If India had a “calm girl aesthetic” state, it would 100% be Kerala. Nicknamed “God’s Own Country”, this southern beauty is a blend of beaches, backwaters, lush hills, and chai that hits harder than your morning playlist. Whether you’re planning your first Kerala trip or just manifesting it through Pinterest boards, this blog is your ultimate starter pack.


So grab your sunscreen, comfy slippers, and your best “wanderlust” energy, here are 7 things you absolutely can’t miss on your first trip to Kerala, India.


1. Floating Through the Famous Backwaters Like You Own a Houseboat



Okay, picture this: coconut trees swaying, water glistening, birds chirping, and you… just chilling on a Kerala houseboat like a character in a slow-life vlog. The backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom are the ultimate Kerala experience, calm, scenic, and slightly addictive.

You can book a houseboat for a day cruise or an overnight stay where you’ll float past tiny villages, fishermen, and sunset reflections that look straight out of a movie. Most Kerala tour packages include this, and honestly, it’s worth every bit.

Pro tip: Ask for freshly caught fish cooked onboard, it’s the kind of flavor you’ll dream about long after your Kerala trip ends.

2. Tea Heaven in Munnar for the Green Girlies and Plant Boys


If your love language is “mountains and misty mornings,” then Munnar will make you fall hard. This hill station is all rolling tea plantations, cool air, and tiny cottages that make you want to quit your job and open a café.

Visit the Tata Tea Museum, go for a walk through the estates, and sip freshly brewed chai while staring at endless green hills. If you’re up for a little adventure, trek up Anamudi Peak, the highest point in South India.

Vibe check: Munnar feels like your phone went on airplane mode, but in the best way possible.

3. Chilling With Elephants and Waterfalls in Thekkady



For the wild-at-heart travelers, Thekkady is a total treat. It’s home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can take a jungle safari or boat ride and spot elephants, deer, and sometimes even tigers (if the universe is feeling generous).

You can also visit Cheeyappara Falls or Athirappilly Waterfalls, the sound alone is enough to make you forget city life exists. And if you love spices, check out the local spice plantations, Kerala’s black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom will make you rethink supermarket spices forever.

Must-try: Authentic Kerala-style lunch served on banana leaves. Messy? Yes. Delicious? Also yes.

4. Catching Sunsets and Seafood at Varkala Beach



Kerala isn’t just about mountains and backwaters, its beaches are criminally underrated. Varkala Beach is that cool, boho cousin of Goa who doesn’t try too hard but still wins every vibe check. The cliffside cafés, pastel sunsets, and surf-friendly waves make it one of the most loved spots for travelers.

Spend your day exploring yoga retreats, sipping coconut water, and trying seafood at places like Clafouti or Darjeeling Café. When the sun sets, grab a drink and just exist. It’s therapeutic.

Pro tip: Skip the main crowd and head a little left of the cliff for quieter sunset spots and better photos.

5. Cruising Through Kochi’s Culture and Cool Cafés



Welcome to Kochi (Cochin), Kerala’s cultural hub that perfectly balances old-world charm and modern energy. Start your day in Fort Kochi, where European-style streets, art galleries, and cute cafés make wandering around feel cinematic.

Don’t miss the Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, and Jew Town, the antique stores here are a vibe. By evening, sip on iced lattes at Kashi Art Café or chill by the water watching ferries go by.

Vibe check: Kochi is for the culture nerds, the café-hoppers, and anyone who loves mixing art with travel aesthetics.

6. Wayanad’s Waterfalls, Caves, and Treehouses



If you’re into nature trails and mountain air, Wayanad is where you’ll want to stay forever. It’s lush, misty, and full of adventure, waterfalls, caves, wildlife sanctuaries, and treehouse stays straight out of a fairytale.

Explore Edakkal Caves (home to ancient rock carvings), trek to Chembra Peak for heart-shaped lake views, or just laze in a hammock while monsoon clouds drift by. Many Kerala travel itineraries skip Wayanad, but trust me, it’s the kind of place that steals your heart quietly.

Budget tip: Local homestays here are super affordable and offer authentic Kerala meals that taste like heaven on a plate.

7. Getting Lost in Kerala’s Festivals, Food, and Feels

Kerala isn’t just about sights, it’s about feeling it. If your Kerala trip happens during Onam, you’re in luck. The festival lights up the state with flower carpets, traditional dances, and the iconic Vallam Kali (boat races).

And the food? Absolute comfort. From appam with stew to puttu with kadala curry, every bite is pure love. Even a basic Kerala sadya (a 20+ dish vegetarian meal) can make your taste buds throw a party.

Mood: Colorful, cultural, and chaotic, in the best way possible.

Wrapping It Up

A Kerala trip is not just a vacation, it’s a whole personality shift. One moment you’re cruising through calm waters, and the next, you’re chasing waterfalls or sipping tea in the clouds. The mix of nature, food, and slow travel makes it the perfect escape for anyone who needs a break from the noise.

So go ahead, grab that Kerala travel package, book that houseboat, and let “God’s Own Country” show you what real peace feels like.

Because trust me, once you visit Kerala, you don’t just leave with photos. You leave with serenity in your bones and a craving for banana chips.