Did you know which State leads the country in Ayurveda? Yes, it is Kerala, as you correctly predicted. This State, which is located on the Malabar Coast, is known as “God’s own country” for good cause. With beautiful backwaters, splendid views, and scenic beauty Kerala is a perfect destination for a holiday.
When you visit a place, it often becomes challenging to plan an itinerary that covers all the exciting locations. There are countless things to do in Kerala, and we have enlisted the most popular and exciting ones. We have covered everything from places where you witness the flowers that bloom once in 12 years to shikara rides. So without delay, let us dive deep and explore the beautiful State of India.
Indulge in the beauty of Neelakurinji
Will you trust us if we say that a flower, with a stunning blue colour Bloomsbury once in 12 years? Yes, you read that right, only once in almost a decade. The hills of Nilgiris are covered with patches of blue, which is unquestionably one of the most beautiful things to see in Kerala.
Tourists globally visit the Nilgiri hills during this time to witness the magical beauty of the place. Learn about the last bloom of Neelakurnaji from the news and plan your next Kerala trip accordingly.
Taste the Tea
Are you a tea fanatic? Well, you are not alone because most Indians are! Starting your day with a cup of hot tea or random tea breaks during office hours is essential in our everyday life. But do you know where to get the best tea in South India? Yes, you guessed it right, Kerala!
If you are in the State, and wondering what to do in Kerala, one of the best choices would be to visit the Kannan Devan Plantation Museum. It is at a distance of only 3 hours from Kochi, which will give you an opportunity to learn all about tea plantations. Here you can get an opportunity to witness the tea processing and taste different teas.
While you are here, you can also visit the century-old factory in the Kolukkumalai tea estate.
Life in A Houseboat
Most of us who stay in metropolitan cities have hardly seen houseboats let alone stayed in them. But when you are in Kerala, you cannot miss this opportunity. Alleppey is a favourite destination for newly married couples for its calm and serene environment paired with enchanting natural beauty. Therefore, staying on houseboats is one of the most popular things to do in Kerala for Honeymoon couples.
The range of these boats varies from Rs 4500 to Rs 12,500, and most of them include all four meals of the day. So if you are planning this trip beforehand, there are chances of getting a better deal at a discounted rate.
Enjoy a ride on the Shikara
Apart from staying in houseboats in Alleppey, one of the must-do things in Kerala is enjoying the Shikara ride. These rides take you through the backwaters of Kerala, where you get to witness the village life of the people, their culture, and, not to forget, unique species of birds.
The Shikara ride is like the cheaper version of the houseboat. You only need to pay Rs 600 per hour and enjoy life in a houseboat. Each ride is approximately 3 to 4 hours long, but the experience is undoubtedly one of a kind.
Get a spicy experience
Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad are famous for their spice plantations. You can visit these places as a part of exciting activities to do in Kerala. Most of these plantations are guided by a tour guide or locals, where you can enjoy authentic spices like black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and even vanilla.
The nearby hotels often offer tours to these plantations, but you can also visit on your own. However, we will suggest you visit these plantations with a guide for your ease of understanding the various spices. The entry fee is relatively lesser. For example, to enter Abraham’s Spice Garden, you need to pay only Rs 200.
A Peek Into the Wildlife
The safari rides are one of the best things to do in Kerala with Family. At a distance of only 190 km from Kochi, Thekkady is famous for its dense forest cover. Get an opportunity to witness the vegetation, the mammals, and the aquatic life while travelling through the lush forests in a jeep.
A day trip costs Rs 1800 per person. You can, however, combine this trip with overnight camping to add more excitement to this trip. You can also avail of a boat ride on Periyar lake if you do not wish to travel on the Jeep.
Try Bathing an Elephant
Have you ever thought about how it would feel to bathe an elephant? Yes, at the Kodanad Elephant sanctuary, the authorities have made the provision for the tourists to bathe the gentle giants. It is, without a doubt, one of the fun things to do in Kerala with friends.
There are a bunch of things to do at this elephant sanctuary. The activities include elephant safari, elephant baths, and even elephant feeding. The price ranges between Rs 350 to Rs 1500 per person depending on the duration and number of activities involved. Even if you do not want to take part in any activities, watching the cute baby elephants run around and spray water at each other will be a memorable experience.
Stop by the Marvelous Fort Kochi
Kerala is not just about the backwaters and lush greenery. It also includes some majestic architecture which you should pay a visit to when you are in the State. One of the popular things to do in Kerala for Couples is visiting this beautiful Fort Kochi.
The best part about Fort Kochi is that it is not based on any one culture. Instead, it is a potpourri of cultures that includes Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese. As a part of fun activities in Kerala, you can:
- explore the Jewish Synagogue
- Visit the Indo-Portuguese museum
- See the Chinese fishing nets
- Stop by the Santa Cruz Basilica
Experience Bamboo Rafting
If you love some good amount of adrenaline rushing through your veins, then bamboo rafting will be among the best things to do in Kerala for you. At the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, there is a provision for bamboo rating over Periyar Lake. This is, unmistakably, one of the experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.
On this ride, the tourists often get an opportunity to witness fauna, including even tigers and elephants. The charges vary depending on how many people are going on the trip. However, on average, bamboo rafting costs Rs 2800 per person.
On a Final Note
We are sure after reading till here, we have already excited you to plan your next trip to Kerala. And why not? It is a state that offers everything. From dense forests with exquisite flora and fauna to chilling hills with fantastic tea, coffee, and spice plantations, the type of experience you get in Kerala is incomparable.
