Kerala

Travel Guide

Kerala's top tourist destinations include Munnar, known for its tea plantations at 1,600 meters elevation; Alleppey, featuring over 900 kilometers of backwater canals; and Kochi, home to Chinese fishing nets and the historic Fort Kochi area. Wayanad offers wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations in the Western Ghats. Varkala features cliffs rising 15 meters above the Arabian Sea, while Kovalam has three crescent-shaped beaches spanning 17 kilometers of coastline. Thekkady houses Periyar National Park, covering 925 square kilometers around Periyar Lake. Kumarakom sits on Vembanad Lake, India's longest lake at 96 kilometers, and serves as a major backwater destination.

The best time to visit Kerala is October to March when temperatures range from 23–32°C (73–90°F) and rainfall is minimal. This dry season provides optimal conditions for backwater cruises, beach activities, and hill station visits. The monsoon season runs June to September with heavy rainfall that can disrupt outdoor activities and transportation. April and May are the hottest months with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) and high humidity levels. October marks the end of monsoons when tourist season begins. Popular festivals like Onam (August–September) and Thrissur Pooram (April–May) occur outside the peak tourist months but may coincide with less favorable weather conditions.

Kerala offers multiple transportation options. Private taxis and auto-rickshaws provide door-to-door service in cities and towns. State-run KSRTC buses connect all districts with frequent services between major destinations like Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode (Calicut). The railway network links principal cities, with the Konkan Railway offering coastal connections. Domestic flights operate between Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode airports. Houseboats are available for backwater navigation in Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kollam, typically costing ₹8,000–15,000 per day. Ferry services run across Vembanad Lake and other waterways. Local buses and shared taxis serve rural areas and hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad. For a full overview, see our complete transportation guide.

Kerala's signature dishes include appam (fermented rice pancakes), puttu (steamed rice cylinders), and sambar (lentil curry). Fish curry made with coconut milk and spices is served throughout the state's coastal regions. Sadya is a traditional vegetarian meal with 15–20 dishes served on banana leaves during festivals like Onam. Dosa varieties include plain, masala, and rava types. Other local specialties are karimeen fish curry, beef fry, chicken stew, and payasam desserts. Coconut, curry leaves, and spices like cardamom and black pepper feature prominently in most preparations. Street food options include banana chips, jackfruit chips, and various rice-based snacks. You can explore authentic flavors on a Malabar biryani and seafood food trail.

Kerala's backwaters offer houseboat cruises ranging from 2-hour trips to multi-day stays. Kayaking is available through narrow canals and mangrove forests in areas like Kumarakom and Alleppey. Bird watching spots include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which hosts over 180 species including Siberian cranes from October to February. Traditional village visits showcase coir making, fishing techniques, and toddy tapping. Cultural performances like Kathakali dance and folk music occur on select houseboats and at waterside venues. Fishing with local nets, canal-side cycling, and visits to spice gardens are additional activities. Most houseboat packages include traditional Kerala meals featuring fish curry, appam, and coconut-based dishes.

Kerala accommodates families with diverse attractions across different regions. The backwaters in Alleppey and Kumarakom offer houseboat cruises ranging from 2–22 hours. Hill stations like Munnar provide cooler temperatures and tea plantation tours. Periyar National Park in Thekkady features boat safaris for wildlife viewing. Beaches in Kovalam and Varkala have calm waters suitable for children. Cultural sites include the Chinese fishing nets in Fort Kochi and Kathakali dance performances in major cities. Most attractions operate year-round, though monsoon season from June to September may limit some outdoor activities. Transportation between destinations typically takes 2–4 hours by road.

Kerala's major festivals include Onam, a 10-day harvest festival in August–September featuring the traditional Onasamdham feast and Pulikali tiger dances. Vishu marks the Malayalam New Year in April with Vishukkani displays and family meals. Thrissur Pooram occurs in April–May at Vadakkunnathan Temple, featuring decorated elephant processions and fireworks displays. Theyyam ritual performances take place in northern Kerala temples from October to May. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race happens in Alappuzha on the second Saturday of August. Attukal Pongala in February–March draws millions of women to Thiruvananthapuram. For a deeper look, see our complete cultural guide to Kerala's festivals.