Kerala: active holidays

• How to get there
• Kerala facts
• Activities
• 101 things to do
• Sightseeing
  • In Trivandrum
  • From Trivandrum
  • In Fort Kochi

Aviation: Kerala Flying Club The Kerala Aviation Training Centre (Civil Aerodrome, Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram).
Ayurveda: There are a number of similar such treatment centres in Kerala, India. They are incredibly effective for both your mind and physical wellbeing. If you wish to see the Hotels who provide first class ayurveda, click here!
Beaches: Kerala's sun-soaked coastline is scattered with unspoilt beaches, deserted except for fishing boats and nets. Laze for hours on Chowara's vast shore, Poovar's idyllic stretch or Kovalam's popular Lighthouse Beach.
Bird Watching: Much of India is popular with folk who enjoy bird watching as an activity and the areas around Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) have a lot to offer enthusiasts. Birdwatching as good as you ever imagined it could be. India's Goa and Kerala is where we would like to take you to experience the region's rich pageant of bird life.
Boating: There are a number of areas for boating activities from the beaches to local dams and other wet areas. Veli on the coast 9km from Thiruvananthapuram has a lake where one can go boating and a small backwaters stretch with facilities for water skiing and diving too. Motor boats, paddle boats, rowing boats and ponies are available for hire. The ornamental park has several modern sculptures and there is also a playground for children.
Canoeing: One of the better known areas for this activity can be found in Thiruvallam 10km from the city This serene backwater stretch, en-route to Kovalam, is famous for its canoe rides.
Cinéma: Entertainment Although it’s not often, English movies are occasionally shown in the city. For more information ask for more details from your hotel on arrival.
Cultural Centres these often put on performances of either stage or musical productions as well as dance that visitor’s will enjoy. For more information on what’s showing where, ask at your hotel on arrival or call the International Centre of Cultural Development on 465368.
Dining: Dining in Kerala is a beautiful, ethnic and spicy experience. Abundant in rice paddies, coconut groves and spice plantations, menus sometimes feature international dishes but normally burst with delicious seafood and curries. Said to have 22 varieties of banana, traditional meals are often served on the fruit's leaves.
Diving can be done in the waters near Kovalam Beach area as well as other areas along this coast. For more information ask at your hotel or the tourist centre on arrival.
Elephant Ride: A day out with a difference, can feed, bath and even ride one of these amazing creatures.
Excursions & Tours: Feed elephants, bathing them in Paravoor’s backwaters. Drift lazily on houseboat cruises along Alleppey’s famous backwaters or on Ashtamudi Lake. See Trivandrum’s wooden palace and ornate waterfront temple or Cochin’s Jew Town, historic Portuguese architecture and Chinese fishing nets. Tour Kerala’s hill stations, plantations and wildlife sanctuaries.
Horse Riding: There are a number of places one can go horse riding and facilities cater to both novice and advanced riders.
Nightlife: Thiruvananthapuram nightlife is not very happening, as the city prefers to retire to bed early. But you can still hangout on beaches like Kovalam at night, where you might be able to catch some dancing and music.
You can also enjoy traditional Kathakali shows, filled with dance and drama, or dine along the waterfront, watching the twinkling lights of tiny fishing boats as they head out to sea.
Reading: The local British Library and the Public Library both have books on loan to the general public. If you are visiting with children pop down to the Thiruvananthapuram Children’s Library and pick up a few good books for them too.
Shopping: Traditional gifts are plentiful along Lighthouse Beach's promenade and Cochin's MG Road and Jew Street. Buy patchwork wall hangings, beautiful silk, tea, spices or coir mats and baskets, made from coconut husks.
Swimming: There are a number of good swimming beaches in the area, so if your hotel doesn't have a pool you can still get wet and cool off.
Tennis: If your hotel doesn’t already have this facility and you fancy as game, pop down to the Trivandrum Tennis Club, Kowdiar.
Trekking: is a popular pastime for all ages and there are a number of pleasant areas for this activity in and around Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).
Water sports & activities: Among the many water activities available are sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, catamaran rides, and deep-sea fishing excursions.
Yoga: One can join in on yoga sessions at a number of the Ayurveda Treatment Centres or at the Centre of Yoga Sivananda Ashram, Thiruvananthapuram.