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Best Things To Do In Kerala On Honeymoon

The traditional dance form of Kerala called as “Kathakali” or “storyplay” is an entrancing blend of graceful hand movements, music and facial expressions that tells dramatized stories from Indian epics. When the dancers with painted faces and elaborate costumes sway to the rhythm of traditional musical instruments, the performance is a sight to behold. The best time to catch Kathakali in Kerala is during winter when most temples conducted their annual festivals.

Cost: There are few cultural centers in Cochin that hold daily evening performances with tickets usually below $5 per person so check with your hotel if there are any local Kathakali performances in town.

Performed Art Forms:

1. Literature (Sahithyam)

2. Music (Sangeetham)

3. Painting (Chithram)

4. Acting (Natyam)

5. Dance (Nritham)

Want to surprise your spouse by promising eternal love and togetherness at a heart shaped lake? Then take a short trek to the Chembra Peak in Wayanad is located eight kilometers south of Kalpetta which is the highest peak in the region. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Kerala on honeymoon.

The enchanting heart shaped lake is on the way to the peak and is a two and a half hour trek from tea garden at Chemra foothills. Click memorable pictures together and then walk up to the peak located 2100 meters above sea level to have a sweeping view of entire Wayanad district.

Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to this location is Calicut International Airport which is 92 km away

Cost: All tours are conducted under supervision of local guides that charge $3 per group and $0.5 from each individual.

Like the ancient martial art of Kung-Fu which originated in the Shaolin temples of Japan, the Kalaripayattu also has holy beginnings and was said to be taught by Lord Shiva to warrior sage Parasurama 3000 years ago who passed the knowledge onto 21 of his choicest disciples.

Location & Cost: To watch the display of this ancient art you will just need to visit Kadathanadan Kalari Center located 147 km from Cochin airport and pay $4 each for a two hour show.

Though vehicles today are an integral part of our lives and at least in urban areas we have given up on using animals for transportation. But vehicles are not allowed near the Periyar tiger reserve to avoid sound and air pollution so the best option to explore the inner recesses of the valley and its beautiful birds is to take a bullock cart safari!

Activities to do: To make the honeymoon Kerala a truly memorable affair, indulge on a Bullock Cart Discoveries trip that will take you on a short exploration trip across forest tracts into villages and farms growing onion, jasmine, tamarind, sunflowers and bananas at the rate of just Rs.500 per adult.

Location: Located just 155 km from nearest Cochin airport, the region offers several other adventure options likes elephant rides, night jungle patrol and fishing.    

With five rivers traversing its length and breadth which rise alarmingly high during monsoons, tree houses are common in Kerala and referred to locally as “Erumadam” and located over sturdy trees that give shelter from wild animals at night. Including this place in your Wayanad honeymoon package will just spice up your romance with your partner.

These structures today have become a part of tourist legacy and there are several resorts offering treehouses on the fringes of forestland that start from Rs. 5000 per person for a night which may double during peak season.

Cost: If you want to make your honeymoon in Kerala an out of the world experience and make it an adventure within a rainforest then you may have to dish out a slightly bigger amount or around Rs.$200-$300 per night.

Best Treehouse In Munnar

Dreamcatcher Plantation resort in Munnar | Distance From Munnar – 22 Km

Nature Zone Resort in Munnar | Distance From Munnar – 12 Km

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a trip to its famed sunbathing beaches of Kovalam. A favorite haunt of foreign and Indian tourists since 1930’s the three crescent beaches that make up Kovalam are abuzz across the year with visitors enjoying swimming, aromatic Ayurvedic massages, yoga and catamaran cruises besides sunbathing on the private beaches of luxury resorts dotting the coastline. It is one of the most visited places in Kerala.

The beaches of Kovalam perfect for walking arm in arm with your spouse and taking Ayurveda massages which is the most common of things to do in Kerala on honeymoon along with shopping for handicrafts from local shops.

Location: Located around 10 km from the Trivandrum International Airport, Kovalam offers wide variety of stay options ranging from five star resorts to budget cottages.  

Things To Try: Herbal body toning massages, catamaran cruising

Kerala is also known as the land of Ayurveda treatments wherein there are treatments for ailments related to skin, bones and other parts of the body. These massage treatments use a wide variety of essential and non-essential oils, and herbs in varied combinations to rejuvenate skin, cells and muscles of the body.  

Regarded as one of the most essential things to do in Kerala on honeymoon, Ayurveda massages are of different type and duration to get the desired result whether it is reducing stress, getting a toned body, reducing side effects of nerve and muscle damage etc.  To get the best results for any specific problem you may have to get an expert opinion to identify troubled areas of the body and then decide the best package for yourself and partner.

Best Ayurvedic Massage Treatment Centers In Kerala:

Saatwika Ayurveda Treatment Centre | SEKT 41, Kurup's Lane, Sasthamangalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695010, India

Athreya Ayurvedic Centre | Pakkil.P.O,, Pallom, Kottayam, Kerala 686012, India

Kerala Ayurvedic Health Care | Plot No. TC 18/153 (9), Kunnapuzha Road, Plavila, Aramada P.O, Thirumala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695032, India

The spectacular view of sleek boats racing past each other literally flying across sparkling waters with crowds cheering them across every inch of the course is a sight to behold. In Kerala every year four main snake boat races are held in and around Alleppey of which the most famous is the Nehru Trophy held in August while 15 more minor ones are held in other areas. 

As most of them are held between June and September this gives you ample opportunity to make this event an important part of your things to do in Kerala on Honeymoon itinerary. To view these races you can take a cab from Cochin Airport which is 85 km away or a train to Alleppey.

Nehru Trophy Boat Race

While touring across Kerala’s temples and tourist locations you would have heard the sound of several traditional instruments in the background and wondered about listening to them more leisurely then you can enjoy an entire orchestra of this temple music through panchvadyam performances. 

The melodious music pachvadyam comprise of four percussion instruments namely thimila, ilathalam, maddalam and edakka along with kambu which is a wind instrument. You can enjoy this temple orchestra during traditional festival season of April, May or October and check with Kerala Kalamandalam for any unseasonal performances.

Instruments Used:  timila, maddalam, ilathalam, idakka and Kombu

India being still a largely agrarian community has many festivals associated with sowing and harvesting. The months of March and April are celebrated across every state of India and this period allows tourists to discover new things to do in Kerala that are usually not written about in guide books. 

Bull racing that is traditionally called Maramadi has pairs of bulls racing each other to the finish chased by groups of men across water logged paddy fields. While it is held across most villages in Kerala during the harvest season, the best place to watch this exciting sport is Kakkoor where onlookers place bets on the racing bulls that are given special food and exercise months in advance to prepare them for the race.

Length of Race: 100 Mt

Competing Bulls: 300

Location: Anandapally, Kerala

Also Known As: Anandapally, Kerala Cattle race 

Make honeymoon in Kerala a truly fun filled trip with a long shopping expedition at the Lulu Shopping Mall located in Kochi when you visit the city for exploring the fort and other places. Sprawling across 17 acres, the mall is regarded as the largest in India and it has around 300 plus retail outlets along with a multiplex, bowling alley and ice skating rink. 

The giant complex built like a crystal palace has stores selling latest international and national brands of clothes, jewelry, food courts, electronic appliance and many more items. With 27 multi-cuisine counters at the food court and 9 restaurants, the mall offers several options to relax with food and drink between shopping expeditions.  

Address: 34/1000, N.H 47, Edapally, Kochi, Kerala 682024, India

Owner: Lulu Group International

No. of Floors: 4

Hours: 10AM–11PM

What could be more romantic than gently gliding on a cozy houseboat for a day or two with just your partner for company along with the birds and butterflies?  Honeymoon in Kerala is incomplete without a houseboat ride that gives visitors a real taste of Kerala’s village life. The houseboat tours are usually arranged from Alleppey, Kumarakom and Kollam which is around 70 – 75 km from nearest airport Cochin.  

Cost: You can take a short four hour cruise on the houseboat for as little as Rs. 5640 per person or make an overnight stay in luxury houseboat for $100 per person.  The trips are inclusive of meals along with arrangements for fishing equipment if desired.

Best Time: 6AM-8AM while watching sunrise and birds

Check out: Best backwater tours in Kerala. 

A visit to the land where Ayurveda and yoga are a way of life would be incomplete without experiencing these relaxing modes of life. As honeymoon is the best time to understand each other, why not enroll for a short course with your spouse at the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram spread on 12 acres in the foothills of Western Ghats.

Location: Located just 3 km from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, accommodation is relatively cheap at Rs. 1940 for a twin AC Room.

Activities to do: For a more homely setting for your Kerala honeymoon try out Matagi Mudax set within an organic farm near Periyar tiger reserve that has short term programs comprising of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda treatments.

While you are in Kerala do not forget to sample its traditional cuisine that is served as Sadhya on a plantain leaf. The traditional sadya that is served during festivals and weddings comprises of 24-28 dishes that are served one after another as a single course. 

Though all the items are vegetarian they bring together all flavors that stimulate the senses like spice, salt, sour, sweet and pungency. Most of the items are cooked in coconut oil or have a liberal dose of grated coconut in it.

Cost: Most large and mid-sized restaurants across Kerala serve sadya on weekends or all days for Rs.200 per person and if you are planning to try it out just make sure that both of you are prepared to sample all the items served.

Where To Eat: Onam Festival or Local Restaurants

The jeep safari along the periphery of Periyar tiger reserve is one of the most popular tours for every visitor to Kerala. This biological paradise and wilderness retreat spread across valleys and sprawling grasslands is home to indigenous animals like the lion tailed macaque and Nilgiri Tahr along with several exotic butterfly species.  If you have planned a trip to Kerala then don't forget to visit this place. 

Depending on the time available you can opt for half a day or day long trip that starts from around $100 for a couple which includes a 36 km drive through the jungle followed by a short trek to a tea plantation along with lunch and a relaxing boat ride on the Periyar River. The reserve is 145 km away from the Madurai airport and 190 km from Cochin international airport.

Location: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, Kerala, India.

Every wildlife enthusiast with the dream of seeing wild animals in their natural habitat will have Thekkady in their travel itinerary, and if you are wondering about things to do in Kerala on honeymoon why not head to this adventurous location. If you are on a holiday in Kerala then trekking is one of the best adventure that you can do.

Activities to do: Besides a fascinating ride on perilous looking bamboo rafts on the tranquil Periyar Lake, tourists are also taken on short hikes through the wildlife conservation parks. Go on an exciting night trekking trip across the fringe areas of the Periyar tiger reserve for three hours accompanied by forest guards and night watchers to see the nocturnal jungle life.  

The only motorable roads inside the park are through a tea estate and another in Lakkom Maruthuvakudi both of which are along its southern boundary. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or not, visiting the park to see the last stronghold of endangered mountain goat Nilgiri Tahr and admire the beauty of shola grasslands is one of the best things to do in Kerala.

Even if you have tried paragliding as an adventure sport in other parts of the world, the view of Kerala’s coastline and evergreen shola forests is likely to make this the most memorable part of your honeymoon in Kerala. This recreational sport in Kerala is conducted by Tandem paragliding group from Vagamon wherein gliders jump off the peak with all the safety gear required for a safe landing.

Best time to visit: The paragliding season in Kerala usually is between Sept to Jan and from March to May and Vagamon located 93.2 km from Cochin airport is the venue for Grand Prix every year and the cost for the trip is approx $50 per person  

Best Paragliding Spots in Kerala:

1. Vagamon, Kottayam

2. Varkala, Trivandrum

Visit to the beautiful hill station of Munnar is complete without a long trip on a majestic elephant. Conducted by Carmelagiri Elephant Park, the elephant safari takes visitors on elephants across rugged terrain and shallow pools close to the park. 

Usually two to three people are allowed on each elephant and a group of three to four trained elephants are taken with their mahout on short tours along selective trails. The safari costs Rs. 250 per person and tourists are encouraged to feed fruits and corn to the elephants during the short trek. 

Though the sight of these majestic beasts may scare you but a picture of both of you on an elephant in the Kerala honeymoon album is sure to make you smile for several years.

Where: Carmelagiri Elephant Park

Address: Mattuppetty Road, Munnar, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685612, India

Hours: 9AM–5PM

Other: Here are some of the other things to do in Munnar on Honeymoon. 

Regarded as one of the largest tea growing and trading centers in India, Munnar presently has more than 30 tea estates, most of which are owned by Tata group. The picturesque hill station also is home to spice plantations that grow cardamom, cloves and other Indian spices. 

Take a walk along the beautiful lake Kundala Lake whose waters are used for powering the Pallivasal Hydro Electric project over the Kundala Dam. The best way to explore this riveting hill station that is famous for its tea plantations, mist laden mountains and numerous waterfalls tucked into valleys and cliffs is by hiring a car or motorbike that can easily take both of you from one place to another.

Famous Tea Estates: Harrison Malayalam, AVT tea, Michael's tea, Brooke Bond

Fact: First tea sapling was planted by A.H. Sharp at Parvathi

Tea Museum: Opened By Tata Tea at Nullatanni, Munnar, Kerala 685612, India

Accommodation: Here is a list of best honeymoon resorts in Munnar.

The majestic Athirapally Falls located on the Chalakudy River that has its origins in the Western Ghats is among the highest waterfalls of Kerala at 80 feet. Referred to as the “Niagara falls of India” the pathway of the waterfall till its reaches the Chalakkudy river is home to wide variety of flora and fauna.

Nearest airport: Though the waterfall is 53 km away from Cochin international airport, the view of Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls located just 5 km apart are a sight to behold.

Activities: The Tourism Promotion Council conducts daily jungle safari which is around 90 km between Chalakudy to Malakkappara to explore the Sholayar range making it one of the best adventure activities in Kerala.

Location: Chalakudy Thaluk, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Elevation: 120 m (390 ft)

Watercourse: Chalakudy River

The sight of high sea waves lashing against the rocks and splashing spray on the ramparts of Bekal Fort that is surrounded by a beautiful garden on one side is enough to make viewers wonder about the beauty of nature.

Why It Was Built: Located in Bekal village of Kasargod district, this largest fort of Kerala was built in 1650 by Shivappa Nayaka of Mahodayapuram to keep a watch over enemies arriving by sea route. 

Location: Located 50 kms from Mangalore international airport, the fort built as a strategic lookout gives a scenic view of the coastline and nearby villages. The enticing sight of waves lashing the shore may tempt you to explore the beach so do ahead and explore it as it has been developed by government agencies with laterite sculptures and murals.

Even though Kerala has several beaches and waterways that keep you close to nature, the charming Cherai or Marari Beach located in Kochi and just 30 kms away from the Cochin International Airport is suggested for tourists as it is the least frequented beaches of the state and cleaner. The beach is tranquil and relatively deserted during the day due to humid tropical temperature and is home to the famous Marari Beach resort.

Activities to do: While you are here, remember to take a short trip to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which is considered as one of the smartest things to do in Kerala during summers. It can be explored by hiring a canoe from local fishermen as most birds remain close to the waterways instead of open ground.

While you are at Kerala why not try and understand its local art and cultural specialties like the enchanting Tholpavakoothu or Kerala’s unique shadow puppet theater form that originated in ninth century as a ritualistic form of art to make honeymoon Kerala truly memorable. 

Depicting stories from the Ramayana, the Tholpavakoothu is dedicated to mother earth worshipped by local people as Bhagavati. This shadow puppet tradition has been preserved and practiced by Pulavar families through generations and is showcased each year between January and May at the Koothu Madam or platform before the temple of goddess Bhagavati. It was only in 1970’s that the traditional art was taken out of temples and showcased on national and international art festivals.

Best Location To Watch Puppet Show

Tholpavakoothu Kalakendram

Address: Palakkad Ponnani Rd, Shoranur, Palakkad, Koonathara, Kerala 679523, India

With rivers and jungles crisscrossing its landmass, Kerala is home to wide variety of birds that throng its waterways and rich tree cover. To view an exotic variety of local species and those that have travelled to this state from several miles away, you should make a visit to the Thattekad bird Sanctuary that is just 43.5 km from the Cochin International Airport. 

Spread across 25 square kilometers between branches of Periyar river and home to Hornbill and bulbuls in India, hiking through this jungle is one of the most popular adventure activities in Kerala.

Address: Kothamangalam-Pooyamkutty Road, Kodhamangalam, Palamattam P.O., Thattekad, Kerala 686681, India

Area: 9.714 mi²

Hours: 6AM–6PM

For a taste of Kerala’s colonial past a visit to the beautiful Fort Kochi is a must with its heritage bungalows and wide roads which is located just 50 km away from Cochin airport. Fort Immanuel is a living symbol of the last bastion of Portuguese that was built in 1503 and is a short walk from the Dutch Cemetery housing tombstones. 

While at Fort Kochi do visit the famous Parade Ground which is regarded as one of the most important things to do in Kerala was once the site of joint military parades conducted by Dutch, Portuguese and British. The city is also home to beautiful churches namely the St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica that was elevated to cathedral status in 1558.

Nearest railway station & Airport: Ernakulam, about 1.5 km from the main boat jetty | Cochin International Airport, about 30 km from Ernakulam

Location: Fort Kochi Beach, Kochi, Kerala

To spend some quality time with your spouse and make the honeymoon in Kerala truly memorable a visit to the colorful rose gardens in exotic Munnar is a must.  Locally renowned as the Munnar Floriculture Center, the garden is home to a vast collection of flowers and herbs besides several rose species.

Nearest Airport: As the distance from nearest airport of Cochin is 107 km from Munnar, it is best to stay for at least a couple of days at this beautiful hill station and enjoy exploration of tea gardens. Located at Mattupetty which is 2 km from Munnar town center and spread over two acres, the garden houses plants of cardamom, vanilla, strawberry, litchi and other local fruits.

Time Required: 1-2 hrs

Cost: $0.5

Open Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Every part of Kerala is as beautiful and exotic as the next and the same can be said about the emerald green rice fields of Kuttanad which is referred to as the rice bowl of Kerala. The village has few roads as it is fed by four rivers and on your visit to this idyllic location be prepared to see a variety of water fowls and otters swimming along the houseboat.

Location: Located within 135km of Trivandrum airport, this colorful village located in the backwaters of Alappuzha district is the only location in the world wherein farming is done below sea level and paddy fields are surrounded by bunds made of earth like the Dykes in Netherlands.  

Fact: Kuttanad is also known as "The Rice Bowl of Kerala"

While you are in this charming state why not explore its historical past that has been preserved in the majestic Kanakakunnu Palace that was built during the reign of Travancore king Sree Moolam Thirunal. The palace used as a summer retreat and for entertaining guests was built with a Kerala style façade and has tennis courts within its picturesque setting.

Nearest Airport: Based just 5 kms from the Trivandrum Airport and 3kms from the local railway station the beautiful palace located on a small hillock show sweeping view of Trivandrum city.  

Activities to do: Take a leisurely exploratory tour of the palace which is now used as a cultural center and is the venue for cultural festivals and dance programs.

The recently inaugurated Jataayu National Park that was opened to the public last year in January located in Chadayamangalam Village is designed like a rock theme park. Spread across 65 acres of land with a large stone sculpture of the mythical bird Jatayu which will house a museum and theater. The massive 200 feet long sculpture of the majestic bird which is said to have fallen on that spot after being killed by demon king Ravana.

Activities to do: To make your Kerala honeymoon truly romantic, take a cable car to the park and book a stay for a couple of days at the Ayurveda cave resorts to rejuvenate.

How To Reach: The park is around 51 km from Trivandrum airport.

Address: Jatayu Junction, Nature Park Road, Chadayamangalam, Kerala 691534, India

Area: 65 acres

Hours: Open today · 9AM–5PM

The literal meaning of the word “Ramakkalmedu” refers to a place where Lord Rama has set foot and this in Kerala is a small hill station located in Karunapuram Panchayat of Idukki district.  

According to epic lore, this picturesque place located 3500 meters above sea level forced Lord Rama to take strategic shift in his search for Sita and a visit is regarded as one of the most important things to do in Kerala. This windiest location of Asia with average wind speed at 35 km per hour, is also the site for wind farm units.

How To Reach: Located around 145 kms from nearest airport of Madurai, the hillock is also the site for stone statues of Kuravan and Kurathi, two historical characters that helped in construction of Idukki dam. 

Location: Ramakkalmedu, Kerala 685552, India