The best Airbnb in Kerala

Updated: 06 Jan, 2025

Why should you visit Kerala?

What are the places worth seeing in Kerala?

Alleppey Backwaters

A visit to Kerala is incomplete without exploring the famous backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha). You can cruise through the tranquil waters in a traditional houseboat, surrounded by lush greenery and picturesque villages. It’s a peaceful escape into nature and a glimpse into local life.

Munnar

Munnar is a hill station known for its sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool climate. Don’t miss spots like the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and the breathtaking viewpoints scattered around the area. It’s perfect for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is a historic town that showcases Kerala’s colonial past. Walk along streets lined with European-style buildings, visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets, and explore St. Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India. The vibrant art scene and spice markets add to its charm.

Thekkady (Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary)

Thekkady is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can go on a boat safari to spot elephants, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The surrounding spice gardens and plantations also make it a fascinating place to explore.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a serene hill station known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and historical caves. Key attractions include the Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a great spot for adventure seekers and those looking for tranquility.

Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach is famous for its dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It’s a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and yoga retreats. The nearby Janardanaswamy Temple adds a spiritual touch to the experience.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is another gem in Kerala’s backwater network, offering houseboat cruises and bird-watching opportunities. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird enthusiasts, especially during migratory seasons.

Athirappilly Waterfalls

Often called the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly Waterfalls is a stunning natural wonder. Surrounded by dense forests, this majestic waterfall is a great spot for photography and picnics.

Kovalam

Kovalam is a beach town known for its crescent-shaped beaches and laid-back vibe. Lighthouse Beach is a must-visit for its panoramic views, while nearby Hawah and Samudra Beaches offer quieter experiences.

Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort, located in northern Kerala, is a historic fort overlooking the sea. Its well-preserved structure and scenic location make it a perfect spot for history buffs and photographers.

What are the main attractions in Kerala worth checking out?

Cruising the Backwaters on a Houseboat

One of the most iconic experiences in Kerala is taking a serene houseboat cruise through the backwaters, particularly in Alleppey or Kumarakom. Glide past lush greenery, quaint villages, and coconut groves while enjoying freshly cooked local meals onboard. It’s a perfect way to unwind and witness Kerala’s tranquil countryside.

Experiencing an Ayurvedic Spa Therapy

Kerala is famous for its ancient Ayurvedic traditions, and there’s no better place to rejuvenate your mind and body with a relaxing Ayurvedic spa session. Many wellness centers and resorts offer authentic treatments, including herbal massages, detox programs, and therapies tailored to your needs.

Witnessing a Kathakali Dance Performance

Immerse yourself in Kerala's cultural heritage by attending a Kathakali dance performance. This traditional art form combines elaborate costumes, detailed facial expressions, and storytelling through intricate movements. Most performances narrate tales from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Participating in a Cooking Class

Learn the secrets of Kerala’s flavorful cuisine by joining a local cooking class. Guided by skilled chefs or home cooks, you’ll get hands-on experience preparing dishes like appam, fish curry, and puttu, using fresh spices and ingredients.

Trekking in the Western Ghats

For adventure enthusiasts, trekking in the lush Western Ghats offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. Popular trails include those in Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady, where you can encounter tea plantations, wildlife, and misty hills.

Rowing in a Traditional Snake Boat

If you visit during the monsoon season, don’t miss the chance to join a traditional snake boat race or row one yourself. These long, narrow boats are manned by a synchronized team of rowers and are an integral part of Kerala's culture, especially during the Onam festival.

Trying Bamboo Rafting in Periyar

Explore the wilderness of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with a bamboo rafting experience. This eco-friendly activity lets you float along the Periyar Lake, surrounded by dense forests and the possibility of spotting wildlife like elephants and sambar deer.

Birdwatching in the Kumarakom Sanctuary

For bird enthusiasts, spending time at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must. Join a guided birdwatching tour to spot exotic species like herons, kingfishers, and even migratory birds from Siberia during the winter months.

Taking a Yoga Retreat

Kerala offers an abundance of yoga retreats, making it an ideal destination to deepen your practice or begin your yoga journey. Sessions often take place in serene environments, such as beaches or hill stations, offering both physical and spiritual renewal.

Learning Kalari Payattu

Dive into the world of Kalari Payattu, one of the oldest martial arts in the world, which originated in Kerala. Many training centers welcome visitors for short introductory lessons where you can learn basic moves and gain insight into this fascinating discipline.

How to book Airbnb in Kerala?

What makes your stay in Airbnb Kerala so special?

Benefits from booking a stay in Kerala via Airbnb

We travel a lot. When it comes to looking for a place to stay, we have no doubts that Airbnb in Kerala offers beats the hell out of those published by hotel facilities.

There are many reasons for that, but the most important of them include a disproportionately larger number of available facilities, from which we can choose our dream place; the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the locals, which gives us greater immersion with the local community in Kerala and also - when we travel with our family or friends - greater price than the standard Kerala hotel offer. Not to mention having direct contact with the Airbnb host in Kerala is a great bonus. We can get very valuable tips on attractions available in the vicinity, and of course we can count on quick help in any situation related to our stay.

In Kerala, for the Airbnb host, we are someone really special. Not only because we will be able to rate the place after our stay but mostly because we are building a real connection with another person. For the hotel? We are one of the hundreds, if not thousands of nameless people. ALWAYS.

The thing that needs to be mentioned is internet access. In Kerala hotel offers, the wifi speed is often very slow or not available at all (sometimes the offer requires a considerable fee). With Airbnb offers in Kerala, that issue does not exist. The following SurePlaces listing present places with unlimited Internet access.

Other things are discounts for long-term stays. Have you ever tried to negotiate a special rate with the hotel? If so, you know it is either impossible or not very cost-effective. Airbnb Kerala hosts often provide their guests with attractive discounts of up to several dozen percent in the cases of longer stays (often an incredibly attractive discount can be found by booking a stay even for two weeks up!).

A breathtaking view of the mountains or the sea? A large balcony or terrace where you can eat your tasty meals? Cozy atmosphere or maybe a new interior made to a high standard and full of splendor? Regardless of what you are looking for, you will certainly find an Airbnb offer in Kerala for yourself.