Things To Do In Kerala
There are just so many things to see and do in Kerala, it’s difficult to know where to start. Well, I suppose I ought to start by telling you a little something about Kerala, where it is and what to expect. Right then . . .
Kerala – Where Is It?
Kerala is one of the prime tourist destinations in India, and when you get there you’ll soon realize why. The Indian State of Kerala is on the Malabar coast, on the south-west coast of India. As you may expect with such a location, the climate is wet and maritime tropical, with seasonal heavy rains, although eastern Kerala is somewhat drier although gale force winds, storm surges and torrential downpours are commonplace during the summer.
Tourism in Kerala focuses on beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, backwaters and mountain ranges. Sounds like it’s got just about everything for the perfect vacation! Let’s take a closer look at some of the great things to see and do in Kerala.
Stuff You Should Do in Kerala
- Ride an elephant – this is an experience not to be missed. An elephant ride is an absolute must on your visit to Kerala, a trip to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary will give you the opportunity (along with ample other opportunities), and fortunately there’s always a willing mahout to lend a hand if you need it.
Maybe it would have been easier with a ladder.
- Forest Trek – adventure trekking in Kerala is great fun, and can be tailor made for your abilities, fitness and sense of adventure. Day treks, night treks and camp outs are all on offer, as well as bamboo rafting. These treks really give you the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the wildlife at very close quarters.
- Take a Massage – you might need to relax after enjoying a camp out and bamboo rafting, and Kerala has some perfect retreats where you can be rejuvenated with a wonderful ayurvedic massage, medicated bath and some herbal diet therapy. You will be revitalized in both body and soul . . . and feel ready for more action on your trip to Kerala.
Recommended for everyone who wants to look younger . . . that covers everyone over the age of 19 then! Not sure I could take the foot massage, I’m very ticklish in some places.
- Bathe in Mountain Waterfalls in Kerala – picture the scene, a wonderful, refreshing shower from the crystal clear waters which tumble down the mountainsides of Kerala. They were originally considered to hold medical properties but large-scale deforestation has put a stop to that, however, after getting considerably hot, sticky and tired from climbing and clambering through the woods, there’s nothing in the world which is more refreshing than standing beneath these mountain waterfalls.
- Kerala Beaches and Watersports – Kerala boasts some wonderful beaches, and as you might expect at such a popular tourist destination, where there are great beaches there are often great watersports. Sailing, rafting, wind surfing, taking a ride on a catamaran . . . you choose!
Kerala has got everything, it’s the perfect vacation destination.
- Kerala for Art Lovers – Kerala is a paradise for culture vultures and art lovers. There are some fantastic art galleries which are packed to the rafters with wonderful artworks, whether you’re a bit of an expert or just like looking at nice things. Feast your eyes on masterpieces from India, as well as Japan, China, Tibet and Mali.
- Nuts in Kerala – Kollam, in Kerala, is full of cashew nut factories, so however you like your nuts – raw, grilled, fried, spiced or salted . . . you’d be nuts not to try ‘em!
- Visit A Snake Park in Kerala – the only snake park in India is at Parassinikadu, Kannur, Kerala. The demonstration of the snakes is a major attraction, there are King Cobras, snake pits and glass-cages. Now I know that not everybody likes snakes, but if you’re in the area on your trip to Kerala then a visit is well worth it for everybody.
I must confess that snakes are not my personal favorite . . . I wouldn’t hold one, hell I wouldn’t even want to touch one, but this snake park is still worth a visit on your trip to Kerala.
- Visit Tea Plantations and Spice Hills in Kerala - the sprawling tea plantations have gotta’ be one of the most tranquil places on earth . . . no kidding, it’s amazing. The swirling mist just adds to the whole ambiance, definitely not to be missed, and if you get the chance to sample a lovely cuppa’ tea whilst you’re there, take it, there’s tea, and then there’s tea.
- Learn Yoga in Kerala – yoga not only relaxes the mind but also works to streamline the body. Now be honest, couldn’t your body do with a bit of streamlining, in which case a trip to Kerala offers the perfect opportunity to partake in a spot of yoga, you never know, you could even keep it up when you returned home.
- Kerala Bird Sanctuaries – we started this page talking about elephants and tigers, but there are also thousands of exotic and wonderful birds in Kerala . . . marvel at their aerobatic skills, wonder at their music and singing, a visit to a Kerala bird sanctuary is well worth the effort if you get the opportunity during your trip to Kerala.
Certainly not your “ordinary” bird sanctuary, there’s nothing normal about this experience.
- Buy Some Kerala Souvenirs – no vacation would be complete without half of your luggage bags being filled with souvenirs for the journey home. Kerala has tons of great handicrafts centers where you can fill yer boots (I mean fill yer bags) with wood carved elephants, snake boats and masks of Kathakali, plus lots more trinkets, jewelry boxes etc. There’s some great stuff made from coir shells too.
- Paragliding in Kerala – if you’re not afraid of heights, then why not grab the chance to para-glide over the lush green fields of Munnar . . . a truly exhilarating experience if ever there was one.
Fantastic.
- Enjoy Percussion Music at Kerala – Kerala is world famous for its variety of percussion music and instruments, listen to some of the fascinating sounds, you might even get the chance to have a go yourself.
- Visit the Inland Paradise of Kerala – Kerala doesn’t only have fantastic beaches, there’s also an inland paradise just waiting to be explored. Sail through the lagoons, visit an island, watch the breathtaking beauty of the sunset in the undisturbed backwaters. The fresh seafood is certainly not to be missed.
