16 best things to do in Kerala

Kerala is a place where you can drift along the backwaters in a houseboat one day and wake up in cool hill country the next. The pace is slower here, shaped by nature, spice routes, and long-standing traditions that still play a big role in daily life. You’ll come across a lot here—quiet beaches, bustling markets, traditional performances like Kathakali, and Ayurvedic treatments that have been practiced for generations. This guide walks through 16 of the best things to do in Kerala that give you a solid sense of what this region is about. 

1. Cruise the backwaters on a traditional houseboat

If you're looking to experience Kerala’s backwaters, a ride on a kettuvallam (traditional houseboat) in Alleppey is a great way to do it. These houseboats, once rice barges, have thatched roofs and bamboo furnishings.

The waterways are peaceful, with kingfishers darting across the water and fishermen casting nets at sunset. It’s a relaxing way to spend time, and without a doubt one of the best things to do in Kerala. 

2. Tea plantations in Munnar

Munnar’s tea plantations in the Western Ghats are definitely worth a visit. The hills are covered with neat rows of tea bushes, stretching as far as the eye can see. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Kerala.

At 5,249 feet (1,600 meters) above sea level, the air is cool, and the smell of fresh tea leaves fills the air. If you're into history, check out the Tata Tea Museum to learn about the area’s tea-making roots. 

If you’d like to see tea picking in action, head to Kanan Devan Hills, or head to Lockhart Tea Estate for some beautiful views. The plantations look their best after the monsoon season (September-November).

3. Athirappilly and Vazhachal waterfalls

Athirappilly Falls, often called the "Niagara of India," is an impressive sight as it drops 80 feet (24 meters) over a 330-foot (100-meter) wide rock face, and is one of the best waterfalls in Kerala.

It’s just 30 minutes away from Vazhachal Falls, another stunning waterfall in the area. Surrounded by lush evergreen forests, these falls change with the seasons—during the monsoon (June-September), they roar with power, while in the winter they’re much more gentle. The forest around the falls is home to hornbills and lion-tailed macaques, so it’s a great spot for spotting India’s wildlife.
 

4. Fort Kochi and the Chinese fishing nets

Fort Kochi is where you can really see Kerala’s history. One of the most iconic sights is the Chinese fishing nets—large cantilevered structures still in use today by local fishermen.

These nets were brought here by traders from Kublai Khan’s court back in the 14th century, and they still work the same way today, using old counterweight techniques. 

While you're there, check out St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in India), stroll through the spice markets, and explore Jew Town’s antique shops. Fort Kochi is a great place to wander, and it’s best experienced on foot. For more advice, be sure to check out our India travel tips.

5. Kathakali performance

Kathakali is one of Kerala’s most famous traditions, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the area.

This art form combines dance, drama, music, and some seriously expressive facial movements to tell stories from Hindu epics. 

The costumes are colorful, and the makeup is a real work of art—it can take up to three hours to apply. Each character has its own unique look: green for heroes, red for villains, and black for demons. 

Even if you don't speak Malayalam, the performance is captivating. In places like Kochi, Thekkady, and Trivandrum, you can catch these shows, and some even include English narration. If you're still deciding what your trip to India should look like, be sure to check out our 14 days India itinerary for inspiration.

6. Trek through the Western Ghats

Wayanad’s trails take you through the misty mountains of the Western Ghats. The area is full of cardamom plantations, bamboo forests, and open grasslands, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the scenery. This is one of the best things to do in Kerala if you're planning on spending time outdoors.

If you’re up for a more challenging trek, head to Meenmutty Falls, where a jungle trail leads you to a three-tiered waterfall. The Edakkal Caves, with their ancient petroglyphs from early human settlements, are another must-visit. 

Wayanad is also known for its wildlife—barking deer and gaur can be spotted on the Kuruva Island trails, and if you’re very lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard.  

7. Bamboo rafting in Periyar Lake

If you're looking for a more peaceful way to experience the wildlife in Kerala, try bamboo rafting in Periyar Lake. The rafts are eco-friendly and let you glide quietly along the shoreline, making it easier to spot animals like elephants, sambar deer, and even otters.

You’ll head out in the early morning or late afternoon, which is when wildlife is most active. The tours are led by tribal guides who know the forest inside and out, and the Periyar Tiger Reserve’s Eco-tourism Center employs former poachers as guides to support both conservation and local livelihoods. Learn more about getting from A to B in our guide to getting around India.

8. Relax on the beaches of Kovalam or Varkala

Kerala’s beaches each have a distinct feel, making it easy to find the one that suits you best. Kovalam’s Lighthouse Beach is the most popular, with plenty of beachfront cafés, water sports, and Ayurvedic massage centers. 

If you want something quieter, Hawa Beach, just 30 minutes away, is a more peaceful spot with gentle waves. Varkala, with its dramatic cliffside setting, is another gem. The cafés and yoga centers here look out over the Arabian Sea, and the beach below is perfect for relaxing. 

Kerala and Goa are both great areas for beaches.

9. Ayurvedic wellness treatment or massage

Kerala’s Ayurvedic treatments are a great way to unwind, with a tradition that’s been around for over 5,000 years. Getting regional treatments is a great thing to do in Kerala.

One popular option is Shirodhara, where warm herbal oil is gently poured onto your forehead to help clear your mind and deeply relax you.

If you’re looking for something more full-body, Abhyangam is a rhythmic massage using medicinal oils tailored to your body’s needs.

Another treatment you might want to try is Kizhi, where herb-filled pouches are pressed against your muscles to ease soreness. For an authentic experience, check out Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, where you can also meet with a physician, or visit resorts like Somatheeram and Carnoustie for a bit more luxury.

10. Visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats, is a beautiful spot to visit, covering 350 square miles (925 square kilometers) of forest around a peaceful lake.

It’s well known for its wild elephants, which are especially easy to spot when the water recedes in the dry season, revealing lush grassy areas. While there are tigers here, sightings are rare—what you’re more likely to see are animals like Indian bison (gaur), sambar deer, wild boars, and a wide variety of birds (over 265 species!).

The sanctuary focuses on responsible wildlife tourism with guided boat safaris and treks designed to keep the animals’ natural behaviors undisturbed. This is easily one of the best things to do in India.

11. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Located in Thiruvananthapuram, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and stands out with its seven-story gopuram (tower) covered in detailed stone carvings. This is by far one of the best temples in Kerala.

The temple became famous in 2011 when sealed vaults were opened, revealing treasures worth billions. At the heart of the temple is a massive 18-foot statue of Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Anantha, visible through three doors—his face and chest through the first, torso through the second, and feet through the third. 

Only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctum, but visitors from all backgrounds can admire the temple's impressive architecture. It remains an active place of worship.
 

12. Try traditional Kerala cuisine

Trying food is by far one of the best things to do in Kerala. Coconut is a big part of the cuisine here, whether it’s grated, turned into milk, or used as oil. It pairs beautifully with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and chilies to create light, balanced flavors. 

Compared to the heavier dishes of northern India, Kerala’s food is all about keeping the ingredients' natural flavors intact. Meals are often served on banana leaves, with rice in the middle surrounded by various sides. Here are some favorites:

• Appam with stew (Ishtu): These delicate rice pancakes have crispy edges and soft centers. They’re served with a coconut-milk stew that can include vegetables, chicken, or mutton, seasoned with cardamom and pepper.
• Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish): A freshwater fish marinated in spices, wrapped in a banana leaf, and slow-cooked. It’s a Kerala backwater classic.
• Kerala sadya: A vegetarian feast with over 25 dishes, including sambhar, avial (vegetables in coconut), thoran (stir-fried veggies), pachadi (a yogurt-based side), and payasam (sweet milk pudding).
• Puttu with kadala curry: Steamed rice cylinders layered with coconut, paired with spicy black chickpea curry. A popular breakfast that’s the perfect balance of light and hearty.
• Thalassery biryani (Malabar biryani): Made with short-grained kaima rice, this biryani uses more spices than meat, plus cashews and raisins. It’s got a unique preparation method from Arab influence.
• Pazham pori: Sweet, ripe plantain slices dipped in spiced rice flour batter and deep-fried until golden. A perfect snack with tea in the evening.
   

13. Aranya Naturals workshop in Munnar

Aranya Naturals is a special stop located in the heart of Munnar's tea plantations. This social enterprise gives artisans with disabilities the chance to create beautiful, naturally dyed textiles.

They use age-old techniques to pull colors from local plants—like indigo from leaves, reds from roots, and yellows from flowers—and apply them to silks and cottons through tie-dye, block printing, and batik. 

You can watch the artisans in action and pick up unique pieces like scarves, saris, home décor, and clothing that combine traditional methods with modern designs. Your purchase not only gives you something special to take home, but it also supports the livelihoods of these talented artisans.

14. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

If you’re planning on birdwatching, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-see. Spread out across 14 acres along Vembanad Lake’s eastern shore, it’s home to over 180 species of birds. 

The sanctuary is especially busy with migratory birds between November and May. You’ll find everything from kingfishers and egrets to Siberian cranes. The early morning canoe rides are a great way to see birds up close, and the watchtower gives you stunning views of painted storks and pelicans fishing together. 

15. Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley is one of the last untouched rainforests around, saved in the 1970s after a lot of environmental pushback. It’s called Silent Valley because, unlike most rainforests, you won’t hear the usual cicada sounds.  

The park is home to over 1,000 types of flowers, 108 varieties of orchids, and plenty of medicinal herbs.  A stroll through here is one of the best things to do in Kerala.

It's also an important spot for lion-tailed macaques, with the largest population of these endangered monkeys in the world, along with hornbills, Malabar giant squirrels, and Nilgiri tahrs. If you want to visit, you’ll need to get a permit and join a guided trek, arranged through the forest department. Trails range from easy walks, like the Sairandhri trail, to more challenging hikes to the Kunthi River watershed. 

16. Toddy tapping tour

If you’ve ever wondered how Kerala’s famous toddy (palm wine) is made, a toddy tapping tour is a must. 

Local tappers climb up 80-foot coconut trees using just a simple rope loop, collecting sap that ferments into toddy, a mildly alcoholic drink. 
The morning sap, called kallu, is sweet and coconut-flavored, while the afternoon sap gets a tangy, fizzy kick with a little alcohol (around 4-5%). 

Villages near Alleppey and Kumarakom are great places to see this technique, often paired with peaceful canoe rides through coconut groves. There are guides from places like Kerala Backwaters and Tyndis Heritage who’ll explain the history and significance of this tradition. The tour usually wraps up at a local toddy shop.