Kerala beyond houseboats: 7 experiences to add to your trip

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

A houseboat night is the classic Kerala experience, but the state offers much more.

1. Watch Kathakali in Kochi

In Fort Kochi, cultural centres stage short Kathakali performances in the evening. Arrive early to watch the performers apply their elaborate make-up. See Kochi.

2. Walk Fort Kochi and Mattancherry

The Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese and Dutch buildings, the Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town's antique shops make a fascinating morning walk.

3. Visit a spice plantation in Thekkady

Around Thekkady, guided walks through cardamom, pepper and cinnamon gardens explain how Kerala's spices are grown. Add a Periyar boat safari at dawn.

4. See Kalaripayattu

Kerala's ancient martial art is performed in evening shows in Thekkady and Kochi.

5. Trek in Wayanad

Wayanad offers forest treks, the Edakkal caves with Neolithic engravings, waterfalls and treehouse stays.

6. Clifftop Varkala

Varkala is the only place on the Kerala coast where red laterite cliffs meet the beach, lined with cafés and yoga studios.

7. Temples and palaces in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram's Napier Museum and Kuthiramalika Palace are worth a morning, and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of India's most important (entry for Hindus, with a dress code).

Bonus: a sadhya meal

Try a traditional banana-leaf feast. See Kerala sadhya explained: the banana-leaf feast.

Planning tips

Allow at least a week to combine the backwaters with two or three of these experiences. See How many days do you need in Kerala? 4, 6 and 9-day plans and our Kerala page.