Kerala is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in south India that is popular amongst all kinds of travelers. Kerala offers various things to do and several activities for its visitors to have a fulfilling holiday. Below is the list of the best things to do in Kerala curated by our travel experts that would help you to plan your holiday better and to make it a memorable one:

• Snake boat race in Alappuzha
• Bathe an Elephant in Kodanad
• Surf at Kovalam Beach
• Indulge in Ayurvedic Massage
• Cruise along Alleppey
• Enjoy local cuisine

1. Snake boat race in Alappuzha

Watching the colorful Snake Boat races in Alappuzha is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Kerala. Snake boat races are held from July to September during the Onam festival. You can cheer for your favorite team as they all race by each other one by one. The closest station is Alleppey which is accessible from Ernakulam. With over 100 rowers, drummers, and cheer-chanters on one boat, this sport has built a reputation as one of the largest team sports in the world. You can cheer on a team while they battle it out on the waters of Alappuzha. It is a once in a lifetime experience to witness this incredible race.

2. Bathe an Elephant in Kodanad

Riding an elephant is a passé, now you can also bathe an elephant. Isn’t that exciting? Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is a major attraction in Kerala which is located around 42 km from Kochi. You can visit the sanctuary for some exciting activities like elephant bath, elephant safari and elephant feeding and watching baby elephants in their natural habitat. Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is one of the most popular attractions in Kerala for tourists. It is a perfect destination for animal-lovers and adventure-seekers. Families and children enjoy this destination as they can take part in activities and watch baby elephants at the safari. It is a delightful experience for the visitors to watch cute baby elephants play around and spray water on each other.

3. Surf at Kovalam Beach

The beautiful sunset at the Kovalam beach is one of the finest in Kerala. Situated about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the most popular tourist attractions here are Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach and the much quieter Samudra Beach. It is a favorite spot for photographers, especially during sunset. The Arabian Sea borders the west coast of Kerala, so naturally, the stunning beaches along the state are aplenty. If you love surfing, Kovalam Beach is among the best destinations to surf in India. if you are looking to learn how to ride the waves, surf schools located on the beach are willing to teach enthusiasts for a nominal fee.

4. Indulge in Ayurvedic Massage

Any vacation to Kerala is incomplete without indulging in a rejuvenating Ayurvedic session. Kerala is full of Ayurveda resorts that offer numerous forms of natural treatment. It is a soothing experience for the body, mind, and soul. It is believed to not only cure ailments but also prevents diseases, avoiding the need for medication. The ayurvedic massages are best experienced during the monsoon seasons as Ayurveda makes use of various flora and fauna that is abundantly available during this period as a treatment for ailments.

5. Cruise along Alleppey

Alleppey is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. And when you’re there, don’t miss out on the experience of sailing in a houseboat. You can opt for several things to do in Kerala houseboat, like gazing at the lush green landscape and savoring a freshly prepared meal as you travel through the serene and peaceful backwaters. The boat is well-equipped to accommodate the whole family and served meals and snacks.

6. Enjoy local cuisine

Make sure to enjoy a traditional meal during your visit to Kerala which is also known as sadya, served with rice, pickles, vegetarian dishes, pappadam, and payasam. Sadya is a local vegetarian meal that is normally served on a tender banana leaf. While it is generally served during lunchtime in most places, you can put in requests to the hotel you are staying at to prepare this local delicacy in advance. Sit cross-legged on a mat and enjoy the delicious local meal with your bare hands for the full experience. Additionally, try out Kerala’s local alcoholic beverage, toddy, to end your meal on a happy note!

A holiday in Kerala is bound to fill you with memories of a lifetime. Enjoy the pristine backwaters with stunning houseboats, lush green hill stations, incredible waterfalls and plantations of tea and spice. While you are in Kerala, you can indulge in an ayurvedic massage, taste exotic cuisines or try several activities. Book a Kerala holiday on PML holidays and avail amazing offers on Kerala tour packages.