Kerala is a region where water, hills, and trees meet in harmony. It is located in the southern part of India. It is also a beautiful place.
If you are thinking of going to visit Kerala for the first time, you may be asking, “What to do in Kerala?” There are many things to do and see in Kerala. Some areas are peaceful. Others are full of color and life. You can sit on a houseboat, walk in a tea field, or rest by the sea. The people are warm. The food is full of taste. And the days move at a soft pace.
This guide will help you select the top things to try on your first visit. Each will show you a unique aspect of Kerala.
These are not just attractions, but experiences to embrace. If you wish to fully immerse yourself in your experience, consult this Top 10 Things to Do in Kerala list. Let’s start your visit to Kerala.
1. Cruise the Calm Backwaters on a Traditional Houseboat
Kerala is well known for its backwaters. Here is the list of things to do in Kerala backwaters. These are slow winding rivers and canals which lead between small villages and the emerald rice fields.
The best way to experience the peacefulness of a backwater excursion is by a houseboat. There are traditionally built houseboats that peacefully float along the water pathways in places like Alleppey or Kumarakom.
As you float along, you can relax. You can watch the trees move across the scenery and enjoy the breeze on your face. Fresh local dishes are prepared for you while on a boat and served while you relax.
The quiet waters, bird sounds and views of village life make this ride feel peaceful. First-time travelers love this houseboat journey because it is not fast or noisy. It gives you time to think and enjoy. These are the things to do in Kerala houseboat.
The journey shows you how the local people live by the water. It shows what their homes, boats and lives are like. It shows you a part of India that is very different. This is a must-do activity for any first-time visitor to Kerala.
Read Also – 10 Most Romantic Honeymoon Places in kerala
2. Experience Village Life Through a Homestay
Living in a local village home is one of the best ways to know Kerala. Many families open their doors to travelers. They give you a room and also treat you like a guest. In return, you get to eat what they eat and live how they live. This is called a homestay.
In these houses you can learn how to cook Kerala food. You learn how to incorporate coconut in every dish or try some simple farming. You might help pluck vegetables, ride a bicycle around the village or have a conversation with kids on their way to school.
There are no loud cars or bright lights. Everything moves slower here. You will wake up to the sound of birds or cows. You will sleep early because life here follows the sun.
Homestays help you feel the heart of Kerala. It is not like a hotel. It is warm, personal and full of small moments that make your trip feel real.
Our Famous Kerala Tour Packages-
| Kerala Tour Packages | No of Days |
| South India Tour Packages | 05 Days / 10 Days |
| Kerala Tour Packages | 05 Days / 04 Nights |
| Kerala Tour Package For Family |
07 Days / 06 Nights |
| Kerala Honeymoon Tour Package for Couple |
06 Days / 05 Nights |
| Kerala and Tamil Nadu Tour Package |
12 Days / 11 Nights |
3. Watch the Colours of Kerala’s Traditional Arts
Kerala has many forms of art that are very old. One famous dance is called Kathakali. Men dress in bright colors and big headgear. They move their hands, eyes and faces in a way that tells a story.
Another art is Theyyam. In this, a man becomes a god for a short time and wears red and silver. The music is strong and the dance is full of power. You can watch these shows in places like Fort Kochi or Kannur. Some are held in temples, while others are for all people. You do not need to know the local language. The colors, music and movement say everything.
These shows are not long, but they stay in your mind. They help you see that Kerala has a rich past and deep beliefs. For a first-time visitor, seeing a live show is a bright and powerful way to learn about the culture.
4. Walk Through Tea Hills and Spice Gardens
Here is the list of things to do in Munnar Kerala. The hills of Kerala are all covered in tea plants. The green hills of places like Munnar and Wayanad go on and on. You can walk along the narrow paths where people pick tea leaves. The scent of the air is aromatic and light.
You can see the spice gardens as well. Kerala is known for cardamom, black pepper and cinnamon. These gardens have trees planted among smaller and larger plants. They have incredibly powerful scents.
A guide will explain how each spice grows and share information about what it is used for. Sometimes you get to taste some spices and can buy some to take home. The air in the hills is cool and fresh. It is good to walk in and take deep breaths. If your idea of a good stop is the feeling of soft air, then the hills are great.
The tea and spice tours also demonstrate more about how Kerala used to be a central hub in the spice trade years ago. It has also become a global economy as it exists today.
For novice travelers, these green hills provide a welcoming and soft break.
5. Explore Wild Forests and Bird Sanctuaries
Kerala has various dense forests that represent native wildlife. You can visit places like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady. In this place, you can see animals like elephants & monkeys to make it an adventurous trip.
You may choose to take a boat ride through the woods or a guide walk carefully through the safest paths. It’s not a zoo, hence the elephants and monkeys are free and wild.
Another delightful experience is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. It is visited by many migratory birds once a year during some months of the year. One can encounter cranes, herons, ducks etc as they fly low over a waterbody or sit leisurely in trees. The sound of birds is astonishing.
Early mornings are the best as the forest is quiet and fresh. The air is pleasant and cool. Something beautiful happens when many people visit during holidays at the same time of year. You can find a quiet refuge away from cities or beaches.
This is the best way to appreciate the tranquility and wilderness of Kerala for tourists who travel to Kerala for the first time.
6. Visit Kerala’s Famous Waterfalls
Kerala has some very tall and impressive waterfalls which fall down the green hills. The biggest is Athirappilly Falls, and it is also called Niagara of India. It has a lot of power coming down with a really nice sound.
Surrounding beach is lush and green. You can also walk next to the water to feel the cool mist on your face. Some people want to take pictures because the whole scene is really impressive.
If you like waterfalls, you can also go see Meenmutti or Soochipara. But these waterfalls are a little hidden away in the forests in Wayanad. To reach them, you walk through a forest full of trees and small streams. They are not hard walks. They are enjoyable walks and you get close to nature and feel fresh.
First time people love the experience because they really get to see the wild beauty of Kerala. The waterfalls are more than an experience.
7. Discover the Charm of Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a quiet part of the city. It has an old history with narrow streets and old buildings. You can wander the streets and see Dutch, British and Portuguese buildings. Some walls are painted with various art.
Fort Kochi has lots of small stores and cafeterias where you can sit for tea, buy handmade things or just sit and look. You can see lots of the Chinese fishing nets here. These nets are wide-open nets suspended by wood and rope. Fisherman will lower them into the sea and pull them up for the catch. They work in an efficient slow crawl.
Visit the old churches in the area or the Jewish street in Mattancherry. The smell of spice and sea is in the air. Fort Kochi has a slow pace to it. It is for those who like to walk, look and reflect.
For a first-time visitor in the area, this is a great place to start the adventure in Kerala.
8. Feel the Sand and Sea at Kerala’s Beaches
Kerala’s long beaches have golden sand and blue sea. There are two famous beaches. They are Varkala and Kovalam.
At Varkala, there is a cliff you can walk through to watch the beautiful sea. Also, there are a few small shops and cafes. You can sit and watch the waves there while enjoying snacks.
In Kovalam, there is a wide beach with a tall lighthouse. You can climb it and see the distance. The sea is moderate, so you could swim or just wander around the beach. A lot of people also engage in body massage or do yoga on the beach too.
Kerala beaches have a soft pleasant wave that provides a calming effect. The sunset at each beach is extraordinary when the sky is filled with orange and pink in the evening. These beaches are not too loud or crowded.
First-time beach guests often appreciate their calm and restorative environment. They also feel safe and clean. The beach stop allows you to take time to enjoy the cleansing and relaxing air from the sea.
9. Heal Your Body with Yoga and Ayurveda
Kerala is a good place to care for your body and mind. You can engage in yoga classes near the rivers, forests or beaches. The peace in nature helps you focus. You can also try Ayurveda. This is an old way of healing with herbs, oil and touch.
A trained expert will check your body type and give simple treatments. You may get a warm oil rub or a steam bath with herbs. These help to clean the body and calm the mind. Many people feel light and fresh after a few days. You do not need to feel sick to try this. It is for anyone who wants rest from busy life.
For a first-time traveler, this side of Kerala shows care and peace. It is a break for your body and your mind. Yoga and Ayurveda are part of Kerala’s soul, not just a service.
10. Hike the Peaceful Trails of the Western Ghats
The Western Ghats are a series of tall hills along Kerala’s edge. The hills are filled with trees, flowers and narrow paths. You can take a short walk or hike.
One of the great spots is Chembra Peak in Wayanad. There is a little lake at the top. The long trek passes through dark green fields and tea gardens.
Another is Anamudi near Munnar. Anamudi is the tallest peak in South India. The trek is pretty easy, but good shoes and water are essential. There are birds making sounds and wild goats hiding nearby. The air is just the right amount of cool and the air smells of spice.
Be prepared to stop a lot and take some pictures. Trekking in the hills makes you feel strong and free. For new visitors, it immerses you in Kerala’s nature in your own steps. It is not about how fast you go.
Final Thoughts
Kerala is not only a place on a map. It is a feeling. The serene water, the generosity of the people, the aroma of the spices and the chirping of the birds all make it very special indeed.
As first-time visitors, you will find something they love. Whatever it is, be it food, nature, restful walking reserves or healing time. You don’t need to rush in Kerala, you just need to look, feel and enjoy.
You can plan your journey with WonderWorldTravels and enjoy the best things to do in Kerala. We help you figure out where to go, how to figure out the best place to stay and guide you carefully along the way. Your initial trip to Kerala should be easy, smooth and filled with delight.
Visit our website, Wonder World Travels or call us today to start the journey.
