What to do in Kerala

There is far too much to do in Kerala for one visit. You may as well accept that fact right now. Our Kerala tours are designed to be full but not hectic - we do not 'chase around'.  If that is what you require please look elsewhere.
We have listed a sample of things below to give you a flavour.

Shopping

Clothes, Saris Silks and Cottons, Spices, Jewellery. Shops typically open 10am - 7pm.

It may be quite difficult for tourists to pick out the typical Keralan things from the range in the average tourist shop - you might be better looking away from the main tourist areas. Kerala exports goods made from the coconut fibre which is spun and converted into mats carpets and bags. Cloth is exceptional, silks being one of the best buys. The white sari with gold trim 'mundu' with 'zari' is traditional Kerala. Jewellery is very fine, but do not expect it to be cheap. It is often sold by weight with the days prices displayed. Brass temple lamps and wood carvings are also good.

Ayurveda

Healing the body and putting its elements back into balance. It is a traditional system of healing allegedly based on the Hindu holy scriptures. It uses oils, massage, meditation and herbs. It can be quite complex and involve days, weeks or even months, though all around Kerala you will find Ayurvedic massage or beauty treatment offered to tourists that are simply a very very pleasant massage. To put you in the mood Sukhatirummu is a massage with oils, Sirovasti is medicated oils dripped onto your head, Pizhicil is having your body covered in cloths soaked in medicated oils and Kizhi is laying warm bags of herbs over your body - enjoy.

Kathakali

A spectacular piece of theatre, famous for its elaborate costumes and make up. Traditionally performed near temples, now performed for tourists in a number of places.

Wildlife

We've got the Arabian Sea to our west and the Western Ghats to our east. In between we have lush dense vegetation, which obviously supports a wide variety of wildlife. We have a number of superb national parks that allow opportunity for spotting elephant, tiger, gaur (like buffalo), nilgiri etc. as well as a plethora of wild birds

Trekking

Relatively new to the area, the location of the western Ghats potentially provides some of the best trekking available anywhere, wuth the Periyar tiger trail being especially rewarding for trekkers.

Water Sports

Kerala is not set up like a typical european resort. You will not normally find jet skis, paragliding etc. The local fishermen will probably take you out for a small fee, but have a look at the paradise below before considering this.

The Backwaters

Quite simply a must do. Kettuvallam boats were traditionally used for transporting rice and coir, now a lot have been converted to provide sumptuous transport for a couple or a family. There are about 400 such boats offering bedrooms kitchen and living areas. We use boats that have toilets and shaded areas, as well as a chef.

It is a wonderful way to watch the world go by - see our Kerala tours here.