Holidays to Kerala
Top destinations in Kerala
Kochi
With a harbour framed by Chinese fishing nets, a Jewish market and a walled Portuguese citadel, this southern Indian city is a kaleidoscope of culture and history.
Kozhikode
Whether you’re hiking through misty mountains or feasting on fragrant local cuisine, southern India’s ‘City of Spices’ is rich with treasures.
Thiruvananthapuram
With rolling green hills on one side and the jewel-like Arabian Sea on the other, Kerala’s capital is an attractive gateway to outdoor adventures.
Kerala: fast facts
| Language | Malayalam |
|---|---|
| Currency | Indian rupee (₹) |
| Time zone | Kochi - UTC+5:30 (IST) |
| High season | November – March |
| Low season | June – September |
Kerala holiday highlights
Cruise through backwaters
One of the most iconic things to do in Kerala is to glide through tropical backwaters. This vast network of rivers and canals winds through beautiful villages, coconut groves and rice paddies. Book a traditional houseboat cruise for a relaxing escape with serene sunsets and freshly cooked Keralan food. Or take a guided kayaking trip to explore smaller, hidden waterways inaccessible by houseboats.
Hike the mountains
Perched in the Western Ghats mountain range, Munnar is a historic hill town surrounded by emerald-green valleys and rolling tea plantations. For scenic views, hike up Meesapulimala Peak, Kerala’s second highest at 2,640 metres. Or go for a guided trek around Wayanad, a mountain region known for its lush forests and wild elephants.
Explore the architecture
Kerala’s rich multicultural heritage shines through its architecture. Visit Kochi’s Mattancherry Palace to see a blend of Keralan, Portuguese and Dutch styles, along with colourful Hindu murals. Explore the Kerala Folklore Museum, a traditional building with intricate wood carvings, steep roofs and stone sculptures. Or check out the Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, known for its striking whitewashed Gothic facade.
Things to do in Kerala
Top attractions
For an iconic Kerala experience, head to the port city of Alappuzha to book a boat trip on a ‘kettuvallam’ (thatch-roofed houseboat). Or explore the tea plantations around Munnar, stopping at the Kanan Devan Hills Plantation Tea Museum to learn about the area’s tea-planting history. In the capital, Padmanabhaswamy Temple sheds light on the region’s Hindu heritage.
Beaches
Varkala boasts some of the best beaches in Kerala, like Papanasam Beach, a sacred spot for Hindu pilgrims surrounded by orange cliffs and palm trees. Kovalam’s golden coastline features three distinct coves, the most famous being Lighthouse Beach, with its striking red-and-white beacon. For a quieter stretch of sand, check out Marari Beach.
Nature
Kerala is a wildlife haven with six national parks and a wealth of native plants and animals. Periyar National Park is home to Bengal tigers, Indian elephants and leopards. Visit between December and April for the best chance to spot wildlife. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary in the tropical backwaters is teeming with birdlife, from kingfishers to herons and cormorants.
Cuisine
Start your day with a Keralan breakfast of ‘appam’ (rice flour pancakes with fragrant stew) or ‘puttu’, (steamed rice cakes served with black chickpea curry). At restaurants in Kerala, look for fresh seafood specialities like hot-and-sour Malabar prawn curry, ‘moilee’ (coconut fish stew) and ‘meen pollichathu’ (spiced fried fish cooked in banana leaves). Craving dessert? Try ‘payasam’, a traditional creamy rice pudding.
Culture and museums
At the Indo-Portuguese Museum in Kochi, see the remains of a 16th-century fort and discover the lasting influence of Portuguese art and culture. Visit the Kerala Museum for a journey through local history and art. If you’re visiting Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital, don’t miss an extensive collection of art and natural history at the Napier Museum.
Nightlife
Kochi boasts some of the best nightlife in Kerala, from chic cocktail lounges and rooftop sky bars to stylish hotel venues. For a different kind of evening, visit the Kerala Kathakali Center to watch a kathakali show. This traditional dance form combines harmonic singing, cymbals, drumming, vibrant costumes and dramatic storytelling.
Find the best time to visit Kerala
Weather in Kerala through the year
March – May: During Kerala’s summer, expect highs of up to 35°C and some fairly intense humidity. It’s a great time to explore cooler, hilly regions like Munnar and Thekkady or lounge on Varkala and Kovalam’s beaches.
June – November: Kerala has two rainy seasons — the southwest monsoon season from late June to mid-August, and the northeast monsoon season from October to late November. In between, September offers a sweet spot, with lush greenery, pleasant weather and the occasional rain shower.
December – February: Winter brings temps as low as 18°C and minimal rainfall. With great conditions for sightseeing, outdoor activities and beach days, this is the most popular time to visit Kerala, so book ahead.
Events in Kerala
Vishu (April): Hindus mark the new year with offerings of flowers, fruits and vegetables, alongside a grand feast, cultural shows and firecrackers. Guruvayur Temple draws large crowds for a special early-morning service.
Onam (August to September): This Hindu festival celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali, as well as the annual harvest. Highlights of the 10-day statewide celebrations include a snake boat race on Punnamada Lake and a colourful parade through Thiruvananthapuram, which draws thousands.
Theyyam (December to April): This traditional festival celebrates a folk ritual older than Hinduism itself. Expect a combination of dance, drumming, mime and firelit ceremonies to honour tribal gods. Performances can be found throughout the North Malabar region, particularly in Kannur.
Know before you go
Budget
With plenty of affordable street food and budget-friendly accommodation, it’s easy to have a cheap holiday in Kerala. An inexpensive meal costs around 150 Indian rupees (₹), while a coffee costs around the same. Take a short taxi for about ₹120, and grab a local beer for around ₹150.
Health and safety
Travellers to Kerala are advised to get vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid. Depending on your activities, rabies and hepatitis B may also be recommended, so consult your doctor. To avoid illness, steer clear of undercooked meat or fish, raw salads and cut fruit, and drink only bottled or properly filtered water.
Free things to do
Watching the sunset over Kochi’s Chinese fishing nets is one of the best free things to do in Kerala. For outdoorsy travellers, try exploring Wayanad’s hiking trails, like the 4-kilometre Aranamala River Trek and the 8-kilometre Banasura Hill Trek. Or go for a dip at one of the state’s best beaches, from Varkala’s mineral-infused waters to Marari’s tranquil shores.
Family friendly
The whole family will enjoy rafting through the lush forests of Periyar National Park, looking out for elephants and other wildlife along the way. Explore Kochi’s cultural heritage at Mattancherry Palace and Santa Cruz Basilica, then hop on a tuk-tuk for an added dose of excitement. Visiting Munnar? Hire a pedalo and cruise the calm waters of Mattupetty Lake.
Getting around Kerala
Public transport
Buses: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operates most public buses, with a vast network that even reaches remote areas. Fares are cheap, but rides can be crowded and bumpy. If speed and comfort are a priority, go for privately run tourist buses.
Trains: Rail travel is among the most affordable and scenic ways to explore Kerala, with an extensive network within and beyond the state. Tickets range from second class unreserved to air-conditioned first class. Check schedules and book tickets on the Indian Railways website.
Boats: A classic option is the 8-hour ferry ride from Alleppey to Kollam, a great way to experience the backwaters for a fraction of the price of a private houseboat tour. Or hop on the Kochi Water Metro to explore nearby islands by e-boat.
Domestic flights
IndiGo offers limited connections between Kerala’s main airports — Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur and Kozhikode — but direct flights are infrequent. Trains or cars are usually more practical for regional travel.
Driving and car hire
Most hire companies offer vehicles with drivers. Self-driving isn’t recommended unless you’re already familiar with India’s roads, which can be chaotic. Always confirm inclusions and any extra costs before booking a chauffeured car.
