Introduction to Kerala India Tours
Kerala, nestled in the southwestern tip of India, is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” — and for good reason. From the tranquil backwaters of Alappuzha to the lush tea gardens of Munnar, every part of Kerala offers a unique experience. Kerala India tours bring together nature, heritage, and a distinct lifestyle that has drawn travelers from across the globe.
A journey through Kerala isn’t just about visiting places. It’s about witnessing a way of life, absorbing timeless traditions, and slowing down to meet a state that moves at its own peaceful pace.
Backwaters: The Soul of Kerala India Tours
When people speak of Kerala India tours, the backwaters are often the first image that comes to mind. This intricate network of canals, lakes, and rivers runs parallel to the Arabian Sea and offers a unique way to experience the region — on a traditional houseboat known as a “kettuvallam.”
Cruising through the backwaters of Alappuzha or Kumarakom means drifting past coconut groves, paddy fields, and small villages that live in rhythm with the waters. The stillness of the landscape, broken only by the dip of oars or birds overhead, creates a calm you carry home with you.
Munnar: Tea Gardens and Hill Breezes
A popular stop in Kerala India tours, Munnar sits 1,600 meters above sea level and boasts sprawling tea plantations, winding roads, and crisp air. This hill station offers more than scenery. It provides a peek into the legacy of colonial-era plantation culture and the hardworking communities that sustain it.
Visitors can walk through the tea estates, learn about the process at local museums, and spend quiet mornings gazing at mist-covered hills. For those interested in hiking, trails around Anamudi Peak and Eravikulam National Park are filled with native flora, wild goats (Nilgiri Tahr), and cool breezes.
Kochi: Culture Meets Coastal Charm
Kochi, a key stop in Kerala India tours, blends modernity with old-world charm. Known historically as Cochin, this port city has welcomed Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese traders over centuries. The result is a layered culture reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and customs.
Highlights of Kochi include Fort Kochi’s colonial buildings, the Chinese fishing nets at sunset, and the centuries-old Paradesi Synagogue in Jew Town. Art lovers will enjoy the Kochi-Muziris Biennale — one of the largest contemporary art events in Asia.
Kochi also offers fusion food experiences, with influences ranging from Malabari spices to European flavors. It’s a place where history isn’t just preserved — it’s lived.
Thekkady and Periyar: Wild Encounters and Forest Trails
Wildlife adds another dimension to Kerala India tours. Thekkady is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where elephants, deer, wild boars, and even the elusive tiger roam. The sanctuary surrounds the Periyar Lake, where bamboo rafting and boat rides offer a chance to spot animals in their natural habitat.
For those who prefer walking, guided nature trails and jungle treks introduce travelers to medicinal plants, rare bird species, and a forest experience that’s quiet and raw. The spice plantations around Thekkady also offer tours — where you can walk through fields of cardamom, pepper, and cloves.
Varkala and Kovalam: Coastline with Character
While Kerala is known for its backwaters, its beaches are equally vital to Kerala India tours. Varkala and Kovalam each offer a distinct vibe.
Varkala stands out with its cliffs facing the Arabian Sea. A paved promenade runs along these cliffs, dotted with cafes, shops, and yoga centers. The beach below is clean, the waters calm, and the views particularly beautiful at sunset.
Kovalam, more developed, is known for its crescent-shaped beaches and iconic lighthouse. Whether you prefer swimming, catamaran rides, or simply lounging by the sea, these beach towns add the coastal calm every journey needs.
Alleppey: The Houseboat Capital
Alleppey (now Alappuzha) is central to most Kerala India tours. This town is synonymous with houseboat tourism. What sets it apart is the sheer variety — from basic one-bedroom boats to luxury floating villas.
While on the water, travelers pass fishing villages, ancient temples, and daily scenes of life on the banks. Meals cooked onboard, often with fresh catch and traditional recipes, make the experience both immersive and flavorful.
August brings the famed Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where teams row massive snake boats to thunderous cheers — a true cultural spectacle.
Wayanad: Quiet Hills and Tribal Life
For travelers looking to step off the beaten path, Wayanad offers an alternate route in Kerala India tours. This region is filled with forests, waterfalls, caves, and tribal settlements. The Edakkal Caves, with ancient petroglyphs, provide a direct link to early human life.
Wayanad also supports community-based tourism. Visitors can stay in homestays, learn traditional cooking, or trek through routes led by local guides who know every curve of the forest. It’s a region that feels raw, and it welcomes visitors gently.
Thrissur: Traditions That Light Up Streets
Thrissur is the cultural pulse of Kerala India tours. Best known for the Thrissur Pooram festival, this city lights up with fireworks, caparisoned elephants, and grand musical processions during the summer season.
Beyond the festivities, Thrissur is home to Kerala Kalamandalam, an institution that preserves classical art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Visitors can witness rehearsals, performances, or even attend short workshops.
The Vadakkunnathan Temple, with its classic Kerala architecture and peaceful atmosphere, is a spiritual and architectural gem worth visiting.
Traditional Kerala Cuisine: A Journey in Itself
No Kerala India tours are complete without tasting the region’s unique cuisine. It is largely based on rice, coconut, and spices — and varies from coastal flavors to highland delicacies.
Signature dishes include:
- Sadhya: A feast served on banana leaves during festivals and special occasions, consisting of rice, curries, pickles, and desserts.
- Appam with stew: A spongy rice pancake served with a mildly spiced coconut-based vegetable or meat stew.
- Malabar biryani: A fragrant dish with strong influences from Arab and Mughlai cuisines.
Food in Kerala is more than taste — it’s about connection, tradition, and hospitality.
Ayurvedic Healing: Wellness Rooted in Tradition
Ayurveda is deeply woven into the way of life in Kerala. Many Kerala India tours include stays at Ayurvedic resorts or wellness centers. Treatments focus on restoring balance using herbal oils, massages, yoga, and personalized diets.
The monsoon season (June to September) is traditionally believed to be the best time for rejuvenation, as the body’s pores are more open to absorb herbal treatments. Whether for relaxation or deeper healing, these experiences are rooted in centuries of knowledge.
Festivals and Art: Colors, Movements, and Stories
Throughout the year, Kerala India tours align with various festivals and art events. From the Onam harvest festival to boat races, temple festivals, and traditional theater forms — visitors witness a vibrant calendar that keeps Kerala’s cultural fabric strong.
Kathakali performances — elaborate dance dramas with painted faces and detailed costumes — tell stories from epics like the Mahabharata. Mohiniyattam, with its graceful movements and expressive gestures, celebrates feminine energy.
These performances are not just for entertainment. They are traditions passed down through generations, keeping alive a heritage that is uniquely Keralite.
Final Thoughts on Kerala India Tours
Kerala India tours are more than just travel experiences. They are invitations to witness a state that values balance — between tradition and progress, nature and civilization, the individual and the community.
Whether you’re gliding through silent backwaters, walking through fragrant spice gardens, watching ancient dance forms, or simply enjoying a home-cooked meal on a banana leaf — Kerala welcomes you not as a tourist, but as a guest.
From hills to sea, temples to forests, and festivals to food, every step in Kerala brings a new texture to your journey. In a world that moves fast, Kerala moves with purpose — and it invites you to pause and live that rhythm, if only for a while.
