Before heading to Kerala, it’s helpful to know that the most convenient way to travel around the state is by hiring a private car with a driver, especially if your itinerary includes multiple regions like the backwaters, hill stations, and coastal towns. Within cities and towns, auto-rickshaws and local ferries are easy to use, while houseboats are a popular option in the backwaters.

Kerala stands out from much of the rest of India for a number of cultural, social, and geographic reasons. Its natural setting is one of the most obvious differences - while much of India features dry plains, arid zones, or urban sprawl, Kerala is defined by lush greenery, tropical rainforests, the Western Ghats, and its iconic backwaters. This distinct geography shapes everything from the region’s food and architecture to its modes of transport and day-to-day lifestyle.

Socially and culturally, Kerala has taken a different developmental path. It consistently ranks highest in India for literacy, life expectancy, and healthcare. There’s a strong emphasis on education and gender equity, and its population has one of the highest Human Development Index scores in the country. Kerala also has a long history of multiculturalism, shaped by centuries of contact with Arab, Chinese, Jewish, and European traders. This mix is visible in its religious harmony, diverse cuisine, and colonial-era architecture. Politically, it has a history of left-leaning governance and grassroots movements, which have influenced land reform, healthcare, and education access - making Kerala feel both deeply traditional and unusually progressive.

The official language of Kerala is Malayalam, a Dravidian language spoken by the vast majority of the state’s population. With its own script and a rich literary tradition, Malayalam plays a central role in Kerala’s cultural identity. While Malayalam is used in everyday life, government, and education, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in urban areas, tourist centres, and among the younger population. Many locals are bilingual or even trilingual, often also speaking Hindi or Tamil. For travellers, navigating Kerala is generally easy without knowledge of Malayalam, though learning a few basic phrases can enhance interactions and show appreciation for the local culture.

The best time to visit Kerala is between October and March, when the weather is cooler, dry, and comfortable for travel. During these months, temperatures are generally pleasant - ranging from 24°C to 32°C - and humidity levels are lower, making it ideal for exploring hill stations, wildlife reserves, and the coast. From June to September, Kerala experiences its monsoon season, marked by heavy rainfall and lush green landscapes. While travel during this time can be affected by the rains, it’s also considered a great period for Ayurvedic treatments, as the body is believed to absorb herbal therapies more effectively. The pre-monsoon months of April and May are typically hot and humid, especially in the coastal and lowland areas, though cooler temperatures can still be found in the Western Ghats and hill towns like Munnar.

Tourists visiting Kerala should dress comfortably and appropriately for the region’s climate and cultural norms. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for Kerala’s warm, often humid conditions, especially in the coastal areas and backwaters. While the state is generally relaxed, it’s respectful to dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples, churches or rural villages - clothing that covers shoulders and knees is best. A light scarf or shawl can be handy for covering up when needed. For visits to hill stations like Munnar or Thekkady, where temperatures can be cooler in the early mornings and evenings, pack a light jumper or jacket. If you’re planning on trekking or hiking, particularly in the Western Ghats, bring sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and moisture-wicking clothes that dry quickly. Long trousers and sleeves are useful to protect against insects and sun. Swimwear is acceptable at beaches or resorts, but it’s courteous to cover up when away from the water. Overall, dressing with a mix of comfort, practicality and cultural awareness will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience while travelling through Kerala.

Food in Kerala is a vibrant reflection of the state’s geography, history, and cultural diversity. With its long coastline, tropical climate, and spice-rich soil, Kerala’s cuisine is deeply tied to the land and sea. Coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind, and a wide variety of spices form the backbone of most dishes. Rice is a staple, often served with vegetable curries, pickles, papadum, and fish. The cuisine also reflects Kerala’s religious and cultural mix - Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities all contribute distinct dishes, from vegetarian sadya meals served on banana leaves to meat-rich stews and seafood curries. Each region brings its own variation, with Malabar cuisine in the north known for biryanis and coastal specialities, while the backwaters and hill regions favour local produce and freshwater fish.

As a visitor, there’s a wide range of foods to try, whether you're dining in a local eatery or at a high-end resort. Must-try dishes include kerala fish curry, appam with stew, puttu and kadala curry, and the elaborate sadya - a traditional vegetarian feast often served during festivals. Street snacks like banana chips, pazham pori (fried banana fritters), and vada are great for a quick bite.

Spices such as black pepper, green chilli, red chilli, ginger, mustard seeds, and curry leaves are commonly used - not just for heat, but for flavour and aroma. However, the spice in Kerala cuisine tends to be well-balanced, often softened by the use of coconut milk, tamarind, or yoghurt, which can mellow out the heat.

In coastal towns, seafood is abundant - grilled tiger prawns, crab roast and mussel fry are popular. For a taste of Kerala’s Arab-influenced dishes, try the rich Thalassery biryani or pathiri (rice flour flatbread). Many restaurants also offer cooking classes, allowing visitors to learn how to prepare local dishes. With its rich flavours and variety, Kerala’s food scene is an essential part of the travel experience.

The ideal amount of time to explore Kerala depends on your interests, but 10 to 14 days is generally perfect for a well-paced itinerary that covers the state’s major highlights without feeling rushed.

5 - 7 Days: Suited for a shorter escape, focusing on key regions like Cochin, Munnar and the backwaters. You’ll get a good mix of cultural sights, hill station scenery and a houseboat experience.

10 - 12 Days: Ideal for a balanced journey through Kerala. You can explore Fort Kochi’s colonial charm, trek the tea hills of Munnar, enjoy wildlife safaris in Periyar, cruise the backwaters from Alleppey or Kumarakom, and finish with beach time in Marari or Varkala.

14+ Days: Offers a more immersive experience. You might include Wayanad in the north, spend extra time in national parks, or add cultural activities like cooking classes, Ayurvedic wellness stays, and village visits.

If you have more time, extending your journey to 2–3 weeks lets you travel deeper and experience more of South India beyond Kerala. You can cross into neighbouring Tamil Nadu to explore the temple towns of Madurai and Tanjore, the French-influenced seaside enclave of Pondicherry, or the cultural capital of Chennai. Alternatively, venture north into Karnataka for the ruins of Hampi, coffee estates of Coorg, and the royal city of Mysore.