• Best Time to Visit: October to May

• Additional Info: Performances normally occur within temples. 

Suggested Read: 7 Reasons Why Kerala Is One of India's Favourite Honeymoon Destinations

5. Try Bamboo Rafting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Bamboo rafting in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is listed among the things to do in Kerala with family, especially the adrenalin-pumped adventure freaks. While on the water you can spot fish and crocodiles, see elephants, tropical birds, and trees and plants. The guided tour also features a nature walk through some of the thickest tropical forests, which will make the journey very exciting. It is a perfect exercise, which families would love to undertake in search of wildlife.

• Best Time to Visit: September to April

• Additional Info: The best chance of seeing wildlife is in the morning.

6. Ride Shikara on the Vembanad Lake

Another one of the best things to do in Kerala is a Shikara ride on the Vembanad Lake. Shikaras are comparatively smaller watercraft and hence offer a closer look into the calm countryside waters. Relax while enjoying the motion through the greenery and look at birds flying in the sky above you. The views of the lake are also the best, especially when riding in the evening close to sunset.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February

• Additional Info: This is available in Alleppey and Kumarakom.

7. Paragliding in Vagamon

Those who love to enjoy some adventurous trips should consider the paragliding ride in Vagamon as it is one of the most fantastic and exciting things to do in Kerala. Fly above valleys of green moving hills with beautiful scenic views of the Western Ghats. Since you will be under the supervision of the instructors, this thrilling activity is well-suited even for first-timers.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March

• Additional Info: Special tandem flights are available for those interested in the activity. 

8. Take a Spice Tour in Thekkady

A Spice tour in Thekkady is one of the most exciting and informative things to do in Kerala. This involves a walk through the spice gardens and having a touchy-feely on the cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg plantations. This makes it a very pleasant experience because the air is full of the smell of fresh spices. Tourists are also able to purchase organic spices from the farms themselves.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Additional Info: Some plantations provide cooking demonstrations.

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Summer In Kerala: Kerala's Summer Escapes

9. Visit the Edakkal Caves in Ambukuthi Hills

The Edakkal Caves are among the special tourist attractions in Kerala today and anyone interested in ancient history will marvel at visiting this attraction site. It was discovered that these old caves contain inscriptions made on rocks over 6,000 years old. The hike to the caves is quite challenging but marked by beautiful scenery and striking rock formations. This is one of the best places to visit in Kerala because the mysterious carvings portray the early civilizations.

• Best Time to Visit: September to May

• Additional Info: Fairly an exhausting hike is needed to access each of the caves.

10. Tree House Stay in Wayanad

While trying out a stay in the treehouse in Wayanad is one of the most thrilling things to do in Kerala. These environmentally friendly living structures are apartments located on trees with a good view of the surrounding greenery. Get to hear Bird songs in the Morning and go for a relaxed setting in one of the most beautiful States in India, Kerala. It would particularly suit those families who are in love with nature.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Additional Info: Tree houses are equipped with accessories such as Wi-Fi and hot water. 

11. Watch the Snake Boat Race in Alleppey

The Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is one of the most exciting activities that you can ever watch when in Kerala. The long narrow boats race through the backwaters with hundreds of rowers, paddling in perfect time, charging the atmosphere. The most popular is the Nehru Trophy Boat Race where many tourists crowd over the area in large numbers. This one is special because of the energy, the music, and the cheering.

• Best Time to Visit: It is preferable to conduct the surveys in August which falls during the Onam festival.

• Additional Info: The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted at Punnamada Lake. 

12. Get an Ayurvedic Treatment in Chingoli

Among the most soothing things to do in Kerala is availing an Ayurveda session in Chingoli. Southern province is famous for therapies, and out of them, Chingoli is one of the best places to get Ayurveda treatments. These treatments are designed to give the body and the mind some time to untangle typically through stress-reducing massages and detoxifying therapies that will rejuvenate the body. Most of the resorts provide treatment sessions in Ayurveda for tourists.

• Best Time to Visit: All year round

• Additional Info: Great for relaxation, arthritis, and conditions of the skin. 

13. Visit the Historic Bekal Fort

Popular among history enthusiasts, a visit to Bekal Fort is one of the best things to do in Kerala. This is a 17th-century fort built near the Arabian Sea and it provides an exciting experience to watch the sea level from close quarters, in addition, tourists get a view of the importance of historical structures in Kerala. There are tunnels and observation towers and much green area inside the fort. Worthy of mention is the beautiful scenery of the sunset as seen when at the top of the fort.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Additional Info: The fort is at Kasaragod town, 65 km from Mangalore.

14. Go Fishing in Kumarakom

Kumarakom is peaceful and fishing is certainly one of the most relaxing things to do in Kerala. This small village is one of the oldest fishing villages in the Kingdom, the tourists can also fish in the nearby waters and catch fresh fish for lunch. Professional fishermen in this area give the best tactics to use so that one makes it more enjoyable for children too. It is, however, good to learn about the rural life of Kerala.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March

• Additional Info: Fishing tours are also available, especially with an experienced local fisherman. 

15. Explore the Sandalwood Forests of Marayoor

One of the thrilling things to do in Kerala is to walk through the sandalwood forests that are situated at Marayoor. It is a forest that you have to wander through and the smell of sandalwood will hang in the air. Sandalwood trees are also grown for visitors to witness the production of sandalwood oil as well as manufactured products. It also has some exotic prehistoric arts such as cave paintings that can be seen by visitors.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May

• Additional Info: Entry is prohibited without the permission of the forest officials.

Conclusion

There is so much beauty in Kerala,  from the houseboat cruise at Alleppey to the spice garden of Thekkady it's all beautiful. Regardless of whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a floater, or a shopper, there is no shortage of things to do in Kerala. So get ready to pack your bags and be ready to enjoy the beauty of God’s Own Country Kerala. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What activities can be done in Kerala?

Kerala offers various activities such as houseboat stays, wildlife safari, tea garden visits, backwater tours, and cultural shows.

2. What is the most famous thing in Kerala?

Some of the best-known tourist attractions of Kerala are houseboat cruises, Ayurvedic treatments, spices garden, and Kathakali. 

3. Is 5 days enough for Kerala?

Yes, 5 days are sufficient enough to visit the major attractions of  Kerala but more days give more flavor.

4. Is Kerala safe for the trip?

Kerala is safe for tourists and the locals are hospitable, plus there is a low incidence of crime in the tourist areas of interest.