Top Attractions in Kerala for Tourists

Kerala is a state located on the southwestern coast of India. It does not have the large palaces and forts that are common in northern India. Instead, Kerala focuses on natural beauty and cultural experiences. The state has peaceful waterways, beaches with soft sand, and mountains covered in green forests. Kerala also has traditional dance performances, religious festivals, and healing practices that go back thousands of years. It stands out for its commitment to education, healthcare, and environmental protection.

These ten attractions show why Kerala is a great place to visit.

Explore the Historic Streets of Fort Cochin

Fort Cochin is a part of the city of Kochi that has a lot of history. Portuguese traders arrived here in the 1500s and built churches. After them, Dutch traders came and added their own buildings. Chinese merchants also came and brought fishing nets that local fishermen still use today. The streets have a mix of all these different styles. Visitors can walk around and see old buildings, visit museums, and look at the fishing nets by the water. Every two years, there is a large art festival that brings artists from many countries to display their work in the old buildings.

Chinese fishing nets

Cruise Through the Peaceful Backwaters

The backwaters are a system of rivers, canals, and lagoons that spread across Kerala. People can travel through these waterways on traditional houseboats. These boats used to carry rice and spices, but now they take tourists on trips. The ride is very slow and peaceful. Along the way, you can see villages, palm trees, and people doing their daily activities. Some people fish, others wash clothes by the water, and children play on the banks. You can take a short trip that lasts a few hours or stay overnight on the boat. The northern backwaters are less crowded than the ones in the south, so they are good for people who want more quiet time.

Traditional Kerala houseboat

Watch the Exciting Snake Boat Races

Snake boat races are a tradition in Kerala that happens during the monsoon season. The boats are very long and have ends that curve upward. This shape makes them look like snakes, which is how they got their name. Each boat can hold up to 100 rowers. All the rowers have to move their paddles at the same time to make the boat go fast. Teams spend months practicing before the races. On race day, many people gather along the water to watch and cheer. The rowers sing songs while they row to help them stay together. The biggest race is called the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, and it happens in August or September.

Backwater canoe ride

Experience Kerala's Traditional Performing Arts

Kerala has many traditional art forms that people still perform today. Kathakali is a type of dance where performers tell stories without talking. They use their faces, hands, and bodies to show what is happening. The makeup is very colorful and takes a long time to put on. Each color means something different about the character. Theyyam is another performance where dancers dress up as gods or spirits. They wear large headdresses and bright costumes. The dances are part of religious ceremonies that happen in villages. Kalarippayat is a martial art that was used for fighting a long time ago. People who practice it use swords and other weapons. These performances happen at cultural centers where tourists can watch and take photos.

Young Kathakali performer

Discover Wildlife in the Western Ghats

The Western Ghats is a mountain range that goes through Kerala. It has many national parks and wildlife areas. These protected areas are home to elephants, tigers, deer, monkeys, and many types of birds. The best way to see animals is to go on a safari early in the morning. Some parks have boat rides on lakes where you might see elephants drinking water. Other parks have walking trails with guides who know about the animals and plants. The guides can point out animal tracks and explain which animals live in different parts of the forest. March and April are good months to visit because animals come out more often to find water during the dry season.

Misty Western Ghats

Enjoy Kerala's Beautiful Beaches

Kerala has a long coastline with many beaches. Some beaches are popular with people who like to surf. The waves are good for surfing from October to April. There are surf schools that teach people how to surf if they have never done it before. Other beaches are better for swimming because the water is calmer. One beach called Muzhappilangad lets people drive their cars on the sand. This is the only beach in Kerala where this is allowed. Some beaches have old forts nearby that were built hundreds of years ago. People can climb up to the forts and see the ocean from above. The beaches that are farther from cities usually have fewer people, so they are nice for visitors who want a quiet day.

Sunset over Kerala beach

Join a Colorful Temple Festival

Temple festivals happen all year in Kerala. These festivals celebrate different gods and bring communities together. The festivals have parades with elephants that wear decorations made of gold and colored cloth. There are also drummers who play traditional instruments very loudly. Some festivals have competitions where different groups try to have the best parade or the best music. The largest festival is Thrissur Pooram, which happens in April or May. Thousands of people come to see the elephants and watch the fireworks at night. Another festival called Attukal Pongala is special because millions of women gather to cook rice as an offering. These festivals are open to visitors, and they give people a chance to see local traditions.

Indian Men Play Traditional Percussion Instrument In Kochi Kerala

Try the Local Palm Toddy

Palm toddy is a drink that comes from coconut trees. Workers climb the trees and collect liquid from the flowers in clay pots. The liquid is sweet when it is fresh. During the day, it starts to ferment and becomes sour with some alcohol in it. Many small shops in Kerala serve palm toddy with their meals. It goes well with spicy foods like fish curry and fried snacks. The drink is part of the local culture, especially in farming areas. People have been making and drinking palm toddy in Kerala for many generations.

Fresh coconuts on tree

Feast on a Traditional Sadya Banquet

Sadya is a special meal that is served during festivals and weddings in Kerala. The meal is vegetarian and has more than 20 different dishes. Everything is served on a banana leaf instead of a plate. The dishes include rice, several types of vegetables, pickles, chips made from bananas, and desserts. People eat sadya with their right hand while sitting on the floor. There is a specific order for eating the different items. You start with the pickles and chips, then eat the rice with the vegetable dishes, and finish with sweet desserts. When you are done eating, you fold the banana leaf to show you are finished. Some families in Kerala invite tourists to eat sadya with them and explain the traditions.

Sadya on banana leaf

Relax with Ayurvedic Treatments

Ayurveda is an old system of medicine that began in Kerala. It uses natural herbs, oils, and special treatments to help people feel better. Many resorts and centers in Kerala offer Ayurvedic programs. When you arrive, a doctor talks to you about your health and makes a plan just for you. The treatments include massages with warm herbal oils, steam baths, and yoga. All the herbs and oils come from plants that grow in Kerala. Some programs last only a few days, while others can go on for weeks. The longer programs are for people who want to make big changes in their health. Many treatment centers are in quiet places surrounded by nature, which helps people relax.

Ayurvedic spa essentials

Conclusion

Kerala has many things to offer visitors who want to experience a different side of India. The state combines beautiful nature with interesting cultural activities. People can take boat rides through calm waterways, watch traditional dance shows, see wild animals, and try local foods. Kerala is a place where visitors can relax and also learn about Indian traditions and history at the same time. If you're planning your journey to this beautiful region, check out our India destination page to explore curated tour options that match your travel preferences.