Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is one of India’s most peaceful and scenic regions. Located along the country’s southwest coast, it is famous for its calm backwaters, green hills, wildlife, tea plantations, tropical beaches, and rich cultural heritage. This travel guide highlights where to go, what to do, how to get around, and helpful tips for first-time visitors.
Why Visit Kerala
Kerala offers a slower, greener, and more laid-back experience compared to India’s big cities. Its landscape changes dramatically from the coastal backwaters to misty mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, couples, families, and travelers looking for relaxation. Kerala’s unique culture, delicious cuisine, and Ayurvedic traditions make it a refreshing retreat.
Best Areas to Stay
Kerala isn’t a single city it’s a state with several popular regions. Travelers typically split their time between the backwaters, hill stations, and beaches.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters & Houseboats
Alleppey is famous for its scenic backwaters, lined with palm trees, villages, and rice fields. Many visitors stay in houseboats or quiet waterfront homes to enjoy slow-paced lagoon life.
Kumarakom Luxury Backwaters Escape
Kumarakom, set on Vembanad Lake, offers a quieter alternative to Alleppey. It has peaceful resorts and nature sanctuaries, making it ideal for relaxation.
Munnar Tea Plantations & Mountains
Munnar is Kerala’s most popular hill station and sits high in the Western Ghats. It offers cool weather, hiking, tea estate tours, viewpoints, and wildlife opportunities. It’s a great contrast to the coast.
Kochi (Cochin) Culture & Food
Kochi blends colonial influences, history, art galleries, and coastal scenery. The charming Fort Kochi area has Portuguese houses, cafés, street art, markets, and waterfront promenades. It’s often the best starting point for a Kerala trip.
Varkala Cliffside Beach Town
Varkala has dramatic sea cliffs, relaxed cafés, yoga studios, and golden beaches. It’s quieter and more atmospheric than many coastal areas in India.
Top Things To Do
Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey
A backwater cruise is the most classic Kerala experience. Spending a day or night floating through villages, canals, and rice paddies is peaceful and unforgettable.
Explore Fort Kochi
This artistic seaside neighborhood features colorful colonial houses, fishermen using Chinese fishing nets, boutique shops, old churches, and great seafood spots. It is easy to explore on foot or bicycle.
Visit Munnar’s Tea Estates
Munnar’s rolling green tea hills are stunning. Visitors can tour tea factories, learn about production, and enjoy scenic viewpoints.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Known as the “Niagara of India,” these massive falls are surrounded by forests and are especially striking during monsoon season.
Relax in Varkala
Varkala is ideal for beach walks, yoga, coastal cafés, and cliffside sunsets.
Experience Ayurvedic Treatments
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda. Many resorts and wellness centers offer massages and natural therapies focused on relaxation and healing.
Wildlife Safaris
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady offers boating on a lake surrounded by forest where elephants, bison, monkeys, and birds can often be spotted.
Suggested 5–7 Day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Kochi
Explore Fort Kochi, stroll the waterfront, visit heritage sites, and try Kerala cuisine.
3–4: Munnar
Travel to the hills, tour tea plantations, visit viewpoints, and enjoy cooler weather.
5–6: Alleppey / Kumarakom
Take a houseboat cruise and enjoy the backwaters at a relaxed pace.
7 (Optional): Varkala
Relax on the beach and enjoy the cliffs and cafés before departing.
What to Eat
Kerala’s cuisine is flavorful, coconut-rich, and often seafood-focused. Highlights include:
- Fish curry with rice
- Prawn roast
- Appam with stew
- Puttu with banana
- Sadya (traditional vegetarian meal served on banana leaf)
- Dosa and idli for breakfast
Tea lovers should try fresh Kerala chai, especially in Munnar.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kerala is between November and February, when the weather is cooler and dry. March to May becomes hotter and more humid, especially along the coast. The monsoon season (June–September) brings heavy rain, lush scenery, and fewer tourists great for wellness retreats but not ideal for beach lovers or houseboat cruisers.
Getting Around
Kerala is well-connected but spread out. Most travelers use:
- Private cars or taxis between regions
- Local ferries around the backwaters
- Auto-rickshaws for short distances
- Buses for budget travel
Kochi also has an efficient metro system. Roads in the hills are winding, so expect slow travel. Many hotels and guesthouses can help arrange transportation.
Safety Tips
Kerala is one of the safest regions in India. Still, it’s good to:
- Keep belongings zipped and secure
- Avoid swimming during rough seas
- Stay hydrated in hot weather
- Wear proper footwear in the hills
- Be cautious on poorly lit roads at night
Most visitors find the region calm, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
Common Scams & Issues
Kerala is generally less prone to scams than major cities. The most common issues are:
- Overpriced taxis
- Busy houseboats with poor maintenance
- Sellers overcharging near tourist areas
Researching tour operators or getting recommendations from accommodations helps ensure a smooth experience.
Shopping
Kerala is known for:
- Spices
- Tea
- Handicrafts
- Coconut products
- Coir rugs
The markets in Kochi, Munnar tea shops, and local spice farms are great places to buy souvenirs.
Where to Go Next
Kerala combines well with many destinations, including:
- Goa for beaches and nightlife
- Tamil Nadu for temples (Chennai, Madurai)
- Karnataka (Coorg, Bangalore)
- Mumbai as a major flight hub
A popular route is Mumbai → Goa → Kerala.
Quick Summary
| Category | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best Cultural Stop | Kochi |
| Best Nature | Munnar |
| Best Relaxation | Backwaters |
| Best Beach | Varkala |
| Ideal Trip Length | 5–7 days |
Final Thoughts
Kerala is peaceful, welcoming, and full of natural beauty. From houseboat journeys and tea-covered hills to beaches and Ayurvedic traditions, it offers a soothing experience perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Whether you come for relaxation or adventure, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired.
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