Kerala, popularly known as 'God's Own Country ' is one of the most spectacular places in South India, and Kerala tour packages are one of the best travel packages in India. Kerala derived its name from Kera which means Coconut trees. So the land of coconuts is Kerala. Listed as the 13th largest city of India in terms of population, Kerala is filled with natural abundance, and what enhances its beauty is its location amidst the magnificent Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats on Malabar Coast.
Things to do in Kerala
A tropical state, Kerala is situated along India’s Malabar Coast at the Southern end. On your tour packages to Kerala, you can enjoy several things to do in this pristine state. There is no dearth of activities in Kerala from paragliding to beach hopping, from boating to cruising. Here are some of the activities one can enjoy on their trip to Kerala.
Sail down Kerala’s robust rivers on a raft
Head to Wayanad for a uniquely regional experience for the chance to sail down the Pozhuthana river on a traditionally crafted bamboo raft. It is one of the top things to do in Kerala as the bamboo grows in the forest nearby and the river is shallow and calm. Near Kuruva Island along the Periyar river or the Kabini river are also the ideal places to try out this activity on your Kerala tour packages.
Catch a Kathakali performance
One of a few traditional dance dramas, Kathakali is a very unusual dance drama in Kerala. On a daily basis, you can’t get to see performers dressed up like this. The subtle dance movements and elaborate costumes tell a meaningful Hindu mythological story. When learning the art of Kathakali, performers undergo intense training and long hours of eye exercise practices. Include this wonderful activity on your Kerala itinerary to make your trip even more enjoyable.
Watch a Snake Boat race
Kerala comes alive with colorful snake boats for race every year during the monsoon season. To race along the inland waterways, 140-foot-long canoe-like boats holding over 110 rowers each get together to race. Every village has its style of snake boats featuring unique styles and colors. The building of the boats and the celebratory are the parts of culture that bring people closer. Watching a snake boat race is one of the best things to do in Kerala.
Check out the Tea Plantations
Munnar has been a major center for commercial tea production, thanks to Kerala’s humid, warm climate and the rain it receives annually. Sevenmallay tea estate was established in 1900 and it is owned by the Tata Tea Company. Checking out these lush green aromatic tea gardens is a wonderful thing to do in Kerala. The rugged charming bungalow located in the heart of the estate enhances its charm even more. Don’t forget to check out these tea gardens during your Kerala packages.
Visit the Jatayu Earth Center
Built to promote mythology and adventure, Jatayu Earth Center is a rock-themed park that opened in November 2017. This tourism center boasts a digital-audio video visual room, a 6d theater, a cable car, and an ayurvedic cave resort. Jatayu Earth Center is also home to umpteen adventure activities that include bouldering, air rifle shooting, paintball, rock climbing, and archery. The world’s most giant rock-cut bird sculpture replicating Jatayu, the mythical bird from the Ramayana is the primary attraction of the Park. Visiting the Jatayu Earth Center can be a very interesting thing to do in Kerala.
Enjoy bird watching at Kumarakom
One can enjoy bird watching at Kumarakom Sanctuary which is often referred to as Vembanad Bird Sanctuary which is a breathtaking bird sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is situated on the banks of Vembanad lake in the Kerala backwaters which is a favorite destination for migratory birds. On your Kerala tours, enjoy birdwatching on the motorboats that are available for rent to watch birds to further enhance your experience.
Places to visit in Kerala
Kerala is one of the must-visit places in India, which is also popular as God’s own country. One can get to all the places at one destination as this heaven has beautiful backwaters, charming hill stations, natural wildlife sanctuaries, pristine beaches, scenic hamlets, and much more. Explore this paradise on your Kerala tours.
Mattancherry Palace
The Mattancherry Palace is one of the wonderful places to visit in Kerala which is also known as the Dutch Palace. This Portuguese palace is situated at Mattancherry town in Kochi, Kerala and it is now turned into a museum. When you visit this palace, learn about Kerala’s history and culture through its decorations and priceless treasures. The Mattancherry Palace is built in the Nalukettu style of architecture which is a traditional Kerala architectural style. According to legends, Vasco Da Gama landed in 1498 at Kappad which resulted in the Portuguese influence of the city. During your Kerala tour packages don’t forget to visit this beautiful palace.
Varkala Beach
Varkala Beach is situated in the capital town of Trivandrum. The red cliffs adjacent to the Arabian Sea make it one of the must-visit places in Kerala. Over the sweeping views of the blue sea, Paragliding is a sight to behold. The coveted Varkala Beach by the blue flag is the USP for Varkala tourism. Varkala Beach also has mineral springs where one can unwind themselves. This beach is also popular as Papnasam where tourists and locals enjoy water sports like jet skiing, scuba diving, and swimming.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. A park is a dwelling place of abundant significant species, famous for its greenery, gorgeousness, and stillness. One can get a glimpse of elephants, royal tigers, fishes, birds, and other reptiles here. Periyar National Park is a place that allows you to enjoy peace and serenity and an opportunity to be one with nature. One can enjoy trekking, sightseeing, boating, and jungle safaris in the form of jeep safaris on their Heritage India Holidays Kerala Packages.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Athirappilly Waterfalls which is fondly known as “The Niagara of India” is one of the amazing waterfalls in India. This amazing waterfall is situated on the Chalakudy River and must be included in your Kerala itinerary. The river just below the falls remains rugged and resumes its composure after a particular distance. The place is known for its wildlife apart from that waterfall that includes animals such as elephants, leopards, bison, Sambar deer, and lion-tailed macaque. Some trees can be found here like Bamboo, Eucalyptus, and Teak.
Wayanad
Wayanad is the major reason why this pristine state is known as "God's Own Country” which is filled with comfortable resorts, waterfalls, homestays, and historical caves. Wayanad is popular for its spice plantations, wildlife, and adventure activities. For the wildlife reserves, Wayanad is best known and it is home to an exquisite variety of fauna and flora. Situated amidst the serene hills of the Western Ghats, this wildlife sphere is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere. Wayanad is a picture-perfect destination on your Kerala holiday packages.
Cochin
Cochin or Kochi is known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” which is situated on the southwest coast of India. Kochi is also known as the “Port City” as its trading history dates 600 years ago. Kochi is the financial, commercial, and industrial capital city of Kerala. This cosmopolitan town is one of the ideal places to visit in Kerala as it houses upmarket stores, art galleries, and heritage accommodations. There are plenty of places to visit here like Jew Town, Fort Kochi, shopping hubs, fusion restaurants, palaces, beaches, and age-old temples.
Alleppey
The Venice of the East, the picture-perfect town, and the age-old charming town are some of the names from which Alleppey is known across the whole country. Alappuzha, the official name of Alleppey, tops the list of best places to visit in Kerala. With water sports, the coastline of Alleppey offers some of the best beaches in Kerala during the dry season. From all over the world, its palm-fringed interconnect network of canal backwaters attracts a lot of tourism.
Thrissur
Thrissur is officially known as the cultural capital of Kerala which is popular for fostering classical Keralan performing arts. Thrissur derived from the name “Thiru-Shiva-Per-Ur” which means “the city with the three temples of Lord Shiva” where one can enjoy the Onam festival, Thrissur Pooram festival, and Vadakkumnathan temple. Thrissur is one of the prominent places to visit in Kerala as the state gets a fair share of festive glitter. During the Kingdom's era, Thrissur was the capital of the Kingdom of Kochi. Exploring Thrissur on your luxury Kerala Tour Packages is one of the best ideas.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode is one of the most gorgeous cities in Kerala which was formerly known as Calicut. During the Zamorin rule around 500 years back, Kozhikode was the capital of the Malabar Coast. For those who want to explore nature and history at its best, Kozhikode is surely the place to visit on their Kerala vacation tours. Kozhikode has everything to make it a perfect holiday destination from waterfalls and sanctuaries to temples, churches, and historical monuments.
Thekkady
One of the best places to visit in Kerala, Thekkady is a natural heaven blessed with wilderness amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. In Thekkady, the Periyar lake and Periyar wildlife sanctuary are renowned tourist destinations. One can take a tour of the coffee and spice plantations here which will give you a unique experience. One can enjoy the wilderness and activities like jungle safari, bamboo rafting, jungle patrol, border hiking, and jungle camp. Don’t forget to visit this heaven on your Kerala Trip.
Shopping Places to visit in Kerala
God’s Own Country is not only famous for its lush greenery or rivers but one can enjoy shopping in Kerala utmost. One can buy fabulous products such as rare silk items, fragrant herbs, intricate jewelry, gourmet coffee, etc. during your Kerala travel packages. Here are a few of them:
Lulu Shopping Mall
One of the biggest and most popular shopping malls in Kerala is LuLu Mall. Along with a wealth of entertainment and dining choices under a single roof, the mall is the biggest in the country and offers shopping facilities galore making your Kerala shopping an amazing experience. There are some premium branded outlets where one can shop their heart out and a large food court where you can satiate your hunger.
Bazaar Road
Bazaar Road is a two-kilometer road that will take you from Fort Cochin to Mattancherry, is the best shopping place in Kerala where one can enjoy. One can enjoy street shopping here where they can purchase wholesale or retail products at affordable prices. One can buy daily household products and requirements here like spices, tea, coffee powder, etc. as per their requirement.
Oberon Mall
The first full-fledged mall in Kerala, Oberon Mall is a top place for Kerala shopping where one can get access to a multiplex also. In South India, it is the largest glass dome that comprises an indoor gaming zone for kids, and for others, one can enjoy various recreational activities. There are hundreds of branded outlets where one can purchase apparel, footwear, electronics, etc. for their enjoyment and lifestyle.
Kovalam Beach Market
With clothing, good beer, handicrafts, and local tapestries Kovalam Beach Market has several shops and shacks where one can unwind themselves. Add the sculptures of rosewood and teakwood to the list of your shopping in Kerala. With a wide variety of Tibetan trinkets, Kashmiri shawls, local pieces, handloom sarees, and Malabar spices, Kovalam Beach Market is well-known among locals and tourists as well.
Mahatma Gandhi Road Market
Mahatma Gandhi Road or MG Road is one of the most popular shopping places in Kerala where one can buy every kind of item as per their need. At least once, almost everyone in Kerala visited this market at some point to get the items or products they want. There are many hotels present on this road where one can stay during their Kerala trip and the market is flooded with small shops or flea markets with vibrant colors and the buzzing crowd throughout the day.
Kerala Cuisines- The Taste of Kerala
Visiting Kerala and not having exposed yourself to Kerala cuisine is a big thing that you are missing out on. Enhanced with a touch of Kerala culture and inspired by a fusion of Arabian, Malabari, and French influences, each dish in this state is an experience in itself. Don’t miss out on the taste of Kerala, here are some of the following dishes that you must try on your Kerala tours.
Erissery
A famous Kerala cuisine, Erissery can be found easily in every kitchen of the state. Erissery is a dish that is popular among not only locals but tourists also. Depending on the choice made by the cook, the curry is made up of yams and veg plantations. Erissery is quite a significant dish and is particularly made at the festival of Onam in Kerala state.
Appam with Ishtu
If you haven’t tried the famous Appam with Ishtu dish then it would have been a waste of a trip to Kerala. With all sorts of curries, stews, and even eaten plain, the popular dish in Kerala is often teamed with all of them. Appams are thin pancakes or what we call a South Indian version of pancakes with crispy edges. Appams are well complemented by stew whether they are veg or non-veg.
Nadan Kozhi Varathathu
Nadan Kozhi Varathathu is a simple yet delicious method of cooking chicken to perfection making it a must-try dish in Kerala. This eclectic dish goes down well with your taste buds and you will enjoy this crispy dish. With flavors of spices, this delicious fried chicken is served with garlic, onion, curry, and spices on a banana leaf. Kerala dishes are must try on your India tourism trip with your friends or families.
Idiyappam with Curry
Idiyappam with any kind of curry is surely one of the best dishes in Kerala that one must try. This dish is also known as Noolappam and this particular dish is made up of rice, flour, and other ingredients that are purely divine. To some of the many rice-based dishes, it is a variant that forms the perfect symphony for sambars and curries. One can enjoy Idiyappam best with egg curry.
Parippu Curry
Parippu Curry is another name for Dal curry in Kerala that is made up of gram and a lot of ghee. To bring out mouth-watering scents, there is a perfect balance of spices and dal in the curry and it is complemented by the regular rice. It is a perfect Kerala cuisine for vegetarians on their Kerala vacations.
Ideal Places to enjoy a honeymoon in Kerala
For newlyweds, the green state of Kerala makes an exotically romantic destination with scenic backwaters, calming beaches, misty hills, and unending coconut grooves. A honeymoon in Kerala is an alluring affair with wide geography and couples can enjoy themselves with a plethora of activities available. Here are some of the amazing places where one can enjoy a honeymoon in this verdant state.
Munnar
One of the most popular honeymoon places in Kerala is Munnar where the luscious hills and the aromatic tea gardens set the tone. While roaming through the seamless expanse of tea plantations, beautiful falls, and exotic flora and fauna. Enjoy your Kerala tour packages even more with a stay at the Windermere Estate. From your room’s beautiful balcony enjoy the mesmerizing view of the gardens, take a walk in the cardamom, coffee, and tea gardens with your better half, and fall in love with the surroundings.
Kumarakom
In the backwaters of Kumarakom, Kerala still boasts many of its original waterways. For up-close views of verdant rice paddies, take a cruise through the backwaters in Kumarakom making it an ideal honeymoon place in Kerala. Unlike the narrow backwater ways in Alleppey, Kumarakom has vast backwaters which are less crowded. Kumarakom is surrounded and very well-kept by comfortable and beautiful resorts.
Poovar Island
With a rare congregation of the lake, river, sea, and beach Poovar Island makes a truly majestic place for a romantic getaway in Kerala. Settled beautifully on the tip of Trivandrum, Poovar Island is accessible only by water. During your Kerala honeymoon packages, this stunning destination provides you with boating in the backwaters, sunbath at golden sand beaches, or fishing in the nearby village to make your vacation a memorable one.
Vagamon
Vagamon is a breathtaking place covered fully in velvet fields of grass, offering mesmerizing sunsets over the hills, and trekking trails for tourists. Vagamon is surely one of the top places for a honeymoon in Kerala which gives you an immediate feeling of being away from civilization. In the small water bodies, one can easily spot the elephants and untamed buffaloes taking baths. For an unforgettable and adventurous experience indulge in the exciting sport of paragliding with your partner during your Kerala packages.
Ernakulam
Ernakulam is a different kind of honeymoon place in Kerala, unlike many other places. The churches and temples of this town are magical and give you the feel of old-world charm. Ernakulam is the commercial capital of Kerala where one can enjoy a fair piece of serenity and calmness. One can taste the Chinese and Continental cuisines here also.
Adventurous Things to Do in Kerala
There are a lot of adventurous things to do in Kerala for everyone from paragliding to nature walking and from camping to mountain climbing. During adventure holidays, basic human relations get developed such as cooperation and teamwork bring out the best in individuals. Here are some of the adventure activities that one can enjoy on their Kerala packages:
Paragliding
Paragliding is one of the most popular adventure sports in Kerala which one can easily enjoy. In God’s own country, Paragliding made adventure sports popular here. For all grade paragliders, there are many launching and landing sites so that tourists can enjoy this sport on their Kerala trip. Make sure you equip yourself with the necessary safety measurements and equipment before trying adventure sports.
Mountain Climbing
The settlement of Kerala state in the southern part of the country makes it a beautiful amalgamation of everything. Kerala is well encircled by lush green mountains and apart from that there are numerous pristine beaches and backwaters also. Mountain climbing in Kerala is quite popular not among tourists but among locals too. You need to equip yourself with all the necessities because a whole day is required for you to climb to the peak. Munnar is the perfect place in Kerala to enjoy Mountain Climbing.
Bamboo Rafting
On the waters, bamboo rafting along the rivers could give a more serene form of adventure. Bamboo Rafting is one of the unique adventure activities in Kerala that you shouldn’t miss on your Kerala travel packages. Thekkady is the place where one can try bamboo rafting in Kerala and adventurers will love this sport. Persons of all ages can enjoy this sport as it is an eco-friendly sport.
Tree House Stay
One of the best adventure sports in Kerala, Tree House Stay is surely one of the unique activities and you shouldn’t miss this. You can easily find uniquely designed tree houses in Kerala in forests and on top of the mountains. By staying a night or two in a tree house you can cherish nature up close and also you can get a view of the forest nearby.
Bull Races
During the post-harvest season, every year in Kerala Bull Races or Maramadi are held. This is different from Spanish bullfights as Maramadi is held in paddy fields after the harvest is done. During the race, each team in Maramadi consists of three guides and two bulls have the important role of guiding the bulls. Don’t miss out on this most adventurous sport on your Kerala vacation and feel the chills in your spine.
How to Reach Kerala
In this paradise of southern India, everybody is sure to find something or the other of interest. How to reach Kerala isn’t a big concern for anyone as this pristine state is very well connected with all means of transportation across the whole country. Here are some of the means of transportation through which you can reach Kerala.
By Air- Kerala has four international airports making it only the second state in the country. Trivandrum International Airport, Cochin International Airport, Calicut International Airport, and Kannur International Airport (currently in construction) are the international airports in Kerala. No matter which part of you are in India, these airports make flying to Kerala an easy task.
By Train- For large parts of the journey, taking a train to Kerala is an amazing experience, offering a panoramic view of the Western Ghats and stunning coastline. With trains running from all the major Indian cities, Kerala state nearly boasts around 200 railway stations making sure good connectivity across the nation.
By Road- With well-maintained roads, Kerala is very well connected to native states and other major Indian cities. In all major and minor parts of the state, private taxis and buses are easily available. On your bucket list, a road trip to Kerala is surely worth it. These roads are bordered by banana and tea plantations and small lakes too.
Best Time to visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala is the winter season from September to March. This is the time when Kerala receives pleasant weather and a comfortable climate with less humidity. Winter is the perfect time for you if you are looking to explore the tranquil canals, lagoons, and spicy plantations of Kerala’s amazing cities. In the summer months in Kerala, i.e, from April to June the hill stations in Munnar and Wayanad become the first love for tourists as well as for locals. From June to August, the monsoon season is the best for people who are looking for Ayurvedic treatments.