourist protection called the Tourist Police. This force is stationed at prominent tourist places, beaches, monuments, trekking areas and other tourist attractions. They wear a light blue shirt with khaki pants and have an aid post marked as Tourist Police . They can be extremely helpful. The International Tourist Police Station in Mattancherry-Fort, Kochi should be the primary tourist assistance point for any complaints and may also be used for information on any immigration and passport or visa matter.

• Highway police , toll-free: +91 98 4610 0100 (in event of any distress on any highway) . Safeguard Kerala's highways.  

Fire and public rescue [ edit ]

• Kerala's Fire and Rescue Services , ☏ 101 . maintains a network of distress rescue services throughout the state  

Medical emergency [ edit ]

Kerala Hospitals, first aid centres and select primary health care centres across the state are all equipped for emergency admissions and treatment. Most ambulances have a Red Cross on a white background, but members of the Rapid Medical Action Force (RMAF) have a yellow and green livery ambulance with a Red Cross sign.

• For any urgent medical attention or ambulance services, call ☏ 102 . Kerala Healthcare Department has unified with ☏ 1298 and ☏ 108 emergency providers. 108 Emergency is an advanced life-saving ambulance even equipped to carry out minor operations operating mainly in urban areas, while 1298 provides comprehensive services across all parts of Kerala.
• In event of an accident, use only hospitals marked "'Casualty'" outside, as they have a suitable licence to admit a road accident case.
• In event of any accident on a roadway, call ☏ 100 for police or ☏ 108 , as many times common citizens do not come to rescue, especially in large cities, fearing involvement in a police case. The police maintain fast and effective accident identification and recovery service; thus, in the event of any accident, even a distress call from your mobile can help them to identify your position and assist in expediting medical attention.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tap water is generally safe for drinking, though tourists are advised to buy bottled water for drinking or boil the tap water. As a tropical country, Kerala is hot and humid so drink a lot of water.

Most toilets do not have toilet paper , so always carry your own. A hose delivers water instead (somewhat like, but not equivalent to, the Japanese bidet toilets).

Malaria , dengue fever , cholera and viral fever are endemic to the region. Moonsoon time is considered as one of the major epidemic seasons, due to the wet atmosphere, which provides breeding grounds for various water-borne viruses. You require good mosquito controlling repellents which need to be applied regularly, or use of mosquito coils or mosquito repellent mats in your room and mosquito nets over your bed. Various local spice extracts and oils are effective methods for repelling mosquitoes.

While touring during summer days, always wear a cap or have an umbrella to avoid the harshness of the tropical sun, and wear only cotton. Drinking sharbath , a locally popular road-side stall drink made of carbonated lemon juice mixed with sugar syrup with a little salt, is very helpful in staving off dehydration.

Medical care [ edit ]

The standard of medical care in Kerala is excellent and this is a popular destination for medical tourism and medical research. Many hospitals in Kerala are of international standards. Government-run clinics and hospitals are free for all but can be crowded and not the best option for visitors. Private hospitals offer good treatment at comparatively low prices.

For minor ailments, almost any private hospital or clinic found anywhere is good. Most of the private care hospitals are well equipped and have good physicians and specialists. Out-Patients are required to have an appointment to avoid large queues and majority of them have pharmacies nearby.

Large, super-specialty hospitals are available in major metros which are major research centres and famed for complex surgeries and treatments, thought its slightly expensive by Indian standards. Most of the hospitals in large towns and metros do accept foreign medical insurance cards, mainly issued in U.S., Europe and Middle East countries, apart from almost all national medical insurance covers, which needed to be check at hospital reception.

Kerala has some of the prestigious large Ayurvedic hospitals and super-specialty Ayurvedic research centres, some even equipped to conduct surgeries and cancer treatments. Generally Ayurvedic healthcare centres are more expensive than Allopathic centres.

Stray dog menace [ edit ]

Tourists should avoid walking in lonely streets of Kerala as stray dog menace has increased lately. One woman was killed in 2016 when she was attacked by a pack of dogs. A big number of dogs can be seen wandering in certain areas of cities especially, in a violent pack formation during the night.

Respect [ edit ]

Visiting places of worship [ edit ].

Kerala is one of the places where multiple religions exist in great harmony. This is achieved by one respecting the customs and rituals of other religions. A visit to their shrines is necessary to understand the breadth of cultural influences in the state.

Hindu temples [ edit ]

Some Hindu temples in Kerala do not admit non-Hindus inside, in which case a sign board to that effect is prominently displayed outside the temple premises. The only exceptions are the Muthappan Temples , which do not have these restrictions. It is best to ask someone at the temple if you are not sure. Photography inside the temple is a strict no-no. The Sabarimala temple historically did not allow women aged between 10 and 50 and even though this rule was abolished by India's Supreme Court, it is still considered very taboo and women in this category should not go under any circumstance.

Because tidiness and personal hygiene are important, a bath in the morning is required for those entering a temple.

For male visitors at many places inside a temple, the dress code is traditional mundu without a shirt - the no-shirt rule will be enforced even if the mundu rule is not. The best thing to do is to watch what others are doing and follow. You are also expected to take off your footwear outside the temple. Usually there are no locker facilities, so cheap footwear is best.

Women should wear a long dress, preferably not shirts and trousers, and are forbidden from entering temples for 7 days after the start of their menstrual period.

There are exceptions to some of these rules, though, so when in doubt, check.

Mosques [ edit ]

Some mosques do not allow women inside. For those that do, women must dress modestly by wearing a dress that covers their entire torso, legs and arms, and cover their head with a shawl or scarf. No photography or any electronic equipment is allowed inside, and all who enter must remove their shoes.

Churches [ edit ]

The churches in Kerala admit non-Christians inside. Men usually sit to the left of the aisle and women to the right. Some of the more traditional churches don't even have pews; you'll have to stand. Ladies do cover their head with a shawl or scarf during the mass.

Synagogue [ edit ]

The synagogue at Kochi is not open to non-Jews on Saturdays. Visitors need to dress with modesty. Sleeveless tops and short trousers are not permitted.

Jain Temples [ edit ]

Many Jain temples are not functioning today, though the Kochi and Kozhikode temples are still active. When visiting an active Jain temple modest dress is required, including a head covering and something to cover the nose and mouth since Jains believe in utmost non-violence and do not like even to kill a small insect that might be inhaled. Do not take any pictures of Jain monks, as some Jain Monks believe in nudity and taking their pictures is considered offensive.

Customs and social etiquette [ edit ]

Though Kerala is a tourist-friendly state, famed for its hospitality, there are some customs and social etiquette which should be understood if you would like to be respectful and respected as a visitor.

• Kerala is traditionally a matriarchal society, with ladies given more preferences and priority. They receive priorities in queue, seating in public transport, priority or separate reservations in public transport waiting lists, etc.
• Ladies are expected to conform to traditional standards of modesty. For example, ladies smoking and drinking are considered a social taboo (so you might want to be discreet if you partake). Ladies should wear shorts that at least cover the knee. They will fit in better if they wear full-length dresses and skirts.
• Though Kerala ranks highest in alcohol consumption inside India, including wine or beer, public consumption is frowned upon. Women consuming alcohol are especially frowned upon; it would be unwise for a woman visiting the state to enter a bar, with the exception of lounges and bars in premium hotels in cities such as Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
• Nudity in any form is frowned upon for both genders, and the rule applies especially to women. It's OK for men to be bare-chested in public, though it's not appreciated much except at the beach or rural areas. In public beaches or rivers, women can wear swim-suits or covering towels around the body, but bikinis are generally frowned upon and only invite trouble. It is safest to confirm with a female hotel receptionist if a private hotel pool will allow bikinis. Though there is no gender segregation at beaches, rivers, ghats or swimming pools, gender segregation is maintained in temple ponds and certain public ghats.
• In any public transport like buses, the front rows are reserved for ladies, and men are not expected to sit there, even if the seats are unoccupied.
• If you have Kerala sadya (traditional Kerala buffet) in places other than large hotels, you are expected to throw away any leftovers (called echil) by folding the leaf upon which you ate into two and putting it where others do. You must not leave it at the serving place and leave.

Connect [ edit ]

Kerala is almost covered by 4G, 3G and 2G mobile network connectivity. From 2016 onwards, the 4G services began in Kerala, and all major locations are covered with high-speed connectivity. Major hotels offer free Wi-Fi and there are internet cafes in leading cities. Major places and railway stations also provide free Wi-Fi in association with Google and BSNL.

Go next [ edit ]

• Bangalore (Bengaluru) — the garden city, once the sleepy home of pensioners now transformed into the city of pubs and technology companies.
• Courtallam — famous for its several small and large water falls and oil therapy, near Kollam
• Kanyakumari — a religious place for Hindus, lies on the southern tip of the Indian mainland and the Vivekananda rock.
• Kodagu (Coorg) — a popular hill-station, known as the Scotland of India. Famous for its exotic coffee plantations, Tibetan settlements, forest safaris and woods party.
• Lakshadweep — the pristine coral reef islands, small archipelagos, white sand beaches famous for scuba diving.
• Madurai — city famous for its Meenakshi Amman Temple, it was among the nominees for the new list of 7 wonders of the world for its architecture.
• Maldives — island country, well connected with easy flights from Thiruvananthapuram , famous for its water sports and beach tourism.
• Mysore (Mysuru) — the cultural capital of neighboring Karnataka State, famous for its large palaces and festivals.
• Sri Lanka — this wonderful island, now recovering from years of civil war, is an easy flight from Kochi .

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