From backwaters to tea gardens: Kerala’s greatest hits (and sips!)

Kerala isn’t just a destination—it’s a dream-like place out of a picture book, with misty hilltops, sun-drenched beaches, and spice-laden breezes. Every turn of the road flips a new page, from the slow, poetic drift of houseboats on the backwaters to the fiery drama of a traditional Kathakali performance. Whether you’re chasing adventure, flavors, or just a quiet escape, here’s your ultimate guide to Kerala’s most unforgettable chapters.

Think of Alleppey as Kerala's most picturesque travel scene—timeless, elegant, and absolutely captivating. Glide through its canals on a kettuvallam (houseboat) and watch life unfold in slow motion. It's like witnessing the life of a watercolour painting as fishermen cast their nets, coconut palms sway, and tiny houses with colourful murals. Enjoy this with a steaming cup of Karupatti Kaapi, or palm jaggery coffee, and you'll have a memorable backwater ballad.

Munnar's undulating tea estates are the chorus you'll be humming if the backwaters are the tune. A natural symphony is produced by the mist-kissed hills, the scent of fresh tea leaves, and the rhythmic plucking of tea buds. Visit a nearby plantation, have the best Masala Chai, and allow the flavours of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom to entice your palate.

Step into Fort Kochi, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time, where colonial charm meets artistic quirkiness. The spice-laden air, vibrant street art, and centuries-old Chinese fishing nets make for a heady cocktail of culture. As you stroll past cozy cafes and antique shops, grab a Sulaimani Chai, a black tea infused with lemon and mystery. Trust us, it’s as dramatic as a Bollywood plot twist!

The waterfalls of Wayanad, which are tucked away within Kerala's thick forests, give your trip a revitalising rhythm. Every cascade has its own rhythm, whether it's the powerful Meenmutty or the flowing Soochipara. Drink a cup of Kattan Chaya (black tea) after a hazy walk; it's straightforward, potent and just what you need to love nature.

Elephants roaming freely in Thekkady's Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where nature plays its own wild song, would be Kerala's choice for a drum solo. Enjoy some Elaneer (tender coconut water), see unusual birds, and go on a bamboo rafting journey across the lake as a cool break before continuing your adventure.

Finally, let's use Kovalam's sun-kissed shores to pick up the pace. Time seems to slow down as tranquilly takes over in this location with golden dunes, swaying palms, and the rhythmic crash of waves. As the sun sets over the Arabian Sea, sip on a Filter Kaapi (South Indian filter coffee) to cap off your day by the sea.