Kerala is southern state of India and is popular for its unique blend of nature, culture and wellness. This makes it a perfect place for couples, family and wildlife enthusiasts. It is popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” for this reason. Kerala has green hilly western ghats, tea plantations, sunny beaches, and tranquil network of backwaters that makes it a wonderful place to visit. This part of India is full of culture, old temples, colorful festivals, and traditional art forms that brilliantly showcase its rich history. Kerala is also modern and welcoming, offering something for everyone. Whether you want to relax by the beach or the backwaters, explore its history or nature, or learn about its traditions, Kerala guarantees every traveler a warm and memorable experience.

In this blog, we suggest the top attractions of Kerala. You can explore Cochin’s colonial history, enjoy tea in the cool hills of Munnar, and sail through the peaceful backwaters. Experience traditional Ayurvedic massages, relax on sunny beaches, stay at a wellness retreat, visit spice plantations, and ride a steam train through the beautiful Western Ghats.

1. Discover Cochin’s Historic Sights

Cochin is the capital city of Kerala which has many stories to tell about the past. Fort Kochi district in Cochin is one of the most interesting places to visit as it is brimming with remnants of Dutch, Portuguese, and British influence. Walk along the famous Chinese fishing nets that line the shore and are still in use at sunrise. Step inside the 16th-century Mattancherry Palace, where frescoed murals show scenes from mythology. The Jewish Synagogue nearby has beautiful Belgian chandeliers and hand-painted Chinese tiles. In the old bazaar, you can try local delicacies like beef fried wrapped in banana leaf or payasam, a sweet rice pudding that is quite good. After the historic discoveries in the city, your local guide will be ready to take you to the local fragrant spice markets Find out how black pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon changed the trading routes in Kerala. Enjoy a Kathakali dance performance set to traditional drums as the sun goes down. This unique mix of architecture, art, and fragrant markets makes Cochin a must-see destination on any Kerala holiday.

Munnar Tea Plantations

2. Spend a Day with Tea Pickers in Munnar

Munnar’s rolling tea estates, which are high up in the Western Ghats, make emerald waves that are one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Munnar. At dawn, you see tea pickers in bright saris on the misty slopes. Our tailored Kerala family holidays include hands-on plucking sessions where you learn how to pick the youngest leaves. Visit a processing tea factory to watch the phases of withering, rolling, and drying. Try first-flush teas directly from the factory and pay attention to their subtle flowery and fruity flavours. You can even have a picnic amidst the estate with tiffins filled with local idlis and spicy chutneys. In the afternoon, hike to a waterfall nearby that is surrounded by cardamom trees. This full-day trip to tea county shows why Munnar is still one of the best parts of our Kerala holidays. 

Traditional Kerala Houseboat

3. Embrace the Slow Pace of Kerala Backwaters

There is a network of canals, rivers, and lakes in the Kerala backwaters. Check into a traditional houseboat and float past villages where elderly people weave coconut husks and kids fish with nylon nets. On your houseboat’s sun deck, you can have a lunch of freshly caught fish curry, appam, and seasonal vegetables. As you steer through the narrow channels, witness the local village life along the banks of the backwaters. 

Disembark your houseboat for a village tour during the day to visit a family run coir factory where you will see how to make coir and tap toddy. Go back to your cabin for a candlelit dinner under the stars. These slow moments are what makes Kerala holidays so special. 

4. Combine Culture with Beach Bliss

The southern coastline of Kerala meets the Arabian Sea with golden sands and coconut groves. Kovalam and Marari are well known beaches. Our recommended hotel stays in Kovalam include Surya Samudra, Taj Green Cove and Leela Kovalam, each with private beach access and ocean-view dining. Spend your days swimming, going for a spa or simply lounging on wooden loungers. As the sunsets, indulge in fresh seafood barbecues – tandoori prawns and meen pollichathu to name few of the local delicacies. Typically your tailor-made holiday will start with historic Cochin and end with beach bliss in Kovalam or Marari offering a seamless blend of culture and coast on your Kerala holiday. 

5. Treat Yourself to Traditional Ayurvedic Massages

Wellness and Ayurveda is synonymous with Kerala and are woven into Kerala’s heritage since ancient times. On your tailor-made Keralan holiday, most hotels we recommend feature spa facilities offering a balanced menu of traditional Ayurvedic Massages and modern therapies. A good place to start is to try the signature Abhyanga full-body massage, where warm herbal oils are applied in rhythmic strokes. Nutritionists at some of specialist wellbeing centres design personalised meal plans based on dosha assessments. Whether you select an oil massage at a five-star resort or a simple local panchakarma centre, you emerge rejuvenated. This commitment to holistic wellbeing defines Kerala holidays and elevates any Kerala holiday itinerary.

6. Stay at a Wellness Retreat

The Carnoustie Wellness Resort, a well-known wellness retreat by a calm lagoon, has daily yoga and meditation classes to help you feel better.  Start your day with a Vinyasa flow on a floating platform.  You can also take a guided pranayama workshop later to learn how to breathe properly.  Nutritionists make meals with a lot of antioxidants by using local greens, millets, and fresh fish. In the afternoons, you can bathe in the forest on nature walks or have sound-healing sessions under bamboo pavilions.  As night falls, starlit supper groups teach you how to eat mindfully.  Carnoustie is one of the best parts of Luxury Kerala holiday, especially if you would like a strong focus on wellness on your Keralan holiday since it focusses on the body and mind. 

7. Explore Spice Plantations

Kerala’s fame as a spice hub leads travellers to Thekkady and Wayanad. Wander through pepper, nutmeg and clove trees with plantation owners who share centuries-old cultivation methods. Sample spice teas and pick up freshly ground powders. In Thekkady, spice gardens sit beside Periyar Tiger Reserve, allowing for combined wildlife and spice tours. Bring home curated spice gift boxes, pepper garlands and herbal teas. Back at your hotel, try incorporating these flavours into your evening curry. These fragrant fields add zest to Kerala holidays and spark new culinary inspirations.

8. Go on a Steam Train in the Western Ghats

The Nilgiri Mountain Railways in Kerala tell tales of the bygone era. For an authentic experience of Indian railways, get on a vintage steam train and ride through the beautiful Western Ghats, where the tracks twist and turn through thick shola trees and waterfalls. The clickety-clack sound as your journey through the Western ghats gives a ‘back to the ancient times’ vibe to this train ride experience. At vistas, you can stop for tea on the station platforms and talk to pleasant station masters. Both kids and adults love waving to people who are watching. This old ride is still one of the best parts of holidays to Kerala.

9. Master a Keralan Curry

Food is tradition and food is culture in Kerala. On most of our Kerala holidays, you can opt to join in a cookery class in a family home or hotel kitchen to discover the secrets behind an authentic Keralan Curry. You will learn about the various spices and how to grind them to prepare creamy coconut-based sambar and the region’s signature dish. At the end you savour your own creation with steaming rice and freshly made papadums. This interactive lesson ensures you take home not only recipes but lasting culinary memories – perfect for Kerala family holidays.

10. Curated ‘Beyond Ordinary’ Experiences

At Indian Odyssey we handpick local experiences that transform holidays into stories. Choose an early-morning city bike tour of Cochin’s back alleys, a visit to a weaver’s cottage or a rural pottery workshop. Meet village elders for storytelling sessions or join fishermen on dawn charters. These experiences bring authenticity and emotional resonance to every itinerary. Our tailor-made approach ensures you enjoy curated special moments. Whether you wish for spice-scented sunset sails or private music performances in ancient temples, we make it happen. This dedication defines our Holidays to Kerala

What next?

Kerala offers something for everyone whether you would like simply explore Kerala on a well suggested Kerala holidays itinerary or go on a Kerala family holiday or a luxury Kerala honeymoon. If you like what you’ve read here about Kerala and want to find out more, do get in touch. We are passionate about the Indian region and travel is what we do best.  We will listen, explain and answer all sorts of questions you might have and make bespoke suggestions to you for your India holiday. Whatever stage you are at in your holiday planning, the first discussions are always the most inspiring. Give us a call for a quick chat.