Kerala’s unique topography offers an amazing opportunity to travellers to explore a wide variety of adventure activities. The state has something to offer for all your adventure bugs. Trekking, Paragliding, Rafting, and going on a jungle safari are some of the top things to do in Kerala. If you are unsure of how to arrange all activities, you should know that there are many adventure tour packages in Kerala that will help you with the details. If you are planning a trip, do not miss out on any of these adventure activities in Kerala:
River rafting: Riverrafting is one of the most popular adventure activities in Kerala. There are many places where you can go river rafting. The rivers Iruvanjippuzha, Kannur, and Chalippuzha are some of the famous places for river rafting in Kerala. While river rafting is open at most times of the year, you’ll get the best experience from September to November.
Trekking: Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of Kerala’s amazing landscape? The mountainous and lush countryside of Kerala offers exciting opportunities to trek. Trekking is one of the top things to do in Kerala. If you do not want to do it alone, you can join many trekking groups. Many adventure tour packages in Kerala also help individuals to join a trekking group. While there are many incredible places to trek in Kerala, Chembra, Meesappulimala, Dhoni Hills, and Agasthyarkoodam are some of the most famous places that you should not miss.
Paragliding: If paragliding is on your bucket list, you should definitely go to Kerala. Kerala's many winding valleys make for the best topography for paragliding activities. You can paraglide above the hypnotizing tea plantations of Munnar or the warm waves of the Arabian Sea in Varkala. The period between September and March is the best time to go paragliding in Kerala.
Stay in a tree house: Thetree house experience is perhaps one of the most adventurous and romantic activities in Kerala. You can stay right in the middle of a vast and verdant tea estate in Munnar or deep inside the jungle in Wayanad. And, yes, you won’t miss out on any of the comforts of modern life. Doesn’t that sound exciting? Living in a tree house is no doubt one of the top adventure activities in Kerala.
Go on a jungle safari: Kerala is a land of wildlife sanctuaries. If you are visiting the state, you must go for a jungle safari. It is one of the most exciting things you’ll do in Kerala.You can spot Asiatic Lions in Periyar National Park or spot exotic birds in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Most Adventure Tour Packages in Kerala include a jungle safari.
Bamboo rafting: Your Kerala visit would be incomplete without experiencing Bamboo rafting. Bamboo rafting is just like river rafting, but it is done on bamboo rafts, which makes the experience far more interesting.Bamboo rafting is a common phenomenon in Periyar National Park and Thekkady.
Scuba diving: Wherever there is a beach and a vast blue sea, there has to be scuba diving. Glide underwater and into the beautiful world of coral reefsin the Arabian Sea. Scuba diving is one of the top things to do in Kerala. Kovalam and Kochi are two places where you may be able to enjoy scuba diving activities in Kerala.
Kerala, with its exceedingly beautiful landscape encompassing beaches, backwaters, and tea plantations, is truly God’s Own Country. Whichever direction you travel in this magical world, you are bound to be left spellbound by the beauty of Kerala. You can explore the vast tea plantations in Munnar, glide through the backwaters in Alleppey, or take a stroll on the beach in Kovalam.
From food to adventure, there’s something for everyone in Kerala. The state is also known as the spice capital of the country because of the rich variety of spices found here like cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, etc.
If you are planning to visit the state, here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala:
Munnar: One of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala, Munnar is famous for its vast tea plantations and stunning valleys. Munnar is located in the Idukki district and stands at 1600 metres above sea level. Munnar is home to some of the best sightseeing and tourist attractions in Kerala like the Eravikulam National Park, and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can enjoy a plethora of flora and fauna.
Alleppey: There can be no discussion about the beauty of Kerala without the mention of Alleppey. The place is one of the most famous tourist places in Kerala. Known as the backwater capital of India, Alleppey (formally called Alappuzha) looks like it is straight out of a fairyland. The easiest way to travel around Alleppey is by houseboat, which locals use as the primary mode of transportation. The best part is that you can also stay at a boat house and enjoy waking up right in the lap of nature in the mornings.
Wayanad: The green world of Wayanad with its deep valleys and dense forest makes it one of the most famous tourist places in Kerala. Like Munnar, Wayanad is also covered in plantations and forests. Flanked by the Western Ghats, Wayanad boasts a variety of flora and fauna. When you are there, do not miss the opportunity to spot the Asiatic Elephant and Gaurs at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Kumarakom: One of themostfamous sightseeing and tourist attractions in Kerala, Kumarakom is a beautiful place set in the backdrop of the majestic Vembanad lake. The Vembanad lake is the largest backwater lake in Kerala. Kumarakom is the best place for spotting migratory birds as it is home to the Kumarakom Bird sanctuary. This is also the reason why the place is renowned worldwide as one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
Thekkady: Located in the Idukki district,Thekkady is a place for wildlife lovers. From here, you can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary is famous for its deciduous forests and savanna grasslands. If you are lucky, you’d be able to spot the Nilgiri Langurs, Asiatic Elephants, and Lion-tailed Macaques.
Kerala is a place where magic happens. The vast green valleys, the beautiful backwaters, and the deep blue sea will have you smitten in an instant. Kerala promises a whirlwind of activities for anyone who visits the place. There are so many places to explore and so many things to do in Kerala, that you’ll have to plan a long vacation just to cover a few of them. From adventure activities to pure relaxation, you can unwind in Kerala like nowhere else in this world. Let’s explore some of the top activities you can do in Kerala:
Go for an ayurvedic spa: Kerala is famous for its ayurvedic treatments. The state is the birthplace of ayurveda, and as such, there are many healing centres across the state that focus on specific ayurvedic techniques to ensure that you can detox and heal internally from all your ailments. You can opt for Panchakarma which is a form of detox. Another interesting ayurvedic treatment involves dripping warm oil on a person’s forehead. This treatment called Shirodhara is used to treat psoriasis, insomnia, and neurological problems among others.
Go on a wildlife adventure: Kerala is the best place to visit if you love wildlife. There are so many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that it would difficult for you to cover everything on a single trip. The Periyar National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, and the Silent Valley National Park are some of the best places in Kerala where you can spot a host of wildlife like tigers, Asiatic elephants, Guars, etc. If you are interested in bird watching, you can visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary or Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Try some mouth-watering street food: Kerala is known as the spice capital of India and for good reason. It is home to so many spices that are used in Indian cooking like ginger, black pepper, cloves etc. Wherever you go in Kerala, you’ll find delicious food. You cannot be in Kerala and not try any of the street food, of course. Idyappam, Malabar Parotta, Puttu, Appam, and Pazhampori are some of the best delicacies you can try in Kerala. Don’t forget to taste the delicious seafood.
Hit the beach: Kerala’s coastline is surrounded by the warm waters of the Arabian sea. As such, the state boasts many beaches spread across its coastline. Enjoy the waves lapping against your feet as you take a quiet stroll on Marari Beach or try something adventurous on Kovalam beach. Varkala beach is another very famous beach in Kerala. Less crowded than Kovalam, Varkala offers a beautiful view of the scenery.
Explore the tea plantations: Kerala has many tea plantations. Munnar is one of the famous hill stations that boast entire valleys covered in tea plantations. Munnar is a sight to behold, and you should add the hill station to your Kerala itinerary. Wayanad is another place where you can explore the tea plantation of Kerala. There are many resorts in Munnar and Wayanad where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit is from October to March, as the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Do I need a visa to visit Kerala?
Foreign travelers need an Indian tourist visa to visit Kerala. Domestic travelers do not require any additional permits.
What are the must-visit destinations in Kerala?
What is Kerala famous for?
Kerala is renowned for its backwaters, spice plantations, Ayurvedic treatments, houseboats, and lush green landscapes.
How many days are enough to explore Kerala?
A 4 to 8-day trip is ideal for covering significant destinations like Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi.
What is the official language in Kerala?
The official language is Malayalam, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
What is the currency used in Kerala?
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR).
What kind of food can I expect in Kerala?
Kerala offers delicious cuisine including appam, puttu, idiyappam, fish curry, malabar parotta, and spiced prawn dishes.
Is Kerala a family-friendly destination?
Yes, Kerala offers a wide range of activities for families, including houseboat stays, wildlife safaris, and beach visits.
Can I experience Ayurveda in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, which are available in many spas and resorts.
What is the weather like in Kerala?
Kerala has a tropical climate. Summers (March–May) are warm, monsoons (June–September) bring heavy rains, and winters (October–February) are pleasant.
What is unique about the Kerala backwaters?
The backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes, best explored on a traditional houseboat.
Is Kerala safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Kerala is considered one of the safest destinations in India for solo travelers.
What are the main airports in Kerala?
The major airports are Cochin International Airport (Kochi), Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram), Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode)
What activities can adventure enthusiasts enjoy in Kerala?
Activities include trekking, bamboo rafting, paragliding, snorkeling, and wildlife safaris.
What is the ideal mode of transportation within Kerala?
You can travel by road (taxis, buses), trains, or houseboats depending on your itinerary.
What are Kerala’s famous festivals?
Major festivals include Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, and Theyam Rituals.
Can I swim at Kerala beaches?
Swimming is allowed at some beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, but always check local guidelines for safety.
Is tipping expected in Kerala?
Tipping is customary. A tip of 10–15% is appreciated at restaurants, for guides, and for drivers.
Can I buy spices in Kerala?
Yes, Kerala is famous for its spices like cardamom, pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, available in local markets.
What are some popular wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala?
Can I explore Kerala on a budget?
Yes, Kerala offers a range of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and public transport options.
Are there any luxury experiences in Kerala?
Luxury travelers can enjoy premium houseboats, 5-star Ayurvedic spas, and stays at luxury resorts like The Leela and Taj Bekal.
What are the top beaches in Kerala?
What are the health precautions for travelers?
Carry basic medications, drink bottled water, and consider taking precautions during the monsoon to avoid waterborne illnesses.
