From a sunrise jeep safari at Kolukkumalai near Munnar to houseboat cruises in Alleppey, Kerala offers experiences across mountains, backwaters, beaches and historic towns. You can also explore Fort Kochi's heritage, visit Athirappilly Waterfalls, discover local cuisine and experience traditional performing arts.
This guide highlights the best things to do in Kerala, where to experience them and which activities are worth considering for your trip, whether you prefer nature, adventure, culture or relaxation.
For a broader overview of destinations and trip planning, explore our Kerala Travel Guide.
Best Things to Do in Kerala at a Glance
Kerala offers experiences ranging from mountain adventures and wildlife encounters to cultural performances and backwater cruises. These are some of the most distinctive activities to consider when planning your trip.
Experience | Best Place | What Makes It Worthwhile |
| Sunrise jeep safari | Kolukkumalai, near Munnar | An early-morning off-road journey through high-altitude tea plantations and mountain scenery |
| Explore tea plantations | Munnar | Rolling tea gardens, scenic viewpoints and a visit to the KDHP Tea Museum |
| Spot wildlife | Eravikulam National Park, Munnar | Explore protected mountain habitats known for the endangered Nilgiri tahr |
| Cruise the backwaters | Alleppey | Experience Kerala's waterways on a traditional houseboat or a smaller boat |
| Explore historic landmarks | Fort Kochi and Mattancherry | See the Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace and Paradesi Synagogue |
| Watch traditional performances | Fort Kochi and Thekkady | Experience Kathakali dance-drama or a Kalaripayattu martial arts demonstration |
| Visit a major waterfall | Athirappilly, Thrissur district | See a prominent waterfall along the Chalakudy River |
| Explore a distinctive landmark | Jatayu Earth's Center, Chadayamangalam | Visit the monumental bird sculpture and surrounding hilltop attraction |
| Enjoy beach and surfing experiences | Varkala | Combine cliffside views, beach time and surfing lessons when conditions permit |
| Try Kerala's traditional cuisine | Across Kerala | Sample dishes such as appam and stew, Malabar biryani and Sadya served on a banana leaf |
You do not need to include every experience in one trip. Use this list to identify your priorities, then explore the relevant sections below for more details about specific activities and locations.
Explore Munnar's Tea Plantations and Mountain Landscapes
Munnar offers three distinctive experiences: a sunrise jeep safari to Kolukkumalai, a visit to the KDHP Tea Museum, and wildlife viewing at Eravikulam National Park. Each provides a different way to explore the tea-growing landscape and mountain habitats of the Western Ghats.
1. Take a Sunrise Jeep Safari to Kolukkumalai
Kolukkumalai is known for its high-altitude tea estate and rugged mountain scenery. A 4x4 jeep safari from Suryanelli takes visitors along steep, uneven roads towards the plantation, with early-morning departures offering the chance to see sunrise over the surrounding hills.
- Indicative cost: Around ₹3,100 per jeep, plus a processing fee, according to the current online booking listing.
- Planning tip: Confirm availability, passenger capacity, pickup arrangements and departure time before booking. The off-road route can be bumpy.
2. Visit the KDHP Tea Museum
The KDHP Tea Museum introduces visitors to Munnar's tea-growing heritage, including tea processing and the evolution of local plantations. It is a useful stop for understanding how tea production shaped the region.
- Published ticket prices: ₹150 for adults and ₹75 for children on the museum's current booking page.
- Published opening hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.
- Planning tip: Check before visiting, as ticket rates and operating details may change.
3. Explore Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is known for its montane grasslands, shola forests and the endangered Nilgiri tahr. Visitors can explore designated areas and enjoy views of the Western Ghats, subject to park access rules.
- Entry fee: The park's official website lists ₹200 for Indian adults. Additional reservation or camera charges may apply.
- Published entry hours: 8 AM to 2 PM.
- Planning tip: The park generally closes during the Nilgiri tahr calving season, often in February and March. Check for current closure notices and ticket availability before planning your visit.
These three experiences make it possible to combine mountain scenery, tea heritage and wildlife in Munnar. Allow time for travel between locations, particularly if you plan an early-morning jeep safari.
Explore Kerala's Backwaters and Beaches
Kerala offers two distinct experiences: exploring palm-lined waterways by boat and enjoying its varied coastline. From houseboat cruises in Alleppey to canoe rides and surfing in Varkala, these activities offer different ways to experience the state.
1. Take a Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey
An overnight houseboat cruise takes you through Kerala's backwaters, passing canals, paddy fields and waterside villages. A day cruise is a good alternative if you have limited time.
Before booking, confirm the boat category, meals, air-conditioning schedule and whether the price covers the entire boat or individual passengers. For details on boat types, prices and booking considerations, read our Kerala Houseboat Guide.
2. Explore Narrow Canals by Canoe or Shikara
Canoe and shikara rides let you explore smaller waterways that larger houseboats may not access. Munroe Island is known for its narrow canals, while selected routes around Alleppey offer views of village homes, coconut groves, and everyday life along the water.
Confirm the route, duration, and total cost before booking. For help choosing a destination, see our Kerala Backwaters Guide.
3. Enjoy the Beach and Try Surfing in Varkala
Varkala combines cliffside sea views with beach walks, cafes and opportunities to try surfing. You can explore North Cliff, spend time at Papanasam Beach or arrange a surfing lesson when conditions permit.
If you plan to surf, choose an established instructor and check local sea conditions before entering the water. Our Varkala Travel Guide covers the destination in more detail.
4. Choose Between Kovalam and Marari
Kovalam is a good option for travellers who want an established beach destination with restaurants and visitor facilities. Marari, near Alappuzha, is better suited to a quieter coastal stay focused on relaxing by the beach.
Choose Kovalam for a more developed beach experience or Marari for a slower pace and a less activity-focused holiday.
Discover Kerala's Culture, Heritage and Cuisine
Kerala's cultural experiences include historic neighbourhoods, traditional performing arts and regional food. Fort Kochi and Mattancherry are good places to begin, while live performances offer a closer look at the state's artistic traditions.
1. Explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
Visit Fort Kochi to see the historic Chinese Fishing Nets, locally known as Cheenavala, along the waterfront. In nearby Mattancherry, explore Mattancherry Palace, known for its Kerala-style architecture and Ramayana murals and the Paradesi Synagogue in the historic Jewish quarter.
A heritage walk is a useful way to explore these landmarks and learn about Kochi's trading history and cultural influences.
2. Watch Kathakali and Kalaripayattu Performances
Kathakali is a traditional Kerala dance-drama known for expressive facial movements, elaborate costumes and detailed makeup. The Kerala Kathakali Centre in Fort Kochi is a venue to consider, with some performances offering an opportunity to observe the makeup preparation.
Kalaripayattu is a traditional martial art associated with Kerala, featuring demonstrations of agility, coordinated movements and weapon techniques. In Thekkady, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is one venue to consider for a live demonstration.
Check the venues' current schedules, ticket prices and performance timings before visiting.
3. Try Kerala's Traditional Cuisine
Exploring local food is another way to experience Kerala's regional culture. Look for dishes such as appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry and Malabar biryani.
A traditional Sadya is a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring rice, curries, pickles and accompaniments. It is especially associated with festivals such as Onam, although some restaurants serve it on other occasions. The menu and price vary by venue, so confirm availability before visiting.
Adventure Activities to Try in Kerala
Kerala offers outdoor adventures across its mountains, backwaters and coastline. Trekking in the Western Ghats, kayaking through waterways, surfing in Varkala and paragliding in Vagamon are experiences to consider if you want to add more activity to your trip.
Activity | Where to Try It | What to Expect |
| Trekking | Munnar and Wayanad | Explore mountain trails, forest landscapes and scenic viewpoints. Some routes require permits or authorized guides. |
| Kayaking | Alleppey and selected backwater locations | Paddle through waterways and explore the surroundings at a slower pace than a motorized boat ride. |
| Surfing | Varkala | Try a beginner lesson or improve your skills with an instructor when suitable sea conditions permit. |
| Paragliding | Vagamon, when operations are available | Experience aerial views of the surrounding hills through an organized tandem flight. Availability depends on weather and operator schedules. |
Before booking, confirm the specific route or activity, current operating status, total price and any permit or safety requirements with the relevant operator or authority. Trekking access and water-based activities can be affected by seasonal weather, so check local conditions before travelling.
Which Kerala Experiences Should You Choose?
The best experiences in Kerala depend on your interests and how much time you have. Use this quick comparison to prioritize activities for your trip.
Your Preference | Experiences to Consider |
| Mountains and nature | Munnar's tea plantations, Kolukkumalai sunrise safari and wildlife experiences |
| Backwaters and relaxation | An Alleppey houseboat cruise or a canoe ride around Munroe Island |
| Beaches and adventure | Varkala's cliffside walks, surfing lessons and coastal experiences |
| Culture and food | Fort Kochi heritage walks, Kathakali performances and traditional Kerala cuisine |
| Outdoor adventure | Trekking, kayaking and other activities available at your chosen destination |
Plan Your Kerala Holiday
From Munnar's tea plantations and Alleppey's backwaters to Fort Kochi's heritage and Varkala's beaches, Kerala offers experiences for nature lovers, adventure seekers and travellers looking for a relaxed getaway.
Choose activities that fit your interests and allow enough time to travel between destinations. For help organizing your trip, explore our Kerala tour packages to find an itinerary that suits your travel plans.
