Kerala is a beautiful State known as ‘God’s Own Country.’ Its picturesque backwaters, lush greenery, history, art, and culture will all charm you. It’s also filled with spice and tea plantations, beaches, wildlife parks, and home to mouth-watering food and tranquil ayurvedic treatments.
Here are 10 reasons why Kerala should be on your bucket list.
1. It's Home To The Beautiful Backwaters
The picturesque backwaters of Kerala are what mainly draw tourists to the state. It’s a beautiful stretch of lakes, canals, and lagoons parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea. As you cruise, you will be surrounded by palm trees, leafy plants, and locals carrying out their everyday tasks, washing clothes and fishing.
One of the best ways to enjoy the backwaters is by houseboat. An overnight houseboat experience with a personal chef will give you a traditional Keralan experience and something to tick off the bucket list.
If you want a day experience, try a kayaking on the backwaters or a day cruise. I went for the latter option. I booked through Oscar Cruises on a group tour as I was travelling solo, but private options are also available and I would highly recommend the company.Â
2. Indulge In Keralan Cuisine
Food in Kerala is mouth-watering. It’s some of the best food I have tasted on my travels around the world. The food is full of rich and spicy flavours making no meal boring.Â
It’s also a haven for all you vegetarians and pescatarians, as the Keralan diet is mainly made up of rice, coconut, various vegetables, fish, and seafood. Â
One thing you must try on your visit to Kerala is Sadya, a traditional Keralan meal served on a banana leaf with up-to 25 different dishes being served.Â
Note:Â When dining on banana leaf to indicate when satisfied, just fold your banana leaf. Otherwise, the food will keep getting topped up.Â
A must-try drink on your trip to Kerala is toddy. I had this during my backwater cruise. It’s a refreshing alcoholic beverage known as coconut vodka, according to the locals. It’s prepared by fermenting the sap of coconut or palm flowers.
TIP: To get the whole local experience, eat with your hand. I say hand and not hands because it is a rule to eat with your right hand only.Â
In India, the left hand is for wiping your butt and other unsanitary functions, the right is for eating and shaking hands.Â
3. Relax On The Beautiful Beaches
Kerala has a 600km Arabian Sea shoreline with many beaches offering different vibes. Varkala is the most famous beach for tourists and is known for its natural springs, which are said to have medicinal qualities.
Another famous beach is Alappuzaha. Alappuzha Beach is a huge destination hotspot and the beach I visited due to its proximity to backwaters. However, this is not the typical beach setting, so please do not run around in a bikini. It is a busy beach close to the town, and you will not find people in bathing suits here unfortunately.Â
It’s more for walking and the perfect picnic spot. You will see locals go in the water but in clothes. So just let your feet touch the sand, and your toes grace the water, then take a walk to find the perfect spot to enjoy ice cream and watch the sunset.
If you like lighthouses, you may prefer Kovalam Beach. Kovalam Beach has a lighthouse 35 meters tall You can climb to the top to get amazing views and take memorable photos. Whichever beach location you choose to travel to, you will find something unique about each.
4. Experience The Power of Ayurveda
Take time to relax and experience the power of Ayurveda. Kerala is the land of Ayurvedic treatments, an ancient Indian medical system. It uses natural and holistic approaches to treat physical and mental health.
I experienced some Ayurvedic therapies in and massage in Ayursoukhyam Village during my trip. I had Abhyangam, a message with medicated oils, followed by a steam bath. Then I had Shirodhara, where a medicated oil is systematically poured onto the forehead for 35 minutes to activate intuition, improve sleep and reduce stress.
5. Learn About The Art Of Kathakali
Kathakali is an Indian classical dance that originated in the state of Kerala. So you will be in the perfect place to enjoy a performance that combines dance, drama, music, and song.
During my visit, I found out it takes about 8-10 years to learn the basics of Kathakali. The performers harbour great skill as they remain silent throughout the performance, only using hand and facial gestures as a form of expression to convey the story.
The bright colours of the costumes and makeup and the complexity of the performance will draw you in. This performance may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it is definitely an interesting experience you should take advantage of if you are into art and culture.
Tip: Email the Kathakali Centre to book direct to get the cheapest tickets. I paid around £3.50 for my ticket in Kochi, whereas third-party companies charged £14.Â
You can also arrive early and watch the makeup being applied to the performers for a backstage-style experience.Â
6. Explore Kochi's Architecture, Markets & Fishing Villages
Spend time exploring Kochi (Cochin). There is plenty to do in the city. You can walk around the seaside area of Fort Kochi, where you will discover Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial architecture.Â
You can explore the Chinese fishing nets on Kochi Beach. Then if you are interested in historical or religious sites, you can head over to the historic Jew town or one of the many temples in Kochi. Just outside the city, you will also find the fishing villages where you can explore and enjoy fresh sea food.Â
If you love shopping, then Kerala has that too. Start at Broadway Market. It’s a long roadside market selling everything you can think of. Also, head to Convent Road for more shopping or LuLu Mall for luxury shops. For an added experience, take the local bus to the mall.Â
Once you find a bus stop just jump on the bus, then make sure you jump off quickly when it’s your stop; otherwise, you’ll be exiting the bus while it’s still moving. Yup that was me…
In the evenings, you can enjoy the many restaurants or take up a cooking class with Kochi Urban Adventures, which is something I always do on my travels.
7. Explore Spice & Tea Plantations In Munnar
Munnar is known as the tea town situated in the hills of Kerala. It is known to have some of the most elevated tea plantations in the world, with some at 2200 meters above sea level.Â
I am a tea lover, so what better way than to spend my afternoon visiting the tea plantations, followed by a tea museum and tasting to learn more about the history and process of tea making, hey?
Be careful at the gift shops, though. I bought some chocolates with the tea I purchased, and when I returned to the hotel, I noticed all the chocolate was out of date by quite a biiitt. I guess I should have looked, considering this had been happening to me throughout my trip when purchasing snacks at the shops.
A big attraction in Munnar is the Cinnamon Gardens Spice Plantation. I had a fantastic tour here. In an interactive environment, you will learn all about the different spices, fruits, and medicinal plants.
8. Spend The Day With The Locals & Learn About Local Life
One of my favourite things to do when travelling is to interact and spend time with the local people to get an authentic feel of the country and the culture. Kerala is rich in culture and filled with the kindest people.
9. Bathe In The Many Waterfalls
Kerala is known for having many majestic waterfalls over the state. I went to around four during my visit. My favourite was the Athirappilly waterfalls. I really enjoyed the walk down to the waterfall, minus the crazy monkeys. Keep bags and snacks close unless you want them taken.Â
However, when you reach the waterfall, it is incredible, and it’s nice to relax and watch the water come crashing down, or you can take a bath. There is also a beautiful restaurant called Rainforest nearby with the perfect view of the waterfalls while you tuck into the famous Sadya or tea experience.
10. Visit a National Park or Tiger Reserve In Thekkady
Kerala is home o a wide variety of wildlife, such as Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, leopards, and more. I went out looking for the elephants twice in a jeep when I was doing a three-day mountain farm stay in Mankulam, but sadly I only came across their poop. But that’s the thing with wildlife in their natural habitat.
However you can visit a National Park or Tiger Reserve in Thekkady if you prefer a more structured tour. I never had time to do this on my trip, but I would love to hear from you if you did.
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