Discover Kerala: Backwaters, nature and culture

Discover Kerala through three compelling perspectives: the Western Ghats and their biodiversity, experiences on the water and coast, and cultural history and festival traditions. The Western Ghats cross the state and are internationally significant for biodiversity conservation. Among protected areas, backwaters and cultural attractions, you can choose the focus that will shape your trip.

The Western Ghats, protected areas and nature experiences

Eravikulam National Park covers about 97 square kilometres in Kerala’s Idukki and Ernakulam districts. Anamudi Peak lies within the park: at 2,695 metres, it is the highest point in South India. In Periyar Tiger Reserve, a 925-square-kilometre wildlife sanctuary in the Western Ghats, a boat trip on Periyar Lake offers opportunities to spot animals such as gaur and sambar. Bamboo rafting and trekking trails are also among the activities available there; check programme availability before your trip.

Silent Valley National Park is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is known for its population of lion-tailed macaques. Guided trekking is one of the most popular activities there. Another natural highlight is Athirappilly Falls, Kerala’s highest waterfall. Together, these places offer different perspectives on Kerala’s natural attractions: South India’s highest point, wildlife viewing and guided hikes, and a waterfall.

Backwaters and experiences on the water

A houseboat trip on the backwaters is one of Kerala’s most remarkable and unique experiences. Houseboats are also available in Alappuzha; check operational details before your trip. Houseboats in Kerala are equipped with furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, living areas, a kitchen and a balcony. Amenities may vary from one boat to another. When planning, you can therefore distinguish between the experience on the water and the specific features of a particular boat.

The Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place annually on Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. If you would like to plan your trip around this event, check the event dates in advance. The race’s annual return makes it a fixture of the state’s water traditions; for your planning, however, the specific date is what matters.

Coastal destinations: Varkala and Kovalam

The cliffs at Varkala Beach are designated a National Geological Monument and are known as the Varkala Formation. Activities offered at the beach include surfing, parasailing, paragliding and stand-up paddleboarding. Operators and conditions may vary. In Kovalam, three crescent-shaped beaches with calm waters suitable for swimming define the coastal experience. Catamaran rides are also available there; offerings may vary depending on conditions and operators. The two destinations therefore offer different highlights: Varkala combines a named geological formation with several water sports, while Kovalam pairs three beaches and swimming conditions with catamaran rides.

Culture, festival traditions and history

Kathakali, a classical art form, originated on Kerala’s coast more than three centuries ago. Onam is a ten-day harvest festival held in Kerala in August and September; the exact dates vary each year. Kerala Sadya, a lavish banquet prepared for festivals and special occasions, is also part of the festival culture. If you would like to plan your trip around Onam, take the changing festival dates into account.

In Chendamangalam, the Chendamangalam Synagogue, also known as Chennamangalam Synagogue, has been preserved as a museum and is part of the Muziris Heritage Project. At the Weavers' Village, visitors can experience the local handloom tradition firsthand. Paliam Palace was once home to the Paliath Achans, who served as prime ministers to the former Maharajas of Kochi. In Munnar, the Tata Tea Museum at Nallathanni Estate documents the area’s development from an uninhabited forest region into a plantation town. Near Papanasam Beach, the Janardhana Swamy Temple is believed to be one of Kerala’s oldest Hindu temples.

Choose a hotel location to match your itinerary

Then compare the locations of specific hotels with the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Cheruthuruthy, Nedumbassery, Nemmara, Cherthala, Methala, Angadipuram, Paravur, Lakkidi, Mararikulam, Thodupuzha, Nileshwar, Kondotty, Thirunelly, Ramakkalmedu, Vaduvanchal, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Kasaragod, Palakkad, Guruvayoor, Pudunagaram, Haripad, Ernakulam, Kannur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Kollam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kaniyapuram, Kumbalam, Ramankary, Shoranur, Changanassery, Kuttyādi, Manjeri, Mala, Andathode, Varagampadi, Pallikkara, Parassinikadavu, Palakkad, Thiruvalla, Vellarada, Karunagappally, Meenangadi, Perinthalmanna, Malayattur, Kannur, Ayyampuzha, Changuvetty, Cheruvally, Nilambur, Kuttampuzha, Santhanpara, Pathanapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kulathupuzha, Kallar, Kodur, Vadakara, Vandiperiyar, Ambalapuzha, Thattekad, Alappuzha, Wayanad

For the broader travel overview: India.