Kerala spoils you for choice. There is so much to do and explore, and sometimes you’ll struggle to decide where to start, how to start, what experiences to add to buckets and what to leave out. Beaches, backwaters, wildlife safaris, nature trails, tea/spice plantation tours, Ayurveda healing programs, culinary adventures, snake-boat races, watersports….one could go on and on. See what we mean by “getting spoiled for choice.”
But, we’ve made life easy for you with our list of 15 handpicked “must do things” in Kerala.
Kochi (Cochin) has historically been a strategically important spice trade port, connecting Southeast Asia with the Eurasian continent. This historical part of the city takes its named from the old Portuguese fort known as Fort Kochi. It many historical attractions like the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, Fort Kochi Beach, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Koonan Kurish Chruch, St. Francis Church, Fort Emmanuel, Jewish Synanogue, the Mattancherry Palace, Jain Temple, and Our Lady of Hope Church. It is worth finding time for a heritage tour to discover the important landmarks of Fort Kochi.
Picture a mesmerizing floaty world of swaying palms, lush green fishing villages, exotic birds, perfect serenity and peace. This pretty much sums up the Keralan backwater wonder. The best way to explore the Keralan backwaters? A traditional Keralan houseboat that gently glides through the backwaters. These houseboats are built like mini-houses with a kitchen onboard, so you can enjoy the region’s delicacies assembled from local organic sources. Watching a sunset in the backwaters is a magical experience that you should not miss out on.
Katha in Malayali means ‘a story’ and ‘Kali’ means a ‘performance.’ Flamboyant costumes, face paintings & bright make-up, brisk body movements, animated facial gesture, “story play” and re-enactments from ancient scriptures. These are some of the defining features of the classical Kathakali Dance form of Kerala that goes back thousands of years. It is Kerala’s answer to the classic European stage theatre. Kathakali is not just an instrument of entertainment; it also plays a key role during religious festivals by telling stories from the holy books in art and dance form.
Munnar is one of the most visited hill stations in the Western Ghats. It has everything you need from a serene mountain retreat: great weather, lush green sceneries, and kind-hearted welcome people. But the one thing that keeps drawing a large number of people is its cascading tea hills and plantation. Resplendent Travel recommend a tea trek in the Lakhsmi Hills and Sevenmalai of Munnar. These mist-covered green-carpeted hills are a joy to explore and only take 2 to 3 hours. For avid hikers, there are longer more extensive treks on offer.
Kerala is regarded as the hub of Ayurveda, the traditional Indian healing science. What makes Ayurveda different from other form of treatment is that is very holistic and nature-based. It relies on a few things: massage therapies; a clean organic plant-based diet; medicines put together from natural oils, herbs, and plant extracts; and meditation in form of yoga and deep thought. The aim of Ayurveda is to heal not just your body but also your soul. If you are visiting Kerala, be sure to squeeze in an Ayurveda-inspired program at a well-reputed spa resort in Kerala.
The Periyar National Park (PNP) is the wildlife wonder of Idukki region of Kerala. Established in the 1980s, it houses an Elephant Reserve and a Tiger Reserve. Over the years, the PNP has become a favorite for tourists who want to explore rare flora, endangered fauna and the exciting animals that reside in the PNP. Among mammals, you’ll spot some 35 species include tigers, Asiatic elephants, Bisons (Gaur), Sambar Deer, Jungle Cats, Nilgiri Langur, and Sloth bears & Reptiles. Birding enthusiasts can spot rare birds like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Flycatcher, and Black-necked Stork.
Kerala has an ancient martial art tradition. It is called Kalaripayattu, or simply Kalari—translation “practice in the arts of war”. It is believed to have emerged in the 11th century AD. As a art form, the practice is considered an act of devotion to the legendary figure of Mahabharat and Ramayan, the wrestler Parashurama. In modern pop culture, this martial art has featured in South Indian movies, Japanese Manga, and American animated movies. The famous combat game Tekken also features Kalari moves.
Kerala is blessed with many sun-kissed beaches that are a joy for those looking for the picture-perfect tropical holiday. Dotted on its 600 km long coastline, you can find both golden-sand and white-sand beaches. Beaches that are recommended by Resplendent Travel include Varkala, Marari, Bekal, and Kovalam. Each offers a unique set of experience and pleasures. Varkala offers Temples along with it’s beaches, Bekal has ancient forts like Bekal and Chandragi Forts, Marari has great beaches and colonial heritage with many Dutch-era churches, temples, and forts.
Kerala is also a land of many breathtaking waterfalls. The largest waterfall in India which stands at 81 feet is the Arthirappilly Falls is the Athirapally Waterfalls in the Thrissur District. This waterfall is caused by the Chalakudy River of the Western Ghats. Not far from the Athirapalli Falls lies the Vazhachal Falls (popularly known as Charpa falls) which is known as the “Niagara of South India.” The distance between the two waterfalls is only 5 km (3 miles). Vazhachal is easily accessible by road.
Vallam Kali is the tradition of ‘snake boat’ racing in Kerala. These races are usually held during the harvest season as part of the celebration are similar to a canoe races. Vallam “snake” boats are typically 100-200 feet long (30-25 meters), and feature 64 or 128 peddlers aboard. Nehru Trophy Boat Race which is held annually at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha is this sport’s biggest events and draws a large number of tourists. Many other regional races are held in places Kollam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Periyar, and Piravoram. If you get a chance to see a snake race, do not miss out!
Sometimes the best thing you can do is to step out of the tourist bubbles of fine beaches, resorts and 5 star hotels in Kerala, and head out to the quiet Kerala country side and immerse yourself in the local culture. Meet the villagers. Observe their life. Visit their temples. Eat food with them. Sit on a quiet junction at a village and spend time ‘people watching.” It is the little things that are often memorable experience, and they are absolutely free!
Wayanad is a pearl hidden away in the Western Ghats at a height of over 1,000 meters. It is where the famous Kabini and Kaveri Rivers originate from. The ancient Edakkal Caves are also located here. The word Wayanad derives from the Malayalam word for “the land of paddy fields.” Sprawling like a lush-green carpet dotted with stunning waterfalls, caves, peaks, jungles, and rich wildlife, Wayanad is one of Kerala’s primary hiking destinations. Its trails are popular with hiking lovers. If you are into hiking and nature trails, consider Wayanad.
Thekaddy is famous for its Periyar Widlife Sanctuary (National Park) which is Kerala’s most popular wildlife destination. The word Thekkady is a derivation of Thekka, which in Malayalam means Teak wood. With water bodies like the meandering Periyar River and Mullaperiyar Dam, Thekaddy is an excellent destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and water sports lvoers. The one experience that Resplendent Travel recommends is traditional water rafting in the Periyar River. It is an awesome way to go on a nature and wildlife safari.
The Malabar Coast refers to the south-western coastline of India. This coastal region has been an important part of colonial sea trade and rivalries amongst the colonial powers. One positive outcome of this history has been the emergence of a great cuisine that has absorbed influences from many culinary cultures from the Indian subcontinent and around the world. For connoissuers of good food we recommends the mouth-watering delicacies of Malabari cuisines like Appam, Mutton Biryani Malabar Style, Fish Surka Masala and Malabari Fish Roast.
As a people that have lived for centuries in sync with their bio-diverse environment, traditional life in Kerala is environmentally-sustainable and eco-friendly. Traditional Keralan tree houses are typically built in lush green grooves and tropical forest covers. They are a joy to be in. You wake up to the chirping of birds, a beautiful sunrise with the rays piercing through the forest cover. A Tree House experience in Kerala is a must! There are many tree-house themed resorts and getaways where you can enjoy this experience.
