25+ Top Things to Do in Kerala: Your 2024 Ultimate Bucket List Guide
Top Things to Do in Kerala extend far beyond its famous backwaters. “God’s Own Country” is a treasure trove of experiences, offering everything from heart-pounding adventures in the Western Ghats to soul-soothing Ayurvedic treatments on pristine beaches. This definitive guide for 2025 curates the absolute top things to do in Kerala, ensuring your itinerary is packed with unforgettable moments.
According to a feature by National Geographic Traveler, Kerala is a premier destination for its ability to blend vibrant culture with profound natural beauty, making it a must-visit on any world traveler’s list.
Why This Kerala Bucket List?
This isn’t just a list; it’s a curated collection of experiences that define the essence of Kerala. We’ve gone beyond the obvious to include hidden gems, cultural deep-dives, and adventurous pursuits that will give you a holistic understanding of why this state is so beloved.
A Quick Glance: The Top Categories of Experiences
| Category | Top Activities |
|---|---|
| Backwaters & Relaxation | Houseboat Stay, Shikara Cruise, Village Kayaking |
| Nature & Wildlife | Periyar Safari, Tea Garden Trek, Bird Watching |
| Culture & Heritage | Kathakali Show, Temple Visits, Fort Exploration |
| Adventure & Sports | Bamboo Rafting, Zip Lining, Surfing |
| Food & Wellness | Cooking Class, Spice Farm Tour, Ayurvedic Massage |
The Ultimate List: Top Things to Do in Kerala
1. Glide Through Alleppey on a Houseboat
No list of the top things to do in Kerala is complete without a stay on a traditional kettuvallam (rice barge) in Alleppey. It’s a surreal experience to drift past palm-fringed canals, observe village life, and sleep under the stars to the sound of lapping water.
Pro Tip: Book a private eco-friendly houseboat for a more intimate and sustainable experience. For a different perspective, consider a smaller shikara boat for a day cruise.
Find the perfect vessel for your journey with our detailed guide on the Best Houseboats in Alleppey.
2. Trek Through Munnar's Endless Tea Gardens
The emerald-green carpet of tea plantations in Munnar is iconic. One of the most rewarding top things to do in Kerala is to take a guided trek through these rolling hills. Learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup and breathe in the crisp, cool mountain air.
Must-Do: Visit the Tata Tea Museum and trek to Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
3. Spot Wildlife on a Periyar Lake Boat Safari
In Thekkady, the jungle safari happens on water. A boat cruise on Periyar Lake is one of the most exciting top things to do in Kerala for wildlife enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, bison, sambar deer, and if you’re incredibly lucky, a tiger on the shore.
4. Rejuvenate with Authentic Ayurveda
Kerala is the birthplace of Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old natural healing system. Undergoing a personalized Panchakarma treatment or even a simple Abhyanga (oil massage) is not just a spa day; it’s a profound wellness experience and a essential item on any list of top things to do in Kerala.
Best Places: Resorts in Kovalam and Varkala offer world-class Ayurvedic retreats.
5. Witness the Power of a Kathakali Performance
Kathakali is a classical Indian dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, detailed makeup, and expressive gestures. Watching a live performance, often accompanied by a explanation of the mudras (hand gestures), is a captivating cultural immersion and one of the essential top things to do in Kerala. Kochi is a great place to see an authentic show..
6. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping with Bamboo Rafting
For adventure seekers, bamboo rafting in Thekkady is a clear standout among top things to do in Kerala. This peaceful yet thrilling activity takes you down quiet stretches of river, offering unparalleled opportunities for bird watching and a unique perspective of the jungle.
7. Explore the Spice Plantations of Thekkady
The air in Thekkady is fragrant with cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon. A guided tour of a spice garden is a sensory delight and one of the most aromatic top things to do in Kerala. You’ll learn about organic farming practices and can stock up on fresh, high-quality spices.
8. Watch a Kalaripayattu Martial Arts Show
Often credited as the oldest martial art in the world, Kalaripayattu is a breathtaking display of agility, flexibility, and weaponry. The high-flying kicks, swift movements, and combat sequences make watching a live demonstration a thrilling entry for top things to do in Kerala.
9. Kayak Through Silent Backwater Canals
Swap the large houseboat for a kayak or canoe for a truly magical experience. Paddling through the narrow, silent canals of Kuttanad or Kumarakom allows you to get up close to water lilies, hear the sounds of the village, and witness life along the water’s edge at your own pace. This is easily one of the most peaceful top things to do in Kerala.
10. Relax on the Cliff-Beaches of Varkala
While Kovalam is famous, Varkala offers a more bohemian vibe. The unique geological formation of a long cliff face overlooking a golden beach creates a stunning setting. Relaxing at a cliff-side cafe, watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea, is undoubtedly one of the most scenic top things to do in Kerala.
Discover more coastal gems in our article on the Best Beaches in Kerala.
11. Marvel at the Theyyam Ritual in Northern Kerala
For a deep cultural shock, venture to Kannur or Kasargod to witness Theyyam. This is not a performance for tourists; it’s a sacred temple ritual where devotees believe the dancer becomes a god. The hypnotic drums, vibrant costumes, and trance-like state of the performers make it an unforgettable and powerful experience, and a true highlight among top things to do in Kerala.
12. Savour a Traditional Kerala Sadya Feast
You cannot visit Kerala without experiencing a Sadya. This is a grand vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, featuring over 20 different dishes, including avial, thoran, sambar, and the famous payasam for dessert. Eating a Sadya with your hands is a culinary ritual and a must-do for any food lover exploring the top things to do in Kerala.
Best experienced: During the festival of Onam.
13. Stay in a Treehouse in Wayanad
For a unique accommodation experience, book a night in a treehouse nestled in the rainforest of Wayanad. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle and looking out over a canopy of trees is an incredibly romantic and adventurous addition to your list of top things to do in Kerala.
14. Explore the Historic Forts of Bekal
Bekal Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala. Its key feature is the observation tower that offers spectacular views of the Arabian Sea. Exploring its laterite ramparts and tunnels is one of the most historically intriguing top things to do in Kerala, especially for photographers.
The fort’s history is documented by the Archaeological Survey of India, adding a layer of authentic historical significance to your visit.
15. Ride the Jungle Night Safari in Wayanad
For a completely different wildlife experience, embark on a night safari at the Tholpetty or Muthanga wildlife sanctuaries in Wayanad. With a spotlight and a guide, you have a higher chance of spotting nocturnal animals like leopards, civets, and various species of owls. It’s an exhilarating and unique entry for top things to do in Kerala.
16. Catch a Wave While Surfing in Kovalam
While Kerala is known for its calm backwaters, it also offers thrilling waves for surfing enthusiasts. The Lighthouse Beach in Kovalam, with its consistent swells, is the best place in the state to learn how to surf. Several local shacks offer board rentals and hour-long lessons for beginners, making it one of the most fun and unexpected top things to do in Kerala.
Pro Tip: The best time for surfing is from June to September during the monsoon, when the waves are at their strongest. For certified training, look for instructors affiliated with the International Surfing Association
17. Stand in Awe of Athirapally Falls
Often hailed as the “Niagara of India,” Athirapally Falls is a spectacular sight. The thunderous roar of the Chalakudy River plunging 80 feet into a misty pool below is a powerful experience of nature’s raw force. Walking through the moist, green pathways of the surrounding forest to various viewpoints is undoubtedly one of the most majestic top things to do in Kerala for nature lovers and photographers.
Best Time to Visit: The post-monsoon months from September to December when the waterfall is at its most powerful and dramatic.
18. Step Back in Time at Mattancherry Palace, Kochi
A testament to Kochi’s layered history, the Mattancherry Palace (also known as the Dutch Palace) is a treasure trove of Kerala’s royal past. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later renovated by the Dutch, the palace is renowned for its exquisite murals depicting scenes from the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Exploring its quiet halls and admiring the intricate artistry is one of the most culturally enriching top things to do in Kerala.
The palace is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
19. Pedal Through Peace on a Village Cycling Tour
To truly connect with the rhythm of rural Kerala, trade your car for a bicycle. A guided cycling tour through the villages near Alleppey or Kumarakom takes you along narrow paths between paddy fields, past toddy tappers climbing palm trees, and through small communities where you can witness local crafts like coir-making and pottery. This slow, immersive travel is increasingly becoming one of the most authentic top things to do in Kerala.
20. Witness the Spectacle of Thrissur Pooram
If your visit coincides with April or May, you must experience Thrissur Pooram. It’s not just a festival; it’s a cultural explosion and arguably the most spectacular temple festival in all of South India. The highlight is the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, the electrifying percussion of hundreds of drummers, and a dazzling fireworks display that lasts through the night. Attending this event is, without a doubt, one of the most vibrant and unforgettable top things to do in Kerala.
Planning Note: Book accommodations in Thrissur months in advance, as the city gets incredibly crowded during the Pooram.
21. Go Birdwatching in Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Calling all birders! Thattekad, fondly called the “Cuckoo Paradise of India” by the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali, is a biodiversity hotspot. Home to over 300 species of birds, including the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, Malabar Grey Hornbill, and various species of eagles and owls, a morning walk here with a trained guide is one of the most rewarding top things to do in Kerala for wildlife enthusiasts.
22. Savour a Fresh Catch at a Fort Kochi Seafood Joint
Kerala’s long coastline means incredibly fresh and delicious seafood. One of the simplest yet most delightful top things to do in Kerala is to sit at a humble, family-run restaurant in Fort Kochi, order a whole grilled Karimeen (Pearl Spot fish) marinated in spices, a plate of spicy pepper fry, and enjoy it with a parotta. The atmosphere is buzzing, the food is phenomenal, and the experience is pure, unadulterated Kerala.
23. Trek to the Hidden Meesapulimala Peak
For serious trekkers, the journey to Meesapulimala, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, is a challenge worth taking. The trek starts from the Rhodo Valley in Munnar and takes you through rhododendron forests, rolling shola grasslands, and offers breathtaking panoramic views. Standing at the summit at sunrise is a triumphant experience and one of the most adventurous top things to do in Kerala.
Note: This trek usually requires prior permission and a certified guide.
24. Get a Custom Fragrance at a Perfumery in Kannauj
This is a truly unique and sensory experience. Visit a traditional attar perfumery, where artisans extract fragrances from flowers, herbs, and spices through ancient distillation methods. You can learn about the process and even get a custom fragrance blended for you based on your preferences. It’s a unique souvenir and one of the most olfactory top things to do in Kerala.
25. Stay in a Heritage Homestay for a Local Experience
To move beyond being a tourist and feel like a guest, book a stay at a heritage homestay. Often run by charming families in beautiful old houses, these stays offer home-cooked Keralite meals, personal stories, and insights into local life that you won’t get in a hotel. Sharing stories over a cup of chai on a verandah is one of the most heartwarming top things to do in Kerala.
26. Marvel at the Jain Temple in Sultan Bathery
A fascinating historical site in Wayanad, the Sultan Bathery Jain Temple dates back to the 13th century. Built entirely of granite, the temple features intricate carvings and is a serene and architecturally significant site. Its history, having been used as a storage depot for Tipu Sultan’s artillery, adds to its intrigue, making it a fascinating stop and one of the most historically complex top things to do in Kerala.
27. Zip-Line Over the Forests of Wayanad
For an adrenaline rush with a view, head to the zip-lining courses in Wayanad. Soaring over lush green valleys and treetops gives you a bird’s-eye perspective of the stunning landscape. It’s safe, incredibly fun, and definitely one of the most exhilarating top things to do in Kerala for families and adventure seekers alike.
28. Take a Sunset Cruise on the Arabian Sea
From both Kochi and Kovalam, you can find boats that offer sunset cruises on the Arabian Sea. As the sky erupts in hues of orange and pink, casting a golden glow on the water and the Chinese fishing nets, you’ll understand why this simple pleasure is consistently rated as one of the most romantic top things to do in Kerala.
Crafting Your Perfect Kerala Itinerary
Remember: Kerala’s true magic often lies in the unplanned moments—the unexpected chai stop, the conversation with a local fisherman, the spontaneous detour to a hidden waterfall. Use this guide to the top things to do in Kerala as your framework, but leave room for serendipity.
Your Kerala Adventure Awaits!
This list of top things to do in Kerala merely scratches the surface of what’s possible. The true magic of Kerala lies in getting lost in its landscapes, striking up a conversation with a local, and allowing the rhythm of life there to slow you down. Use this guide as your starting point, but be open to the unexpected adventures that will undoubtedly become the highlights of your trip.
Ready to turn this bucket list into an itinerary? Contact our Kerala travel experts to plan your personalized journey through God’s Own Country!