Things to Do in Kerala

Varkala Beach is a sublime landscape with natural spring water. It is a beautiful stretch of sand renowned for its solitude. At the backdrop of crystal blue waters is the unique cliffs with sedimentary formation peaks. Sunsets at the Varkala Beach are pristine and excellent for a peaceful walk or a game of football along the beach. 

This beach is one of the adventures places to visit in Varkala with access to water sports like paragliding and surfing amongst others.The beach is also called as 'Papanasham' which means to wash away sins and the sacred water at Varkala is said to have medicinal and curative properties. 

It is therefore believed that a dip in the beach cleanses the body of impurities and the soul of all sins. Apart from the cliff, the beach also hosts the Balimandapam. The landscape can be enjoyed by the resorts found all across the location.

Location: Varkala Beach Rd, Varkala, Kerala.

Timings: Sunrise to Sunset.

The emerald tea garden and the bright blue sky make the best backdrops for postcard-perfect pictures. Hidden in a mist of clouds are these emerald tea grounds, the rippling sound of serenity in the wind and vast land of greenery; Munnar is definitely more than just a tourist spot, it is more like an abode of Gods.

It would be unfair if you visit Munnar and do not travel a little further to see Kolukkumalai, a lesser known tea estate which is close to the border of Tamilnadu and claims to be the highest tea plantation in Munnar at a height of 8,100ft above sea level.

Location: Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Munnar.

Timings: 7 AM - 6 PM

Entry fee: INR 75

Fort Kochi, situated approximately 13 kilometres away from Ernakulam, displays a fascinating fusion of history, culture, and culinary delights. The area boasts well-preserved colonial buildings built by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, highlighting its profound historical significance.

Visit the unique rock-themed destination in Kerala for a day of adventure amidst nature and mythology. Inaugurated in 2017, the Jatayu Nature Park is focused on promoting Indian culture and adventure tourism. The highlight here is the world's largest stone-cut bird sculpture, a replica of Jatayu from the Ramayana. It is positioned on the hill where Jatayu, a godly avian character in the epic Ramayana, fell after battling the demon god Ravana. 

During your trip to Munnar, do what Munnar is known for best - its tea plantations. Plan a visit to one of the largest tea plantations in Munnar, Sevenmallay Tea Estate. Owned by Tata Tea Company, the stunning tea estate is located very close to Kanan Devan hills. Started in 1900, the estate’s name is an ode to the Hindu god ‘Shiv’ and ‘Mallay’ representing a hill.

Over the years, the anglicization of the name gave the estate its current name, Sevenmallay. Boasting a paradise-like scenery, lush green tea gardens and a colonial bungalow in the centre, the tea estate has become one of the top places to visit in Munnar.   

Location: Sevenmallay Tea Estate, The Tea Sanctuary, KDHP House, Munnar 685612.     

Timings: All day.

Entry fee: None.

Perumbankuthu Waterfalls, located in Mankulam, Kerala, is a hidden gem nestled in the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. This breathtaking waterfall offers a serene escape into nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cascading down from a considerable height, the waterfall creates a mesmerizing sight, with crystal-clear water gushing over rocky outcrops, surrounded by dense forest.

Pettimudi Hill Top is a serene and lesser-known destination in Kerala, nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Western Ghats. Located near Munnar, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of rolling hills, tea plantations, and mist-covered valleys, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers.

Poovar Bridge is a vital link connecting the scenic Poovar Island with the mainland of Kerala, India. Stretching over the serene backwaters, the bridge offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including lush coconut groves, tranquil waters, and the distant Arabian Sea. As you cross Poovar Bridge, you're treated to a panoramic vista that showcases the natural beauty of this tropical paradise, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Kappad Beach, nestled along the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India, is a serene stretch of golden sands caressed by the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Steeped in history, this coastal gem holds a significant place in India's past, being the site where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first set foot in 1498, marking the beginning of European exploration of the sea route to India.

Namami Health Retreat & A Wellness Sanctuary is a luxurious wellness destination nestled in the serene surroundings of Kerala, India. This retreat is dedicated to holistic well-being, offering a comprehensive range of therapies and programs that integrate traditional Ayurveda, Yoga, and modern wellness practices.

Nadukani Viewpoint is a stunning vantage point located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. Perched at an altitude of around 3,000 feet above sea level, this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, hills, and lush forests. The name "Nadukani" translates to "to see the country" in Malayalam, which perfectly captures the essence of this location.

Silver Storm Water Theme Park, located in Athirappilly, Kerala, is a popular destination for thrill-seekers and families alike. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park offers a variety of water rides and attractions, including wave pools, lazy rivers, and high-speed slides that cater to all age groups.

Macofa Chocolate Factory in Munnar is a must-visit destination for chocolate lovers. Nestled in the lush hills of Munnar, this factory offers a delightful experience where visitors can witness the intricate process of chocolate making. From selecting the finest cocoa beans to the final packaging, every step is meticulously handled to ensure top-quality chocolates.

The Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, located in the heart of Alappuzha, Kerala, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari, a form of Goddess Durga. The temple, with its unique open-roofed sanctum, allows the deity to be worshipped under the sky, symbolizing the goddess's connection to the natural elements.

Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, located in the coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka, India, is a significant pilgrimage site and a revered center of worship for devotees of Lord Krishna. Established in the 13th century by the saint and philosopher Madhvacharya, the temple is renowned for its unique architecture and spiritual significance.

The Hanging Bridge in Ponmudi, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, India, offers a unique blend of thrill and tranquility. Suspended above the lush valleys and flowing streams, this bridge provides stunning views of the surrounding greenery and the distant hills. Constructed with sturdy ropes and wooden planks, it sways gently with each step, adding a touch of adventure to the serene environment.

Tucked away on the southern tip of Kerala, Poovar Island is a tranquil paradise where the backwaters meet the Arabian Sea. One of its most enchanting features is the mangrove forest, a lush and vibrant ecosystem that thrives along the island's waterways. These mangroves, with their intricate network of roots and branches, create a unique habitat teeming with life. As you glide through the narrow channels on a traditional boat, the dense canopy overhead filters the sunlight, casting a serene, greenish hue on the waters below.

Set on the broad expanse of the Malabar coastline, amidst a beautiful view of the glowing sun, shimmery sandy retreat, enchanting backwaters, alluring landscape, swaying palm trees and calm demeanor, Bekal beach is popular for its backwaters, forts and scenic beauty, and offers an unparalleled charm and an idyllic traditional Kerala hospitality to its visitors. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit during the vacation as you can take the pleasure of nature and completely unwind yourself. It’s that place where you get to witness the mighty Arabian Sea hold hands with a man made structure that together spell magic!

One of India’s first manmade beach destinations, Bekal Beach, located in the Kasaragod region of Kerala in the South western tip of the country, continues to enchant and enthrall its visitors with open hands round the year. The heavenly paradise is one of the must visit beaches in the northern part of God’s Own Country, Kerala and has been endeavored to be developed as a cherishing and an eco-friendly destination in lines with the popular Goa beaches. This bewitching beach stretches over an area of 36 acres and draws tourists from across the world, making it one of the favored destinations for a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

The Bekal beach and the attractions nearby fall under the purview of the Social Forestry Scheme and tourists from all over the world swarm here to admire its beauty and serenity and enjoy a nice relaxing holiday amidst the beach’s natural environs. A vast belt covering dazing dusky sands, Casuarina orchards and the charming cottages made out of thatched roofs are the fascinating highlights of the Bekal beach. Adventure lovers can even ascend the nearby Bekal fort to get a panoramic view of the beach and the ensuing Arabian Sea.

It also serves as an ideal picnic location and enjoys peaceful climate round the year. Pay a visit to the famous Rock Garden on Bekal beach, which consists of murals, sculptures and laterite rubbles of different shapes and sizes arranged graciously to complement the theme of the beautiful garden. There is also a demarcated play area for children with slides, swings, jungle gym, seesaw and other rides.

In totality, the alluring Bekal beach serves as a promising getaway from the concrete life and provides a shield in its quaint and naturalistic paradise amplified by a labyrinth of azure waterways, traditional houseboats, vibrant culture and splendid natural grandeur. An enchanting destination in ‘God's Own Country’ Kerala, Bekal beach is a true paradise for nature lovers, photo fanatics and wanderers. From sunset viewing, bird watching, stargazing, visiting villages and witnessing the everyday life of the farmers and fishermen to seeing the various regions that specialize in the manufacturing of certain products like toddy, coir and unique handicrafts, Bekal beach is one of the most pleasant experiences to have once in a lifetime.

Smack in the middle of the city is one of the most alive and beautiful of all Thrissur Tourist Places. Also known as the State Museum & Zoo, the Thrissur Zoo is located at about 2 km from the city centre, the zoo is more than just a place for showcasing the beautiful flora and fauna of the region. 

There is also a natural history museum and an art museum that have exhibits capturing the social and cultural heritage of Thrissur. With it being one of the two Zoological Parks in Kerala, the zoo experiences a good number of visitors every year.

Location: 2.7 km from Thrissur bus stand.

Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Entry fees: INR 5 for adults, INR 3 for children, INR 5 for a camera, and INR 500 for the video camera.