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Kerala is a beautiful state in India that is famous for backwaters, tea gardens, majestic waterfalls, and Ayurveda. But if you want to feel the essence of “God’s Own Country,” you should skip the usual tourist spots and explore the small and everyday experiences, like sharing a seat on a crowded bus, joining a village celebration, or learning to say a few words in Malayalam. Many Kerala holiday packages now also include such offbeat experiences to give travellers a more authentic taste of the state.
This blog will help you experience Kerala from a local perspective, through food, transport, festivals, and simple moments that mean everything.
1. Enjoy a Traditional Small Boat Ride
Skip the large, tourist-packed houseboats and opt for a traditional vallam (small wooden canoe) for a local experience of Kerala’s famous backwaters. In places like Alleppey (Alapuzzha), Kumarakom, or Munroe Island, small boat rides take you through narrow canals that big boats cannot reach. This unique boat ride is often counted among the best activities to try in Kerala for travellers who want an authentic experience.
These quieter routes pass by lush paddy fields, coconut groves, and tiny hamlets, where you can witness daily life, like children waving from riverbanks, women washing clothes, or fishermen casting nets. This slow and peaceful journey lets you soak in the rhythm of rural Kerala while staying close to its culture.
2. Dive into the Local Street Food
To truly experience Kerala like a local, you must taste its street food. In Kochi, stroll through Broadway Market or Fort Kochi to try hot pazham pori (fried banana fritters) or parotta with spicy beef fry. The bustling Mittai Theruvu (Sweet Meat Street) in Kozhikode is famous for rich Malabar biryani, kallummakkaya (stuffed mussels), and aromatic sulaimani chai.
From Portuguese influence in seafood dishes to Syrian Christian flavours in appam, every bite is lip-smacking here.
3. Attend Cultural Festivals and Rituals
You can immerse yourself in the vibrant festivals and rituals to feel the heartbeat of Kerala. During Onam, the biggest festival in the state, you can witness colourful Pookkalam (floral rangoli) and traditional Vallam Kali (boat races). You can also savour the grand vegetarian feast called Sadya, served on banana leaves with over 20 dishes.
In North Kerala, especially around Kannur and Kasargod, attend a Theyyam performance, where performers transform into divine figures with striking face paint, elaborate costumes, and trance-like dances. These spiritual performances take place in village shrines and are open to all.
4. Visit Villages and Artisan Farms
Spending time in Kerala’s villages and artisan farms is another wonderful experience that you can do like a local. Places like Kumarakom, Wayanad, and Kollengode allow you to engage with local communities, observe traditional lifestyles, and even join in on daily activities. Try your hand at paddy planting, coir rope weaving, or spice harvesting for an immersive journey to understand the roots of Kerala’s economy. These rural escapes are often counted among the most authentic places to visit in Kerala for travellers seeking cultural depth.
Villages like Aranmula are known for their metal mirror craftsmanship (Aranmula Kannadi), while Thrissur villages often showcase mural painting and temple drum-making. Also, chat with elders and get to know about Ayurvedic herbs and age-old farming wisdom.
5. Shop at Weekly Local Markets
Visit the weekly markets of Kerala like the Thrissur Pooram Market, Alleppey Canal Market, or Mattancherry Spice Market in Kochi. These bustling bazaars are treasure troves of colour, aroma, and conversation. You will find fresh spices, like cardamom, black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, sold directly by farmers here.
Moreover, you can buy handmade crafts like bead jewellery, coir products, and hand-painted curios that reflect the artistic heritage of the state. While you are there, sample local snacks like banana chips, unniyappam, or spiced buttermilk, served fresh at the roadside stalls.
6. Take Part in Village Sports
Local village sports in open fields or school grounds during the evening are opportunities to connect with residents through shared laughter, friendly competition, and teamwork. You will find children and adults playing games like kabaddi, goli (marbles), kokkali (stick game), or football in villages like Vaikom, Kumarakom, or Cherthala.
Some areas also organise tug-of-war or village cricket tournaments during festivals. Participating in or watching these games helps you bond with the community and adds a unique and joyful memory to your Kerala journey.
7. Join a Local Cooking Class
For a truly immersive cultural experience, sign up for a traditional cooking class hosted by a local family. Fort Kochi, Alleppey, or Thiruvananthapuram are some of the places in Kerala, where families open their kitchens to travellers.
They teach how to prepare authentic Keralan dishes using fresh spices and age-old techniques. Through this activity, you can learn how to make staples like fish curry, avial, thoran, and the classic Kerala Sadya served on banana leaves.
8. Go on a Heritage Walk
Take a heritage walk through the culturally rich towns of Kerala to explore their scenic beauty. Fort Kochi is a great starting point, with its blend of Portuguese, Dutch, British, and Jewish influences. Join a guided walk or stroll solo through landmarks like the St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, and the iconic Chinese fishing nets along the coast.
In Thalassery or Palakkad, similar walks take you through colonial forts, old markets, and centuries-old temples. These walks reveal hidden stories of the multicultural past of the state and connect you with local historians or storytellers.
Conclusion
If you want to explore the beauty of Kerala like a local, you must slow down and embrace the heart of everyday life. You will find the beauty in the gentle glide of a traditional boat, the warm spices of street food, and the laughter shared over a village cricket match. From attending grand cultural festivals like Onam to learning to cook fish curry in a local home, these authentic moments offer a deeper and more personal picture of Kerala.