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Things to do in  Kerala

Backwaters, beaches, and beyond

Kerala is the tropical South India of dreams: a small state spreading from coast to mountains, cliffy beaches to wildlife-filled jungles surrounded by a patchwork of tea fields, with an ancient culture that stands apart from elsewhere in India. Many travelers visit Kerala for its gold-sand beaches and network of palm-fringed backwaters. After checking off these highlights, there are many other things to do in Kerala: head to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary or Periyar National Park in the hills, or catch a dramatic Kathakali dance or other traditional performance. It’s easy to see why Kerala is nicknamed “God’s own country.”

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Top 15 attractions in Kerala

#1

Chinese Fishing Nets

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Fort Cochin’s Chinese Fishing Nets have been a beach installation for centuries, well before the arrival of Portuguese colonizers. It’s thought that the nets were introduced to this coastal area by the legendary Chinese explorer Zheng He in the early 15th century.The nets are permanent horizontal structures, lowered and raised by a network of cantilevered ropes, bamboo poles, and balancing weights and pulleys. They are operated by teams of up to six fishermen, but the catch is usually quite modest.More
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#2

Kerala Backwaters

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The Kerala backwaters refers to a large region spanning some 558 miles (900 kilometers) consisting of an interconnected network of brackish lagoons, lakes, and canals. The best way to truly experience this beautiful area is aboard a traditional houseboat; journeys last anywhere from a few hours up to a few nights.More
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#3

Indo-Portuguese Museum

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The Indo-Portuguese Museum was set up by the late bishop of Kochi to preserve and showcase the significant influence of the Portuguese Catholic community in Fort Kochi and its surroundings. A popular attraction, it depicts the art, architecture, and culture of this community and gives visitors a glimpse of the original fort’s foundations.More
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#4

Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town

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One of the world’s oldest active synagogues, and the oldest in the Commonwealth, can be found in the center of the port’s spice district, Jew Town. The synagogue sits at the center of the district once inhabited by Fort Kochi's vibrant spice trading community of Malabari Jews, who traveled here from Holland and Spain.More
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#5

Mattancherry Palace

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The Portuguese built the 16th-century structure as a gift to the then king of the Kochi dynasty, though it underwent significant remodels under Dutch rule, earning it its current moniker: the Dutch Palace. It's celebrated for its stunning murals, many of which depict scenes from Hindu epics, notably the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.More
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#6

St. Francis Church

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St. Francis Church is the oldest church in India, built in 1516 by Portuguese settlers to replace an older wooden church constructed in 1503 on the same site. It was once the burial site of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, who died in Kochi, and though his gravestone is still in place here, his remains have since been moved to Lisbon.More
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#7

Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

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Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica is notable for its Gothic architecture, with a whitewashed façade and beautiful interiors, with intricate pastel frescoes and paintings, and large stained glass windows. While it’s a popular attraction, it’s also a working church and the Sunday mass services here provide a great insight into local Catholic culture.More
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#8

Dutch Cemetery

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Believed to be the oldest burial ground in the country, the Dutch Cemetery in Kochi dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. It houses the tombs of Dutch soldiers and traders who left their homeland in order to expand their country’s colonial empire—and as a result changed the entire course of history in India.More
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#9

Mattancherry

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Surrounded by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea, Mattancherry is an old port area of Kochi, not far from Ernakulam Town. The area was once the main trade port for spices such as pepper and turmeric, as well as tea. Today, it’s a bustling and cosmopolitan community that welcomes people from all religious backgrounds and walks of life.More
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#10
Wonderla Amusement Park Kochi

Wonderla Amusement Park Kochi

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The Kochi branch of South India’s Wonderla Amusement Park chain has state-of-the-art land and water rides for all ages, plus live shows daily. Highlights include two wave pools, a 120-foot-high (37-meter-high) vertical-drop ride, and India’s first reverse looping roller coaster. The water park is a popular way to cool off when the weather’s hot—which it often is in Kochi.More
#11
Magic Planet Theme Park

Magic Planet Theme Park

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Located in the Kazhakuttom area of Thiruvananthapuram, the Magic Planet Theme Park is dedicated to magic in its many forms. It explores the historical, scientific, mathematical, and psychological aspects of magic through performances of street-style magic, comedy magic, illusions, puzzles, and more.More
#12

Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali

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Kerala has given the world many great cultural treasures, two of which are showcased at the Kadathanadan Kalari & Navarasa Kathakali Centre. Visitors can watch live performances of Kalaripayattu, one of the oldest martial art forms on earth, as well as Kathakali, a classical Indian dance known for its intricate eye movements, often used to depict epic tales.More
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#13

Kerala Folklore Museum

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Dedicated to the crafts and folk arts of Kerala and South India, this family-run and colorfully-cluttered private museum is one of Kochi’s hidden gems. It has more than 4,000 objects spanning three floors, from masks and costumes to jewelry, musical instruments, and terracotta sculptures. Each level showcases a different architectural style: Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore. The museum must be doing something right, because King Charles and his wife Camilla even visited back in 2013.More
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#14

Hill Palace Museum

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Sitting in the Tripunithura district of Kochi, the Hill Palace Museum was built in 1865 as a palace for local maharajahs. Now a museum housing Keralan archaeological and royal artifacts, its building remains an architectural gem, with classical Keralan columns and courtyards standing in 52 acres (21 hectares) of gardens.More
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#15
Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin)

Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin)

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Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin) is an historic district and a main draw for tourists in Kochi (Cochin). It’s a charming neighborhood full of colonial-era homes (many of which have been converted into boutique hotels), lovely old houses of worship, charming shops and markets, and the city's famous Chinese fishing nets that flank the harbor.More
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Top activities in Kerala

Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise in Aleppey

Kochi Private Tour: Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise in Aleppey

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26
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$145.00
kochi to munnar A Private guided fullday tour with hotel pickup

kochi to munnar A Private guided fullday tour with hotel pickup

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26
From
$80.00
Private Day Trip to Munnar from Kochi (Cochin)

Private Day Trip to Munnar from Kochi (Cochin)

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31
From
$77.50
3 Nights 4 Days Munnar Alleppey Private Tour with Exclusive Houseboat Stay

3 Nights 4 Days Munnar Alleppey Private Tour with Exclusive Houseboat Stay

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From
$255.85
Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin

Half Day Village Backwater Eco Country Boat Cruise :Group Tour from Fort Cochin

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68
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$33.00
Best of kochi ! A private tour in kochi with a local guide !

Best of kochi ! A private tour in kochi with a local guide !

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22
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$51.00
Wild Elephant Village( Anakulam) life tour ( By Munnar Info)

Wild Elephant Village( Anakulam) life tour ( By Munnar Info)

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88
From
$55.00
per group
Cochin Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal
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Cochin Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal

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22
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$27.50
Private Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise with Lunch from Cochin

Private Kerala Backwater Houseboat Day Cruise with Lunch from Cochin

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$165.00
1-Day Trip to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Kochi with Both side Commercial Flight

1-Day Trip to The Taj Mahal and Agra from Kochi with Both side Commercial Flight

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$412.00
Adventure Tuk Tuk Tour in kochi - A Private Guided Tour with Hotel Pick up

Adventure Tuk Tuk Tour in kochi - A Private Guided Tour with Hotel Pick up

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$14.00
Cochin City or Backwater Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal
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Cochin City or Backwater Shore Excursions from Cruise Terminal

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$27.50
From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Houseboat & Chinese Nets
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From Cochin Port: Backwaters by Houseboat & Chinese Nets

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$85.00
Kochi Group Tour-Half day with hotel pickup and drop-Off

Kochi Group Tour-Half day with hotel pickup and drop-Off

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$60.00
Cochin Over View

Cochin Over View

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$110.00
Jewish Heritage Tour of Cochin

Jewish Heritage Tour of Cochin

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From
$135.00
Explore Munnar Day Trip From Cochin ( By Munnar Info)

Explore Munnar Day Trip From Cochin ( By Munnar Info)

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25
From
$128.38
per group
Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Aleppey with Lunch from Cochin - Private Tour

Backwaters Houseboat Cruise in Aleppey with Lunch from Cochin - Private Tour

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$165.00
Airport Transfer: Cochin Port Cruise Terminal to Cochin International Airport

Airport Transfer: Cochin Port Cruise Terminal to Cochin International Airport

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$35.00
Half day trekking (munnar valley Trekking & Tours )

Half day trekking (munnar valley Trekking & Tours )

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$11.06
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All about Kerala

When to visit

Kerala is a tropical state in South India, so it experiences two main seasons: the wet (April–August) and the dry (September–March). The dry season coincides with the North Indian winter. It is generally considered the best time to visit as this is when temperatures are hot but pleasant and rainfall and humidity low. Flooding can occur in the wet season, so this is not the best time to visit.

Getting around

Kerala is a relatively small state, and it’s pretty easy to get around. Travelers with a more generous budget can hire a private car and driver to get between major tourist towns. Private and public buses also operate extensively across the state, and while they can be slow and sometimes uncomfortable, they are very affordable. Trains also run between the major towns and connect Kerala to neighboring states.

Traveler tips

While many travelers head to Alleppey to embark on a backwater cruise–whether overnight or just for a day–these are also available from other parts of Kerala, including Kochi. If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path (or, rather, waterway) experience, seeking a cruise operator away from Alleppey is a good option. You’ll likely have a quieter backwater experience and see villages where few tourists go.

Local Currency
Indian Rupee (₹)
Time Zone
IST (UTC +5)
Country Code
+91
Language(s)
Gujarati
Attractions
16
Tours
586
Reviews
5,211
EN
11197dcb-c905-4d8d-9f0d-ec7247f6b255
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People Also Ask

For which things is Kerala famous?

Kerala is famous as a tropical South Indian state with beautiful beaches, lush mountains, wildlife sanctuaries, and unique culture. A renowned tourist attraction is taking a cruise on the backwaters on a traditional rice barge converted into a houseboat.

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Which is the No 1 tourist place in Kerala?

Alleppey, sometimes called the Venice of South India, is the most popular tourist destination in Kerala as this is where houseboat cruises on the backwaters depart from. Other popular tourist attractions in Kerala include Fort Kochi, the beaches at Kovalam and Varkala, and the Southern Ghats mountains.

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Is three days enough for Kerala?

Yes, three days is enough time in Kerala to see and experience some highlights. With three days, you can take a houseboat cruise, tour historic Fort Kochi, or spend time at a beach. More than three days are needed to travel into the Southern Ghats mountains.

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Which is the best month to visit Kerala?

The winter months of September through March are the best months to visit Kerala, as this is when the weather is mostly dry and clear and the temperatures a little cooler. December and January are especially busy as international travelers travel over the festive season.

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Is Kerala trip expensive?

No, Kerala is not automatically an expensive destination, and you can find accommodations and experiences to suit any budget. Travelers with a generous budget can find luxurious accommodation with a high price tag, while those with a tighter budget also have plenty of cheaper options. Food and activities are generally affordable for travelers from many countries.

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Is Kerala safe for female travelers?

Yes, Kerala is a relatively safe destination for female travelers. Women are very visible in the local workforce in Kerala, in contrast to other parts of India, and some parts of Kerala society follow matrilineal traditions. Like any destination, it’s important for female travelers to take care, especially at night, and to be careful who they accept rides or services from.

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