The growing prevalence of chronic diseases poses a severe threat to the lives of rural people in Kerala. Lifestyle changes among rural households and the Corona-19 pandemic have further accelerated this trend. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence level of chronic ailments and the socio-economic conditions and lifestyle-allied risk factors contributing to chronic illnesses among rural households in Kerala using cross-sectional data. The result highlights that rural people have an alarmingly high prevalence of chronic disorders (43%), and most of them (70%) suffer from multiple chronic diseases. Lifestyle changes such as the transition from traditional to junk food, unhealthy eating habits, alcoholism, smoking, reduced physical activity, an over-inclination to social media and TV shows, and the Corona-19 pandemic have significantly contributed to this rising trend. Hence, the State Health and Food Safety Departments should collaborate to promote a healthy lifestyle among the people through their awareness campaigns and other effective interventions.