Explore the top places to see and best things to do in Kerala, India. Enjoy Kerala’s backwaters, hills, and Ayurveda at a slow, restorative pace.
Kerala is not a destination you rush through – it’s a place you ease into.
Mornings arrive with birdsong and soft coconut light. Afternoons drift past quiet backwaters, misty hills, and green plantations. Evenings end with warm, nourishing food, gentle waves, and the kind of deep rest you haven’t felt in months.
Here, your phone stays tucked away while herbal tea, serene waters, and unhurried hours take its place. Each moment is designed to calm, restore, and slow the pace of life, leaving space for reflection and renewal.
This is why discerning travelers choose Kerala – not to see more, but to feel less, breathe deeper, and return home lighter, calmer, and completely restored.
From drifting through the backwaters to wandering the cool hills of Munnar, watching sunsets by the sea, and indulging in authentic Kerala Ayurvedic treatments, its lush landscapes help you recover, reconnect, and truly slow down.
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🌴 Best Things to Do in Kerala, India
A well-planned Kerala trip feels different from most holidays. The most memorable things to do in Kerala, India, are not loud, crowded, or rushed. They’re quiet, spacious, and deeply calming.
Each place you visit gently slows you down – through water, hills, forests, sea air, and time-honored wellness traditions. Here are the best things to do in Kerala, India, for the most restorative experience.
🚣 Drift Through the Kerala Backwaters
The backwaters – Allepey, Kumarakom, Poovar – are where your Kerala trip truly begins to slow you down.
A private houseboat moves gently through narrow canals lined with coconut palms, small homes, and paddy fields glowing in the sun. There’s no traffic, no noise, no schedule to follow.
You sit on the deck with tea, watch reflections ripple across the water, and realize how rarely you allow yourself to be this still. Hours pass here without announcement.
You read. You nap. You watch village life unfold at the water’s edge. This is not sightseeing, but settling into a different rhythm.
When to visit:
- November to March – cool air and clear skies, perfect for relaxing on a houseboat
- June to August (monsoon) – soft rain, lush greenery, and a quiet, romantic atmosphere
Where to stay:
- Kumarakom Lake Resort – heritage luxury by the water
- Coconut Lagoon, CGH Earth – secluded backwater charm
- Premium Private Houseboat in Alleppey – complete immersion
🌿 Experience Kerala Ayurvedic Treatments
For many travelers, this is the real reason to come to Kerala. Kerala’s Ayurveda is a journey of the body and mind, drawing travelers who seek deep restoration, detox, and renewal.
Here, treatments are carefully guided by Ayurvedic doctors, with herbal oil massages, yoga, and nourishing meals designed to support the body’s natural rhythms and healing.
Days unfold gently, flowing from soothing therapies to quiet rest, from slow walks through greenery to early, restorative sleep, leaving you lighter, calmer, and unexpectedly renewed.
When to visit:
- June to September (monsoon) – cooler, humid air helps the body absorb herbal oils and treatments more effectively.
Where to stay:
- 7-Day Ayurvedic Relaxation Package – tailored treatments
- Somatheeram Ayurveda Village – seaside healing
- Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village – traditional ayurvedic programs
- Carnoustie Ayurveda & Wellness Resort – medical-grade care in luxury comfort
⛰️ Walk the Tea Gardens of Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is where the air turns cool, the noise fades, and your thoughts begin to unwind.
Mist drifts over rolling tea estates, inviting slow walks and a warm cup of fresh tea. This is not sightseeing – it’s a place to breathe, pause, and let your pace soften naturally.
Afternoons are spent wandering quiet paths, noticing light, shadow, and every small detail. It’s easy to see why Munnar is one of the most calming places to include in a Kerala trip.
When to visit:
- December to April – crisp, clear weather and wide valley views for long, unhurried walks.
- February, March, and April – bright days, cool air, misty mornings, unreal landscapes.
Where to stay:
- Windermere Estate – calm and private tea plantations
- SpiceTree Munnar – valley views and quiet luxury
- The Leaf Munnar – space, light, and uninterrupted scenery
🌊 Watch Sunsets at Varkala Cliff and Beach
Varkala is where you go to end your days slowly.
A red cliff runs along the sea, lined with small cafes, quiet shops, and uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea. You walk without a destination, sit with a drink as the sun lowers into the water, and let the sound of waves set the pace for the evening.
This is one of the most peaceful coastal stretches to include in a Kerala trip.
When to visit:
- November to March – cooler air and clear skies make sunsets and seaside moments especially enjoyable.
Where to stay:
- Wellness Retreat in Varkala – your own ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ moment
- Taj Green Cove, Kovalam – secluded seaside luxury
- B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort – cliffside views
- Palm Tree Heritage – quiet, personal comfort
🌳 Stay in the Forest Calm of Wayanad
Wayanad surrounds you with thick forests, spice plantations, and a deep, enveloping green that feels far removed from modern life.
Mornings begin with mist hanging over the trees. Afternoons are ideal for short plantation walks and listening to birds instead of notifications. The quiet here is not empty; it is restorative.
When to visit:
- October to May – pleasant weather and lush greenery.
- July to August – full waterfalls, vibrant forests, and misty mornings.
Where to stay:
- Wayanad Wild, CGH Earth – forest immersion
- Flora Vythiri Resort Wayanad – comfort within greenery
- Pepper Trail Plantation Stay – heritage charm in nature
đźŽÂ Explore Culture and History in Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi offers gentle cultural immersion without the intensity of large cities.
Wander colonial lanes, step into art galleries and cafes, watch Kathakali performances in the evening, and pause by the Chinese fishing nets as the sun sets over the harbor.
It’s engaging, but never overwhelming.
When to visit:
- November to February – Cool, comfortable weather.
- December & January – Ideal for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Where to stay:
- Brunton Boatyard, CGH Earth – heritage by the sea
- Forte Kochi – boutique elegance
- Fragrant Nature Kochi – quiet luxury in the heart of town
🍛 Best Foods to Eat in Kerala
Kerala is as rich in flavor as it is in landscapes. From spicy curries to sweet desserts, every meal here reflects the region’s culture, history, and abundant ingredients.
Eating in Kerala is about savoring each bite, feeling the warmth of freshly cooked spices, and connecting with the local way of life.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Kerala Parotta: Soft, flaky flatbreads, perfect with spicy curries like Kerala chicken curry. Great for breakfast or a late-night treat.
- Kerala Chicken Curry: Slow-cooked with coconut, curry leaves, and spices for authentic, hearty flavor.
- Appam & Stew: Light, lacy rice pancakes served with mild vegetable or meat stews – ideal for a leisurely morning meal.
- Sadya: Traditional vegetarian feast on a banana leaf with rice, pickles, curries, and sweets. Best at festivals or luxury resorts honoring local traditions.
- Seafood Specialties: Fresh fish, prawns, and crab in coconut-tamarind sauces. Best at seaside resorts in Varkala or Poovar.
- Payasam: Sweet rice or vermicelli pudding with coconut milk, jaggery, and cardamom – perfect as a comforting dessert.
Kerala cuisine is slow food at its finest – freshly ground spices, abundant coconut, and communal meals. Savoring these dishes connects you to the land, the culture, and the restorative rhythm of daily life.
Best places to experience:
🌱 Practice Responsible Tourism in Kerala
Kerala is a destination that rewards travelers who move thoughtfully and respectfully. Responsible tourism here is about enjoying the state’s natural beauty, culture, and traditions without harming its people, wildlife, or environment.
Key Practices for Responsible Travel:
- Avoid Animal Exploitation: Skip elephant rides, tiger shows, or any attractions that exploit wildlife. Opt instead for observing animals in their natural habitats or at ethical sanctuaries.
- Support Local Communities: Choose locally-owned restaurants and craft shops to ensure your travel dollars benefit the people of Kerala.
- Respect Nature: Stick to marked trails in forests and hills, minimize plastic use, and avoid disturbing wildlife or sensitive ecosystems.
- Sustainable Experiences: Enjoy backwater cruises, spice plantations, and cultural performances that prioritize conservation and community wellbeing.
- Mindful Interactions: Learn from local traditions and communities with curiosity and respect, rather than treating cultural experiences as entertainment.
Traveling responsibly enhances your journey. It allows you to experience Kerala’s backwaters, hills, and villages deeply, knowing your presence preserves the places and people that make the state so restorative.
Kerala is not chaotic India. It’s where time slows, and the world softens around you.
From tranquil backwaters to misty hills and restorative Ayurvedic treatments, each experience is designed to calm, heal, and renew.
Come to Kerala to heal, reset, and rest. Return home restored and quietly transformed.
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