Kerala holidays

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.