Introduction to Kerala India Tours
Kerala, often referred to as the “land of backwaters and greenery,” is a unique part of southern India. With its rich cultural roots, distinct cuisine, palm-lined coastlines, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries, Kerala India tours offer more than just sightseeing. From centuries-old traditions to stunning geographical diversity, Kerala draws travelers who seek authenticity and connection.
Whether you’re interested in coastal life, Ayurveda therapies, classical dance, temple rituals, or spice-scented hills, Kerala has something for every type of traveler. With the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, this region offers rare and real-life experiences that are deeply rooted in its identity.
Backwaters and Houseboats: A Signature Kerala Experience
One of the defining elements of Kerala India tours is the backwater region. Stretching from Kollam to Kasaragod, this intricate network of lagoons, lakes, and canals reflects a way of life that hasn’t changed much for centuries.
The most popular way to experience the backwaters is through a houseboat journey in Alleppey or Kumarakom. These traditional kettuvallams (rice boats) have been modified into floating homes equipped with modern comforts, yet they retain their rustic charm. As you glide through palm-fringed canals and observe daily village life, the pace of travel slows down, offering a calming and immersive escape.
Village stops, toddy shops (local coconut liquor), coir-making demonstrations, and traditional meals served on banana leaves complete the experience. Houseboat cruises are especially popular for romantic getaways, family holidays, and cultural travel photography.
Beaches and Coastline: More Than Just Sun and Sand
The coastline of Kerala runs over 500 kilometers along the Arabian Sea. It is dotted with quiet beaches, fishing villages, and bustling seaside towns. Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, and Bekal are some of the best stops on Kerala India tours if you want coastal relaxation.
Kovalam offers crescent-shaped beaches and Ayurvedic wellness resorts. Varkala is known for its red cliffs and beachside cafes. Marari is ideal for a quiet beach retreat, while Bekal is home to a coastal fort and dramatic ocean views. Each beach area is unique—some lively, others serene, but all deeply tied to local life.
Early morning walks by the sea, fresh seafood from beach shacks, and evening cultural performances often enhance a coastal itinerary in Kerala.
Hill Stations and Plantations: A Green Getaway
Kerala’s hill regions present a completely different face of the state. Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad are the three key hill stations, each contributing a different shade to Kerala India tours.
Munnar is famous for its tea estates, misty mountains, and rolling hills. The cool weather and lush greenery make it a favorite destination for honeymooners and nature lovers.
Thekkady offers a mix of spice plantations and forest trails. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary located here is known for boating, trekking, and spotting elephants or bison in their natural habitat.
Wayanad, on the northern end of Kerala, is dotted with waterfalls, forest reserves, and tribal villages. It is a great place to experience raw nature, offbeat trekking, and cave exploration.
These hill stations are not just scenic destinations—they represent a slower way of life that allows travelers to reconnect with nature and heritage.
Wildlife and Nature Reserves: An Eco-Friendly Highlight
Nature is deeply embedded in the spirit of Kerala India tours, and wildlife lovers find plenty to cherish. Kerala has over 25 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, home to elephants, tigers, birds, and butterflies.
Periyar Tiger Reserve is the most well-known, offering forest safaris and guided bamboo rafting through jungle waters. Eravikulam National Park in Munnar is the only home of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and its flowering Neelakurinji (which blooms once every 12 years) draws huge attention.
Other natural gems include Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, each offering unique biodiversity.
Sustainable tourism, eco-lodges, and forest-based experiences are now gaining popularity in Kerala, making it a progressive destination for conscious travelers.
Ayurveda and Wellness: Rooted in Ancient Practices
Ayurveda is not just a treatment option in Kerala; it is a way of living. Kerala India tours are often chosen specifically for Ayurvedic retreats and wellness therapies that span from 7 to 28 days or more.
Kerala has government-certified Ayurvedic hospitals, retreat centers, and resorts that offer authentic therapies using herbal oils, traditional diets, and therapeutic massages. Panchakarma detox, stress relief treatments, and rejuvenation programs are especially popular among international guests.
Apart from Ayurveda, yoga sessions and meditation retreats are also offered by certified practitioners. Many resorts along the coast or in the hills include yoga as part of their daily routine.
Traditional Art and Dance Forms: Preserving Timeless Expressions
For travelers interested in local culture, Kerala India tours offer rich artistic immersion. The state is home to several classical art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and Koodiyattam.
Kathakali, with its elaborate costumes and facial expressions, tells stories from Hindu epics through stylized dance and music. Watching a live performance, especially with a pre-show makeup session, is an unforgettable cultural insight.
Theyyam, practiced in North Kerala, is a ritualistic performance involving dance, music, and costume drama, often performed in temples or sacred groves.
Local arts are also seen in mural paintings, temple architecture, musical instruments like chenda and edakka, and intricate wood and metal crafts.
Temples, Churches, and Spiritual Places: Kerala’s Sacred Geography
Kerala’s spiritual landscape is diverse and inclusive. Ancient temples, colonial-era churches, and old mosques form a part of any culturally rich Kerala India tours itinerary.
Some notable religious sites include:
- Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram (one of the richest temples in the world)
- Guruvayur Temple (a key pilgrimage site for Hindus)
- St. Francis Church in Kochi (believed to be the oldest European church in India)
- Cheraman Juma Mosque in Kodungallur (the first mosque in India)
Each place is steeped in history, architecture, and devotion, offering visitors spiritual connection and architectural beauty alike.
Food Culture: A Journey Through Kerala’s Culinary Roots
Food is not just a necessity in Kerala—it is a cultural signature. Whether it’s a vegetarian sadhya served on a banana leaf or seafood curries prepared in clay pots, Kerala’s cuisine is bold, flavorful, and rooted in local ingredients.
Kerala India tours must include local meals, which vary from region to region:
- In the backwaters, fish molee and karimeen pollichathu are popular.
- In the hills, tribal and plantation-style cooking dominate.
- Along the coast, coconut-based curries, tapioca, and prawn fry are common.
Spices like pepper, cardamom, and cloves are not only part of the cuisine but are also grown and traded from Kerala. Spice plantation visits often include tastings and live cooking sessions.
Kochi and Trivandrum: Urban Stops With Cultural Soul
While Kerala is known for nature and tradition, its cities also offer charm. Kochi is a blend of colonial history and modern art, with Portuguese churches, Chinese fishing nets, Jewish synagogues, and contemporary cafes. It is also the venue of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, one of Asia’s largest contemporary art festivals.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital, offers a more laid-back urban experience. Known for its temples, museums, and beaches like Kovalam, it’s often the first or last stop on Kerala India tours.
These cities provide balance—urban energy surrounded by history, art, and local life.
Festivals and Rituals: Living Traditions of Kerala
No Kerala India tours experience is complete without participating in or witnessing a local festival. From Onam, the harvest festival with boat races and flower carpets, to Thrissur Pooram, famous for its elephant procession and fireworks, the festive energy in Kerala is rooted in ritual and community.
Smaller temple festivals are also held year-round, often involving drumming, lamps, and folk dances. Festivals are not just visual delights—they also allow travelers to interact directly with local people and traditions.
Responsible Travel in Kerala
Sustainability is increasingly becoming central to Kerala India tours. Local communities are involved in tourism through homestays, village walks, and handicraft sales. Travelers are encouraged to respect nature, avoid plastic, and support small enterprises.
Initiatives like “Responsible Tourism Mission Kerala” are helping reshape tourism in ways that benefit both travelers and locals. Eco-tourism villages like Thenmala and Kumarakom are strong examples of how tourism can be inclusive, educational, and respectful.
Planning Kerala India Tours: Tips for Travelers
Here are a few practical tips for those planning their Kerala India tours:
- Best Time to Visit: November to March is considered ideal for weather. June to August is great for monsoon lovers and Ayurvedic treatments.
- Connectivity: Major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut are well-connected by air, rail, and road.
- Accommodation: Options range from luxury resorts and Ayurvedic retreats to budget hotels and family-run homestays.
- Local Etiquette: Respect temple dress codes, remove footwear where needed, and try local meals when invited.
- Language: Malayalam is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Conclusion
Kerala India tours go beyond just travel—they are emotional, sensory, and cultural journeys. Whether you’re sailing through backwaters, sipping tea in a hill station, attending a Theyyam ritual, or indulging in herbal therapy, Kerala’s charm lies in how rooted it is to its land and people.
The state doesn’t rush you—it invites you to slow down, observe, participate, and remember. For those looking to connect deeply with a place, Kerala doesn’t just welcome you; it stays with you.
