Kerala is often described as “the land of coconut trees and backwaters”. Of course, this is true, but after many years of travelling around this region, I feel that this description is far too limited.

 

Kerala is also about the mountains of Munnar, tea and spice plantations, small villages, local markets, beautiful beaches, the forests of Periyar, delicious food, Ayurveda… and above all, the people you meet along the way.

 

So, what should you see and do in Kerala on your first trip? Here are the places I most often recommend to travellers, along with a few ideas for discovering a Kerala that is a little different from the usual tourist circuits.

Kochi: Your First Introduction to Kerala

For many travellers, Kochi is the gateway to Kerala. It is a city I particularly enjoy because it tells so much of the region’s history.

 

In Fort Kochi, you can easily explore the area on foot, wandering among old colonial buildings, small shops, cafés and the famous Chinese fishing nets.

 

I always recommend avoiding the temptation to see too much in a single day. Take your time, walk through the streets, watch everyday life and stop at a small local restaurant.

 

The Mattancherry area and Jew Town are also worth visiting, as are Mattancherry Palace and the Paradesi Synagogue.

 

My advice: if you arrive directly from the airport, spend at least one night in Kochi before starting your tour. It is a much more relaxing way to begin your trip.

Munnar: Mountains and Tea Plantations

After Kochi, the change of scenery is quite remarkable.

 

As you travel towards Munnar, you gradually leave the heat of the coast behind and climb into the Western Ghats. Coconut palms give way to green hills and tea plantations.

 

Munnar is, of course, famous for its tea, but it would be a shame to limit your visit to a quick stop at a tea plantation.

 

What I particularly enjoy in this region are short hikes accompanied by a local guide. You discover the plantations from a different perspective, sometimes walk through small villages and, most importantly, gain a better understanding of the people who work in these mountains.

 

For travellers who enjoy walking, Munnar is certainly one of the most beautiful stops in Kerala.

 

And bring good walking shoes: some of the hikes are much more challenging than they may first appear!

Thekkady and Periyar: Another Side of Kerala

As you continue towards Thekkady, the atmosphere changes once again.

 

The Periyar region is famous for its wildlife reserve, but you should not come here solely hoping to photograph a tiger or an elephant.

The forest itself is beautiful, and there are many activities to enjoy: hiking, boat trips on the lake, bamboo rafting, spice plantation visits and birdwatching.

 

I particularly enjoy the quieter activities that allow you to take your time and observe nature. In the forest, you need to be patient and discreet. Wild animals are not there for our entertainment, and seeing them can never be guaranteed.

That is precisely what makes an encounter with a wild animal so special when it does happen.

 

Where to Stay in Thekkady

If you would like to take your time exploring Thekkady and Periyar, we also have our own small guesthouse, Suryatrips Homely Stay.

 

Our independent cottages are set in a peaceful, green environment, just a few minutes from the centre of Thekkady and Periyar National Park. We wanted to create a simple, comfortable and welcoming place, away from large, impersonal hotels.

 

We particularly enjoy welcoming travellers who want to discover Kerala at their own pace. After a hike, a forest excursion or a day exploring the spice plantations, it is lovely to return to the peace and quiet of your own cottage.

 

Each cottage has a private bathroom, Wi-Fi and its own outdoor space, and breakfast is included.

 

It is also an opportunity to meet Fanny and Vishnu and get our personal recommendations for discovering Thekkady, Periyar and the surrounding area.

 

👉 Discover our cottages in Thekkady

Spice Plantations: An Experience Not to Miss

Kerala is also famous for its spices.

 

Pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric… They are everywhere in local cuisine, but seeing them growing in their natural environment is a completely different experience.

 

Visiting a spice plantation with someone who really knows the plants helps you understand where the products we usually buy in small packets actually come from.

 

And, of course, you will probably leave with a few spices in your luggage!

The Backwaters: Yes, But Not Necessarily Like Everyone Else

When people talk about Kerala, the backwaters are usually the first image that comes to mind.

 

And they certainly deserve their reputation.

 

Slowly cruising between coconut palms, rice fields and houses built along the water is an experience I genuinely recommend.

 

There are several ways to discover the backwaters.

 

The houseboat is certainly the most famous. Spending a night on board can be a wonderful experience, especially when you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere towards the end of the day. It is an experience that should not be missed.

 

But if you only have one day, a daytime cruise can be enough.

 

Another option is well worth trying: travelling by canoe through the narrower canals.

 

This brings you much closer to the everyday life of local people. You may see children going to school by boat, fishermen at work, houses along the waterways, small gardens and agricultural activities.

 

It is a much more intimate experience.

 

Suryatrips offers a combination of both experiences: an overnight houseboat cruise followed, in the late afternoon, by a canoe excursion through the smaller canals — an unforgettable experience.

Alleppey: Take the Time to Slow Down

Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is one of the main starting points for exploring the backwaters.

 

But here again, I recommend not turning this part of your trip into a race against the clock.

 

Kerala is best discovered when you allow yourself to slow down.

 

A day on the water, a few hours in a small village or simply sitting and watching the boats go by can sometimes create much better memories than a succession of sightseeing stops.

Marari: End Your Journey with Your Feet in the Sand

After the mountains and backwaters, why not spend a few days by the sea?

 

Marari is one of my favourite beaches for this.

 

It is not necessarily the place to choose if you are looking for lots of entertainment. And that is precisely what makes it appealing.

 

You can walk along the beach, watch the fishermen, relax beneath the coconut palms and simply enjoy the final days of your trip.

 

After a busy itinerary, a few nights in Marari are a lovely way to end your holiday peacefully.

Varkala: For a Different Atmosphere

If you are looking for a livelier atmosphere, Varkala is a good alternative.

 

The beach lies below impressive cliffs, while the area above is filled with small restaurants, shops and wellness centres.

Varkala is also well known for yoga and Ayurveda.

 

I particularly recommend it to travellers who would like to finish their trip with a few relaxing days.

Why Not Do Something Different from the Usual Sightseeing?

This is probably the most important advice I can give.

 

When planning a trip to Kerala, it is easy to find lists of the “top 10 must-see places”. But a holiday does not have to be a succession of sights to tick off a list.

 

A few simple experiences can completely change the way you experience Kerala.

Go Hiking with a Local Guide

In the Munnar region, a hike allows you to discover tea plantations, beautiful landscapes and sometimes villages that you would never see from the road.

 

A local guide also brings another dimension to the experience. They know the plants, the paths and the local way of life.

Take a Cooking Class

Kerala cuisine is extraordinary and varies considerably from one region to another.

 

Learning how to prepare a few local dishes is a wonderful way to discover the culture of Kerala.

 

And, of course, you can try making the recipes again when you return home!

Discover Ayurveda

Kerala is considered one of the major regions of Ayurveda in India.

 

There are some very serious and reputable centres, but also establishments that are mainly aimed at tourists. If you are interested in Ayurvedic treatments, take the time to choose a well-established and reputable centre.

Attend a Kathakali Performance

Kathakali is one of Kerala’s great traditional art forms.

 

The costumes, make-up, gestures and facial expressions make the performance particularly fascinating, even if you do not know the story being told.

Discover a Village

It is a very simple experience, but often one of the most appreciated.

 

Stopping in a village, talking to local people, discovering a small shop or having a cup of tea somewhere with no tourists around allows you to see a completely different side of Kerala.

How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Kerala?

For a first trip, I generally recommend 8 to 15 days.

 

For example, a circuit could follow this route:

 

Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Marari → Kochi

 

Of course, the itinerary can be adapted according to your interests.

 

Some travellers prefer more hiking, while others want to spend more time on the beaches or backwaters. Some also want to combine Kerala with Tamil Nadu.

 

The most important thing is to avoid trying to do too much.

 

Distances may look short on a map, but Kerala’s roads, particularly in the mountains, can be slow. It is better to spend two nights in one place than to spend your whole holiday packing and unpacking your bags.

Why Travel Around Kerala with a Private Driver?

For an itinerary-based trip, having a private driver offers a real advantage.

 

It is not simply about avoiding the need to drive yourself. Indian roads can be very different from those we are used to in Europe, and driving in the mountains can be particularly tiring.

 

With a local driver, you can also stop whenever you wish — to take a photograph, visit a small market, discover a temple or simply stop for a chai.

 

Most importantly, your itinerary can remain flexible.

 

At Suryatrips, we do not see our role as that of an agency imposing the same itinerary on every traveller. We prefer to talk with you about what you enjoy and create an itinerary that genuinely suits the way you like to travel.

 

We also recommend not overloading your days. A successful trip is not necessarily the one where you have seen the most places.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?

The period from October to April is generally the most popular for travelling around Kerala.

 

Temperatures are pleasant and conditions are usually favourable for exploring the different regions.

 

However, Kerala can also be visited during the monsoon. The landscapes become incredibly green and the atmosphere is completely different.

It really depends on what you are looking for.

So, What Should You See and Do in Kerala?

If I had to sum up a first trip to Kerala, I would say:

 

Kochi for history and culture, Munnar for the mountains, Thekkady for nature, Alleppey for the backwaters, and Marari or Varkala for the sea.

 

But above all, don't try to see everything.

 

Leave yourself time to walk, taste, talk, observe and sometimes simply do nothing.

 

It is often when you step away from the planned itinerary that you discover the most beautiful moments of a trip to India.

 

Kerala is not just a place to visit. It is a place to experience.