Top 8 Incredible Activities in Kerala, India - Houseboats, Hill Stations, Beaches & More!

Experience Kerala's Natural Beauty

Kerala is blessed with incredible natural beauty, from serene backwaters to lush hill stations. A trip to Kerala allows you to experience some of the most stunning landscapes in India. 

Houseboat Cruises 

One of the top things to do in Kerala is a houseboat cruise along the famous backwaters. These intricate networks of brackish lagoons, lakes, and canals stretch across central Kerala. Relax aboard a traditional Kettuvallam houseboat as you cruise past small villages, monkey-filled forests, and endless green rice paddies. Most houseboat trips start from Alleppey or Kumarakom. 

Visit Hill Stations

To escape Kerala's tropical climate, head to one of its hill stations. Munnar is the largest and most popular, a former British Raj summer resort filled with sprawling tea estates and winding roads. Or visit smaller, quieter towns like Ponmudi or Wagamon, where you can hike through pine forests or relax by a mountain lake. 

Explore Spice & Tea Plantations 

No trip to Kerala is complete without learning about two of its most famous exports - spices and tea. Tour spice plantations to see how cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, vanilla, cloves, and more are grown. At a tea plantation, observe tea pickers' hand plucking the tender green leaves, and then visit on-site factories to understand tea processing.

Beach Days & Ayurvedic Treatments  

Kerala's coastline has some spectacular beaches, often backed by swaying coconut palms. Kovalam and Varkala beaches are amongst the best for relaxing or trying your hand at surfing. Many resorts also offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa treatments, like herbal oil massages and yoga therapy, based on ancient Indian healing principles. 

Wildlife Spotting

Periyar National Park is a top place for responsible wildlife viewing in Kerala's natural habitats. Take a boat cruise on the lake, created by a dam, to try and spot wild elephants, boars, otters, macaques, and over 260 species of birds. Ask resorts and locals about ethical guidelines to follow for animal sightings. 

Culinary Delights

Kerala's diversity is reflected in its flavorful cuisine, with Arab, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese and French influences. Seafood, coconut milk, and local spices are common ingredients. Be sure to catch appam and stew, puttu kadala, idiyappam, fish molly, or the iconic Kerala fish curry with rice.

Vibrant Festivals 

Kerala has colorful religious celebrations almost every month thanks to Hindu, Christian, and Muslim festivals. The top ones include Thrissur Pooram, with its grand processions and fireworks, Boat Race festivals, and the incredibly elaborate costumes and masks seen during events like Onam.

This covers the major attractions and activities for an unforgettable trip through gorgeous Kerala! With backwaters, beaches, hills, wildlife, food, and cultural festivals - Kerala has something for all kinds of travelers.