5 Things To Do in Kerala, India
Lush tea fields in Munnar
After spending the month at AyurYoga Eco-Ashram it was a breath of fresh air to travel beyond the ashram halls. I reunited with my mom and we met in the beautiful, serene state of Kerala, India. From the warm hospitality in Fort Kochi, to the tea fields and spices of Munnar, and to the famous backwaters of Alleppey — we fell more in love with the people, culture, and food of Southern India.
If you’re planning a trip to India you wouldn't want to miss Kerala. It’s a world away from the rest of India; the calm in the chaos — lush green landscapes, European-style architecture, gorgeous sunsets by the water, and a simpler way of living. Kerala is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of India, and you’ll actually feel like you’re on vacation. If you’re still not convinced, check out our 5 quintessential things to do in Kerala, India!
1. Stay at a Boutique Hotel in Fort Kochi
Around the corner from the hotel - Princess St.
Kerala’s coast has historically been inundated with visitors from around the world specifically during the spice trade. During the 14th-19th centuries, Kerala was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. These worldwide influences are reflected in the city’s diverse architecture, cuisine, religions, and culture.
Many of the heritage homes created during European colonial rule have been restored into beautiful, boutique hotels. Some are luxurious with an unbeatable price tag that you would never find in the West.
We stayed at Old Harbour Hotel, which was a 300 year old Portuguese mansion located at the heart of Old Fort Kochi. Our stay here was a 10 all around. From the location, hospitality, amenities, room, and food — I’m confident in saying that there’s no better place to stay in Fort Kochi.
Live Indian music at Old Harbour Hotel
The staff was the best part of the hotel. Even before we arrived, the owner Joss was extremely communicative and friendly. At the end of our stay, he even offered to let us freshen up at the hotel before our flight (mind you we were at different accommodations on our last night). Even the hotel’s driver, Sebastien, was hospitable. He became our personal guide and brought us to several hidden gems in Kerala. So many good things to say about the rest of the staff as well! The people in Kerala were our favorite in India.
Not only was the staff fantastic, our room and amenities were incredible. The room smelt like fresh jasmine every day and the bed/ shower felt like heaven after a busy day of traveling. Other bonuses of the hotel were the outdoor pool and live music at night.
Although Old Harbour Hotel is our top choice for accommodations in Kerala, we had dinner at Fort House on our first night and really enjoyed the ambiance there! If there’s no room in Old Harbour Hotel, Fort House is another option. If not, definitely go to Fort House for dinner - delicious Southern Indian food and great view of the harbor.
2. Explore Fort Kochi by Tuk-Tuk
Charming streets of Fort Kochi
The best way to see Fort Kochi is by a three-wheeled, auto rickshaw called a tuk-tuk. We initially had over-ambitious plans to walk through the main sites of Fort Kochi until the concierge laughed at us. Instead of walking in the blazing, Indian heat they recommended taking a tuk-tuk ride around the city and have the driver bring us to all the main sites of Fort Kochi. And it was a fantastic idea!
Our tuk-tuk driver was so nice, people from Kerala really are the friendliest. He drove us to Fort Kochi’s most notable sights: Santa Cruz Basilica, Dhobi Khana (not your typical laundromat, but it’s a public hand-wash laundry facility of the entire city which is super interesting), Jew Town/ Paradesi Synagogue, Chottanikkara Temple + other local temples, and eventually dropped us off at Princess Street, which was just around the corner from our hotel, to do some shopping.
We would’ve loved to stay longer at some of the sites, but we were pressed on time + Indian heat is no joke. But whether you’re on a time crunch or not, the best way to really see and experience Fort Kochi is by tuk-tuk!
3. Visit Tea Fields & Spice Farms in Munnar
Spice Farm in Munnar
Another tea dream come true - we love traveling to tea fields around the world, not only to drink authentic tea but to also to soak in the beautiful landscapes. Even before traveling to India, we were already obsessed with masala chai. So we had to go back to its roots and buy a ton of our own.
We took a day trip to Munnar from Fort Kochi and it was about a 3.5 hour drive due to the typical Indian traffic/ congestion. Driving through India is not for the faint of heart, especially when roads become winding and elevated on the way to Munnar. But just like any other journey, it’s worth it once you get to the top.
Before we visited the tea fields, we made a stop at one of the many spice farms in Munnar. It was so interesting to learn about all the herbs used for medications, food, and beauty products that we know today. Visiting the spice farm is also a great opportunity to shop for local/ natural products for yourself and loved ones.
Staying the night in Munnar would’ve been a better idea to break up the long drive. Munnar is a big vacation spot for Northern Indians so there’s a lot of hotels available - some with incredible mountain views. But now we know for next time!
4. Experience an Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda, the science of life and longevity, originated in Kerala almost 5000 years ago and it’s the oldest healthcare system in the world. So when in Southern India get an Ayurvedic Treatment, right?
Ayurvedic Products in Munnar
We tried an Ayurvedic massage and it was quite different from what we’re used to in the West. All treatments utilize herbs and oils from nearby forests and the type of oil they use depends on what your body constitution is at the moment (i.e. if there’s too much heat in your body they’ll use a cooling oil and vice versa). It certainly was an experience and you’ll feel amazing after - especially your body’s circulation.
If you don’t have the chance to get an Ayurvedic treatment, another option is to purchase some Ayurvedic beauty products! We loved all the Khadi brand products and it’s still a staple in our bathroom cabinet - you’ll see the brand everywhere in shops.
5. Stay on a Houseboat in Alleppey
Famous backwaters of Alleppey
One of the main reasons we chose to visit Kerala was the picture we saw of the famous backwaters of Alleppey aka the “Venice of India”. Staying on a houseboat in Alleppey was highly recommended by many of our Indian friends. So due to our obsession with unique stays, it was a no brainer to book a night on a Alleppey houseboat!
We were happy we chose Angel House Boats. The owner is a young guy in his 30s and the houseboat has been in his family for generations.
The houseboat isn’t exactly luxurious, but it was comfortable for the night. We had the whole houseboat to ourselves which included a private bedroom and bathroom, dining area, and second floor deck.
Boating through the picture-esque backwaters & witnessing the simple yet blissful lives in this part of India was really a treat. But our favorite part of the houseboat was the homemade meals cooked by the chef! They were the best meals we had in Kerala.
Marari Beach near Alleppey
After traveling extensively in India, Kerala was truly a different side of India and to us, the better side. The people are nicer, the landscapes are prettier, the food is better, and it’s much, much greener!
Most people traveling to India focus on the Taj Mahal area (which is no doubt magnificent), but do yourself a favor and make time for Kerala while you’re in India. It'll be your holiday from your Indian holiday.
If you've been to Kerala, what else do you suggest doing in this tropical haven?
