How to Plan a Trip to Kerala (Guide for First-timers 2024)

1. Culture and cuisine that are refreshing and different from anything else in India

Kerala is a small piece of land that contains a large mixture of unique cultures. From the influence of the Portuguese, Arabs, and Chinese that you will find in Kochi to the rural villages of the backwaters, in Kerala travelers can experience parts of India that are often unseen.

The uniqueness and diversity of Keralan culture can also be seen in the local cuisine. Out of all the states in India, Keralan food is the most loved for its sweetness, fresh seafood, and mixture of aromatic spices that provide a depth of flavor without too much heat.

2. An abundance of opportunities to experience Ayurvedic treatments or do yoga

Kerala is the best place to go to experience Ayurveda which is one of the world's oldest and best-known forms of traditional medicine. This state is known for its Ayurvedic retreats that give clients unique treatment plans to cure their ailments naturally.

Kerala also offers yoga retreats and classes for people of all levels. Yoga enthusiasts can take a few classes or enroll in a longer and more intense program that involves meditation and spiritual awakening.

3. The state is absolutely full of unique wildlife and animals

Kerala has more than 25 wildlife reserves and its vast jungles are teeming with beautiful wild animals like elephants, Bengal tigers, and monkeys.

Periyar National Park is one of the state's biggest wildlife reserves covering almost 100 square kilometers of jungle. This is one of the best places to see Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The park also includes lots of other critters like flying squirrels and macaques.

4. A tropical paradise with beaches, jungles, and forests

The state's absolutely beautiful scenery is one of the reasons that Kerala that draws so many visitors and continues to leave them awestruck. The coasts are lined with white-sand beaches that are bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and tall palm trees on the other.

Once you leave the coast, you can head into the villages of the backwaters which are small patches of farmland separated by deep canals with blue waters full of lotus flowers.

In the hill stations near the Western Ghats, visitors can take in the lush green mountain forests and the local tea and spice plantations. In the national parks, you'll find the dense jungles, calm lagoons, and picturesque waterfalls.

1. Kochi

Kochi or Cochin is often called the 'Gateway to Kerala' and is the first place travelers will visit upon their arrival in the state. Kochi was originally an important port city during the spice trade and was once a Portuguese colony. The city has also been influenced by the Arabs, British, Dutch, and Chinese.

Walking through Fort Kochi, visitors can take in the charming colonial architecture, see the Chinese Fishing Nets at sunset, stop inside a spice shop to try the locally grown pepper or cardamon, and relax in boutique coffee shops near the Arabian Sea.

The famous Chinese fishing nets in Kochi

2. Munnar

Munnar is Kerala's most famous hill station which was originally founded by the British as a place to grow tea. Today, Munnar is still famous for the variety and flavors of tea it produces. It also has coffee plantations and spice farms that grow everything from ginger and garlic to vanilla, cloves, and cardamom.

Munnar is located in the Western Ghats and because of its higher elevation is a great escape from the heat and humidity of the rest of the state. Here you can stay in a resort and spend your days taking in the rainforest scenery or touring aromatic plantations.

Tea plantations in Munnar

3. Alleppey

Alleppey is the name of a small island that is located in Kerala's famous backwaters. The backwaters are an area of Kerala with many small villages and farms that are separated by a complex system of canals. The people in these villages have their own unique culture and language.

The best way to explore this area is to rent a houseboat. Houseboats are comfortable and private boats that come with a captain and a chef and take travelers on excursions through the backwater canals.

Backwater villages along the canals

4. Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park is located in Thekkady and is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in South India. This is a great eco-tourism destination where travelers can explore the jungles and see animals in their natural habitats instead of in captivity.

In Periyar, visitors can take a safari through the jungle or boat through the waterways in search of Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, and mischievous monkeys.

Monkey in Periyar National Park

5. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is one of the best beaches in India due to its striking views and location. Varkala is a long stretch of land that is bordered by sheer cliffs on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other.

When visiting, travelers can stay in resorts and hotels on the cliff that overlook the beach and sea below. Varkala is becoming more and more popular these days but is still less developed than Kovalam while also offering plenty of beach shacks and shops for travelers.

Varkala Beach

6. Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach is the most popular and most developed beach in Kerala. This is the perfect place to go if you are looking for plenty of things to do, great restaurants, and adventure sports.

Kovalam is a great place to get a traditional Ayurvedic massage which will helps your body achieve balance and calm. Kovalam is full of massage parlors and most hotels here offer Ayurvedic treatments too.

View of the lighthouse at Kovalam Beach

7. Marari Beach

Marari Beach is located about 30 minutes north of Alleppey and is a quieter and less developed beach that is off the normal tourist track.

Marari is the perfect place to go after taking a tour of the backwaters on a relaxing houseboat. Here you can continue your relaxation by spending some time on the sand near the coconut groves.

Get some inspiration about How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India.

Secluded Marari beach

1. Cruise Through the Backwaters

One of the most popular things to do in Kerala is to explore the backwaters on a houseboat. Taking a houseboat through the canals of local villages is an incredibly relaxing experience. On the boat, you can sit on the upper deck and unwind while your personal chef and captain take care of the rest.

Taking a cruise through the backwaters gives travelers an opportunity to see culturally unique villages that would otherwise be difficult to reach. It is also a great way to take in the tropical scenery of the Keralan countryside.

Houseboat sailing through the backwaters

2. Get an Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine practice that includes many different methods to bring the body back into balance through a variety of techniques that have been studied for 5000 years.

Those who are interested in learning more about Ayurveda can spend some time at an Ayurveda retreat where they will get a personal diagnosis and treatment plan. Most hotels and resorts in Kerala offer Ayurvedic massages for those who are curious but don't want to take the retreat route.

Ayurvedic massage

3. Relax with Yoga

Kerala is a popular destination for travelers who want to learn more about yoga and meditation from the place they originated.

Yoga practitioners of all levels can spend time at an Ashram where they will learn about the principles of yoga and follow a strict schedule and regimen. There are also plenty of options for more laid back yoga retreats that include yoga on the beach and massage treatments.

Yoga in Munnar

4. Take a Cooking Class

Keralan cuisine is famous for the way it achieves a perfect balance in the use of local spices and ingredients. Compared to North India, Keralan food is lighter and sweeter in flavor.

Taking a cooking class is a great way to get hands-on experience with this important part of Keralan culture. In your class, you can learn how to make the classic sambar (veggie curry), dosa (a flat rice batter crepe), fish masala, and more.

Fish masala

5. Explore the Tropical Jungles and See Native Wildlife

Kerala has a large variety of national parks and wildlife reserves. The most famous is Periyar which is a great place to see wild tigers and elephants while on a jungle safari.

Eravikulam is a beautiful park that is located near Munnar and is full of great forest treks and famous waterfalls and Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful parks in the state with its expansive evergreen forests.

Nilgiri Tahr at Eravikulam National Park

6. Visit a Tea Plantation

Kerala is one of the top tea producing states in India and has some of the best plantations that grow the most high-quality tea. The Munnar hill station is covered in tea fields and plantations that visitors can explore.

All the tea in Munnar is handpicked by field workers to ensure quality. After exploring the plantations, travelers can hike around the surrounding hills or check out the local Tea Museum.

Plantation in Munnar

7. Explore the Spice Plantations

The high elevation hills of Munnar aren't just perfect for growing tea but are also great places to grow a variety of spices. The spices grown on plantations in Munnar have long been very lucrative for the state of Kerala and were once considered to be highly valuable by merchants from Europe, China, and the Ottoman Empire.

When exploring a spice plantation, you'll find a variety of spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, nutmeg, mace, and ginger all growing in their separate sections of the field.

Ground spice in a local market

8. Take a Food Tour

When talking about Kerala, one thing that is always mentioned is its incredible food. While it might seem like we are over exaggerating when we say Keralan food is amazing, our proof is in the travelers who return from India with nothing but love for this fresh and balanced cuisine.

The best way to experience everything that Keralan cuisine has to offer is to take a food tour. These tours often include cooking classes, visits to plantations, and lots of sampling and tasting.

Traditional Keralan dishes

9. Join in a Festival

Because the culture of Kerala is completely different from the rest of India, the state also celebrates unique and interesting festivals. Participating in a festival is one of the best ways to understand more about India's complex relationship with religion and local heritage.

Onam is Kerala's biggest festival of the year and is celebrated in late August or early September. This festival lasts for 10 days and includes large feasts, traditional Kathakali dance performances, music, intricate rangoli decorations, rituals, and boat races.

Elephants at a Temple Festival

10. Hike Through the Lush Green Landscape

The Himalayan region of India is the most famous amongst trekkers who are interested in difficult climbs at high elevation. Kerala offers a different type of hiking that is more relaxed with the goal of taking in rural villages and tropical scenery.

The Western Ghats are the best area in Kerala for hiking or walking tours. Here you will find a large variety of landscapes including shrub forests, tropical jungles, evergreen forests, and rolling grasslands. On your walks, you will also see plenty of local wildlife including birds and small animals.

Munnar

11. Unwind at the Beach

Kerala has a long coastline filled with beautiful tropical beaches that are surrounding by tall palm trees and the Arabian Sea.

Besides relaxing in the sun, Kerala's beaches offer plenty of things to do. In recent years, many beaches have become popular places for Ayurveda or yoga retreats where clients can learn about these traditional practices while also catching some rays.

Yoga at sunset

The Keralan coast is also the best place to try local seafood dishes. Here, fish is caught and then immediately brought into restaurants where it is freshly cooked. Nowhere else does fish masala taste better than on the beaches of Kerala.

Cochin

Cochin is the largest city in Kerala and was once colonized by the Portuguese. This area's unique history makes it the perfect place to stay in a beautiful heritage hotel. We love the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa for its old-world charm, first-rate spa, and views of the harbor.

We also love the Trident Cochin for its 5-star facilities, beautiful gardens, and Ayurvedic center. If you would like to stay in a beautiful location that's farther away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can check out Le Meridien Kochi which overlooks the Cochin backwaters and has two beautiful restaurants that serve great western and Indian dishes.

Munnar

Munnar is Kerala's best hill station and is famous for its cool and comfortable weather. This is a great place to stay in a luxurious hotel with views of the surrounding tea plantations.

One of our favorite hotels in Munnar is Fragrant Nature Munnar which is located in the mountain forest surrounded by wildlife. This hotel offers comfortable bungalows with mountain views and cozy fireplaces. Fragrant Nature also has a restaurant with all-day dining that serves North and South Indian cuisine.

We also love the Windmere Estate for its great views and location near the aromatic coffee and spice plantations and Ragamaya Resort & Spa for its luxurious rooms and on-site authentic Ayurvedic treatments.

Alleppey

When traveling to the backwaters of Alleppey, you will spend at least one night on a houseboat. If you would like to stay in the area for a longer period, then there is nowhere better than at a homestay. Homestays are a great way to get to know the local people. Most homestays in Alleppey offer simple but comfortable accommodations.

Our favorite homestays include Venice Castle and the Bella Art and Meditation House.

Day 1: Arrive in Cochin

On the first day of your Kerala journey, you will arrive at the Cochin International Airport and then will be met by one of our representatives at the arrivals gate. Afterward, you will be introduced to your private chauffeur who will take you to your hotel.

Feel free to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel spa or exploring nearby neighborhoods.

Day 2: Cochin

On your second day, your private guide will take you around this ancient port city to explore the streets of Fort Kochi and other areas. Here you can learn about Cochin's diverse heritage by visiting the Dutch Mattancherry Palace, Portuguese Santa Cruz Basilica, and the St Francis Church which is believed to be one of the oldest churches in India.

In Cochin, you can also take a cooking class, visit spice shops, relax in high-end restaurants, and explore local art galleries.

In the evening, head to the waterfront to see the fisherman using the famous Chinese fishing nets and get great photos of the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Day 3: Munnar

After Cochin, you will take a private transfer to Munnar where the weather is cooler and the vast tea plantations are surrounded by misty jungles. Here, you can spend your first day touring a tea plantation, visiting the tea museum, or simply taking in the views of the surrounding forests from your hotel.

Day 4: Munnar

Wake up in the early morning to take a trek through the gorgeous forests and surrounding hills. On your trek, you will see various animals and plants and take in the beautiful views.

After your hike, you can check out some of the local coffee and spice plantations to learn more about Kerala's flavors. You can also take an excursion to the nearby Eravikulam National Park.

Day 5: Periyar

Spend the next morning in Munnar at your hotel spa or sipping a cup of tea while taking in the surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, you transfer to Periyar National Park via private car.

Day 6: Periyar to Alleppey

Wake up in the early morning to take a jungle walk with a park ranger to see monkeys, deer, giant squirrels, and some beautiful birds. Jungle walks typically last for around 3 hours and it's important to wear good shoes and comfortable clothes.

For those who don't want to walk, it is possible to take a boat safari through the jungles. Periyar National Park has wild Bengal tigers but spotting them often takes multiple days spent inside the park.

Day 7: Alleppey and the Backwaters

In the afternoon, head to Alleppey where you will meet the captain of your gorgeous houseboat. Spend the afternoon cruising through the canals and trying authentic local cuisine.

You can sit on the boat's upper deck to catch some sun with views of the surrounding villages.

Spend the night on the boat in your own private room.

Day 8: Return to Cochin Airport

The next morning, your driver will meet you at the docks and take you back to Cochin where you can catch your flight to your next destination.