5 Must-Try Winter Adventures in God’s own country (Kerala)
What would it feel like to take a trip to God’s own country in the winter?
Breathtaking landscapes and spicy cuisines, rejuvenating therapies and massages, pristine beaches with blue skies, and a network of calming backwaters—that's what it feels like.
Kerala has a most peaceful ambience that endears it to the hearts of tourists, and you’re probably one of them. Your mind is bustling with so many things to do in Kerala: places to visit, foods to try, and souvenirs to purchase.
It’ll take you years to satisfy your heart’s cravings.
The bad news is that you don’t have such time, and the good news is, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through five experiences you must have while traveling in Kerala to ensure you keep the right memories lingering for ages.
5 Must-Try Winter Adventures in God’s own country (Kerala)
- Enjoy a Backwater Cruise in Alleppey
Picture yourself and your partner watching the sunrise and sunset and sharing intimate moments while on a houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Alleppey.
The ambience of the houseboat, the calmness of the water, your privacy, and the local dishes served onboard the cruise are everything and more.
Enjoy a unique view of nature, fringed with coconut trees, lush greenery, and birds. You can also make the trip with a tour guide who’ll demystify the history of the backwaters in Alleppey and let you share in the lives of the locals.
2. Explore Kerala’s History at Fort kochi
Fort Kochi is Kerala’s hubbub of history, arts, and culture, so if you’re a history nerd, your “things to do in Kerala list” is incomplete if a visit to Fort Kochi isn’t included. The statues, buildings, antiques, clothes, and detailed architecture in Fort Kochi are awash with stories that tell of how Kochi has come to be.
A few ideal spots to visit in Fort Kochi include:
- St. Francis Church
Discover the first and oldest European churches in India and the previous burial site of Vasco de Gama. Let the pews and stained glasses that give the church a peaceful ambience bring back childhood memories of taking communion and returning to kneel at the pews with eyes closed and hands clasped together.
- Kerala History Museum
The teakwood stair, roof, and pillar show how much effort was put into making the architecture a masterpiece. This museum is a window to Kerala’s past, where it all began 2000 years ago. In this museum, every artifact, clothing material, and figurine tells the story of the lifestyle, traditions, and culture of Kerala.
- Dutch Palace Fort Kochi
The Portuguese gave the palace as a gift to the King of Kochi in the 1500s. Also known as the Mattancherry Palace, it has beautiful murals that depict the gods of the Hindu faith, like Lord Krishna and the Rajas of Kochi. The major highlight of this palace is its simple yet grand architecture. If you want to know what houses the nobles of Kerala lived in, then find your way to Fort Kochi.
3. Rejuvenate your Mind and Body with an Ayurveda Treatment
Traveling in Kerala during the winter season might get you chilly and exhausted, but don’t worry. All you need is to walk into a wellness center for an Ayurveda therapy session.
Upon arrival, you’re embraced by lush gardens and a serene ambiance.
The massage rooms, dimly lit with scented candles and infused with the soothing scents of therapeutic herbs and oils, and the beautiful view of hills you get to enjoy during your session are enough to relieve you of two year’s worth of stress.
Long, gentle strokes relax your body, and skilled hands release tension, detoxifying your body and giving you an out-of-the-world experience.
For the best experience, explore Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort, Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort, and Sarovaram Ayurvedic Resort
4. Feast on a Platter of Ela Sadya
There are so many healthy meals you can try out in Kerala. I’m sure you’re rolling your eyes at me, but healthy doesn’t mean tasteless. These meals take your taste buds on an exciting journey, and you don’t have to worry about burning the fat later on a treadmill.
Meen Molee, Meen Vevichathu, Puttu and kadala curry, Idiyappam, and Appam with stew are just a few of the varieties that Kerala offers you.
If you’re vegetarian, then you’d love Ela Sadhya; a meal that’s best had during lunchtime. It features rice, banana chips, coated banana pieces, rasma, samba (a tangy lentil stew), and buttermilk at the end.
You definitely don’t want to have this meal with cutlery; your hands will do the best job right there.
5. View an Entire Kathakali Performance
Your visit isn’t complete without witnessing a Kathakali performance, one of the most captivating things to do in Kerala. Kathakali is the traditional dance drama of Kerala. Attending it is like stepping into a world where vibrant colors, evocative expressions, and captivating stories come alive.
The elaborate makeup, intricate costumes, and choice of music excites your senses, leaves you in awe, and awakens your curiosity before the performance begins.
In fact, their makeup is so colorful and detailed that watching them apply it would be a fulfilling activity.
Kathakali appeals strongly to your emotions; you might find yourself crying, laughing, or excited because of the emotions it conveys. The performance is so perfectly performed that even if you don’t understand the language, you can flow with the expressions and gestures of the performers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does it Snow in Kerala?
No, it doesn’t snow in Kerala. The winter season in Kerala runs from late November to late February. It’s the time in Kerala when the weather is cool and features temperatures ranging from 18°C — 28°C
- When is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?
Traveling to Kerala in the winter offers you the best experience ever. That’s because other seasons, like summer and monsoon, often witness scorching sun and extreme rainfall.
However, there are different attractions for different seasons in Kerala. Carpe Diem ensures that you have an amazing time by taking you through the most captivating tourist attractions for each season.
- How Much Time Do I Need to Tour Kerala?
Traveling in Kerala will leave you thirsty if you only glide through your journey. So, for the best experience, you should take at least 3 days. But you might need more time if you have more things to do in Kerala and want to soak in the details of your adventure.
Savor the Essence of God’s Own Country (Kerala) in The Winter Season
Taking a trip to Kerala is a gift that you should give to yourself, especially as the winter season is approaching and the year draws to an end.
There’s so much to see and so many experiences to have that you’ll leave Kerala feeling excited and satisfied.
Traveling to Kerala, where you have no friends, might make you anxious, but you don’t have to worry about that because Carpe Diem provides you with budget-friendly offers to reserve your participation in such tours. So, you get to travel with other tourists, visit interesting places together and as well have a tour guide with you. Book a tour with Carpe Diem today.