The south-western Indian state of Kerala, renowned as ‘God's own country’, offers many tantalising opportunities for travellers to get under the skin of this beguiling gem that stands on the Malabar Coast.
A destination where lush greenery, tranquil waters, rich culture, and wellness traditions combine to create a unique travel experience, Kerala offers an extraordinary range of activities for every kind of traveller.
Houseboat Through the Backwaters
An iconic experience is to wander Kerala’s famous backwaters on a houseboat. Interconnected lagoons, lakes, and canals form a peaceful network best explored at a slow pace. A traditional "kettuvallam" (houseboat) has been transformed into a floating hotel, complete with bedrooms, dining areas, and open decks.
As you glide on, you'll pass swaying coconut palms, paddy fields and local villages, offering a glimpse into everyday life. Freshly prepared Kerala cuisine served onboard adds to the experience. Destinations such as Alappuzha and Kumarakom are particularly popular for these cruises.
Thekkady
Wildlife is the main magnet for travellers heading for Thekkady, and why not, when the Periyar Tiger Reserve is on their doorstep?
Located on a 925 sq. km wildlife reserve in the Western Ghats, the reserve is home to elephants, rare species, and eco-tourism activities like bamboo rafting, trekking, and wildlife viewing from watchtowers.
The Periyar Tiger Reserve offers an incredible diversity of flora and fauna that beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Project Tiger was launched to protect the majestic Bengal Tiger. In 1992, the reserve became part of Project Elephant, launched by the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests to protect and conserve the population of wild Asian elephants in various Indian states.
Today, the tiger population is estimated to be around 40. The reserve includes several rare and endangered species, with over 35 mammal species. The ideal way to see animals such as the Gaur and the Sambar is a boat ride on the lake. Sightings of Malabar Giant Squirrels, Small Travancore Flying Squirrels, jungle cats, sloth bears and other animals are common here.
The reserve is also a treasure trove of avian species, with over 265 species in the Periyar reserve, including galliforms, pigeons, woodpeckers, raptors, waterbirds, golden orioles, Brahmini kites, cormorants, passerines, Great Pied Hornbill, and the Ceylon Frogmouth.
Pristine Beaches
Kerala's coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea and is dotted with some of India's most beautiful beaches. Popular destinations include Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari, each offering its own unique charm.
Varkala stands out with its dramatic cliffside views, while Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped beaches and calm waters. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports such as surfing and parasailing. For those seeking quieter spots, beaches such as Snehatheeram and Munakkal offer a more relaxed atmosphere.
Munnar
Munnar is one place that few choose to visit, but it is a wonderfully picturesque location with a landscape of hill ranges to admire. Explore and admire the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the highest tea plantations in the world. If you are into waterfalls, there are several to see, including Attukal, Lakkam, and Thoovanam Falls.
Munnar is also one of the few places where the Neelakurinji, a rare plant that flowers only once in twelve years, blooms. The 'Kurinji season' is a sight to behold as all the hills and valleys are bathed in the blue hue of this flower.
Another major attraction is Eravikulam National Park. World-renowned for its endangered inhabitant, the Nilgiri Tahr, this sanctuary spans 97 sq km. This is also one of the best hotspots to enjoy Neelakurinji at its best. The highest peak in South India, Anamudi Peak, is also located here, standing at over 2700 m.
Experience Ayurveda and Wellness
Kerala is widely regarded as the home of Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural healing that dates back thousands of years.From rejuvenation therapies to stress-relief massages, Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance between body and mind.
Many resorts and wellness centres offer personalised treatments using herbal oils and traditional techniques, making it a key attraction for travellers seeking relaxation and healing.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala and is distinguished by its British colonial architecture and many art galleries. It is also home to Kuthira Malika, adorned with carved horses and displaying collections related to the Travancore royal family, whose regional capital was here from the 1700s to the 1900s.
While rich in heritage and many religious and historical sites, it is home to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a Maha Vishnu temple that showcases architecture that is a fusion of Kerala and Tamil styles. It also features a stunning 16th-century gopura.
Wing into the Napier Museum, a must-see art and natural history museum, established in 1885, and while there call into the Thiruvananthapuram Zoo for an amazing experience.
Kochi
A truly iconic historic port city that deeply resonates with colonial India. The scenic Marine Drive offers waterfront views and bustling shopping areas, while the Hill Palace, once the residence of the Cochin Maharaja, now serves as Kerala's largest archaeological museum.
Mattancherry Palace, built in 1555, is a blend of Portuguese architecture and Kerala designs and houses many beautiful artworks. For history buffs, one of the main points of interest will be St Francis Church. As one of the oldest European-built churches in India, it's the burial place of the explorer Vasco da Gama.
The Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi (Cheenavala) are iconic 10-meter-high, shore-operated lift nets introduced by Chinese explorer Zheng He between 1350 and 1450 AD. Located along Vasco da Gama Square, these historic structures use a counterweight system to catch fish.
Another cultural attraction is the Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, a must-visit that houses over 4,000 artefacts collected from old temples and houses. Traditional art forms such as Kathakali (a classical dance-drama), Kutiyattam (ancient Sanskrit theatre), and Theyyam (ritual performance art) also provide fascinating insights into the region's history and beliefs.
A Matter of Taste
Authentic cuisine is an essential part of the Kerala experience. The cuisine is known for its use of coconut, spices, and fresh seafood. Signature dishes include fish curry, appam with stew, puttu with kadala curry, and the traditional sadya, a vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf.
Kerala is a great destination for shopping, particularly for spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Local markets offer everything from aromatic cardamom and pepper to handmade coir products, wooden artefacts, and traditional textiles. Houseboats and restaurants will also offer freshly prepared meals using regional ingredients.
Andy Probert is a freelance journalist whose work about global travel news, aviation, business and human-interest features has appeared internationally in print and digital formats.
