natural places to visit in kerala

THE 10 BEST Kerala Parks & Nature Attractions

Nature & parks in kerala.

• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Bodies of Water
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Kochi Station
• Kochisansuien Onsen
• Budget-friendly
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kerala Backwaters

2. Tea Gardens

Recommended Outdoor Activities (125)

3. Varkala Beach

4. Kovalam Beach

5. Alleppey Backwaters

6. Athirappilly Waterfalls

7. Lighthouse Beach

8. Mattupetty Dam

9. Banasura Sagar Dam

10. Marari Beach

11. Poovar Island

12. Edakkal Caves

13. Athirappilly Falls

14. Periyar Lake

15. Elephant Junction

16. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach

17. Cherai Beach

18. Periyar Tiger Reserve

19. Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park

20. Chembra Peak

21. Kovalam Beach

22. Green Park Spices Thekkady

23. Periyar National Park

24. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

25. Rose Gardens

26. Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall)

27. Alappuzha Beach

28. Kundala Dam Lake

29. Vembanad Lake

30. Photo Point

What travellers are saying

Places to Visit in Kerala

Here are the top 60 places to visit in kerala in 2024:.

1 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 51 Tourist attractions

Famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints, Munnar is a hill station in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. Lying in the Western Ghats at 1600 metres, it is one of the most sought after and visited travel destinations globally, especially popular amongst...

Best Time: September to May

2. Alleppey

2 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 37 Tourist attractions

Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is known for its network of canals and lagoons with beautiful backwaters and the houseboats offering overnight stays. Located in the southern part of Kerala, the coastline of Alleppey offers some of the best beaches with water sports during the dry sea...

Best Time: June to March

3 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 57 Tourist attractions

Lying on the Malabar coast in the southwest of India, Kochi or Cochin is a port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Known popularly as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is also Kerala's financial, commercial, and industrial capital. Exuding an old-world charm with...

Best Time: July to April

4 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 35 Tourist attractions

Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad in Kerala is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. Situated at an altitude ranging from 700 to 2100 meters above sea level, this picturesque region is blessed with verdant forests, mist-covered hills, and glistening waterfalls, making it ...

Best Time: Throughout the year

Kerala Travel Packages

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Kerala Munnar Tour Package with Thekkady and Alleppey

Best Kerala Tour Packages for Honeymoon - Bollywood Style Photoshoot

Coorg wayanad hill station tour package, best kerala tour packages for family, kerala houseboat package - houseboat stay for one night, magnificent kerala package tour with kanyakumari.

5 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 26 Tourist attractions

Varkala is a coastal town in the southern part of Kerala known for the unique 15m high 'Northern Cliff' adjacent to the Arabian Sea. Located approximately 50 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, Varkala offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, s...

Best Time: October to February

6. Kumarakom

6 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 18 Tourist attractions

With emerald green waters flanked by lush vegetation, Kumarakom is an enchanting backwater destination situated 16km away from Kottayam in Kerala. Lying on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala's largest lake, Kumarakom is a cluster of small human-made islands reclaimed from the lake. This picturesque ...

Best Time: October - February

7 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 17 Tourist attractions

Vagamon, also known as Wagamon, is a tranquil hill station nestled near the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts in Kerala. Offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, Vagamon boasts meandering rivulets, verdant hills, tea gardens, pine forests, and captivating waterfalls, ...

Best Time: October - March

8 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 33 Tourist attractions

Famous for its resorts and ayurvedic massage centres, Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. The largest beach in Kovalam is the lighthouse beach that features a 30-metre tall lighthouse. The other two adjacent beaches are Samudra beach and Hawa beach....

Best Time: September to March

9. Periyar National Park

9 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala

The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala, is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world and the best-protected reserve area that one can lay eyes on in India. Famous for its gorgeousness, greenery and stillness, the park is the dwelling place of abundant significant species, including the...

10 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 9 Tourist attractions

Poovar, nestled in the southern tip of Kerala, India, is a charming coastal village renowned for its natural beauty and serene ambiance. Situated about 30 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital city of Kerala, Poovar offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban ...

Best Time: August to March

Best tourist destinations & places in Kerala

Most Popular Festivals of Kerala

Temples In Kerala: Most Famous Kerala Temples for Pilgrims

Best Hill Stations in Kerala to Visit in Summer

6 Amazing National Parks in Kerala & 9 Wildlife Sanctuaries

Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala

Waterfalls in Kerala

11 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 41 Tourist attractions

A treasure trove of natural wonders and historical edifices, Kollam is an enchanting town with backwaters and picturesque landscapes. Located 70kms away from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Kollam is a commercial centre and home to India’s cashew producing industry. Popularly known as Quilon, it is ofte...

Best Time: September to February

12 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 38 Tourist attractions

Nestled amidst the lush Western Ghats of Kerala, Idukki is a captivating destination renowned for its scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and abundant natural resources. Situated approximately 140 kilometers from Kochi, Idukki offers a refreshing escape into the lap of nature, making it an ideal destin...

13. Sabarimala

13 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 6 Tourist attractions

More than 30 million pilgrims visit the temple in Sabarimala annually, making it the largest in India and second largest in the world, after Hajj Pilgrimage of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Located inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, Sabarimala is a temple town on th...

Best Time: September to Apr

14. Kozhikode

14 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 44 Tourist attractions

Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is located in Kerala. It was the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and is famous for its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on th...

Best Time: October to March

15 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 12 Tourist attractions

Located on the west of the Malabar coastline, Bekal is a small town in the Kasargod district of Kerala. It is famous for its beaches, backwaters, forts and some tourists spots. Bekal is home to the largest fortress in Kerala. It's one of the primary landmarks of Kasargod district.

16. Thrissur

16 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 40 Tourist attractions

Located in the heart of Kerala, Thrissur is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, colorful festivals, and historical significance. Situated about 80 kilometers north of Kochi, Thrissur is often referred to as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala" due to its prominent role in preserving and...

Best Time: October - February; April, May

17. Palakkad

17 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 28 Tourist attractions

The quaint town of Palakkad in central Kerala boasts of picturesque landscape, tranquil scenery and clear backwaters. Also known as Palghat, Pallakad is located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy Fields and is famous as the chief gra...

Best Time: July to March

18. Thalassery

18 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 17 Tourist attractions

Fondly known as Tellichery, Thalassery is a coastal town of Kerala nestled at the shore of Arabian Sea and immersed in the vibrant culture. Steeped in rich history and heritage, this town was one of the earliest British settlements in the state.

19. Trivandrum

19 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 28 Tourist attractions

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is an appealing blend of a strongly rooted heritage and a nostalgic colonial legacy. Built upon seven hills, this city has long since left the days when it was only used by seafaring explorers behind - today, Trivandrum is an expensive me...

20. Nelliyampathy

20 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 14 Tourist attractions

With plenty of unexplored treasures, Nelliyampathy is a hill station located near the Kerala and Tamil Nadu border offering bounty of nature and lush green surroundings of tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The town is also ornamented with a variety of flora, fauna and picturesque tourist attract...

Best Tourist Attractions in Kerala

Rose Garden Munnar

Echo Point, Munnar

Alleppey Backwaters

Atukkad Waterfalls

Kovalam Beach

Houseboats in Alleppey

21. Vythiri

21 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 5 Tourist attractions

62 kms off Kozhikode is Vythiri, a popular resort town famous for its old world charm of cottages, log huts & tree house accommodations cosily nestled in the forests of Wayanad. Situated at an altitude of 700 metres, Vythiri in Wayanad comprises of 18 villages.

Best Time: October to Apr

22. Nilambur

22 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 12 Tourist attractions

Enriched with raw nature, a unique blend of culture, exquisite art forms and shadows of colonial rule, Nilambur is located in Malappuram District of Kerala. Nestled at the bank of Chaliyar River in proximity to Nilgiri Range, this small town is popularly known as 'Land of Teak Plantations'.

23. Ponmudi

23 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 5 Tourist attractions

Nestled in the lap of rolling hills of the Western Ghats, enveloped with tea plantations, lush green hills and valleys, waterfalls and streams; Ponmudi is a quaint little town in Trivandrum, Kerala. Trekking and mountain climbing on Agasthayarkoodam, the highest peak in the region is the most popula...

Best Time: November to May

24. Kalpetta

24 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 20 Tourist attractions

Kalpetta is a quaint town with a backdrop of majestic hills lurking in the shadows, lush green surroundings, fresh air and picturesque beauty. Housed in the Wayanad District of Kerala, at a height of 780 m above the sea level, Kalpetta is a perfect place for nature lovers as well as honeymooners.

25. Peerumedu

25 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 8 Tourist attractions

Blessed with lots of green cover, beautiful rolling hills, wandering streams and gurgling waterfalls; Peermede is a small bewitching hill station of Kerala, pure and pristine. Perched at an altitude of 915 m above the sea level, the town has many hidden treasure troves waiting to be uncovered.

Best Time: April to June, September to November

26. Guruvayur

26 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 12 Tourist attractions

Guruvayur, situated in the Thrissur district of Kerala, is a revered pilgrimage destination renowned for its historic Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Located approximately 29 kilometers from Thrissur city, this sacred town holds immense significance for Hindu devotees, particularly those worshipping L...

27. Malampuzha

27 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 8 Tourist attractions

Malampuzha in Palakkad district a place with rich lush green vegetation popular for its scenic beauty as well as the dams and exotic wildlife that it offers as tourist attractions.

Best Time: August to April

28 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 29 Tourist attractions

Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kannur (fondly known as Cannanore), is a beautiful city bundled with a plethora of sightseeing options like beaches, monuments, ancient temples and picnic spots.

29. Kasaragod

29 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 29 Tourist attractions

Kasargod is a small coastal town in Northern Pary of Kerala displaying a delightful blend of various religions, culture and bounty of nature. Blessed with majestic forts, lofty hills, beautiful offbeat backwaters, temples and pristine beaches, the town oozes charm and tranquillity from every aspect....

Best Time: September to January

30. Thenmala

30 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 7 Tourist attractions

Snuggled between the dense woods of Western Ghats, Thenmala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Kollam, Kerala. With winding roads, dotted with rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala boasts of being the first planned ecotourism spot in India. Spread over acres of dense timber trees, the name '...

Best Time: December to February

31. Kottayam

31 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 31 Tourist attractions

An ancient town located on a hilltop bordered by the western ghats on the east and the thrilling Vembanad Lake on the west, Kottayam is a culturally rich and naturally enchanting destination. Apart from nature's bounty, the town has many laurels to its name. It is a proud town to achieve 100% litera...

32. Silent Valley National Park

32 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala

The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green forests and beautiful views of the rich flora and fauna, is a popular destination for nature as well as wildlife lovers all across the globe. Spread across an area of 89 square kilometres, the Silent Valley National Park is located in the Kundali ...

33 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 5 Tourist attractions

Separating Kerala and Tamil Nadu, this quaint little town is best known for its plantation walks, diverse wildlife, boating and trekking and its Ayurvedic massages.

34. Ponnani

34 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 10 Tourist attractions

A small beach town located in the Malappuram District of Kerala is mainly renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches. Flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west, Ponnani is also referred to as small 'Mecca' of South India. It is dotted with several Muslim institutions, Jama Masjid, established in 925,&nbs...

35. Pathanamthitta

35 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 16 Tourist attractions

Pathanamthitta, in southern Kerala, is a town immersed in spirituality and mysticism. Blessed with several ancient temples, it is renowned as headquarters of pilgrimage in Kerala as Sabarimala is situated in the Pathanamthitta district. It is a land of untouched beauty with pristine rivers, lofty mo...

36. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

36 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 2 Tourist attractions

Located near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam on the northern bank of Periyar River, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is famous for its rich and varied birdlife. It is the first Bird Sanctuary in Kerala that was surveyed by Dr Salim Ali (the birdman of India), who also called it the richest habitat he has ever se...

37. Thekkady

37 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 24 Tourist attractions

Home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve- Periyar, Thekkady is an important tourist destination in Kerala. Periyar National Park, a major attraction, is where you can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam. Travelers can also experience night treks in the wilderness of Pe...

38. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

38 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala

Known to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad, the area is home to a large variety of wild animals. This sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Bioreserve along with Nagarhole and Bandipur area of Karnataka. Promising an endearing view with plenty of experiences, the sanctuary has been de...

Best Time: October to May

39. Malappuram

39 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 21 Tourist attractions

Enclosed by the Nilgiris in the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Malappuram is a prominent district in Kerala which is commonly known as "the land on the hilltop."

40. Devikulam

40 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 4 Tourist attractions

A lake with a legend of its own, greenest sceneries, waterfalls and tea plantations are what offer its charm to Devikulam, a hill station in Kerala.

41. Tholpetty

41 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala 5 Tourist attractions

Replete with natural forest and wildlife reserves, Tholpetty is a part of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Around 20 kilometres away from Mananthavady, this region is known for its abundant flora and fauna. It is the home to several species of wild animals and birds including leopards, bear, monkeys, ele...

42. Mananthavady

42 out of 60 Places to visit in Kerala

On the banks of the Mananthavady River or locally known as ‘Pusha’, a tributary of the Kabini River, lies the municipality of Mananthavady, in Wanayad, Kerala. It is one of the three major towns and the second largest in the district. Adorned with lush green hills of the Western Ghats, it has a...

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24 Best Scenic Places in Kerala

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1. Kottayam

Kottayam is a city located in central Kerala and is also the administrative capital of Kottayam district. It is one of the well known Kerala tourist places . About 63 km from Kochi and 155 km from Trivandrum, it is among the most prominent places to visit near Kochi . Bounded by the Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake on the west, Kottayam is well known as a beautiful Kerala backwaters destination with stunning landscape and beauty. The city is an important trading center of spices and commercial crops, especially rubber. Kottayam holiday packages are a mix of scenic landscapes, backwaters, bird sanctuaries, temples, and churches. The Poonjar Palace, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Pallippurathu Kavu, Thiruverpu Temple, Mary Church (Cheriyapally), and Thazhathangady Juma Masjid are the popular tourist places in Kottayam . It is also a gateway to the famous Sabarimala Temple . Kumarakom, the most famous backwater destination of Kerala is situated very close to Kottayam (13 km).

2. Palakkad

Palakkad, also known as Palghat, is a town and headquarters of Palakkad district in Kerala. About 52 km from Coimbatore, 122 km from Kozhikode, 140 km from Kochi, and 336 km from Trivandrum, it is one of the prominent places to visit near Coimbatore , and among the top Kerala tourist places . Palakkad is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams, and wildlife sanctuaries that one must experience as part of Palakkad tour packages . Palakkad is considered the gateway to Kerala from the north. It can also be visited along with Kochi tour packages . Palakkad Fort, Jainmedu, Kalpathy, Malampuzha Dam and Gardens, Pothundi Dam, Meenkulathi Bhagavathi Temple, Pallassena, and Dhoni Waterfalls are the famous tourist places in Palakkad . The district is gifted with the beauty of virgin and verdant Nelliampathy hills, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Attappady hills and Mangalam, Kanjirapuzha, Siruvani, and Parambikulam Dams.

3. Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is a beautiful town and the administrative capital of the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. Also known as the pilgrim capital of Kerala, Pathanamthitta is the main transport hub to the famous pilgrim center - Sabarimala and among the must-include places in Kerala tour packages . It is situated about 109 km from Trivandrum, & 119 km from Kochi. Pathanamthitta is situated in the central Travancore region of Kerala, close to the Western Ghats. Pathanamthitta town is located on the banks of Achankovil and three major rivers of Kerala - Achankovil, Pamba & Manimala flow through the district. It is one of the famous places to visit near Trivandrum . The town is endowed with a scenic landscape comprising of low undulating hills, extensive stretches of lush forests, rivers, and charming countryside that one must experience as part of Pathanamthitta tour packages . Sabarimala is the famous pilgrim center situated in Pathanamthitta. Aranmula, the Kerala Institute of Folklore and Folk Arts at Mannadi, Konni elephant training camp, Pandalam, Perumthenaruvi Waterfall, and Maramon are other prominent Pathanamthitta places to visit .

4. Mattupetty Dam

At a distance of 10 km from Munnar Bus Station, Mattupetty Dam is a storage Concrete Gravity dam situated on Top Station Road in Munnar. It is one of the best Munnar places to visit to experience the beauty of Munnar along with boating. Constructed in 1953, Mattupetty Dam was constructed under the Pallivasal Hydro-electric project for water conservation and power generation. Now the dam is a vital source of electricity generation in Munnar and also a haven for many wild animals and birds due to its constant water availability. The most attractive part of Mattupetty Dam is its still water which reflects the tea garden around. Visitors can engage themselves with water sport activities like speed boating organized by the District Tourism Promotion Council of Idukki (Munnar) and enjoy the pretty natural surroundings of this beautiful dam as part of Munnar holiday packages . Adventure lovers also have options here like trekking in the Shola forest. The lake and dam surrounded by wooded hills and tea plantations make a great view. Boating in Mattupetty Lake is a memorable experience. Often, elephants from surrounded forests take bath in the waters of the lake, and watching them (while boating) is a pleasant experience. This place is also famous for Eucalyptus Oil, which is sold near the dam. Mattupetty is also famous for its highly specialized ...

5. Malampuzha Dam & Gardens

At a distance of 9 Kms from Palakkad Railway Station, Malampuzha Dam is a large irrigation dam built on Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathapuzha River at the base of the hills of the Western Ghats. The reservoir provides drinking water to Palakkad town. There is a beautiful well laid garden near the Dam. There are lush green lawns, innumerable flower beds, glittering pools, fountains and avenues. There is a fresh water aquarium, Snake Park and a Children's park with a toy train. The Garden house has a unit of Water sports also. The imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI, the passenger ropeway, first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of 20 minutes across the garden are added attractions of the park. A telescopic tower, the first rock garden and the first amusement park of Kerala Fantasy Park are also located at Malampuzha. The reservoir has boating and fishing facilities. Timings: 9 AM to 8 PM. Ropeway Timings: 10 AM - 1 PM & 2:30-8 PM.

6. Kuttanad

Kuttanad is a region in Alappuzha district that is known as 'Rice Bowl of Kerala ' for the vast paddy fields. With seven rivers flowing through it (Pampa, Manimala, Achencoil, Meenachil, Moovattupuzha, Chalackudy & Periyar), Kuttanad is breathtakingly beautiful. Kuttanad is also popular as an ideal place for Kerala backwaters trip in a houseboat. It is one of the popular tourist places to visit near Kochi & Alappuzha . Kuttanad is one of the very few places in the world where farming is done below the sea level. The most popular route taken to explore Kuttanad is the Alappuzha - Changanassery route. This road takes you through the heart of Kuttanad region demonstrating the daily life of people in the region. The possible activities for the tourists in this region are to visit villages and enjoy the daily life of villagers, walk along the rivers/streams and enjoy the nature or take a boat trip between villages. Nedumudy (11 Kms from Alappuzha - near SH11), Kavalam (20 Kms from Alappuzha) & Champakkulam (13 Kms from Alappuzha - on SH11) are best places to experience the uniqueness of Kuttanad

At a distance of 16 km from Kalpetta & 4 km from Pookote Lake, Lakkidi is small hill station situated at the highest point in the Wayanad district. Located at an altitude of about 700 m, Lakkidi gets about 600 cm rainfall annually, making it one of the highest rainfall regions in Kerala and also one of the prime Wayanad tourist places to visit. Often referred as 'the gateway of Wayanad', Lakkidi is located at the crest of the serpentine Thamarassery ghat pass, which features over 9 hairpin curves that start at Adivaram (downhill). The 12 km long ghat road from Adivaram to Lakkidi passing through thick forest leaves a wonderful experience. The lush green hills, gorges and streams on both sides of the passage up the hill are breathtaking sights to the visitors. This beautiful hill town has a number of scenic locations and enchanting viewpoints. Lakkidi Viewpoint is a popular viewpoint which offers dazzling views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys. Apart from Lakkidi Viewpoint, Pookote Lake is another popular attraction in Lakkidi. This is a natural fresh water lake, spread across 13 acres. Lakkidi is also famous for the Chain Tree, which is a large ficus tree bounded by a chain. According to the myth, a British engineer, after many attempts, failed to create a passage through the forests of Wayanad. Then a tribal youth, Karinthandan, guided ...

8. Top Station

At a distance of 32 Kms from Munnar, Top Station is a breathtakingly beautiful place on Kerala - Tamilnadu boarder. From here, one can get 360 degrees view of the Western Ghats. This is one of the best Munnar tourist places and among the prime place to visit on a Munnar tour . At an altitude of 2200 meters, this place is also known for the Neelakurunji Plant, which flowers only once every 12 years (next flowering year is 2018). The view point is at a distance of 2 kms from the road point and has to be trekked down. The trek path is very steep with deep valleys one side. One should be very careful while trekking to the view point, which offers lifetime memories. Top Station is the highest approachable road in South India. The viewpoint at Top Station offers breathtakingly beautiful views of Kannan Devan Hills. The valleys all around, the misty mountains and distant waterfalls all make this place a must visit spot in Munnar. Top Station is also a wonderful trekking destination in Munnar. There are multiple trekking routes in Top Station. The most popular route starts from Kurangani, a small village in Theni district of Tamilnadu . The total distance of Kurangani to Top Station is about 9 km and it usually takes around 6 hours to complete the trek. Camping is also allowed on the trail if overnight stay is preferred. This can also ...

9. Ramakalamedu

At a distance of 40 Kms from Idukki , 38 Kms from Kumily, 57 Kms from Munnar, 15 Kms from Nadumkandam & 18 Kms from Kambam (on NH220 towards Palani), Ramakkalmedu is a lovely tourist place with rolling green hills and the fresh mountain air. The hilltop also offers a panoramic view of the picturesque villages of Kambam and surrounding places on the slope of the Western Ghats. Kerala Tourism Department has provided additional facilities for tourists with resting points & statues of Kuravan & Kurathi (local tribes) at Ramakkalmedu. Ramakkalmedu is also a great trekking destination. The view point on top of the hill is the highest point in this area, which can be reached by 3-4 Kms trek from the Ramakkalmedu Junction. This place is connected by bus service from Munnar , Kottayam and Ernakulam.

10. Siruvani Dam

At a distance of 47 km from Coimbatore and 51 km from Palakkad, Siruvani Dam is a man-made reservoir located in the Palakkad district of Kerala. It is one of the beautiful places to vsit as part of Palakkad tour . Siruvani Dam was constructed across the Siruvani River in the year 1927 to supply drinking water to the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The location is in the state of Kerala, the project was executed by the Kerala Public Works Department using the funds made available by the Tamil Nadu Government. The location of the dam is in the state of Kerala and the project was executed by the Kerala Public Works Department using the funds made available by the Tamil Nadu Government. An agreement was executed between the state Governments for drinking water supply to Coimbatore town and neighboring areas from the Siruvani Dam. The dam is 49.53 feet high and 878.5 meters above sea level with a water capacity of 650 million cubic feet. The water of Siruvani Reservoir is famous for its sweetness. Surrounded by Muthikulam Hill, the scenic beauty of Siruvani is simply enchanting. Pattiyar Bungalow, one of the most beautiful Inspection Bungalows of the Kerala Forest Department is situated on the banks of this reservoir. Timings: 8 AM - 5 PM Entry: Free

11. Paravur

At a distance of 16 km from Kollam, Paravur is a beautiful place with a combination of Sea, Lakes, Rivers, Backwaters, and vast green fields. This is one of the fabulous places in Kerala and among the must-include places in Kollam tour packages . Paravur town has a small lake that merges with the backwaters of Kerala. The mangroves standing along both sides of the lake intensifies its beauty, making it more attractive. This lake is popular and significant as it connects as a part of the Trivandrum-Shornaur Canal System to the Edava and Ashtamudi Kayal. Another real fascination in the region of Paravur lake is the Priyadarshini watercraft club. This watercraft club uncovers immense boating choices in the realm where the Arabian Sea, river, and the Kappil backwater merge. With a thin stretch of narrow land dividing the sea and Pravur lake, the beach at Paravur is ideal to sit and gaze at the natural beauty.

12. Kuruva Island

About Kuruva Island

13. salim ali bird sanctuary.

At a distance of 13 km from Kothamangalam, and 62 km from Kochi, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located at Thattekkad near Kochi, Kerala. Also known as Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, it is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India , and among the major places to visit as part of Kochi tour packages . Spread across 25 Sq. km at the foothills of Western Ghats, the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was established in 1983 and is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Lies across the Periyar River, this sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. His famous survey of Travancore in the 1930s led to the formation of this modern-day paradise for avian life. This is one of the popular places to visit near Kochi . The sanctuary is home to about 300 species of birds including Peninsular Bay Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Gray Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Rose-Billed Roller, etc. It also boasts of over 28 mammal species and over 9 species of reptiles. The place offers one of the best boating options in River Periyar. A brief ride on the river might take you close to cormorants, kingfishers, and many other birds, which feed off fish and other small creatures in the water. There is a deer park inside the sanctuary. Adjacent to the deer park, the Taxidermic Museum showcases the natives ...

14. Parunthumpara Hill Viewpoint

At a distance of 7 km from Peermade and 25 km from Thekkady, Parunthumpara is a hill top situated at Perunthumpara village in Idukki district of Kerala. Situated between Thekkady & Peerumedu, it is one of the top places to visit in Thekkady. Also known as Eagle Rock, Parunthumpara Viewpoint is located in one of the beautiful mountain top near Peermade. The word parunthu denotes Eagle and para denotes rock and so it is called as Perunthumpara because of a large area around like an eagle. The viewpoint provides a spectacular 360 degree view of Peerumedu hills and the surrounding plains. On a sunny day, one can get the view of the Sabarimala forests and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Sabarimala devotees visit the area to witness makarajyothi, making it a busy place during the pilgrimage season. During winter the hilltop will be under mist which may reduce the visibility. Parunthumpara is a perfect choice for those who wish to have a holiday off the beaten track and to explore the unseen and the unexplored beauty of the pristine forests around. Locals calling this point as suicide point, because of the fearful trenches in one side. Now the administration provided protection barriers for the safety of visitors. Usually, the place is visited by tourists who are on their way to Thekkady and others as well. It is possible to reach by vehicle without any difficulty. Be careful at the edges and curves. The route to this place is so beautiful amidst beautiful tea gardens. ...

15. Panchalimedu

At a distance of 11 km from Kuttikkanam, and 45 km from Thekkady, Panchalimedu is a small hill station near Peerumedu in Idukki district in Kerala. It is an ideal spot for hiking in Kerala and among the top Thekkady tourist places . Situated at an altitude of about 2,500 feet, Panchalimedu is known for its climate and viewpoint. The place is surrounded by deep valleys and hills, accompanied by meadows and grasslands. According to the legend, the Pandavas of Mahabharata along with their wife Panchali took shelter at Panchalimedu during their exile. Hence, the name Panchalimedu is derived from the words 'Panchali' meaning Draupadi, and 'medu' meaning hill. There are two hills at Panchalimedu, one has a temple dedicated to Bhuvaneswari Devi. Several Shiva lingams, Trishulas (trident), and Naga idols are also placed near the temple. A small circular pond known as Panchalikulam is situated here, which is the place where Pandavas and Panchali take their daily bath. It is about 5 m in diameter. Even during hot summers, it will be filled with plenty of water. There is also a cave named Pandavaguha, in which the footprints of Bhima can be witnessed. Panchalimedu is more of a soft hiking spot rather than a hiking trail that can be completed by elderly people and children. It is the perfect place to take a day off with your family. From Panchalimedu, one can see Mundakayam, Ponkunnam, Kanjirapally, ...

16. Kuttikkanam

At a distance of 8 km from Peermedu, and 36 km from Thekkady, Kuttikkanam is a small hill town located in the Idukki District of Kerala. It is one of the scenic places to visit near Thekkady . Situated at an altitude of 3500 feet, Kuttikkanam is surrounded by lush green tea plantations and is situated within the territory of Peermade. During the 16th century, the territory of Kuttikkanam was under the rule of Changanacherry kings and was uninhabited. In the year 1756, the king of Travancore conquered Changanacherry and brought the place under his supremacy. A Church Mission Society missionary, Henry Baker, started coffee plantations, and under the regency of Sri Moolam Thirunal. Under the rule of the British East India Company, Kuttikkanam became an up-market resort. The pristine hill town of Kuttikkanam is between high-range and low-range terrain. Dew from the valley to the mountain will make your heart and mind rejoice. The wild beauty of nature and the mild climate make Kuttikkanam one of the most sought-after destinations for honeymooners. Various tea plantations across the hills and Valanjanganam Waterfalls are the other best-visited attractions close by. There is also a 100-acre Pine forest that serves as the location for shooting films. The summer palace of the Travancore kings was located in Kuttikkanam. Kuttikanam also serves as one of the best hiking locations in Idukki. The ...

17. Madayipara

At a distance of 13 km from Payyanur and 25 km from Kannur, Madayi Para or Madayipara is a flat topped hillock located in the Madayi village of Kannur district of Kerala. On the bank of Kuppam River, Madayipara is renowned as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire state of Kerala. Often called as the land of flowers, Madayipara is typical of the laterite foot hills of the Western Ghats. With a luxuriant variety of 300 flowering plants and more than 30 species of thick grass, Madayipara is no less than a heaven for nature lovers. This mystical land is one that changes its appearance with the seasons. The spring decorates the entire hillock in a spectacular carpet of blue, pink, yellow and white flowers throughout the terrain which is a glorious sight to behold. As the summer approaches, the hillock turns into a glamorous golden field filled with knee-high grass. The place is dotted with leaves that paint the field a raging crimson red in autumn while the monsoons decorate the whole land in striking shades of green. These stunning changes adapted by Madayipara have awakened the interest of countless tourists around the world. This rich ecology of Madayipara draws the attention of 150 different species of stunning butterflies that charm you with their mind-boggling designs and vivid colours, including the Atlas butterfly - the world's biggest butterfly. The place is also home to over 150 species of birds, both endemic and migratory. Besides, Madayipara ...

18. Peermedu / Peermade

At a distance of 26 km from Kumily, 80 km from Kottayam, 128 km from Kochi, and 184 km from Trivandrum, Peermedu is a hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. Also known as Peermade, it is one of the least-explored hill stations in Kerala, and among the most famous places to visit in Thekkady . Peermedu is situated at an altitude of 915 m in the Western Ghats between Kuttikkanam and Thekkady. The town takes its name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi Saint who is believed to have been the first trader of spices in the region and close associate of the royal family of Travancore. Peermade once served as the summer retreat for the Rajas of Travancore and the palace here is an important monument. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations near Kochi . The landscape of Peermedu includes spectacular waterfalls, rubber plants, tea, coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations, open grasslands, and pine forests. The cloud-covered hilltops and lush greenery make this an ideal place for a weekend trip. Some of the popular attractions in Peermedu are Thrissanku hills, Panchalimedu, Madammakkulam, Amrithamedu, Parunthupara, Kuttikkanam, Summer Palace, St. George's CSI church, Pattumala, Vagamon, and Kanjirapally. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, is 43 km away from Peermedu. Peermade is also an ideal ...

19. Dhoni Hills

At a distance of 12 km from Palakkad & 60 km from Coimbatore, Dhoni Hills is a famous picnic spot near Palakkad. It is one of the best places of sightseeing in Palakkad . Adjacent to the Malampuzha Reservoir, Dhoni Hills is a wonderful destination for trekking. Dhoni is named after a boat-shaped rock on one of its hills, where thoni/dhoni means boat in Malayalam. It is famous for Dhoni Waterfalls and the Western Ghat forests. Visitors have to walk 4 km from the bottom of the hill to reach the waterfall. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains. The trek from the base area to Malampuzha and Meenavallam and Dhoni waterfalls is very interesting. It is one of the famous trekking places near Coimbatore . One can encounter some rare species of flora and fauna on the trek here. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM Entry: Rs. 100 for Person

20. Kanjirapuzha Dam

At a distance of 34 Kms from Palakkad, Kanjirapuzha Dam is a fascinating dam surrounded by hills with rich natural beauty. The reservoir is surrounded by an evergreen forest named Vettilachola. Three islands at all sides of the reservoir gain a special attraction. These islands are abundant with marine life including commercial varieties grown by the fisheries department. There is a wonderful garden at bottom of the dam with several facilities. Boating facilities is also available in the reservoir.

21. Painavu

At a distance of around 5 km from Idukki Bus Station, 53 km from Munnar, 107 km from Kochi & 130 km from Alappuzha, Painavu is a cute hill resort and also the headquarters of Idukki district. This is one of the popular weekend getaways from Munnar & Kochi. Painavu is an important commercial center and a popular tourist hot spot in Idukki. At an altitude of 3,900 feet, Painavu is situated inside the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also home to several State Government institutions such as Civil Station, and Government Engineering College, Idukki . The place is popular for its pleasing ambience and picturesque location. This is a stopover for visitors, who travel to Idukki Arch Dam, Cheruthoni Dam and Kulamavu. Boats are available from here for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. In winter and rainy seasons elephants can be spotted moving on the roads. Surrounded by pristine forests and green hills, Painavu is also a good trekking destination. Trekking in Painavu is said to be an outstanding experience and visitors can see many routes through the forests, plantations and to other small towns. Painavu can be accessed easily by road as it is a 5 km from Idukki Bus station. Also, Painavu can be reached via water from Cheruthoni to Kulamavu junction. The closest railway stations are at Ernakulum (114 km) and Kottaym (98 km). The nearest international airport is at Cochin ...

22. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

At a distance of 35 km from Munnar, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a sprawling tea plantation situated at Kottagudi village in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Located near Munnar, it is one of the most beautiful tea estates in India and among the must-visit places as part of Munnar tour packages . At an altitude of 7900 feet, Kolukkumalai is the world's highest elevation tea plantation and one of the premier South Indian industries in India. This tea estate is a part of Tamil Nadu but Munnar is the most popular gateway to Kolukkumalai tea estate. The estate was built up by the British from 1920 to 1927 with the assistant of the Chettiar Brothers belonging to Bodinayakkanur, Tamilnadu, India. Sprawling over an area of 81 hectares, the estate was run by the Chettiar Brothers from 1935 to 1971. Thereafter, the Chettiar brothers transferred their rights to AJ Group in 1971. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate produces tea using the orthodox method in the time-tested tea factory which means that the tea is handpicked and goes through the seven-step process, including withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. Kolukkumalai tea is one of the premium teas in South India as it possesses a special flavor and freshness because of the high altitude. The Kolukkumalai Tea has been a winner of the 'Golden Leaf' award given by UPASI (The United Planters' Association of Southern India) for the best quality ...

23. Kallippara Sunset Point

At a distance of 39 km from Munnar, Kallippara Sunset Point is a beautiful viewpoint situated at Vathikudy near Munnar, Kerala. It is one of the best viewpoints in Munnar and among the prime places to visit in Munnar. If you like to go for an off-road drive, head towards Kallippara where you experience the panoramic views of orange-red sunset skies, Anayirangal Dam and the soaking mist. One can reach Kallippara on a 4WD jeep through the lush cardamom forests. The ride takes about 20 minutes and this is followed by a 30-minute trek uphill to the sunset point, which is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Munnar. Also, the uphill trek with the view of greenery interrupted with gushing streams in the valleys below, and a culmination at the Shola sunset point is an ecstatic activity. And, this is the perfect way to end your day. Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM Entry: Free

24. Mankayam

At a distance of 40 km from Ponmudi and 43 km from Trivandrum, Manakayam is an eco-tourism spot situated near Palode in Nedumangadu taluk of Trivandrum district, Kerala. It is one of the popular eco-tourism places near Trivandrum and among the top places to visit in Ponmudi . Mankayam eco-tourism center is situated at Peringamala Section in Palode Forest Range under Thiruvananthapuram Forest Division. The Mankayam River, a tributary of the Chittar River, flows through this scenic tourist spot. Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low-impact and often small-scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism. Mankayam acts as the focal point for a huge array of picnic spots in the area. Situated at an altitude of around 500 m, Manakayam is known for its picturesque milky cascades. The undulating terrain with rocky patches shelters the Kalakkayam Waterfall, one of the biggest falls in this area. There is a small pond at the bottom of the falls which is cool and taking a refreshing bath in the pond is a great experience. The entire area from Mankayam to Kalakkayam covers a long stretch of forest vegetation on the banks of the Mankayam River. Also, there are two smaller falls in the Kurisadi area. Fed by the Mankayam River, these waterfalls are the most popular weekend getaways for the residents of Thiruvananthapuram. Manakayam ...

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Top 11 Beautiful Places to Visit in Kerala for Tourists

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2022

The sheer volume of beautiful places to visit in Kerala took me completely by surprise when I first traveled here. I thought Kerala was mainly known for beaches, and sure, beaches are a large part of tourist places in Kerala. But there’s SO.MUCH.MORE. to Kerala than beaches. Let me elaborate.

The whole long and skinny state of Kerala India has a scenic coast facing the Arabian sea on one side, one of the largest networks of backwater canals and lakes in the middle, and a massive mountain range in the east, bordering with Tamil Nadu. This combination makes for an incredible amount of beautiful and different landscapes within hours of each other.

If you are planning a trip to Kerala, this list of Kerala places to visit should help you get started. You can usually have your hotels organize transfers for you to get between some of the more remote places, and the train network connects a lot of the coast and main cities too. Fly into Tivandrum or Kochi airport and get exploring one of India’s true harmonious gems.

Wayanad: Top Place to Visit in Kerala for Mountains and Zen

Wayanad District is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala for cooler temperatures and mountains. Located in the north of Kerala, Wayanad is not easy to get to, but it’s worthwhile! The closest airport is Calicut, or it’s just a 6-hour trip from Bangalore. They have their own tourism board where you can plan your adventure.

This high elevation hill station is home to beautiful mountain peaks, lots of trekking, rocky outcroppings, caves, breathtaking lakes, dams, and lots of sustainable farmland and plantations to explore (farm and spice tours are offered by a lot of hotels). Wayanad is also home to a large wildlife reserve where you can hope to spot elephants, tigers, and other native animals.

Where to Stay in Wayanad: There’s a slew of amazing nature hotels in this area, including lakeside properties, treehouses, and forest eco-lodges. I recommend Lake Rose Resort with a lively boutique resort with surreal Lake views, wooden cabins, and even a private spa suite.

Kovalam: for Beautiful Beaches

Kovalam is a cute beach town just south of Trivandrum airport that is a MUST-SEE of the places to visit in Kerala – for beach vibes, relaxation, and some sightseeing too. Kovalam has vast expanses of sandy beaches separated by outcroppings of large, smooth boulders that present great places to sit and watch the waves. Check my full Kovalam travel article here.

Kovalam has a main strip of shops and restaurants along Hawa/Lighthouse beach in the center, but many other fringe beaches that tend to be more secluded. There are also rivers and backwater lakes perfect for boat trips, plenty of Ayurveda resorts (including the famous Somatheeram – see more Kerala Ayurveda resorts here ), a lively fishing village where you can experience the livelihood of local fisherman, and water sports too.

Where to Stay in Kovalam : For a lovely but affordable resort, definitely check out The Raviz Kovalam – you can’t beat the beach views from the room and infinity pool over the water. For a more affordable hotel, try Soma Palmshore.

Alleppey: For Backwater Culture

Alleppey, mainly known as Alappuzha, is one of the best-known places to visit in Kerala for backwater culture and houseboats. This is the largest backwater area in Kerala and connects to dozens of canals, lakes, and waterways – there’s even a public ferry to get around rather than a bus. This area is also known for being the birthplace of snake boat racing.

These wetlands are home to scores of cultural activities and also wildlife – especially birds. Locals practice crafts, coconut farming, toddy tapping, veggie farming, making lime from shells, fishing, duck farming, coir (coocunt just rope) making, and lots of houseboat tourism! rice paddies are also cultivated below sea level here. Everything here is a sight to see from the colorful boats to beautiful landscapes and trees… and the best way is from a houseboat!

Where to Stay in Aleppey: Check out Spice Routes Houseboats to stay on or tour around on a houseboat – they name each boat after a different spice!

Munnar: Best place to Visit in Kerala for Dramatic Mountain Peaks + Tea Fields

Within hours of arriving, I decided that Munnar was my absolute FAVORITE of the places to visit in Kerala due to its sheer natural beauty. The mountains here are sweeping and stunning, with dramatic rocky cliffs and boulders strewn throughout tea fields that stretch up to the highest peaks (you can actually visit the highest tea plantation in the world just outside Munnar).

Munnar is a dense rainforest and a high-elevation Hill Station that draws lots of domestic tourists when they want to escape the summer heat. Temperatures stay quite cool up here, and popular activities include hiking, adventure sports like kayaking and zip lining, touring tea plantations, and gazing out at beautiful views from a high perch.

Where to Stay in Munnar: Munnar has a HUGE amount of hotels and resorts to cater to the tourists who want to experience this unique heaven of Kerala. For a young community vibe, check out Tentgram Suryanelli – it’s outside Munnar but very close to the sunrise at Kolukkumalai Mountain. Expect hostel dorms, shard meals, nightly campfires an group activities. For a unique stay, check out the Munnar Treehouse at Bamboo Dale.

Cherai: A Culture and Beauty-Rich Region of Ernakulam

Cherai Region is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for lovely beaches, culture, and fascinating history that is VERY close to Kochi – within 30 km! Just north of the big city hub of Kochi is Cherai, which they call a ‘mini Kerala’ because it has access to so many of the best things to do in Kerala within one small area.

The beach is a small strip that’s no more than 1-200 meters wide, with waves on one side and backwaters on the other. The beach area is full of hotels and restaurants, and the backwaters have hop-on-hop-off boat tours and even tours of the fishing village and culture.

Inland, you have the first church, mosque, AND synagogue in all of India (due to the historic port Muziris here from 2000 years ago) and you can learn about how different religions arrived in India. There are also historic brahman houses and a Dutch palace with a fascinating story, and a Portuguese fort that is known as the first European building in India. Check out Cherai Tourism to book.

Where to Stay in Cherai: For a unique and boutique resort, stay at Maliekal Heritance Resort . This hotel is absolutely beautiful, with dark wood architecture and 13 completely unique rooms, including a 2BR heritage Kerala Villa, wood cabins (one with a private pool), and a loft with a view of the beach AND backwater. For something more classic and affordable, stay at Cherai Beach Resorts.

Thrissur: Kerala’s Capital of Culture

Thrissur is a perfect stop between Palakkad and Kochi on your Kerala itinerary to get a great dose of Kerala culture. This is because of the many vibrant festivals, spiritual teachings, Kerala performing arts centers, and sacred places there throughout its history. There are also a record number of temples around this city, and also churches, mosques, and more. The elephant festival takes place here at Vadakkumnathan Temple.

Thrissur is known for more than spritutial/religion and festivals, however. The area is very green with lots os expansive parks and even waterfalls to visit outside the city. Check out the Athirappilly waterfalls and more!

Where to Stay in Thrissur: For a lovely Ayurveda resort in a heritage Kerala property, stay at Niramayam Heritage Ayurveda hospital outside of Thrissur. For something SUPER central and budget-friendly, check out Wariyam Heritage.

Palakkad: For Green Pastures + Mountain Areas

Palakkad is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Kerala due to lots of history in the city and scenic beauty in the countryside. The city of Palakkad is fairly large, with Palakkad Fort, Hanuman Temple, and a bustling town center. Some famous temples in the area are the Viswanatha Swamy Temple from the 1400’s which holds an annual chariot festival.

Just outside of Palakkad are the Western Ghats – possibly the closest hill stations to a city in Kerala. If you venture just outside the city you can explore scenic places along the Kalpathy River and fog-kissed mountains towering over the Malapuzha Reservoir and Dam. There are wildlife reserves in the area and some trekking too.

Where to stay in Palakkad: Palakkad is known for having remote Ayurvedic resorts up in the mountains outside the city. If you are looking for some zen during an Ayurveda stay, check out Au Revoir Resort for wellness and incredible scenery by the Malapuzha Dam. Kairali is also a popular Ayurveda retreat (read about all ayurveda resorts here ). To stay centrally in the city on a budget, check out Abudhabi Residency.

Marari Beach: For Coconut Grove-Lined Swimmable Beaches

Marari Beach is another one of the beautiful places to visit in Kerala to head to the beach. It’s not too far from Aleppey, but gives you a very beachy vibe if you prefer that to backwaters. The water here is very swimmable (unlike some of the southern beaches with big waves) so it’s popular for lazy days spent on the beach or at some great resorts in the area.

The whole beach here is lined with coconut groves, making it feel very tropical and scenic. There are a number of things to do in the area, such as bird sanctuaries and temples, but most opt to relax on the beach, watch the local fisherman doing their thing, or have spa treatments at their hotel.

Where to Stay in Marari Beach: I stayed at Xandari Pearl Beach Resort , and I wouldn’t recommend anyone to stay anywhere else! This resort is gorgeous, with 26 separate private villas that are massive with private backyards and pools. The price is very affordable for such a villa, too – starting around $100/night.

Kozhikode/Calicut: Places to Visit in Kerala For History, Beaches, and Birds

Kozhikode, formerly/still often known as Calicut, is a bigger coastal city in the North of Kerala worth visiting for many reasons. It has pristine beaches filled with lust greenery, but also beautiful countryside inland as well. Throughout the area there are dozens if not hundreds of bird species that are popular for birdwatchers to seek out.

Historically, Kozhikode was a significant port in the spice trade and is actually where Vasco de Gama first landed in India in 1498. Because of this there’s a deep colonial history and plenty of forts and old religious buildings to experience. There’s a huge fishing culture to experience also. This city has a bit of everything!

Where to Stay in Kozhikode: For affordable luxury, The Raviz Calicut always tops the list of the best tourist places in the area.

Kollam and Ashtamudi: For Beaches, Lakes + Folklore

Kollam is a rich area in culture and landscape. Sitting on the coast between Trivandrum and Kochi, Kollam boasts the beautiful Lake Ashtamudi with backwater beauty and also some amazing beaches that are surely some of the best places to visit in Kerala, especially Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach.

Munroe Island is also one of the most notable places to see in Kerala in the Kollam region – it’s a group of small islets around Lake Ashtamudi that you can see on a sunset cruise or houseboat trip. You can find plenty of historic monuments and temples in the area and even some waterfalls and beautiful areas inland.

Where to Stay in Kollam: For backwater luxury on Lake Ashtamudi, The Raviz Ashtamudi is an affordable luxury hotel. For beach vibes, try the Quilon Beach Hotel .

Thekkady: For Dense Forests, Scenery, and Wildlife

Thekkady is another beautiful tourist place in Kerala of a bit higher elevation, in the Idukki region near the Tamil Nadu border. The things to do in Thekkady mostly have to do with nature and wildlife.

In the area you will find Periyar National Park which is home to a lake famous for boating, a wildlife reserve, and a tiger reserve of the same name (the country’s largest tiger reserve). There’s also Elephant Junction wildlife area too. Safaris are a main activity here to see wildlife in Kerala!

Thekkady is also home to some spice plantations and teak plantations (the name Thekkady is derived from teak). There are also some temples and churches to visit in the area- all with beautiful views.

Where to Stay in Thekkady: The Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden is one of the best hotels in the area that also offers treks and plantation/tiger reserve tours.

Jatayu Earth Center, Chadayamangalam for Adventure Center + AMAZING Sculpture

I almost left this one out as it’s a specific destination, but I cant leave out the largest bird sculpture in the entire world on a list of the most amazing places to visit in Kerala. Jatayu Earth’s Center was built around a MASSIVE sculpture of Jatayu, a prominent bird figure in Indian folklore.

It’s true that it’s the largest bird statue in the world, but there’s so much more than that. The whole Earth center is sustainable and has tons of activities. There’s a 12D movie theater, zip lines, rappelling, trekking, and tons of other adventure activities within eyeshot of the incredible massive bird. This is an AMAZING sight to see in Kerala and one of the best tourist places.

Check out my video below about the story behind Jatayu and some more cool things about the center!

@kimmconn Largest bird sculpture🦅 for safety and honor of women💕 #fyp #funfactswithkimmie #jatayu #storytime #fyyy #india #kerala #tiktoktravel #story #drone #dronevideo #sculpture ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

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For many travelers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 373 miles (600km) of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar. Just setting foot on this swathe of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the hectic action of the rest of India, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Northern Kerala

Wayanad's ethereal 345-sq-km sanctuary is accessible only by two-hour jeep safari (₹680), on which you might spot langurs, chital deer, sambar, peacocks,…

Periyar Tiger Reserve

Bison, sambar, wild boar, langur, around 2000 elephants and 35 to 40 tigers wander the lushly green hills of South India’s most popular wildlife reserve,…

Pardesi Synagogue

Kochi (Cochin)

Originally built in 1568, Mattancherry's synagogue was partially destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662, and rebuilt two years later when the Dutch took…

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace was a generous gift presented to the Raja of Kochi, Veera Kerala Varma (1537–65), as a gesture of goodwill by the Portuguese in 1555…

Museum of History & Heritage

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

Occupying a handsome 120-year-old heritage building within the Kerala Tourism complex, this intelligently presented museum traces Kerala's history and…

Napier Museum

Housed in an 1880 wooden building designed by Robert Chisholm (a British architect whose Fair Isle–style version of the Keralite vernacular shows his…

Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission

The incongruously salmon-pink Matha Amrithanandamayi Mission, 30km northwest of Kollam, is the famous ashram of one of India’s few female gurus,…

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

This reserve on the 5-hectare site of a former rubber plantation on Vembanad Lake is the haunt of a variety of domestic and migratory birds. October to…

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala for Nature Lovers

Kerala which is well known as “God’s Own Country” is a destination where the backwaters keep every people confined with their amazing peace and silence. It is the “Spice Capital of India” where you can come across beautiful melodies of Mother Nature.

Besides these, Kerala is covered with so many tourist spots to explore which will offer you the great experience of lush greenery and its natural beauty. So try to arrange some time for making a trip to Kerala and get through some of the best places which will provide you with the most pleasing memories in your life.

And if you are finding it difficult to decide the destinations  to explore, below are given a sorted list of tourist spots that will provide you with great pleasure and excitement.

Table of Contents

List of 10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala:

1. alleppey (alappuzha).

Alleppey is a heavenly tourist spot that is famous for its bountiful beauty and silent backwaters. Admired as the “Venice of the East” or the “ Backwater Capital of India” , this place is attracted many tourists people all around the world. It is one of the most famous backwater destinations in the state of Kerala situated on the edges of the Vembanad Lake .

Some of the tourist attractions of Alleppey are Alleppey Beach, Kuttanad Backwaters, Ambalapuzha Temple, Marari Beach, and many more.

Here, you can have fun in the houseboat cruise and accommodation, walking around villages, Ayurvedic treatments , and so on. Read Also: Reasons to Visit Alleppey Kerala

Placed in the middle of Western Ghats, Wayanad is placed on the top list of places to explore in Kerala . This striking hill station is all about untouched nature, fantasy, unforgettable moments, and enjoyment. It is located at an altitude of 700 to 2100 meters.

Visitors come across the enchanting beauty of Wayanad while their trip to this amazing place. Chembra Peak, Sentinel Rock Falls, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, etc. are the great tourist spots in Wayanad . The lush and unspoiled forests here are believed to be occupied more than 3000 years back. Also, read Top 6 Destinations for Trekking in Wayanad

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Cochin which is also known as Kochi is a unique destination in Kerala which is a perfect mix of modern ideas and cultural values. This spectacular port-city is well known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” and is a fascinating point since history began. Being a melting point of many cultures and traditions , Kochi has accepted all the modern perspectives to convert into the most developed metropolis in the nation.

You can get through the features of Dutch establishments, Chinese nets, British history, or the traditional spice markets surely at this place. Check out some great spots like Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, and a lot more. Read more details 12 Most Famous Places to See in Kochi (Cochin) .

Munnar is a beautiful hill station located amid the famous Western Ghats that doesn’t need any introduction. Rising 1600 m on top of sea level, enjoying a holiday in the enchanting sites of this hilly retreat is connected with the picturesque mountains, lofty clouds, rolling hills, and a relaxing atmosphere.

Munnar is a must-visit tourist place in Kerala covered mostly by the lush forests and never-ending tea estates. Fascinating spots here are the Eravikulam National Park , Anamudi , Attukal Waterfalls , Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, and so on.

• 4 Days Munnar Trip Itinerary
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Read More articles on Munnar:

• 10 Best Hotels and Resorts of Munnar
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5. Kumarakom

Embellished by the magical beauty of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the other charming backwater destination in Kerala . Situated near Kottayam city, this is an ideal spot where being sluggish is also a great thing while on Kerala vacations . Decorated by the stunning charm of the emerald Vembanad Lake, breezy rice fields, evergreen coconut groves, and many more, Kumarakom is famous among all kinds of tourists people.

Journey through backwater and houseboat stays are the most interesting thing to experience over here. Some attractive tourist spots in Kumarakom here are Mattupetty Dam, Blossom Park, Kundala Lake, Tata Tea Museum, and so on.

If you are a beach lover, then Kovalam is the perfect place to have a great experience. Situated across the coastal areas of the fascinating Arabian Sea, this beach town is the top tourist destination to explore in God’s Own Country. Kovalam has located about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala is an abode to some of the most playful and scenic beaches in the nation.

Here, you can enjoy a beach walk and be involved in beach activities or in other pleasurable tasks over Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, and Lighthouse Beach. Check more details on the 10 Best Destinations to See in Kovalam .

7. Thekkady

If you wish to have more from your Kerala vacations, then surely take a trip to Thekkady which is the evergreen home of God’s Own Country. Thekkady is a place which is well covered with the greenery of Mother Nature. Thekkady, the “Spice Capital of Kerala” is much famous as the natural home to many exotic kinds of wildlife .

When it comes to wildlife species, the Periyar National Park here will indeed witness all your senses with its interesting range of dwellers.

Kerala Visit Tourist Attractions by Month:

• Top 10 Kerala Places to Visit in June
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• Visit Kerala Places in March
• Kerala Places See in April

Kollam is an attractive port city in Kerala with its own beauty and appeal. Beguiled by the turquoise Lakshadweep Sea and stroked by the emerald Ashtamudi Lake, it is an ideal holiday spot among the top places of the country’s “Backwater Capital”. Here, you can experience the native traditions and culture of Kerala in the clearest way.

This port city is well known for fishing, cashew processing, agriculture, and even tourism which is why many tourists are attracted to this place. For beach enthusiasts, they can celebrate around Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach, and Tangasseri Beach.

If you are looking out for an amazing holiday trip to Kerala, you must choose Vagamon for your vacation.

This retreat held in the Idukki district is one of the most beautiful hill stations and least visited tourist spots in Kerala and is famous for its lovely charm, pleasant weather, and a lot more. Read More: Top 10 Famous Tourist Destinations to See in Idukki, Kerala

Read Also: Check Out 100 Best Places to Visit in India

Besides leisure tourists, this place is also perfect for thrill and adventure lovers. Vagamon in God’s Own Country is the best place for adventure tasks such as mountaineering, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing, and so on. Murinjupuzha Water Falls, Pine Hills, Idukki Arch Dam, Mangala Devi Temple, etc. are some of the tourist attractions over here.

Learn more about Kerala:

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• Most Popular Festival and Events of Kerala
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• What to Buy in and From Where Kerala
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About The Author

Tusk Travel Team

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2 thoughts on “top 10 places to visit in kerala for nature lovers”.

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Kerala is a slice of heaven on Earth. The natural beauty, as well as the cuisine, are amazing. I had the pleasure of visiting Kumarakom once, and it was one of the most memorable travel experiences of my life. Thank you for the informative post. All of the other locations appear to be stunning.

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Top 15 Best forest places to visit in Kerala

Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country” is a famous and well-preferred destination for its dense forest cover. One can experience the scenic beauty of this place. Once you set foot in this beautiful paradise with mesmerizing forest tourist places in Kerala , all other things seem inconsequential . Each of the forest places to visit in Kerala and wild life sanctuaries have a large but unique variety of flora and fauna, thereby providing an incredible habitat for many animals and birds. Kerala has got enormous forest places to pay a visit and a few have been listed below

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala   Few of the best forest places to visit and sanctuaries come under UNESCO worlds heritage sites in Kerala like Agastyakoodam, Silent Valley National Park, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Elephant Experiences in the forest places in Kerala including elephant spotting and Jeep Safari Rides are highly recommended when visiting any of these sanctuaries and wild life places in Kerala. Here are some top forest in Kerala that must be a part of your travel plan.

List of Top 15 Best forest places to visit in Kerala

1. gavi forest.

Gavi is one of the most pristine eco-tourist spots that is well preserved and untainted by modern civilization and is among the most beautiful forest places to visit in Kerala. This natural beauty is located on the outskirts of Pathanamthitta. Pristine  Pathanamthitta is blessed with abundant Kerala forest that helped this green canopy win the status of the second least polluted town in India. For nature lovers and bird watchers, this place offers one of the best experiences in the world.

You can spot some of the rare species of wildlife including Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, elephants, and more than 260 species of exotic birds at the interiors of Gavi. It is a space owned and occupied by nature. This serene destination located in the deep interiors of Ranni reserve forest offers you activities like trekking, camping, bird watching, and safaris. The Cardamom plantation maintained by Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) surrounds the village of Gavi.

How to Reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport- 175 km

By Rail: Nearest railway stations are Kottayam Railway Station (120 km), Ernakulam Railway Station (170 km), Madurai Railway Station (176 km)

By Road: Cars or buses can be accessed from any of the railway stations to Gavi.

From Pathanamthitta- 100 km

From Vandiperiyar- 27.5 km

Best time to visit: Every season is ideal to visit Gavi.  Camping is available from November to March

2. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

The Tiger Reserve area of Parambikulam is a well-conserved ecological spot in Southern Western Ghats and is among the most dangerous forest places in kerala .  This biodiversity hot spot is the most beautiful and pristine location in the stretch of Western Ghats. This area is where biological richness and landscape beauty come together.

It is spread across 643.66 sq. km. and is mostly buffer zone.  Indigenous people in this area protect and preserve the flora and fauna of this region.  This exotic and serene location with minimal human activities is a treasure amid the Western Ghats.

ALSO SEE – Parambikulam Tiger Reserve-Timing, Room Booking, Forest Stay

How to reach

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport- 107 Km

By Rail: Palakkad – 100 Km

By Road: Palakkad is the nearest town

Best time to visit: November to April

3. Munnar Deep Forests

Munnar forest ranges located amidst the hill folds of Western Ghats is one of the dense and largest forest places in Kerala. It is home to Eravikulam National Park which is Kerala’s first National Park. It was established to protect the rare species of Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji . This forest range is rich with eco-diversity of evergreen and deciduous forests, grasslands, hills, medicinal and shrublands.  This destination is a unique blend of picturesque beauty, a diverse eco-system, and rare species of flora and fauna. It is conserved by the local tribes of Muthuvans and the Kerala Forest Department. Trekking in the Munnar Deep forest in Kerala is a thrilling experience that ups your thrillometer.

ALSO SEE- Best Places to visit in Munnar

Eravikulam National Park is geographically divided into three zones, Rajamalai (tourist area), Anamudi (Buffer zone) and Lakkom Falls (core area), tourists have access to deep forests within the limit of Rajamalai through passes. This dense forest with natural scenic beauty and diverse living creatures is a perfect destination for nature lovers and bioscience enthusiasts.

By Air: Cochin International Airport – 111 km

Coimbatore Airport- 158 km

By Rail: Nearest railway stations are Alwaye Railway Station (120 km), Coimbatore Railway Station (151 km)

By Road: Cars or buses can be accessed from any of the railway stations to Munnar.

Best time to visit: September to November , April to June. Eravikulam National Park will be closed from February to March and during heavy monsoon season.

4. Agasthyakoodam Biological Park

Located at Thiruvananthapuram, Agasthyakoodam is one of the highest peaks of Kerala. This place is widely known for trekking and bird watching as it is home to diverse species of birds, animals, and plants. This peak is named after the sage Agasthya, therefore it is also a pilgrim place. Forest pass issued by the wildlife office at Thiruvananthapuram is required to trek to the peak and online booking is available. Agasthyakoodam Biological Park and biosphere reserve at Agasthyakoodam is a major attraction, where tourists can explore the enchanting beauty of nature.

Trekking at Agasthyakoodam is quite adventurous and risky; therefore entry is restricted only to physically fit men after a thorough examination. The foothill of Agasthyakoodam Peak is rich in medicinal plants and other rare species of plants. The Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve is an incredible location, with a blissful and pure atmosphere. Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve can be reached only by trekking from Bonacaud. Bonacaud is another beautiful destination that is rich with natural scenic beauty.

How to reach Bonacaud

By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport – 69 km

By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station- 61 km

By Road: KSRTC buses are available from Thiruvananthapuram to Bonacaud.

Best time to visit: Between November and April

5. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary & Nature Camp

Located on the high ranges of Western Ghats, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a  reserve forest in Kerala which is one of Kerala’s prestigious possession. The calm and low-land forest of Thattekad located along the bank of the Periyar River is home to more than 500 avian species. This destination is popularly known as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Thattekad Bird Sanctuary), named after world-famous ornithologist and ‘birdman of India’, Dr. Salim Ali. This place is highly populated by bird species such as the created woodpecker, yellow browed bulbuls, blue kingfishers, oriental darter, and much more endemic and foreign species.

Some of the activities offered by this sanctuary include camping, bird-watching trails, and boating. This bird-rich destination is also home to mammals like Leopard, Sloth Bear and Elephant. Majestic trees of Mahagony and Teak are cultivated in some parts of this sanctuary. Teeming with enormous species of birds, this place is a haven for bird watchers and ornithologists.

By Air: Cochin International Airport- 45 km

By Rail: Aluva Railway Station- 48 km

By Road: Kothamangalam is the nearest town. Transportation services are available from Kothamangalam.

Best time to visit: All throughout the year, best recommended during the months from October to February.

6. Nelliyampathy Hills

Palakkad is one of the beautiful districts in Kerala, rich with ecological diversity. Surrounded by shimmering waterfalls, Nelliyampathy Hills houses one of the best forest tourist places in Kerala. The hill station of Nelliyampathy is one of the most popular forest places to visit in Kerala.  Located 1500 meters above sea level, this destination offers a stunning panoramic view of nature. The heights of Nelliyampathy are perfect for long and adventurous trekking. Pothundy Dam is one of the major attractions at Nelliyampathy.

The untouched hill station of Nelliyampathy is perfect for a peaceful experience as it is less crowded compared to others. The sight and serenity of Nelliyampathy are worth the hairpin travel and hasty trekking. You will be able to see the exotic range of orange and tea plantations, picturesque landscapes, rocks, cliffs, rain forest regions, and diverse species of birds and insects. This breathtaking hill station holding the whole richness of Western Ghats will calm your mind and soul.

ALSO SEE- Best Places to visit in Nelliyampathy

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport- 110 km

By Rail: Palakkad Railway Station- 70 km

By Road: Private and Public bus services are available from all major cities

Best time to visit: September to February (winter season)

7. Kannavam Reserve Forests

Kannavam forest is a vast green forest located near Thalassery in Kannur district. This forest is located on the outskirts of Western Ghats. Journey to Kannavam woods starts from Elapeedika village. The tall trees and sight of wildlife and birds will calm your body and soul during the trek. This forest is home to Malabar Trim Nymph, one of the most beautiful species of butterfly, which is seen only in this forest.

On your way, you will see ‘Areekkayam Manikkundu’ waterfalls.  This forest holds the tradition f rich history that proclaims the unity and integrity of Kerala. Kannavam Forest is home to ‘Velumbath Makham Mosque’ and ‘Thodeekalam Temple’, which holds a significant position in the history of Kerala from the time of Pazhassi Raja.

By Air: Kannur International Airport- 30 km

By Rail: Thalassery Railway Station – 30 km

By Road: Iritty is the nearest town that connects to major cities.

Best time to visit:   All-time throughout the year

8. Silent Valley National Park

Located in the outskirts of Palakkad district, Silent Valley National Park spreads across the area of 237.52 sq. km. This National Park is the only remaining of dense and rich rain forests that Kerala owns. Silent Valley National Park is a beautiful representation of the last remaining rain forest places to visit in Kerala. It has more than 1000 species of flowering plants, 200 species of butterflies, and 34 species of mammals and accounts to be the essence of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This paradigm of natural beauty with rich flora and fauna is the best place for life science exploration.  Tourists go beyond Silent Valley National Park to explore the pristine destinations of Keerippara, Bommiyampadi which are hidden gems of Western Ghats.

ALSO SEE – Silent Valley National Park

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport – 74 km

By Rail: Palakkad- 54 km

Best time to visit: December to April

9. Thekkady- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

The lush green forest and the serene lake mark Thekkady as one of the best forest tourist places in the state. A perfect example of nature’s bounty with great scenic beauty, Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is the best Kerala forest. You can spot diverse species of plants, animals, birds, and reptiles while strolling through the dense paths of forest or while cruising down the lake. One of the major attractions of Thekkady is Periyar National Park, which is a reserve dedicated to tigers and elephants.

Deep jungle safaris, trekking, and camping are available to elevate the adventurous exploration of the forest.  This destination brimming with animals including elephants, Nilgiri langurs, bison, storks, flying squirrels, etc, is an alluring spot for wildlife exploration and bird watching. Thekkady offers you a blended experience of eco-tourism and adventure tourism. With a wide range of activities and scenic beauty, this place is perfect to sit back and relax in the cradle of nature.

ALSO SEE – Thekkady Boating Online Booking in 2020

By Air: Kochi International Airport- 163 km, Madurai Airport- 157 km

By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station – 110 km

By Road: private and public bus services are available from major cities

Best time to visit: June to September and October to February

10. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Tholpetty lies towards the northern end of Wayanad district and is rich in ecological diversity. Explore the unleashed wildlife sanctuary of Wayanad at one of the best forest places to visit in Kerala. This forest range offers a wildlife jeep safari to explore the exotic species of flora and fauna that dwell here. Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is functioning here to protect and preserve species of animals, birds, insects, and their natural habitat.

The ecological diversity of Tholpetty includes moist and dry deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests. This destination is also home to teak, oak, and eucalyptus plantations. Visitors are limited only to the tourist zone of Tholpetty. This sanctuary is one of the greatest examples of ecological conservation.

By air: Kannur International Airport – 100 km

By rail: Kozhikode – 120 km

By road: Sulthan Bathery is the nearest town

Best time to visit: June to October

11. Marayoor Sandalwood Forests

This is Kerala’s only natural Sandalwood forest and is located on the eastern side of Western Ghats. Known for the best variety of solid molasses, this forest in Keral a is famous for aromatic sandalwood trees. This dense forest is just 40 km away from Munnar and is home to vast sugarcane farms and Sandalwood factories managed by the Forest Department.  Marayoor is a pristine destination suitable for trekking and other adventure activities.

With the aroma of sandalwood and canopies of tall rain shadow trees, this place will soothe and refresh your body and soul. Muniyara and Ezhuthupara are the pre-historic sites inside the forest range. Marayoor hills are inhabited by tribal communities. The picturesque beauty of the Pamber River and the aroma of rich sandalwood makes this place a pristine destination to explore.

By Air: Coimbatore International Airport- 84 Km

Kochi International Airport- 99 km

By Rail: Palani – 70 km, Aluva – 145 km

By road: Munnar town is 40 km away

Best time to visit: December to January

12. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary located in the Western Ghats is the only wildlife sanctuary in Kannur. Blessed with the best nature can offer, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary tops the list of best forest places to visit in Kerala . It is one of the finest sanctuaries in Kerala with a peaceful ambiance. It is spread across 55 sq km and is abundantly rich in flora and fauna. Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary is near Aralam. This forest can be explored with a guided trek down the paths of the jungle.

This place is located 1500 meters above sea level and is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. Meenmutty Falls is one of the major highlights of Aralam. The highest peak of the area is Katti Beta.  With sky-touching trees and greenery with the treasure of rare species of wildlife, this place is worth a visit.

By Air: Kannur International Airport- 40 Km

By Rail: Kannur – 70 Km

By Road: Iritty is the nearest town – 5 Km

Best time to visit: November to May

13. Sholayar Forests in Kerala

Sholayar is one of the pristine and unexplored lands that are home to valleys, grasslands, streams, and gorges. This place will escape you from the hustles and bustles of daily life. Unwind in the soothing presence of nature by visiting the Sholayar forest in Kerala. Sholayar Dam is one of the major highlights of this area. You can have a glimpse of the magnificent reservoir while traveling from Athirapilly. The forest range of Sholayar spreads across 400 sq km. the popular attractions of this forest range are Athirapilly and Vazhachal waterfalls. Thus tropical evergreen forest is home to a wide range of endemic species of flora and fauna.

By Air: Kochi International Airport- 55 Km

By Rail: Chalakudy – 30 Km, Thrissur- 55 Km, Ernakulam – 70 Km

By Road: Chalakkudy is the nearest town – 30 Km

Best time to visit: October to December

14. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most fascinating forest tourist places in Kerala situated on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram. This gradually developing wildlife sanctuary spreads across 53 sq km of land in the Western Ghats. This is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and tourists on the way to Ponmudi. Peppara forest area offers the best trekking choice in Trivandrum. This sanctuary is home to endemic species of mammals and birds. This lush evergreen forest offers heavenly pleasure to its visitors. Vazhanthol waterfall which is located 5 km away from Peppara is another place to visit to enjoy the beauty of nature.

By air: Trivandrum International Airport, about 56 km

By rail: Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km

Best time to visit: October to March

About George Joseph

Hello, I'm George Joseph and a travel advisor at Iris Holidays. I'm here to help you travel in Kerala through useful tips and helpful articles. Don't forget to get a FREE Customised Holiday Itinerary from me if you are planning to visit Kerala.

In case you have any questions, you can ask it in our Ask a Question and I would be happy to help you.

Reader Interactions

December 28, 2022 at 1:25 AM

You have done a wonderful job. The photos are attractive and tempts anyone even a local like me to visit these places.

Kudos dear George

Rajeev Joseph NCC Officer St.Thomas HSS Erumely

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Places to visit in Kerala, Destinations in Kerala

Applauded for its tourism initiatives, Kerala offers big surprises despite its small size (as compared to most other Indian states). Tucked away in the southern portion of India, Kerala is most notably called ‘God’s Own Country’. There are several reasons for this moniker. However, what seems most evident is how beautifully the natural landscapes of this state have made this an earthly paradise.

The diversity of relief features that Kerala offers can be matched by few other states in the country. One can explore various islands or entire clusters thereof, hike up numerous hills, camp in tropical forests, sight elusive wild animals at national parks, go birdwatching at dawn or dusk, enjoy classical music, dance and martial arts performances, or relish the spicy cuisine.

Here is an exhaustive list of tourist places in Kerala. While it brings to life touristy options such as the backwaters, hill stations or forest reserves, it doesn’t leave behind the offbeat charms of quaint villages and little known islands.

Take your time to immerse yourself into the sights, sounds and flavours of Kerala as we introduce over 40 destinations for you to plan your next long trip to this southern gem.

1. Alleppey

It is virtually impossible to imagine Kerala without its backwaters. And at the very mention of the tranquil backwaters, Alleppey comes to mind. Also known as Alappuzha, the city enjoys unrivalled access to the Laccadive Sea and its backwaters. A slow houseboat-ride along the narrow waterways is unmissable, whether you opt for a few hours of sightseeing or a multi-day cruise. Many of these traditional houseboats are equipped with suites with multiple bedrooms, a fully functional kitchen and bathroom for the convenience of their guests.

Alleppey is sometimes called ‘The Venice of the East’ since topographically, the city is mostly covered by water, and the locals commute via boats. Both speedboats and traditional boats that require rowing can be seen in the backdrop as you travel through Alappuzha.

While the backwaters are deep at certain points, the level sometimes reduces to a shallow depth at narrow openings through mangroves. Steering the houseboat can sometimes be a challenge under such conditions. This is why the oarsmen of Alleppey use a long bamboo rod to push against the bottom of the backwater, which can be severely marshy at certain stretches.

The water-world of Alleppey provide ample opportunities to gaze upon distant islands, watch the fishermen and their wives wait for their catch, look at locals trading upon boats, and even see how the husk of coconut shells are used to produce ropes (which are then utilized to tie up the various parts of houseboats together).

Houseboat tours along the coastline of Alappuzha usually stop at a village for the live viewing of rope-making and also to look at the spice farms of the village, before breaking for a traditional meal served on banana leaf.

Alleppey also boasts of some pretty beaches such as Alappuzha Beach where one can indulge in some beachside fun activities or just relax with a view of the sunset. There is a lighthouse close to this beach which adds to the lure of the place.

Often called Ernakulam, after the district in which Cochin lies, this city is a metropolis, and the most densely populated one in Kerala. Over the years, the influx of foreign traders have given Cochin its vibrant multicultural character. Alternatively known as Kochi, the city’s strategic location has played a part in making it a key port for trading. Kochi was a hub of spice trade since the 14th century, when the Arabs maintained good business relations with the local traders.

Fondly called ‘The Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Cochin became the first European colony after the Portuguese colonized it in the early 16th century. Soon after, the Dutch annexed this place, leaving its own cultural footprints in the sands of this part of Kerala. When finally the British Rule came into play, Cochin became a princely state of India.

Trade with China left Cochin with the famous Chinese fishing nets which have a unique mechanism wherein the bamboo rods (which hold the net) are lowered into the sea to catch a large number of fishes. These nets are not seen anywhere else in the country, and make great props for photographers who capture sunrises and sunsets.

The vibrant coastline of Cochin is strewn with rows of tall buildings. After nightfall, when these edifices are fully lit, they form a sparkling chain. This is the Marine Drive , a beachside boardwalk which is also open to vehicles. There are a number of shopping avenues for the fashion conscious.

If any place can be called ‘The Kashmir of South India’, it is Munnar. This hill station is located at an altitude of 5,200 feet above the sea level. Not many are aware of the topographical fact that Munnar is the location where three rivers converge. These are Nallathanni, Mudhirapuzha and Kundaly. This is the reason behind the name, as “Moonar” means “three rivers” in Malayalam.

Famous for its tea plantations, Munnar used to have a lot of dense forests before the British urged the locals to convert most of these chocolate hills into tea gardens. Tea happens to be a cash crop, and the farmers aggressively began planting tea plants to be able to pay the high taxes in the British Raj era. There are a variety of teas cultivated upon the hills, most of which are export quality.

The highest point in Munnar, Top Station , is unsurprisingly very popular with tourists, who yearn for the views at an altitude of 1,700 metres. Top Station is located within the touristy part of Echo Point in Munnar. For those who are into flowers, don’t miss the sighting of the neelakurinji flowers which bloom only once in 12 years!

If you plan on staying longer, head to the Kundala Tea Plantations, maintained by Tata Tea. Apart from the lovely views of the tea crops, you can enjoy a round of golf on their sprawling golf course. You will also find the Kundala Lake nearby, and another one – the eponymous artificial dam.

4. Thekkady

Boasting of gorgeous relief features, Thekkady is a town with diverse beauties that can be enjoyed. While it is mostly known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary nearby, the conducive weather allows for spice plantations, flower parks and more.

Thekkady Rose Park is a lush botanical garden with an entry fee of INR 50 per head. If you have at least 3 hours in hand, you should book the Adventure package worth INR 400 which can be shared among friends or family who accompany you. You can indulge in games such as rope walking, spring bouncing, bungee jumping, boating, etc. All of the activities are kid-friendly, and can be safely enjoyed by all. The rose park has plenty of greenery and plants other than roses too. There are several installations here meant for photo-ops.

Elephant Junction Thekkady is a small area where tourists can get up close and personal with pet elephants who have been trained for entertainment. There are facilities for elephant trekking, which takes you on an elephant ride through the woods, commanded by mahouts. You can also try feeding the elephants or bathing them.

The most important site on your trip to Thekkady should undoubtedly be a visit to the Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. This is an important tiger and elephant reserve, while also being a place for many endangered species of plants and other animals. Bordering the state of Tamil Nadu, the national park is spread over the Pandalam and Cardamom Hills. Take heart in the abundance of flora and fauna here: 1900+flowering plants, 170+ grass varieties, 140+ orchid species, 60+ mammal species, 260+ bird species, apart from reptiles, amphibians and fishes. One can trek through the forest trails, camp in the woods or even do boating in the beautiful Periyar Lake .

5. Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala, and also the most populated city in the state. The place enjoys an attractive coastline while also having a stretch of undulating low hills. The Malayalam translation of the name of this city means “The City of Lord Anantha” (from thiru anantha puram). The wealth of greenery and public parks have earned Trivandrum the nickname of ‘The Evergreen City of India’.

Known primarily for its multitude of beaches and museums, Thiruvananthapuram also preserves some of its historical palaces. Do not skip Kuthiramalika , a palace built by one of the erstwhile Maharajas of the former Kingdom of Travancore in British India. Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma commissioned the construction of this Kerala-style palace, officially known as Puthen Malika, which translates to New Palace. Built with marble, granite, rosewood and teak, Kuthiramalika means ‘Mansion of Horses’. The palace was so named because of the carving of 122 wooden horses on the wall brackets of the sloping roof on the southern part of the mansion.

Another palace of note is the Kowdiar Palace which exudes royalty through each of its 150 rooms. Even though this is the private residence of the descendants of the royal family, visits can be arranged on request. You can also enter when the palace hosts exhibitions pertaining to the local culture, art, music or textiles. Built in 1934, the grand palace was a wedding gift given by the last ruling Maharaja of Travancore (Sree Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma) to his sister, Maharani Karthika Thirunal Lakshmi Bayi.

Former summer retreat of the Travancore royal family, the Kanakakunnu Palace is open to all. Since the royal family was vegetarian, the palace was, once upon a time, used to serve non-vegetarian delicacies to diplomatic guests. Today, one can enjoy the India Dance Festival in the premises. Organized by the Department of Tourism, the fest runs from October through March each year.

6. Kozhikode

Renowned for its IIM (Indian Institute of Management), Kozhikode is also a versatile vacation destination. Formerly known as Calicut, the city was once an important spice trading location. Kozhikode was once ruled by the Samoothiri dynasty, and over the years, saw cultural and trade influx from the Arabs, the Portuguese, the British, the French and the Dutch.

Kozhikode offers plenty of beaches and museums to indulge both your body and mind. For the religious tourists, there are many temples and mosques strewn across the city. Check out Thali Maha Shiva Kshetram, Valayanad Devi Temple, Azhakodi Devi Temple, Thiruvachira Sree Krishna Temple, Varakkal Devi Temple, Thalikkunu Shiva Temple, Sreekanteshwara Temple and Niramkaitha Kotta Temple to see how Kerala architecture was used in shrines.

Mosques such as Kadalundi Nagaram Masjid and Idiyangara Mosque show typical Islamic architecture, the only exception being Mishkal Mosque which has the sloping thatched roofs, as seen on the Hindu temples here.

Beach fans should head to Kozhikode Beach (also known as Calicut Beach) which has stones jutting out of the sand, leading to an intriguing formation, great for photo-ops. The beach also has a park called the Lion Park, apart from an aquarium to entertain the kids. Kappad Beach is another option with a rocky shoreline and plentiful public amenities. To skip the crowds, try the Bhatt Road Beach or the Kamburam Beach which is a little bit offbeat and much quieter. For activities such as boating, Ancia Beach is a good option.

7. Fort Kochi

The art capital of Kerala, Fort Kochi is just a small part of the larger area of Cochin. This place is known among thriving artists the world over for its Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The contemporary art festival which begins in December and runs until the end of March the following year, is the largest of its kind in all of Asia. During the biennale, Fort Kochi sees most of its art galleries, cafes, exhibition halls and public spaces swamped with art aficionados, struggling painters and even amateur artists who spend several months exploring the art scene of Kerala and beyond.

Apart from art, Fort Kochi has the perfect backdrop for photographing the Chinese Fishing Nets or Cheena Vala, as it is locally known, which are used by the local fisher folks. Catering to the young, backpacking crowd, Fort Kochi offers plenty of home stays, hostels and other types of shared accommodation for budget travellers. Nevertheless, some of the most refined luxury hotels are also present here for the well heeled and comfort-conscious.

Fort Kochi was previously known by various names such as Cochim de Baixo, West Kochi, Old Kochi and Lower Kochi. The northern stretch of the coast of Fort Kochi can easily be explored on foot if you have the entire day to spare. Begin at the Indian Naval Maritime Museum which has exhibits on the naval technology, history, communication systems, uniforms, ship models and more.

As you walk along the Fort Kochi Beach, venture inland to see the Indo Portuguese Museum and the adjoining Bishop’s House which is a church. This doesn’t take very long to visit since there are not too many exhibits inside. However, the garden complex can make for a nice walk. Further ahead, the Dutch Cemetery, which is in ruins, gives an insight into the design of gravestone styles of the Dutch.

Right on the Mahatma Gandhi beach, one can spot the ruins of Fort Emmanuel or Fort Manuel which was the first Portuguese fort in the entire continent. Named after the then King of Portugal, Manuel I, one can see the remnants of an old cannon. Somewhere along the inroads, you will find St. Francis CSI Church which is one of the oldest European churches in the country.

Head to Vasco da Gama Square and follow the promenade to the Indo-European style Bastion Bungalow. You might want to venture away from the coast to pay a visit to the imposing Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, one of only nine in Kerala. This heritage Portuguese church sports gothic architecture.

For street-style shopping, stroll through the bustling Princess Street or for a quieter experience, go to the Strings Museum of Musical Instruments. Greenix Village is another amazing place for enthusiasts of Kerala’s traditional dance forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kalaripayattu (martial arts and dance) and indigenous puppetry. They even have an ornate Kathakali Museum where different characters, poses and instruments are kept on display.

8. Munroe Island

Spread over 13.4 square kilometres, Munroe Island is actually not just a single island but a cluster of eight. These islets are also called Mundrothuruthu. What makes Munroe Island so interesting is the fact that it is an inland group of islands set amidst the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River which is also called Punalurar. Ashtamudi is a backwater lake and its name literally translates to ‘eight braids’ in Malayalam.

Munroe Island is named after General John Munro who was a Scottish soldier. He had also served as Resident and Diwan of the former princely states of Travancore and Cochin in the early 19th century. He was the administrator who oversaw the reclamation works which resulted in the formation of the eight islets. Playing on the famous tagline ‘God’s Own Country’ which is used for the state of Kerala, Munroe Island is sometimes referred to as ‘God’s Own Island’.

Most of the village locals make their livelihood by making coconut coir, and it is possible to watch the entire process of coir retting and coir weaving. Tourists can also enjoy demonstrations of fishing and prawn feeding. While natural features such as the mangroves, the avifauna, the backwaters, the lagoons, the shores and the coconut farms are appealing, one can also look forward to boat rides through the narrow canals.

An activity which travellers find entertaining is the famous Kallada Boat Race or Kallada Jalotsavam which is held 28 days after the celebration of the Keralite festival of Onam. Organized on the Kallada River at Munroe Island, the boat race is a great place to watch a rowing race among large traditional boats which house almost a hundred oarsmen each. Munroe Island is said to be gradually submerging into the waters, so you’d better not miss it before it disappears completely.

Located in the North Eastern part of Kerala, Wayanad is literally ‘the land of paddy fields’. In fact, its name in Malayalam ‘Vayal Nadu’ translates to exactly that! The district is part of the Western Ghats and has varying altitudes in the range of 700 metres to 2100 metres. This makes Wayanad a great hill station vacation destination.

Blessed with abundant wildlife, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary , which is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, offers a good dose of adventure for animal enthusiasts and lovers of the wild. This animal sanctuary covers four mountain ranges, Tholpetty, Sulthan Bathery, Kurichiat and Muthanga. The dense teak forests are a haven for tigers, deer, elephants and the Indian bison. Birdwatchers should wait in anticipation for the calls of peafowl, woodpeckers, owls and babblers.

One of the towns in this district of the Southern Deccan Plateau which must be visited is Kalpetta. Hikers can look forward to the gorgeous views from the Chembra Peak . Like icing on the cake, the Neelimala Viewpoint is where most travellers flock for breathtaking panoramas of Wayanad’s forests, mountains, valleys and waterfalls. The religious tourist might find the hilltop Ananthanatha Swami Jain Temple worth a stroll, mainly for the coffee plantations which surround it.

A mesmerizing island complex that remains Wayanad’s open secret is Kuruvadweep. Also known as Kuruva Island , this is actually a river delta spanning 950 acres in area. Kuruvadweep is a group of three protected islands which are not inhabited but see a lot of tourist influx. Entry is restricted but fun once you discover you will be commuting on handmade flat rafts, if not fibre boats. Covered by dense evergreen forests, the island complex has a treasure trove of indigenous herbs, birds and beautiful orchids.

10. Jew Town

Once home to the state’s Jewish community, Jew Town, today, is a shopping favourite. On Jew Town Road, several small shops set up their stalls of food items, souvenirs, traditional fabric works, antiques, paintings and crafts. Even some ethnic Jewish items are up for sale at some curio stores. There are also a few cafes which offer traditional Israeli dishes such as shakshouka. Visit Antique Museum Kochi for a glimpse or traditional clocks, pottery, statues and other collectibles.

You will spot the 16th century Paradesi Synagogue in the centre of the mishmash of little shops. Built in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in all of the Commonwealth Nations which is still active. Paradesi Synagogue is also one of only eight synagogues constructed by the Malabar Yehudan or Yehudan Mappila people. The name ‘Paradesi’ means ‘foreign’, alluding to the foreign Jewish influence.

11. Kovalam

Known over the world over for its eponymous beach, Kovalam is but a small coastal town in the southern part of Trivandrum City. The name means ‘coconut grove’ in Malayalam, accurately representing the abundance of coconut palm in the area. Once an idyllic fishing village, Kovalam is famous today for its Ayurvedic treatments, spiritual and health retreats and a number of beach resorts which facilitate vacationing close to the beaches.

The Kovalam Beach is a 17 km stretch of four beaches which are partitioned by outcrops. The crescent formation on the shoreline is visible from a high-rise building. The beaches which contribute to the coastline are Eve’s Beach (known as Hawah Beach in the local language), Lighthouse Beach, Ashoka Beach and Samudra Beach.

The Lighthouse Beach is so named after the Vizhinjam Lighthouse which stands on its sands. Built at an altitude of 35 metres above the sea level, atop the Kurumkal hillock, the lighthouse is an attractive landmark. Measuring 118 feet in height, Vizhinjam Lighthouse is painted in stripes of red and white. Most of the other beaches are places for the local fishermen to go about their fishing activities. One can watch them in action to kill time though.

If you are not so much of a beach bum, Kovalam has other attractions to keep you interested. Explore the Halcyon Castle, a beach resort built in 1932 for the royalties of the erstwhile princely state of Travancore. Temple fans can visit the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple and the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple.

If you are into art, head to the Kovalam Art Gallery to gaze at the inspiring compositions on display. The profusion of water bodies in and around Kovalam (such as the Vellayani Lake and Karamana River) have ensured the need for dams. Plan a trip to the Aruvikkara Dam and Neyyar Dam, and also enjoy the sunset from Valiyathura Pier.

Characterized by hills and backwaters, Bekal invites tourists to explore its coastal attractions. No trip to this town is complete without a visit to the Bekal Fort. This mid-seventeenth century fort was built by Shivappa Nayaka, the ruler of the temple town of Keladi, in 1650 AD. With most of its fort wall touching the waters of the Arabian Sea, the fort commands an area of almost 40 acres.

Some interesting features of the Bekal Fort are a set of underground steps leading to the fort, a water tank, an observation tower and a magazine (storage area for arms and ammunition). This fort provides a nice vantage point to see the towns of Bekal, Kottikulam, Kanhagad, Uduma and Pallikkara.

Another fort worth a visit is the Chandragiri Fort which was built in the 17th century AD. Spread over 7 acres, the fort stands 150 feet above the sea level. Located by the Payaswini River, the ruins of the Chandragiri Fort provide insights into the ancient kingdoms of Thulunadu, Kolathunadu, Vijayanagara and Keladi Nayaka. Architecturally, the fort has a simple square layout.

Forts aside, Bekal has a couple of Hindu temples which sees a lot of devotees rushing to offer their prayers. Trikkannad Tryambakeshwara Temple and Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple see a lot of footfalls. The latter, said to be 500 years old, is home to some vintage wooden carvings. Flaunting the traditional Kerala style of architecture, Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple has ceilings and pillars which enthral visitors.

When in Bekal, you cannot miss its beaches, especially since it’s a coastal town. Do plan a visit to Bekal Beach and the surrounding park, Chembirika Beach, Kappil Beach, Pallikkara Beach Park, Kasaba Beach Park and Uduma Beach.

13. Mattancherry

Also known as Cochim de Cima or Upper Kochi, Mattancherry is one of the traditional neighbourhoods of Kochi. Mattancherry Palace happens to be the most famous attraction of this area. Also known as Dutch Palace, this is actually a Portuguese palace and museum with the traditional Kerala architecture on its exterior. The museum exhibits the life of the kings of Kochi through paintings and murals. The compound has plenty of greenery and also a pond, adding to the character and charm of the place.

Other sightseeing options are the Jeevamatha Catholic Latin Church, St. George Orthodox Koonan Kurish Old Syrian Church and International Tourism Police Station and Police Museum. At the latter, one can learn about the methods used by the Kerala Police, look at their arms, medals, photographs, uniforms and more.

Almost at the southern tip of Kerala, Poovar is a village in the Neyyattinkara taluk. Home to a huge concentration of 5-star properties, this hamlet is a popular tourist destination in south Kerala. The name Poovar means ‘flower-river’ in Malayalam (from ‘poo’ and ‘var’), given by the 18th century Travancore king Marthanda Varma after he witnessed the lovely flowering trees by the Neyyar River which flows through this tehsil.

There are diverse sightseeing options in Poovar which range from beaches and museums to temples and mosques. Check out the Pozhiyoor Golden Beach which is relatively less crowded and enjoys nice sea breeze and sunsets, which make the sands shine like gold. To try boating, head to the Pozhikkara Beach. For some variation in the terrain, explore the Azhimala Cliff and its adjoining beach which is strewn with boulders. A slightly less crowded choice is the Adimalathura Beach which is slightly far from all the popular beaches but worthy enough for a visit, thanks to the crabs which can be spotted here.

Activities not to be skipped in Poovar are boating in the pristine backwaters, a trip to Elephant Rock, a visit to the colourful Aazhimala Siva Temple by the Arabian Sea and another one to the Chenkal Maheswaram Temple which boasts of the iconic Kerala-style thatched sloping brick and an enormous statue of the Shivalinga. For a dash of greenery, go to the Kuzhipallam Botanical Garden which is spread over 40 acres, and home to hundreds of pretty flowers, some of which are also for sale.

This beauty on the Malabar Coast offers a lot of beaches for those who desperately need some Vitamin-Sea. Formerly known as Quilon, the city of Kollam borders the Laccadive Sea and calls the Chinnakada Clock Tower its main landmark. This port city was once called ‘Coulao’ by the Portuguese traders who had settled here. The name ‘Kollam’ is thought to have come from Sanskrit in which it means ‘pepper’. Interestingly, apart from spices, this city is famous for its production of cashew and coconut coir.

At the very centre of Kollam is the Ashtamudi Lake where one can spot the Chinese fishing nets which are basically shore operated lift nets introduced to Kerala by the ancient Chinese traders. This palm shaped lake also lets tourists relax in luxury houseboats as they take a ride through the narrow canals.

There is no dearth of beaches in Kollam, the most renowned being the Kollam Beach which is formally called the Mahatma Gandhi Beach. This beach is equipped with a lifeguard outpost and is considered relatively safe. This has also contributed to it being a favoured destination wedding option. Other beaches of note in this city are Thirumullavaram Beach, Thangassery Beach (which also has the eponymous lighthouse painted in red and white spiral stripes), Eravipuram Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach and Mayyanad Beach.

Architecture and history enthusiasts can consider walking past the Thevally Palace or Thevalli Palace built in the early 19th century. Located on the Thangassery Beach, the Tangasseri Fort is a striking example of Portuguese architecture, albeit in ruins, with its exposed brick walls. The fort is called Fortaleza da São Tomé in Portuguese and alternatively referred to as St. Thomas Fort or Fort Thomas. Sporting traditional Kerala architecture, the British Residency Bungalow is a much-used landmark and also serves as the Government Guest House. Another heritage building not to be missed is the Cheena Kottaram or China Palace which flaunts Indo-Saracenic architecture which is a mixture of European, Indian, Moorish and Islamic styles.

16. Thrissur

The landscape of Thrissur is dotted with ample temples and churches which are not just places of worship here, but also architectural examples to be studied and explored. Formerly called Trichur, this city is colloquially called ‘God’s Own Town’. Apart from shrines, there are also religious festivals that attract tourists to Thrissur. This cultural capital of Kerala was, once upon a time, the administrative capital of the medieval Kingdom of Cochin.

It is not surprising that Thrissur should have so many Hindu Shiva temples, given that its very name means ‘The city with three Shiva temples’ when its long-form Malayalam and Tamil name ‘Thri-Shiva-Perur’ is considered. Even in Ancient India, the city was known as ‘Vrishabhadripuram’ which means ‘Kailash of the South’, Kailash being the mythological abode of the Hindu deity Shiva.

The most popular Shiva temples which you can put on your list are Vadakkunnathan Temple which also tells the story of Mahabharata through murals, Punkunnam Shiva Temple where along with Shiva, Parvathy, Ganesha, Partha Sarathi and several other idols are worshipped, and Trikkur Mahadeva Temple, a rock cut cave which was used not only by Hindus but also Jains and Buddhists for meditation.

The spread of Catholicism has ensured the construction of a lot of ornate churches and cathedrals in Thrissur. You might want to visit Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours which is built in the splendid Indo-Gothic style of architecture, spread over 25,000 square feet, the Bible Tower which, at 42.5 metres, happens to be the tallest church tower in all of Asia, and St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church which commemorates Saint Thomas who was one of the apostles who preached Christ in India in 52 AD.

17. Palakkad

Fondly called ‘The Rice Bowl of Kerala’, the city of Palakkad is also known as Palghat. The meaning of the name in Malayalam is an oxymoron, ‘barren forest’ from the words ‘Pala’ and ‘Kadu’. This city has a centuries old fort, a host of temples and a lot of parks to keep travellers occupied.

The first on your list of places to see in Palakkad should be the Palakkad Fort complex. Dating back to the 18th century, the fort has a moat dug around it as a measure of protection against attacks. There is a spacious multi-use ground bordering the fort, called Kota Maidanam or Fort Maidan, where you might be able to catch an exhibition or a cricket match.

For a breathtaking view of the entire city, head to Malampuzha Dam built to stem the flow of the Malampuzha River. Get copious views of the hills of the Western Ghats which can be seen behind the 355 feet high dam. The river that is barricaded by this dam is a tributary of Kerala’s second longest river, Bharathappuzha. Stop by at the Malampuzha Rock Garden for a green treat of plants and artistically carved rock murals and sculptures. Nearby, you can also take in the soothing sights at the Kava View Point.

Palakkad is full of Hindu temples with traditional architecture and ornate décor. Manapullikavu Vela, Vadakanthara Sree Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathi Temple (which is lavishly lit up after dark), Sree Chinmaya Guruvayurappan Temple, Chittur Kavu (with an idol measuring 6 feet in height) and Thiruvalathur sree Randumoorthi Temple should be on your radar.

18. Varkala

Home to one of the most stunning cliff beaches in the world, Varkala offers more than just the Arabian Sea and the golden sands. The story behind the name of this Kerala town is mythologically entwined. Varkala is a degenerated form of the word ‘valkalam’ which means ‘loin cloth originating from the bark of a tree’. When the Hindu sage ‘Narada’ was found a sinner, he threw out his valkalam or loin cloth out of shame, and this covered the entire village.

If sunbathing is on your wishlist, you will love Varkala Beach, which is also known as Papanasam Beach. Relax at a beachside restaurant after swimming by this picturesque beach. Varkala sandstone cliff wears a striking red colour due to the inherent properties of the rock. Indulge in seaside and cliffside adventure sports such as paragliding or just take a leisurely stroll through the Varkala Promenade which is lined by pretty restaurants and cafes.

Further along, Kappil Beach and Lake provide a lovely enclosure for boating and watching the sunset. If you can also make your way to Paravur, make use of its inland waterways and the eponymous lake or just soak in the sun on its beaches.

If you would rather stay confined to Varkala, head out to watch the 150-plus year old Varkala Tunnel which is almost 924 feet long. Take a boat ride under the tunnel and experience your very own Venice in the hinterlands of Kerala! Not very far from this, a lighthouse calls all visitors to attention.

19. Kumarakom

A network of backwater canals and clean beaches put Kumarakom on the tourist map of Kerala. Located within the Vembanad Lake, this little village is also home to a host of migratory birds. Recognized for its responsible tourism initiatives, Kumarakom makes a great choice for luxury backwater vacations.

A houseboat ride through the canals of this hamlet is one of the highly recommended ways to spend your time here. If you happen to be a birding enthusiast, spare a few hours for the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Alternatively known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary, this avian paradise can be reached through a short boat ride, since it is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake.

The sanctuary was initially a rubber plantation which was later repurposed by George Alfred Baker, after whom the place was previously known as Baker Estate. It is possible to see the Meenachil River from here before it pours out itself into the Vembanad Lake. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread across 14 acres of area, and it delights visitors with the calls of water birds such as geese, swans and ducks, owls, brahminy kites and darters. Larks and flycatchers can also be sighted during the migration season.

Those fond of sculptures should not miss the Bay Island Driftwood Museum where artefacts made of driftwood are put on display. Driftwood is essentially the pieces of wood that are washed ashore by the drift of a river or the waves of a lake. This museum, housed in a cylindrical building, also exhibits driftwood fossils, apart from modern art. The artefacts include replicas of animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fishes and even elaborate show pieces and dainty figurines.

The Vembanad Lake itself is an attraction in Kumarakom. You might want to visit the Thanneermukkom Bund which is an artificial patch of green land in the middle of the lake, put there in order to prevent the mixing of salt water into the other side of the lake, and also to alleviate tides which can make boating harder.

20. Kasaragod

Blessed with a prominent place on the Western Ghats, Kasaragod is not just a spot for hill stations but also home to beaches such as the Kasaragod Beach which houses the Nellikkunnu LightHouse. Hiking enthusiasts can gear up for a trek to the peak of Ranipuram which is more than a kilometre in altitude. The Kottancheri Hills are also recommended for their peaceful surroundings and the bordering lakes.

One of the oldest mosques in the country is in Kasaragod. Malik Dinar Mosque was instituted by Malik Deenar who was a Persian scholar on a tour of the Indian Subcontinent with the goal of spreading the influence of Islam in this part of the world. In these premises, one can see both the old and the new mosques, apart from a cemetery, an orphanage and a madrassa (Islamic school). The Theruvath Mosque is another spot for those who wish to observe Islamic architecture in this part of Kerala.

A beautiful lake temple which must not escape your itinerary is the Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Temple, also known as Anantha Lake Temple. This Hindu shrine holds the distinction of being the only lake temple in the entire state. According to ancient mythology, the Hindu deity Vishnu settled down in this location. The story of Vishnu is depicted as wood carvings on the ceiling of the main shrine.

Another Hindu temple with a distinct architecture is the Madhur Sree Madanantheshwara-Siddhivinayaka Temple, dedicated to the idols of Shiva and Ganesha. The temple is in a village setting, on the banks of the Mogral River. In fact, one of its streams, Madhuvahini, flows right alongside the temple premise.

21. Kumbalangi

This sleepy village in the Ernakulam district is a preferred rural tourism destination in Kerala due to its bucolic village life, mangroves and the fishing community. The fishermen of Kumbalangi are so friendly, they will also show you how to go about fishing with the attractive Chinese fishing nets.

You can even enjoy a nice meal of fresh seafood at one of the homely eateries along the coast. There are only a handful of sightseeing spots but you can still head to St. Peter’s Church to admire its interiors and whitewashed exterior. If you fancy a water tour of the area, hop onto a boat at Kallencherry where these rides begin.

22. Kottayam

Nestled on the river basin of the Meenachil River, the city of Kottayam is only three metres above the sea level. The meaning of this name in Malayalam is ‘inside the fort’ as derived from the words ‘kotta’ (for fort) and ‘akam’ (for inside). Kottayam offers travellers an insight into traditional Kerala architecture, especially in its temples, churches and mosques. There are also a few parks and art galleries to hold one’s interest.

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple (the Shiva temple where the writer Vyasa and the Pandavas from the fictitious epic of Mahabharata are said to have worshipped), Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Panachikkadu Temple (the Saraswati temple which is also called the Dakshana Mookambika Temple), Kumaranalloor Karthyayani Devi Temple (where a litre of coconut oil is considered as the main offering to the female deity), Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple (home to ancient paintings and murals), Pallipurathukavu Devi Temple, Neelamperoor Palli Bhagavathi Temple (a Buddhist temple with Vanadurga as the central deity), Vennimala Sri Rama Lakshmana Swamy Temple, Thiruvarppu Sree Krishna Temple (Krishna being the principal deity) and Shree Dharma Sastha Temple are some of the ornate temples with archetypical styles which can be explored.

Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, which is also called the ‘Taj Juma Masjid’, is over a thousand years old, making it one of the oldest mosques not only in Kerala but also in the country. The mosque boasts of intricate wood carvings. However, its beauty cannot be admired from inside by all. Entry is only for Muslims.

For a taste of the Christian religion, walk through some of Kottayam’s church buildings. St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church (a 440 year old church dedicated to Mary worship, colloquially known as Kottayam Cheriapally), Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral (also called Angathattu Palli or Vimalagiri Cathedral), Good Shepherd Church, St. George Orthodox syrian Church (having walls painted with vegetable dyes), Holy Trinity CSI Cathedral and St. Mary's Forane Church are some viable options for church hopping.

Kottayam’s public parks are worth a stroll. Make time for Neendoor Park, Malarikkal Sunset View Point (especially for its lotus blooms and paddy fields), Municipal Jubilee Park and Kodimatha Water Park. Art lovers can drop by the quaint Mozart Art Gallery.

23. Willingdon Island

Willingdon Island holds the rare honour of being the largest artificial island in all of India. Reclaimed from the Lake of Kochi, Willingdon Island lets you catch a ferry to most of the other big islands in Kerala, such as Fort Kochi and some parts of Ernakulam. The public ferries cost pleasantly only INR 5 per person. These large ferries can carry entire buses and cars inside, letting the drivers resume their journey once they reach the destination island. It is also possible to sign up for boat tours on the backwaters of Kerala from this island.

A long green patch along the coastline of Willingdon Island is where most of the premium tourist hotels are located. Within the island, there is a popular museum which you can spare an hour to – Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum. One can learn about the building of Willingdon Island and observe several pictures of maritime equipment. There is also a souvenir shop to take back some memorabilia for your loved ones. The museum is open on all days of the week except Wednesdays. On weekdays, the timings are 11 AM to 6 PM, whereas it is 2 PM to 7 PM on Saturdays and 4 PM to 7 PM on Sundays and other public holidays.

Nicknamed as the land of looms and lores, Kannur was once known by its English name Cannanore and Portuguese name Cananor. This coastal city provides a glimpse into the European past and Muslim royal history alongside balmy palm-lined beaches.

No visit to Kannur is complete without a tour of St. Angelo Fort. Also known as Fortaleza de Santo ngelo de Cananor, this historical gem is under the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). The laterite brick fort, most of which is moss layered now, has a gate and a couple of entrances, the old one being a tunnel. Once can spot old banyan trees while walking inside.

As the Arabian Sea splashes on the rocks that surround St. Angelo Fort, the sounds can be clearly heard since there is no source of noise pollution here. One can explore the army barracks, the cannons stationed at the main entrance and at the top of the fort, the lighthouse powered by an oil lamp, the chapel, the moat, the watchtower and gravestones of the Dutch officials’ family who were buried there.

Kannur’s Payyambalam Beach provides a great avenue for surfing, picnicking and even swimming in the shallow parts of the sea waters. Do visit the Kannur Lighthouse nearby which has a spiral stairway to the top. The lighthouse, also known as Cannanore Lighthouse, is still active and one can often enjoy light and sound shows in the evening.

For a look inside Kannur’s Islamic past, head to the Arakkal Museum which is a part of the larger Arakkal Royal Palace, also known as Arakkalkettu. Formerly belonging to the Arakkal family of the Malabar Coast, the palace and museum has the royal coat of arms, photo galleries, ancient furniture, incense stick holders, archaic telephones, telescopes and notebooks.

Spend your leisure time at the Mappila Bay and try your hand at boating or relax on Baby Beach or Adikadalayi Beach. Thottada Beach is another tempting option, with its rocky surroundings and smooth sands, especially if you wish to go swimming.

25. Vizhinjam

The small village of Vizhinjam may not find a place on most tourist maps, but this is what makes it so appealing. The fact that it is relatively unknown is a big reason to enjoy this locale without the huge crowds. With a beach, a lighthouse and a cave, there are a few things to keep one interesting in this tiny but significant hamlet.

Begin your tour at the Vizhinjam Cave Temple which goes all the way back to the 8th century. This granite cave is actually a Hindu temple which has a sculpture of the idol Vinadhara Dakshinamurti. This peculiar statue depicts the mythological deity of Shiva but with four hands. Even though the cave is quite small and only consisting of a single cell, it is important due to its age.

The outer wall of the Vizhinjam Cave Temple has a carving of Shiva as Tripurantakara, with a caricature of Apasmara being squashed under his left foot. One another side of this outer wall, Shiva is seen in his dancing pose as Nataraja, with his paramour Parvati beside him. One can also make out the unfinished forms of a couple of gatekeepers or dvarapalakas. The temple is thought to have been built during the reign of the Ay Dynasty which came before the famous Pallava Dynasty.

The Vizhinjam Lighthouse is a beautiful red and white striped lighthouse on the eponymous beach. Located on the edge of a small cliff, the lighthouse is fitted with a day mark beacon. The beach itself is a lovely place to hang out, with a clean stretch of sand and sea, a children’s park, eateries and even an aquarium.

26. Vypin Island

Vypin Island is actually one of the clusters of islands which belong to Kochi. Also known as Vypeen, the island is 12 miles in length and joined to the mainland through the Goshree series of bridges. Home to some of the longest stretches of beaches in Kerala, Vypin offers visitors Cherai Beach to the North, Kuzhuppilly Beach and Puthuvype Beach which also has a lighthouse to call its own. Entry to this lighthouse is only in the evening between 3 PM and 5 PM.

At certain parts of Vypin, especially at Manjanakad, one can see the rare sight of sea water meeting fresh water from the Vembanad Lake. A part of this lake is also called Veeranpuzha and one can easily spot the Chinese Fishing Nets which are widely used in this part of the country.

A historical site which should not be missed on Vypin Island is the Pallippuram Fort which was built in 1503 by the Portuguese. It has the honour of being the oldest fort built by the Europeans in all of India! The fort saw the Dutch capture it in 1661 and later being sold to the King of Travancore in 1789. Pallippuram Fort flaunts the ayikkotta or alikotta style of architecture which lends it the iconic hexagonal shape. The materials used in its construction are mainly lime plaster, laterite and wood.

27. Muzhappilangad

Muzhappilangad is a tiny coastal village in Kerala but famous for its longest drive-in beach in all of Asia. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach is one of the few beaches in India to allow vehicles on the beach. Birdwatchers can rejoice in winters when migratory birds swamp the area with their presence. You will have a chance to spot more than 30 species of birds, some of which are terns, sea gulls and sandpipers. Wait for the beach festivals to liven up your vacation, or just try your hand at paragliding in the sea breeze. One can also see a rock formation at a certain point of the beach.

From Muzhappilangad, you can also watch the Dharmadam Island which used to be a Buddhist area sometime back in history. Also called Dharmapattanam, the island is a private one. However, it is possible to tour this with prior permission. Nearby, Dharmadam Beach is another rejuvenating option, especially if you wish to watch the sunset on a palm-fringed stretch.

28. Malappuram

The name of this city literally means hilltop in Malayalam. Malappuram has a Buddhist and Jain past, which is reflected in the archaeological remains of its rock-cut caves, concentrated mostly in the neighbourhoods of Ponmala, Melmuri and Oorakam. In fact, on the Oorakam Hill, at an altitude of 2000 feet, there is a 1500 year old Jain temple.

Have your fill of nature in Malappuram at Chamakkayam Riverside Park which has lakes and hanging bridges. The sprawling Kottakunnu park, road and step way also make for an enchanting walk.

Home to the highest mountain peak in all of southern India, Idukki takes pride in Anamudi on the Western Ghats. The forest cover of Idukki has also earned it the moniker ‘Spice Garden of Kerala’. The meaning of Idukki is ‘a narrow gorge’.

Do not miss a trip to the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary which is spread over a hundred square kilometres. The varying altitude ranges from 450 metres to 1272 metres, Vanjur Medu being the highest peak. Through the wildlife sanctuary itself, a couple of famous rivers flow – Periyar and Cheruthoniar, submerging even some trees.

Spot the unique Nilgiri tahr at Eravikulam National Park , most of which is over 5000 feet in altitude. Mostly grasslands, this park lets you sight muntjac, deer, gaur, porcupine, mongoose, and more. Even exotic birds such as the Kerala laughingthrush, white bellied shortwing and Nilgiri pipit can be spotted in these woods.

Idukki becomes quite a favourite in the monsoon since its waterfalls come alive. The Cheeyappara Waterfalls are not only a delight to watch but also fun to trek. Also famous for eco-tourism, the Thommankuthu Waterfalls form a series of 12 falls, spread over 5 kilometres.

30. Charalkunnu

Located in the Pathanamthitta district, Charalkunnu is a lovely hill station with the Pampa River gracing its low-lying areas. There are a few hiking trails that even solo trekkers can take up as a challenge on these hills. For families, there are camp houses (in case you are not too comfortable setting up your own tent) and areas for spreading out your blanket to enjoy a picnic.

A sleepy village in the Pathanamthitta district, Gavi is a forested land full of wild flowers, mushrooms, more than 250 species of birds and even some wild animals. Nestled amidst tea estates and woods, Gavi also has waterfalls. The Neer Veezhcha WaterFalls can be experienced up close when you take a paddle boat ride through the lake. The chirping birds and flailing leaves add to the thrill of watching the waterfall.

Gavi is Kerala’s eco-tourism hotspot which costs only INR 25 for adult entry. If you take your vehicle along, you pay INR 50. Cameras are charged an extra INR 25. The village also offers lake activities such as canoeing or even camping on the surrounding green plains. At one point you can see the Sabarimala mountaintop too.

32. Anchuthengu

Once known as Anjengo or Anjenga, Anchuthengu is a coastal town whose name means ‘five coconut palms’ in Malayalam. Home to the tombs of the Dutch and the British, this small town also has a lot of Portuguese churches. However, its claim to fame is the 17th century Anchuthengu Fort which is also called Anjengo Fort.

This fort was built in 1699 by the East India Company to work as a signalling station for all of the British ships that came all the way from England. This square fort has four bastions to support the mounting of sixteen guns in total. The garrison could support 400 to 480 Europeans at a time. The Anjengo Lighthouse is nearby, providing a pretty landmark, with its white and black horizontally striped body.

33. Kayamkulam

Once known as Odanadu, Kayamkulam used to be a feudal kingdom, a part of Onattukara. This town is notable for its Krishnapuram Palace which used to be the abode of the feudal lords. Built by the King of Travancore, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, in the 18th century, the palace exhibits the classic Kerala style of architecture.

Nearby, the Krishnaswamy Temple attests to the Hindu affiliation of the kings of that time, and that of most of the people even today. Interestingly, even Buddha statues adorn the courtyard, marking the vast influence of Buddhism in this region. Inside the palace, one can glance through the paintings and murals which beautify its interiors. The palace also has a huge pond in its premise.

Nature lovers can rejoice at the shallow Kayamkulam Lake or Kayamkulam Estuary which is locally known as Kayamkulam Kayal. The water is brackish and the lagoon is also used for the traditional boat race.

34. Bolgatty Island

Locally known as Mulavukad, the village of Bolgatty Island is a small isle which forms the larger Ernakulam district. Home to a few beach resorts, the island also has a golf course – the Bolgatty Golf Club. The little island also has a Hindu temple – Mandekkat Bhagavathy Temple, close to the Goshree Bridge which connects to Ernakulam mainland.

St Sebastian's Church is one of only few Catholic churches on Bolgatty Island. The others are Kristhuraja Chapel, Stella Marys Monastry and Our Lady of Mercy Church. One will also find a few Hindu temples and a handful of mosques on the island.

35. Mananthavady

Perfectly placed on the banks of the Mananthavady River, the eponymous municipality houses the Pazhassi Raja Museum. The complex also has the tomb of Pazhassi Raja and well landscaped gardens. The 18th century ruler has been immortalized through the artefacts stored in this museum erected in his honour. Take a look at the collection of weapons, coins and even utensils and cutlery inside the museum.

Some miles away, you can also head into the wilderness and explore the Begur Reserve Forest which is a wildlife sanctuary. The Kabini River flows through this forest, the Mananthavady River being one of its tributaries. Other offbeat destinations around this municipality are the Palchuram Falls and Muneeswaran Kunnu Viewpoint which can easily be hiked and camped upon.

Most notable for the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, the village of Aralam mainly sees tourists interested in animals and nature. The wildlife sanctuary is Kerala’s northernmost one, spread over 55 square kilometres. Its location on the Western Ghats also adds to the ambient conditions inside the wooded enclave. Opt for a jeep safari and wait with a bated breath to spot langurs, squirrels, deer and elephants inside.

One can also pursue trekking in Aralam. Ambalappara makes for a 3-day trek and requires you to camp. Ambalappara Lighthouse itself happens to be a camping site. Waterfall fans can do a day trip to Meenmutty and be driven through the forested land.

Confusingly known as ‘The Coorg Valley in God's Own Country’, Iritty does have a lot of the characteristics of its Karnataka counterpart. Visit the Pazhassi Dam which is also called Kulur Barrage. It dams the Valapattanam River and the waters are used for irrigation. The popular Mridangasyleshwari Temple is located close to Iritty, surrounded by the lush mountains and dense forests on all sides.

38. Chalakudy

Located by the Chalakudy River, the town of Chalakudy is a pit stop on the way to a couple of rewarding treks in the district of Thrissur. The rare opportunity to trek up a waterfall can be enjoyed on the fringes of the Sholayar range of mountains. Whether it is the Vazhachal Falls which cascade or the Athirappilly Falls, Chalakudy provides the ideal plains for a camping halt. There is a common entry charge for both the waterfalls – INR 20 for four-wheelers and INR 40 per adult.

39. Pathanamthitta

Sitting amidst the tranquil greens, Pathanamthitta is a town surrounded by a lot of Hindu temples. Some of these temples are Mahadeva Temple and Omalloor Chakkulathu Kavu Temple or Sree Rakthakanda Swamy Temple which dates back to the 8th century AD. St. Ignatius Monastery or Manjanikkara Dayara is an elaborate Syrian Orthodox Church in this town. If you would rather skip the religious places, hike up the Chuttippara Hill to get a bird’s eye view of all of Pathanamthitta.

Housing the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, the unheard town of Peechi becomes conspicuous for how it gives us a peek into the lives of the indigenous animals. Spread over 125 square kilometres, the wildlife sanctuary is in the catchment portion of the Peechi Dam, with the Vazhani Dam contributing some area. Part of the much larger Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests, the sanctuary is surprisingly a picnic destination too!

Enjoy pleasant activities such as boating and soft hiking here. Go up the Ponmudi Hill at an altitude of 923 metres and bask in the joy of viewing the entire valley from up here. The forest has a treasure trove of medicinal plants, more than 50 varieties of orchids, besides various species of birds and animals.

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Kerala off the beaten track: 16 hidden gems in Kerala you probably did not know about

When thinking of Kerala, vivid palm trees, coffee plantations, majestic hill stations, pristine nature reserves, and endless stretches of rice paddies appear in my mind. With such a rich tourist offer, it’s no wonder that Kerala is already a popular tourist destination. Fortunately, there are still some beautiful hidden gems in Kerala that most tourists aren’t aware of. If you’re one of those people who like visiting places that not a lot of other tourists do, then you’ll surely like this list of off the beaten track places in Kerala. Let’s start with…

Become one with nature at Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

Pakshipathalam translates as ‘Birds’ lair and there’s a good reason for that. This unfrequented, but beautiful hill station is home to a pristine bird sanctuary. The main reason why the place doesn’t get more visitors is because the only way to reach it is by taking a 7-kilometer trek from the town of Thirunelli. The sanctuary is located next to the Kerala-Karnataka border which also happens to be one of the most pristine and least explored parts of India .

Giver your eyes a treat in Nelliyampathy

Nestled between untouched forests, coffee plantations, and tea estates in one of the most untouched parts of Kerala, Nelliyampathy is the ultimate treat for the eyes. The hill station has a rich flora and fauna is a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts but the best part of the whole experience is actually getting there. The road to Nelliyampathy will take you through the unpaved hairpin turns-rich, tiny paths of the dense, misty forests of the Western Ghats . If you decide to visit, do check out Seethargundu , one of Kerala’s most amazing viewpoints. According to Indian mythology, this was Lord Rama’s favorite resting place during his exile.

Sail the Valiyaparamba Backwaters

No trip to Kerala is complete without exploring some of the region’s famous backwaters ; parts of a river in which there is little or no current. With so many operators offering tour packages exploring the state’s backwaters and so many tourists fascinated by them, it’s very difficult to find a peaceful place where you can explore Kerala’s backwaters without rubbing elbows with other tourists. Fortunately, not too many people know about Valiyaparamba’s backwaters and the charming houseboats that make the place even more magnificent! Talking about more hidden backwaters in Kerala…

See the backwaters labyrinth of Ashtamudi

The backwaters of Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam is one of the most fascinating, yet lonely places in the region; hence, a list of the best unexplored hidden gems in Kerala wouldn’t be complete without it. The backwaters of Ashtamudi are the world’s second-largest and deepest wetland ecosystem . The whole structure consists of a “labyrinth” of 8 inter-winding channels, and countless lagoons and inlets. Ashtamudi’s Backwaters are home to 50 species of avifauna, 40 species of birds, and 20+ different species of butterflies.

Cool off at Vagamon

If you want to experience the finest of Kerala’s mountainesque charm but stay away from the prying eyes of other tourists, you should definitely consider visiting the idyllic hill station of Vagamon . Additionally, if you’re visiting Kerala for the first time, you might struggle with the ridiculously-high humidity. This is just another reason to visit Vagamon. The temperatures around here rarely surpass the 25 degrees (Celsius) mark which makes it a perfect day trip if you want to take a break from the hot and humid days while discovering some of its beautiful rolling meadows, charming tea estates, and hidden waterfalls.

Find Neeleshwar’s best hidden beaches

Located deep in northern Kerala, next to the Arabian Sea coast lies a charming, sleepy village named Neeleshwar. Despite the recent tourism development and the few new wellness resorts , this beautiful town remains one of Kerala’s best-kept secrets. If you’re looking for an under-the-radar destination with beautiful beaches , tasty, fresh seafood, and divine sunsets, Neeleshwar is a must-visit.

Enjoy the jaw-dropping views of Ayyampuzha

When talking about hidden gems in Kerala, we just can’t proceed without mentioning the hill town of Ayyampuzha. From awe-inspiring waterfalls to tea plantations, mountain streams and rivers, and picturesque vistas, Ayyampuzha has everything that makes Kerala special.

Discover the hidden backwaters of Thiruvallam

This seemingly ordinary canal wasn’t noticed by travelers until recently when a group of young Indian travelers discovered that the canal leads to a serene stretch of backwaters surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic beauty. Veli Lagoon is probably the most famous area of these backwaters but still remains relatively unfrequented. Here, you can rent a boat, go canoeing or take a trip to the nearby islands of Pozhikara and Edayar.

Related: Guide to Canal Boating in France .

Hike to Ponmudi

Situated at 1,100 meters above sea level, Ponmudi, (the Golden Peak) is one of Kerala’s quietest hill stations. Geographically, Ponmudi belongs to the Western Ghats and is a haven for hiking enthusiasts and solo travelers looking for some peace . Deep in the forests of Ponmundi, you’ll find a lot of surreally-beautiful springs, lush vegetation, rivulets, and numerous gorgeous waterfalls. In addition to this, Ponmundi is also famous among the local population for ayurvedic medical treatments; a system of traditional medicine native to India .

Experience the best of Kerala’s rural tourism in Gavi

If you’re one of those people who think rural tourism is boring, Gavi will change your mind. This place one of the best hidden gems in Kerala and even though it’s very close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, very few tourists actually know about Gari. Because of the proximity to the nature reserve, you can see a lot of tigers, bears, deer, and Indian Gaurs. Additionally, Gari has a lot of beautiful hiking trails as well as numerous great camping spots. With so many things to do and see, feeling bored in Gari is definitely not an option.

Looking for a cheap flight to Kerala? Qatar Airways’s Oh-la-la deals have helped me save big on all flights to India.

Visit the world’s highest tea estate at Kolukkumalai Estate

Did you ever wonder what’s the highest elevation at which one can plant and produce tea? Well, here’s your chance to find out. Standing at 8,000 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai Estate in Munnar is officially the world’s highest tea estate. While visiting the plantation, you can also go waterfall chasing, as the region is famous for being home to some of the most beautiful and pristine waterfalls in Kerala’s arguably least explored part.

Explore the forests of Ranipuram

If you’re looking for an untouristy place in Kerala where you can get off the beaten track and walk for miles without seeing anything else but lush vegetation, you have to visit Ranipuram. This hill station is located at around 750 meters above sea level and has very rich vegetation that consists of Shola Woods, monsoon forests, and grasslands. Just like the other hill stations on this list, Ranipuram is ideal for hiking, with most of its trail stretching through thick, virgin dense forests.

Discover the misty paradise of Ilaveezha Poonchira

Surrounded by three enchanting hillocks, Ilaveezha Poonchira is one of the most beautiful valleys of Kerala. Unlike some of the other places on this list, you can walk around the valley for miles without seeing a tree but you can see a lot of flowers. In fact, the name Ilaveezha Poonchira translates to “flowery lake where no leaves fall”. During the monsoon season when thick mist falls down in the valley, Ilaveezha Poonchira turns into a real paradise, leaving most visitors in awe and making them wonder whether this place is real or they’re dreaming.

Visit the first planned eco-tourism destination in Kerala

Pretty much all of the places we mentioned on this list feature getting off the beaten track and trekking through thick forests or seeing majestic waterfalls but when visiting places like these, tourist facilities are not always accessible. That’s what makes Thenmala different than the other places on this list. This is the first planned eco-tourism destination in the state of Kerala. Additionally, there are a lot of great activities for adults and children alike. Some of the most interesting activities to indulge in feature a butterfly safari, biking, paragliding, visiting the dam, and for the kids- the children park and the adventure zone.

Sunbathe at Poovar Island

If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, you probably heard about Poovar Island. However, even though Poovar Island is arguably the most famous destination on this list of hidden gems in Kerala, I still have to mention it because the local authorities chose not to let commercial development ruin the island. There are only a few resorts around and most of the golden coastline and azure blue waters remain intact.

See the most amazing sunset in Kerala in Kakkathuruthu

I’ll round up this list with my favorite sunset spot in Kerala; Kakkathuruthu Island. I warmly recommend a visit to this island if you want to experience the best beaches of Kerala minus the effects of mass tourism, commercial development, and countless resorts. The island was actually featured in National Geographic magazine but for some reason, commercial development, fortunately, bypassed this beautiful island. If you want to visit, the only way to reach Kakkathuruthu is by hopping on one of the traditional boats at the shore of Vembanad Lake. The island doesn’t have any paved roads or bridges that connect it to the mainland.

Useful tips for visiting Kerala

If you’re looking for a cheap flight to Kerala, Qatar Airways’s Oh-la-la deals have helped me save big on all flights to India.

Want to take a tour in Kerala and learn a lot about the local culture while visiting some of the most interesting tourist sights in the region? I personally recommend Trafalgar’s tours.

If you want to save on accommodation in Kerala, this special Booking.com offer gets you 15% off on all Booking.com properties in Kerala.

Finally, don’t forget about travel insurance; for the best deals on the market, go to SafetyWing .

How many of these hidden gems in Kerala did you know about? Which one would you like to visit first if given the chance? Did this article change your perception of Kerala? Let us know in the comments!

Did you like this article? Then, you’ll surely like my post about living in India and the most unusual religious festivals in the country.

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Nettaya Warncke

Friday 29th of December 2023

I love this style of travel.

Tuesday 9th of August 2022

Great article. Recently I have itch to go to India and will a first timer- choosing to go Kerala someday. Did you use tours or roam around on your own? Need all the help I can get.

Passport Symphony

Wednesday 24th of August 2022

Hi Raikia, great to hear that. If you're looking for some tours, G-Adventures have some awesome ones but you can also roam around on your own. Kerala is beautiful and easy to get around. Feel free to check out some of our other India-related articles, they're filled with a lot of useful resources :)

Ryan K Biddulph

Wednesday 11th of December 2019

All awesome spots. I loved my time at Kovalam Beach. Me and my wife spent 2 weeks there.

Thanks, Ryan.

Thursday 5th of December 2019

Wow, these are some really great offbeat destinations in Kerala. Most of these places are off the tourists' radar. Backwaters in Kerala are quite famous, but I think Thiruvallam looks more serene. The trek to Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary also sounds quite interesting. Would love to explore a few of these places on my next visit to Kerala.

Thanks, Amrita. And I hope you visit Kerela soon someday.

Tuesday 3rd of December 2019

This post comes at perfect timing when I am looking forward to travel to India and visit Kerala in December. I must admit that some of the more common attractions like the Backwater house boat trip is one you need to do , some of the off beat things you have mentioned appeal more to me. The sea food is certainly high on my list as I love it and it seems Kerala is great for fresh seafood. The beaches of Kerala are another thing I want to tick of my list as I have heard some good things about the, Overall I have book marked this post to read and refer when i get there.

Thanks, Amar. I hope you have a lovely vacay in Kerela.

19 Popular Places To Visit In Kerala That Will Bring You Close To Nature

No other place in India can be compared to the heavenly beauty of God’s Own Country, Kerala. Nestled on tropical Malabar Coast with a coastline stretching to around 600 km, Kerala offers a tropical getaway and a heavenly retreat amidst nature. The lush green valleys, picturesque backwaters, laid-back hamlets, mesmerizing hill stations, exotic wildlife, aromatic spice gardens and a lot more makes Kerala one of the best Indian destinations be it for a honeymoon or a family vacation. With so many enchanting places to visit in Kerala, it becomes really difficult for tourist to decide which one to explore, hence we have made this list of the best tourist places to visit here for a mesmerizing vacation in the lap of nature.

Top 19 Places To Visit In Kerala For A Soulful Experience

There are so many amazing places to visit in Kerala, so for the ease of travelers, we have curated this list to help them plan their itinerary.

1. Wayanad - Known For Its Misty Valleys

One of the best tourist places in Kerala is definitely Wayanad which is a laid-back destination known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. Kiss nature in its purest form in Wayanad where the sky is dominated by misty mountains and land with lush green spice estates and dense woods that looks spectacular. Owing to the natural beauty, you will also find various national parks, reserve areas and sanctuaries in Wayanad which are worth a visit.

Best Time to Visit: March to September

Ideal Duration: 2 Days

Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport

Popular Attractions: Banasura Hill, Papanashini River, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Pookode Lake, Kuruva Island, Chembra Peak

Things to Do: Go on for spice garden tour, boating on Pookode Lake, bamboo rafting, camping and cycling

Best Places to Stay: LakeRose Wayanad Resort, Sterling Wayanad, The Porch Inn Wayanad, Arayal Resorts Wayanad, Silent Creek Resort and Spa, Mount Xanadu Resort

Suggested Read: Jyotirlingas in India: The Ultimate Source of Divine Grace

2. Alleppey – Known For Its Exquisite Backwaters

One of the finest places to see in Kerala , Alleppey is a surreal destination that is also known as the Venice of the East for its stunning backwaters. Alleppey is a gem of nature that is known for its serene houseboat stays, lush green surroundings, dense woods and laid-back ambience. It is also known for its coir industry and also for hosting various race events throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport

Popular Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Vembanad Lake, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple, Punnapra Beach

Things to Do: Explore various temples, enjoy a serene stay in a houseboat, indulge in a rejuvenating spa session, enjoy beach activities, shop for coir products

Best Places to Stay: Colonel's Beach Villa, Chaandhni Lake View, Time Square Boutique Hotel, Casa Evelyn Sea Side Inn, Lake Palace Resort, Lake Canopy

3. Munnar - Known For Its Lush Green Tea Estates

One of the most beautiful places in Kerala , Munnar is famous destination in Kerala known for its lush green aromatic tea estates, misty valleys and year-round pleasant weather. Munnar is an idyllic hill station and also one of the best honeymoon destinations in Asia as the ambience of the whole place is lit and charming. Munnar is also a popular trekking and camping site as the pristine valleys and rocky terrains of Munnar offer a perfect opportunity for various adventures.

Ideal Duration: 3 Days

Popular Attractions: Blossom Park, TATA Tea Museum, Kundala Lake, Attukal Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, Pothamedu View Point

Things to Do: Take a tour of the spice gardens, trek to the Echo Point, enjoy boating at Kundala Lake, admire views from Pothamedu View Point

Best Places to Stay: Grand Plaza Munnar, Elysium Gardens Hill Resorts, Tea County Munnar, Amber Dale Luxury Hotel and Spa, Chandys Windy Woods, Blanket Hotel & Spa

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4. Kovalam - Known For Its Serene Beaches

In the list of Kerala tourist places , Kovalam tops our list which is known for its bountiful beauty and serene beaches. It also houses some of the best hotels in India and also beach resorts that are known to offer the best ayurvedic treatments and spa massages. Admire the stunning sunset views from the scenic beaches of Kovalam or indulge in thrilling adventures. Not just the serene beaches, a number of Hindu Temples can also be found here.

Best Time to Visit: September to May

Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

Popular Attractions: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Vellayani Lake, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Halcyon Castle, Samudra Beach, Valiyathura Pier

Things to Do: Indulge in a relaxing ayurvedic treatment, enjoy houseboat cruise, witness the beauty of Lighthouse beach, indulge in thrilling water sports

Best Places to Stay: Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa, Hotel Samudra (KTDC), Gokulam Turtle on the Beach, Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra, Turtle on the Beach

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5. Kumarakom - Known For Breathtaking Landscapes

One of the best places to visit in the world in April , Kumarakom is another backwater destination in Kerala that is known to offer a tranquil holiday experience amidst the natural beauty. Located on the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is adorned with lush green landscapes and surreal ambience which is just perfect for a laid-back holiday experience. The heavenly beauty of Kumarakom makes it one of the best places to visit in Kerala .

Popular Attractions: Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Vagamon

Things to Do: Enjoy backwaters, meet different bird species at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, trek to Aruvikkuzhi waterfall,

Best Places to Stay: Lakesong Resort, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Taj Kumarakom Resort & Spa, The Zuri Kumarakom, Kerala Resort & Spa, Coconut Lagoon, Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters And Beyond

6. Kozhikode – Known For Beguiling History

One of the most famous places in Kerala , Kozhikode is a stunning place which is known for its enticing history as this was the first place where Vasco Da Gama first landed in India. The place has strong cultural and culinary influences. The historical places, museums and educational institutions found here strongly gives an insight into the British rule and other historical facts about the country.

Popular Attractions: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Payyoli Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Hilite Mall

Things to Do: Enjoy various rides at Lion’s Park, visit Mishkal Mosque, enjoy swimming at Kozhikode beach, witness the beauty of Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Best Places to Stay: The Raviz Calicut, The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Kozhikode, Malabar Palace, Treebo Trend Casino Hotel

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7. Thekkady - Known For Exotic Species Of Fauna

If dense forests and exotic wildlife is something that fascinates you then Thekkady is the perfect place for you. One of the best Kerala tourist places , Thekkady offers myriad of adventures to tourists like trekking and camping. Thekkady’s most famous attraction, Periyar Tiger Reserve which is also one of the best places to visit in India for wildlife lovers where a great jungle safari experience can be enjoyed along with bird spotting.

Best Time to Visit: November to early May

Ideal Duration: 1 Day

Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport

Popular Attractions: Periyan Tiger Reserve, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Periyar Lake, Ramakkalmedu, Periyar Tiger Trail

Things to Do: Jungle safari, trekking, nature walks, seek blessings at Mangla Devi Temple

Best Places to Stay: The Elephant Court, Greenwoods Resort, Hills & Hues, Peppervine Hotel, Amritara Shalimar Spice Garden

8. Vagamon - Known For Tranquil Aura

If you are looking for offbeat honeymoon places in the world , the Vagamon is the perfect place that will lure you with its tranquil aura. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourist places in Kerala, Vagamon is a nature’s delight offering lush green landscapes, misty valleys and serene ambience. The natural beauty of Vagamon and surreal environs makes it one of the most beautiful places in Kerala .

Best Time to Visit: March to May or December to February

Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport

Popular Attractions: Vagamon Pine Forest, Barren Hills, Murugan Hill, Vagamon Lake, Marmala Waterfall, Idukki Dam, Pine Hill

Things to Do: Paragliding, camping, catch great views from Pine Hill, boating at Vagamon Lake

Best Places to Stay: Vagamon Heights, Le Collines Resort, Palette Hill View Resort Vagamon, Treebo Trend Adrak Summer Sand Hill Resort Vagamon

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9. Kochi- Known For Its Religious Houses

Situated on the southwest coast of India, Kochi is known for its strategic and industrial importance in foreign trade, built by the British Raj in India. Since the 19th century, it has been a major port and the starting point for discovering the diversity and beauty of Kerala. Surrounded by Munnar, the hill station, it has been rated in the list of top three tourist destinations. Tourists can travel through the backwaters of Kerala through the waterways flowing in the streams and lagoons of Kochi. People can enjoy fishing and have a picnic on an isolated camp for some peaceful time with nature. One of the most popular beaches offers a colonial-era feel and cool winds that calm the backpackers' nerves sailing or cycling across the city. Tourists should visit the religious houses like the British-era churches and forts that are now temples.

Best Time to Visit: October

Ideal Duration: 2 days

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Popular Attractions: Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Hill Palace Museum, Churches and Temples

Things to Do: Picnic, Sailing, Cycling, Fishing

Best Places to Stay:  Chameleon, Niyati Boutique Stay, Sea Hut Home Stay, Palm Grove Service Villa

10. Kollam- Rich History And Culture Of Magic Nature

Do you want to see what the magic of nature is all about? The local town is filled with rich history and unique culture that is known for its magic of nature. Situated on the southwest coast of Kerala, tourists get to explore the hidden gems along with the seaport that has a rich past of Arabs, Chines, Dutch, Portuguese and British. The calm seashore, coconut palms, lush cashew plantations, and traditional villages are some of the things that describe Kollam's beauty. Punalur, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Karunagapally, Mayyanad, Ashtamudi Lake, Amritapuri, Pathanapuram, Aryankavu, and Shenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the most well-known places to explore in Kollam. With so much beauty at your doorstep, it is one of the best places to visit in October in the world . What are you waiting for? Pack those bags and have the best time of your life.

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

Popular Attractions: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram beach

Things to Do: Roam in houseboats, visit Kollam beach, take sunset boat cruise.

Best Places to Stay: The Raviz Ashtamudi, All Season's D'fort Ayurvedic Resort, Chandra Inn and Clouds Resort

11. Bekal- Known For Its Pristine Beaches, Backwaters And Historical Forts

With its pristine beaches, backwaters, and historical forts, Bekal is one of the most stunning places to visit in Kerala. It is blessed with stunning tourist attractions and natural beauty, which makes it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sharing the borders with the shores of the Arabian Sea, the Nithyananda Ashram caves are a must-visit along with the Aqua Park, Bekal Fort, beaches, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Ananthapura Temple, Nileswaram, Hosdurg Beach, and Malik Deena Mosque, and Chandragiri fort. It is the best place to spend time with family and friends, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best Time to Visit: December

Ideal Duration: 3 days

Nearest Airport: Mangalore

Popular Attractions: Aqua Park, Bekal Fort, beaches, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Ananthapura Temple, Nileswaram, Hosdurg Beach, and Malik Deena Mosque, and Chandragiri fort

Things to Do: Visit the Ashram Caves, spend a peaceful day at the beach and visit the Chandragiri fort.

Best Places to Stay: Taj Bekal Resort and Spa, Lalit Resort and Spa, Malabar Ocean Front Resort and Spa, Bekal Fort Heritage Homestay

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12. Idukki- Rocky Terrain And Verdant Vegetation

With the splendor of nature and breathtaking creation, Tourists will be transported into the world of nature and concrete jungles. It is one of God’s finest creations, home to several tourist places. Situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, people will be awe-struck by the rocky terrain and verdant vegetation. Tourists are hypnotized with the most scenic views of the cliffs, lush greenery, lagoons, tranquil rivers, and cascading waterfalls.  Thodupuzhayar, Periyar, and Thalaya are the rivers that keep Idukki evergreen. The diverse flora and fauna add to the charm of the place which includes the hill stations, Wildlife Sanctuaries, majestic waterfalls, dams, and not to forget, the historical places.

Best Time to Visit: November- February

Nearest Airport:  Cochin Airport

Popular Attractions: Cliffs, lush greenery, lagoons, tranquil rivers, and cascading waterfalls

Things to Do: Explore the hill stations, Wildlife Sanctuaries, majestic waterfalls, dams

Best Places to Stay : Tulsi Village Retreat, Palette Hill View Resort, Dam View Park Tourist, DamView Home Stay

13. Kuttanad- Known As The Rice Bowl Of India

Kuttanad is known as God's own country around the world as it is one of the most breathtaking places to visit in Kerala. One of the many things to do in India is to discover the backwaters of Kuttanad, covering large parts of Alleppey.  It is known as the rice bowl of India and has some of the most stunning rivers like Pampi, Meenachil, Achankovil, and Manimala River. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to visiting one of God’s own creations? Tourists will have the ideal time of their lives and will always come back for more.  So, go ahead and pack those bags. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to visiting one of God’s own creations? Tourists will have the ideal time of their lives and will always come back for more.  So, go ahead and pack those bags, and have the best time of your lives.

Best Time to Visit: August

Ideal Duration: 5 days

Popular Attractions: Pampi, Meenachil, Achankovil, and Manimala River

Things to Do: Discover the backwaters of Kuttanad

Best Places to Stay :  Thriveni River Palace, Ayana's Pampatheeram Homestay, Marari Beatles Homestay

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14. Thrissur- Known For Its Religious Edifices And Performing Arts

Keralan performing arts, religious edifices, and the famous Thrissur Pooram festival, Onam Festival, and Vadakkumnathan Temple are things people should explore and see for themselves. Thrissur is one of the ideal places to go in Asia for its festivals and culture. People should enjoy the once- in a lifetime experience of the magic of the festivals and discover the beauty of Heritage Garden, Vadakkumnathan Kshetram Temple, Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran, Athirapally Falls, Archeology Museum, and the Thrissur Zoo. What more can anyone want when it comes to discovering some of the most breathtaking attractions in the world. It is not something people will get to see elsewhere and so, pack your bags and have the best vacation with family and friends.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days

Popular Attractions:   Heritage Garden, Vadakkumnathan Kshetram Temple, Tomb of Shakthan Thampuran, Athirapally Falls, Archeology Museum

Things to Do: Attend the Thrissur Pooram festival, Onam Festival, and explore Vadakkumnathan Temple

Best Places to Stay :  The Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort, Neelambari Ecotourism, Riverine Sprinfs, Hyatt Regency

15. Varkala

Known around the world for its hippie culture, the small town of Varkala is situated along the coastline of the Arabian Sea, 15m high of the Northern Cliff. Tourists should give their taste buds a treat to the yummiest seafood and enjoy the local music. Saint Shri Narayana Guru is found in Varkala. The town is home to the Janardana Swami Temple, beaches, hills, forts, lakes, lighthouses, natural fisheries, and hot springs.

Edava Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt, Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala Cliff, Vishnu Temple, Papanasam Beach, and Chilakoor Beach are some of the beaches in India, people should visit at least once when on holiday.

Best time to visit- October and February

Popular Attractions: Janardana Swami Temple, beaches, hills, forts, lakes, lighthouses, natural fisheries, and hot springs.

Things to Do: Enjoy a day on the beach, visit the forts and lakes

Best Places to Stay :  Clafouti Beach resort, Elixir Cliff Beach resort and spa, B'canti Boutique beach resort, InDa Hotel

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16. Kasargod

Known for its beauty and nature, religion, culture, and grace, Kasargod is one of the beautiful local coastal towns in Kerala. Grand forts, lofty hills, scenic backwaters, temples, luxurious resorts, and flawless beaches are some of the most stunning attractions people should explore. With so much to offer, people will never have a dull moment and will always come back for more.

Its history boasts of gracefulness and integrity and is said to have preserved several forts in Kerala. The art and culture have attracted tourists from all over the world especially for its handloom industry.  Ranipuram, Malom Wildlife Sanctuary, Ananthapura Lake Temple, Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary, Nileswar, Kareem’s Forest Park, Manjeshwar, and Kumbala are some of the other attractions' tourists should put on their bucket list of places to explore.

Best Time To Visit: September

Nearest Airport: Mangalore airport

Popular Attractions: Ranipuram, Malom Wildlife Sanctuary, Ananthapura Lake Temple, Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary, Nileswar, Kareem’s Forest Park, Manjeshwar, and Kumbala

Things to Do: Exploring the grand forts, lofty hills, scenic backwaters, temples, luxurious resorts, and flawless beaches

Best Places to Stay :  The LaLit Resort and Spa, Bekal little hut homestay, Imam beach resort and Kalluvalappil holiday Inn

17. Tata Tea Museum- Known For Its Artifacts

The development of the tea estates can be seen through the tea roller and automated tea factory outlined by the Munnar Tea Museum. Tourists get to see the stages of tea processing along with the variable contrasts.  Production of black tea is seen displayed at the museum along with the sundial placed on a granite block. One of the best tourist places in Kerala is the museum as it home to some of the most exclusive artifacts like the Pelton wheel along with a few other things like classic bungalow furniture, iron oven, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, typewriters and manual calculators. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having the best time of their lives with their family and friends.

Timings: 10 AM to 4 PM

Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours

Nearest Airport: Cochin Airport

Popular Attractions: Iron oven, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, typewriters and manual calculator

Things to Do: Learn about the production of black tea, see the sundial and explore the artifacts

Best Places to Stay :  Nullatanni hotels, Kallada Golden hotel, Hotel Sree Gokulam Residency

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18. Blossom Park Dark Forest- Known For Its Season

The magnificent park known for its seasonal flowers and lush greenery, Blossom Park Dark Forest is located close to  Pallivasal Hydro-electric project, near the beautiful river Muthirappuzha and in the middle of the Kanan Devan Hill Tea Estates. Tourists from all over the world come to visit the park just for its breath-taking beauty. People can even enjoy photography and activities like cycling, boating, trekking, and bird-watching. When on holiday, people can even attend the flower show held almost every year. It is one of the most ideal places to spend a day, away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. What more can anyone ask for when it comes to having the best time of their lives?

Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm

Ideal Duration:  3 hours

Popular Attractions: Seasonal flowers and lush greenery

Things to Do: Cycling, boating, trekking, and bird-watching

Best Places to Stay :  The cliff resort, Karunya homestay and rooms, JJ cottage, Blackberry hills Munnar nature resort and spa

19. Anamudi Peak- Known For Its Rich Flora And Fauna

The jewel of Kerala, the Anamudi peak is the highest mountain peak in India surrounded by rich flora and fauna. It is home to some of the largest populations of Elephants, endangered Gaurs, exotic Nilgiri Langurs, and lion-tailed macaque. Tourists from all over the world come to visit this breathtaking place. It is heaven on Earth covered by conifer forests with some very beautiful rivers flowing inside the jungle. People can go trekking up to the top of the mountain and view the breathtaking sights of the Vaigai and Thamirabarani, and the Periyar River. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience people should put on their bucket list of things to do and enjoy.

Best time to visit: November November

Ideal duration: 2-3 hours

Popular Attractions: Elephants, endangered Gaurs, exotic Nigiri Langurs, and lion-tailed macaque

Things to do: Trekking

Best places to stay: Hotel Emerald Inn, Cicily Cottage, Eden Holidays, Hotel in Munnar

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Kerala is definitely a heaven when it comes to natural beauty as the state is blessed with several pristine beaches, exotic spice gardens, dense woods, mesmerizing valleys, enchanting waterfalls and picturesque backwaters. There is no dearth of adventures to try in Kerala which makes it a great place for family vacations and honeymoon. We hope this list of the best places to visit in Kerala would help you in planning your trip before you book flights to Kerala .

September to March is generally considered the best time to visit Kerala when it is winter season in the state with less humidity and pleasant temperatures.

Some of the best beaches to visit in Kerala are:

• Lighthouse Beach
• Varkala Beach
• Kovalam Beach
• Marari Beach
• Alappuzha Beach

One should visit for at least 7 to 8 days to fully explore major attractions in Kerala and enjoy various activities.

Alleppey is famous for its surreal backwaters, pleasant weather and for hosting various race events throughout the year. It is also very well known for its coir industry, so various handicraft items curated out of coir can be purchased from here.

Some of the best places to visit in Munnar are:

• Blossom Park
• TATA Tea Museum
• Kundala Lake
• Attukal Waterfalls
• Mattupetty Dam
• Pothamedu View Point

The best time to visit Kovalam in Kerala is September to May when the temperatures are mild and pleasant.

Kerala is definitely worth a visit and one of the best holiday destinations in India. The tranquil beaches, mesmerizing backwaters, misty valleys, year-round weather, myriad of adventures, aromatic spice and coffee estates and scrumptious South Indian cuisine makes Kerala one of the best places to visit in India.

Some of the best places to shop in Kerala are:

• Ernakulam Market
• Connemara Market
• Spice Market
• Polakkandam Market
• Pattalam Market

Tulika Pandey

I am a travel enthusiast, who likes to move on wheels with a backpack to meet new people and explore new places. I like to share my experiences through words and pictures with the world.

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The Best Kerala Itinerary for 7 Days or More

Last Updated on April 17, 2024

In this post, I’ll share with you the best road trip itinerary for Kerala based on my experience of travelling to the state again and again in the last 6 years.

Kerala is a culturally rich, liberal, and breathtakingly beautiful state of southern India. It's vastly different from the northern side of India both in landscape and cuisine. So, planning what to do here on a limited time can be overwhelming.

I will help with your Kerala trip planning with an itinerary for Kerala for 7 days with ideas to modify it for longer or even shorter durations.

If you already have a basic knowledge about the state, then jump to the Kerala itinerary .

I' ve tried to cover all bases in the post to help you plan a trip to Kerala . Expand the table of contents below and jump to the relevant section if you want to.

The post contains affiliate links for tours, hotels etc. This means if you make any purchase through the links in the post, I may get a commission without any additional cost to you.

The Best 1-week Kerala Itinerary at a glance

While you can tweak as per your liking after reading the full article, this is the plan I recommend for your first vacation in Kerala.

Day 1: Reach Kochi via train or flight and then hire a cab (or rent a self-drive car) for your Kerala trip. Explore Kochi and end the day with a Kathakali performance.

Day 2: Drive to Alleppey or Kumarakom and stay in a houseboat. It's time to rejuvenate in luxury after the hectic sightseeing at Kochi.

Day 3 & 4: Drive to Munnar on day 3 and explore the exceptional beauty of nature. You will need to stay at-least 2 nights in this resplendent hill station.

Day 5: Drive to Thekkady for wildlife safari and to witness the Kalarypayattu performance.

Day 6: Drive to Kovalam for some luxury experiences, much needed after the hectic sightseeing in the hills

Day 7: Drive to Trivandrum for exploring the historic charms and shopping before you depart.

In a 10-day Kerala itinerary you can include a day-trip to the Athirapally waterfalls from Kochi. From Thekkady you can drive to Varkala – an offbeat coastal paradise.

From Varkala you can easily visit the Jatayu Earth center – a new landmark in Kerala. Then drive to Kovalam the next day and depart from Trivandrum on the 10th day.

You can go slightly off-the-beaten track even in a packed 7-day Kerala tour. Skip the wildlife experience in Thekkady for a day trip to Athirapally waterfall. Or stay near the Varkala beach instead of Kovalam.

First time in Kerala? I recommend booking Kerala tour with Sangine Holidays . You can ask them to customise based on your preferences.

2 Weeks Itinerary for Kerala Roadtrip

Most of the tourist destinations and international airports are concentrated in the southern part of Kerala. So, most of the shorter Kerala tours are also designed to explore the south. Entire northern half of Kerala is therefore left out in my 7 and 10-day itinerary above.

If you can plan 2 weeks in Kerala , you could see how the culture and cuisine transform as we move from north Kerala towards the south, even in this rather tiny state.

Northern Kerala towards the Karnataka border has a strong Arabic influence in their culture, architecture and cuisine. Here you're more likely to get the best type of non-vegetarian dishes like Keralite biryani, chicken curry etc.

As you move towards the south you notice a distinct change. Towards the hills in the south there is a dominant influence of Hinduism. You'll find a plethora of pure vegetarian restaurants serving Appam-ishtew, idli, iddiyappam etc . 

On the coastline, there is a larger European influence in the monuments but also a blend of old Hindu culture as seen in the attire and performances. So, here's how I'd plan a longer itinerary of Kerala for 2 weeks .

Day 1: Take a train or overnight bus to Kasargod from Bangalore or anywhere else.

Day 2: Explore Bekal Fort , beaches and backwaters of Kasargod

Day 3: Drive (or take a bus) to Sultan Bathery in Wayanad . Take a wildlife safari there

Day 4: Visit Edakkal Caves and Banasura Sagara Dam in Wayanad

Day 5: Trek to Chembra Peak in the morning. Have a brunch and drive to Palakkad

Day 6: Explore Palakkad – Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam and Hanuman Temple

Day 7: Drive to Kochi via Athirapally falls

Day 8: Exploring Kochi

Day 9: Drive 126 km to Alleppey and take a houseboat tour

Day 10: Explore Alleppey and drive to Munnar

Day 11: Exploring the best of Munnar and Chinnakanal

Day 12: Skip Thekkady and drive to Varkala

Day 13: Take a memorable day trip to Munroe Island

Day 14: Explore Varkala and drive to Kovalam

Day 15: Drive to Trivandrum for departure

🙋‍♀️Want to custom-design your Kerala itinerary and have some questions? Join the awesome Backpack & Explore Facebook community – a safe place to discuss all your queries and concerns about traveling in India

A quick note on name of the places

Because of the colonial history of India, many popular destinations have an anglicized name that were coined by the European colonizers. The names have been reversed to their original form post indepedence.

However, because of the complex pronunciation, people unofficially refer to them by their anglicized names. So, before you get confused by these names, here is a short lexicon of Kerala's cities for you.

• Cochin is the anglicized name for Kochi (which is not at all difficult to pronounce)
• Calicut is the anglicized name of Kozhikhode (pronounced as “koh-ree-kode”)
• Trivandrum, the capital of the state of Kerala is the anglicized name of Thiruvananthapuram (a proper tongue-twister challenge for foreigners)
• Alleppey is the anglicized name of Alappuzha , city in the namesake district

One Week in Kerala – The Plan in Details

So, let's dive deeper into the wilderness of Kerala and take a virtual tour that will make you fall in love with the state.

Day 1 in Kerala – Arrive at the Historic Kochi

Kochi is the unofficial tourism and cultural capital of Kerala. It has a well-connected railway station as well as an international airport. So, this is a great place to start your trip.

As soon as you arrive, bargain the rates for a local cab. Normally the rates start from Rs. 12/km for lower-end 4-seater cars, and the fares would go up for the type of car, number of seats, travel season, night rates etc.

You can check the rates here to have a fair idea of the current rates and avoid being scammed.

Kochi is a bustling modern city haunted by a long, intriguing history. It's the place believed to be Vasco da Gama's passage to India .

Then there's the oldest Jewish quarters in India that you can find in Kochi, the Pardesi Synagogue standing as a tall testimony to the thousand years of religious tolerance in India.

There are the Dutch Palace , Portuguese churches as well as remnants of the Bristish colonialism. And thriving despite centuries of brutal invasions and colonial atrocities are the age-old pagan art forms that you can witness through dance performances, artefacts in the markets and music.

Kochi's beauty lies not in its architectural grandeur but in the unique stories behind the buildings, the streets and corners.

Kochi Sightseeing Plan

Assuming you reached Kochi at around 10 am, you can drive directly to Mattancherry Palace . The Mattancherry Palace also known as the Dutch Palace was actually a monument gifted by the Portuguese to the Indian raja. It was later extended and renovated by the Dutch in 17th century.

After a tour of the palace, enjoy a walking tour of the Jew Town and visit the Pardesi Synagogue .

Then drive back to Fort Kochi . There are some amazing places here for having a delicious lunch.

I have created a map here for a walking tour of Kochi.

The best way to explore Kochi in one or two days is with a local tour guide. Check our my recommendations below.

🌟A guided walking tour of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry with a local

🌟A private tuktuk tour with hotel pickup. This is suitable for people of all ages and small families

Stay near Fort Kochi , so that you can easily walk to the beach to see the photogenic Chinese fishing nets in the evening during the golden hour. Then return to Fort Kochi for dinner and an enthralling Kathakali dance performance in the Kerala Kathakali Center. It is one of the eight classical dance forms in India and also one of the most difficult dance forms in the world.

Best places to Stay in Kochi

Hotel Marine Inn – A 5-star luxury hotel located at the Marine Drive, in close proximity to Kochi's highlights Casino Hotel – CGH church – A sustainable 5-star luxury property located midway between Marine Drive and the Dutch Palace. In the mid-range and budget category, Fort Bridge View hotel located in Fort Kochi is the perfect place.

Check out other options and get best prices below.

Day 2 – Relax in the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarkom

After an exhausting, yet fulfilling day exploring Kochi, it's time to relax in the backwaters of Kerala. Today we will drive 55km to Alleppey, often touted as the Venice of India .

But before that we can wake up early and walk to the beach to catch a glimpse of the sunrise and explore the morning markets.

After a wholesome breakfast at hotel, we set out for Alleppey or Kumarakom. They are on two sides of the Vembanad lake – the largest natural lake in India.

You can either stay in a houseboat or in a hotel on the banks of Vembanad lake . 

A day in Alleppey

Assuming that you started from Kochi at around 10 am you will reach comfortably by 11:30 am. Kochi is a bustling city with heavy traffic, so we need to account for that time.

Take a boat-ride for 3-6 hours to explore the beauty of canals, watch the birds enjoying the sun and the blossoms of the lake, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

While on your boat or Shikara, visit the Pathiramanal island to say “hi” to the thousands of birds that flock into the magical backwaters during winter.

Stop midway at a village, to relish on sea-food prepared with fresh catch of the day mixed with Kerala's spices. If you book a houseboat for stay you can have a traditional fish-meal for lunch in the boat itself.

On our trip, we stayed in a lakeside cottage and hired a shikara for maneuvering through the narrow canals and have lunch at one of the villages on the lakeside.

After the soulful trip, take some rest in the afternoon to avoid the scorching sun. Then drive to explore the beaches, churches and temples of Alleppey.

Next visit the Alleppey lighthouse, Alleppey beach and the loveliest Marari beach at sunset.

Once again, a paid trip will help you optimize your short time in Alleppey. These are the best-rated tours.

🌟 A 6-hour private Shikara cruise through the canals and lakes of Alleppey

🌟 There's a popular 2-day houseboat trip from Kochi to Alleppey to explore the backwaters of Alleppey and then return to Kochi Port.

Best places to Stay in Alleppey

Lemontree Vembanad Resort

☑️Affordable luxury ☑️Houseboat and Cottages

A 4-star luxury hotel on the banks of Vembanad lake, with options to stay in houseboat as well as lake-view cottages. You can read my full review here

Xandari Riverscapes

☑️Organised houseboat tours

A fleet of luxurious houseboats floating in the backwaters of Kerala.

Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey

While I haven't stayed here, I have always been impressed by the hospitality at Sterling properties in India. They are great options for affordable luxury accommodations .

Day 3 in Kerala trip plan: Drive to Munnar

Munnar is one of my favorite places in India. I think it is the best hill station in south India which despite the hype, manages to leave you awestruck at its raw natural beauty.

Speckled with waterfalls, adorned by lush green tea gardens, and pine forests, and surrounded by lofty hills, Munnar does seem like God's own country.

While most people stick to places near the Munnar town, the outskirts, especially the Chinnakanal region is breathtaking.

On Day 3, you have to drive about 180 km from Alleppey to reach Munnar. While driving you will bid goodbye to the coastal warmth and move higher towards the hills.

As you enter the serpentine roads of the Western Ghats , turn off the AC and wind down the windows of your car.

The temperature has suddenly dropped, and the scenery has completely changed within a 4-hour drive. Watch out for the scenic viewpoints at every turn.

Try not to stop everywhere you want to, lest you get late, or the driver gets annoyed.

Don't have a fixed itinerary for the day. Rather just stop and absorb the beauty around you wherever you can.

I highly recommend staying away from the city center and close to some tea garden. Keep an eye for the numerous waterfalls as well while driving to your hotel.

Best places to Stay in Munnar

Sterling Munnar

☑️Family Activities ☑️Best Location

Located in Chinnakanal area right opposite to the Tata Tea Garden, this is where we stayed on our second trip to Munnar. A perfect place to stay on a family vacation, with great activities for kids as well as the elderly.

Elephant Passage Resort

☑️5-star luxury ☑️Great Views

Located 25km from city center, this is the most affordable 5-star luxury you can get in Munnar. There's jacuzzi rooms, infinity pool and great views of nature.

Day 4 – Exploring Munnar

After a fulfilling brunch at hotel or outside, you can set off for a long exhausting tour of Munnar. One day may not be enough, but here's an itinerary covering the most memorable places in Munnar.

Drive to Eravikulam National Park right after breakfast. You need to set aside at least 2-3 hours for the trip, because of the long queue for tickets, the safari bus-ride and exploring on foot.

The beauty of this sensitive Nilgiri-biosphere is awe-inspiring. You will lose the idea of time while exploring the waterfalls and spotting the Niligiri tahr (an endangered species of animal found here) while walking in the forest. 

After this, head to Kanan Devan hills for a tour of the Tea factory

Then drive to Mattupetty Dam . If it is too crowded (which likely it will be), then drive to Kundala lake for a boat ride. 

And then, skip Top Station and save yourself some time for the other spectacles.

Similarly, if you want to watch the elephants, Carmelagiri is a touristy location where you can ride on them. But a more offbeat place for Elephant sighting is the Anayirangal Park (aka the Elephant Abode) in Chinnakanal . For more such tips and detailed guidance on your Munnar trip, check out my Munnar itinerary .

Like any other hill stations, most places close by 5pm. Stop at the Lockhart viewpoint on your way back to the hotel.

Shall I tell you a secret?

Skip the tea factory tours in Munnar and instead head to Kolukkumalai in the early morning.

Technically it's in Tamil Nadu state, but Chinnakanal is the closest getway to this hidden paradise on earth which also has one of the world's oldest and higest tea-factory .

Take a tea factory tour here instead after a bumpy jeep-ride.

Day 5 – Thrilling Thekkady

Thekkady is situated only 90 km away from Munnar, but it can take about 2.5 – 3 hours to reach because of the hair-pin belts. It is the home to Periyar National Park, the abode of Royal Bengal tigers among many other stealthy predators.

It's also significant for religious pilgrims as this is where the trek to the Ayappa Temple of Sabrimala begins.

Make sure you stay close to the Periyar National Park which is the center of all the activities in Thekkady itinerary.

Thekkady Sightseeing Plan

Assuming you started from Munnar at 9-9:30, it will be almost noon by the time your reach Thekkady.

Head to the reception of the Periyar National Park and get the brochure for all activities they offer and their timings

First you can go on a jeep ride through the tea and spice plantations. It will also take you to Ottakathalamedu, a hill-top from where you cans see magnificent panoramic views.

Then, after a quick lunch it will be time for the unmissable Periyar Lake Cruise . You will see a host of migratory birds in the lake, deer and antelopes on the banks, and, if lucky, you have a chance to spot elephants here too. 

Spend the evening shopping in Kumily and then head on to Mudra Cultural Centre to witness Kalaripayattu . This is an ancient martial art form which is both brave and beautiful.

If you have the energy, you can also book a thrilling night safari in the forest. Or simply rest at night; you've had a long day already.

Best places to Stay in Thekkady

Abad Green Forest Resort ☑️Best Location

Located in the Periyar National Park area, this 4-star property is the best place for luxury jungle experience.

Chrissie's hotel ☑️Pocket-friendly

This is one of the most popular pocket-friendly property near Periyar National Park. It's also pet-friendly!

Day 6 – Pamper yourself at Kovalam

Our trip is coming to an end soon. But don't be sad as it's time to drive to Kovalam. Located approximately 215 kilometers (134 miles) from Thekkady, it will take around 5-6 hours by road.

While like everywhere else in Kerala there's a plethora of options available for different budget types, I highly recommend booking a beach-side spa resort in Kovalam.

In most places in Kerala you can easily stay in budget hotels and explore outdoors all day. But Kovalam and the Alappuzha regions are famous for Ayurvedic Spa and medicinal treatment. Why not pamper yourself a bit here?

Kovalam itinerary for the day

Assuming you started from Thekkady at 9 am, it will be almost 3pm by the time you reach Kovalam.

You can stop for lunch on your way to the hotel, or have lunch immediately after checking in.

You can then head off to the  three beautiful beaches of Kovalam  – the  Lighthouse beach , the  Hawah beach  and the  Samudra beach . You can trek to the short cliffs for capturing amazing views.

You can spend the entire evening strolling in the beaches or go for an  Ayurvedic spa massage .

Best places to Stay in Kovalam

🥇 Raviz Kovalam (formerly Leela Kovalam)

☑️Stunning Location ☑️5-star Luxury

Located at the cliff-top the views from this hotel is heavenly. The water looks vanilla-blue from here.

Samudra Leisure beach resort

☑️Pocket-friendly☑️Spa available

At nearly half the rate of Raviz or Taj, you can enjoy luxury at pocket-friendly rate . This also has a wellness center for Ayurvedic spa.

Day 7: Bidding goodbye from Trivandrum

The last day of a vacation always makes your heart heavy. But don't worry, we still have a lot to do today before we depart from Trivandrum in the evening. 

It is located only 19 km away from Kovalam and you can reach easily within 30 minutes through the smooth coastal road. But before that we will take a detour to Poovar, a floating town in the Poovar lake near Kovalam.

After a delectable lunch in the Poovar island you can drive to the airport for final departure.

A guide to Kerala Trip Planning

Now that you have your Kerala trip plan and a detailed 7-day itinerary of Kerala, I want to share some practical information to help you travel. Here are a few travel tips and trivia about Kerala that you need to know before going on this vacation.

How to reach Kerala?

Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, and road. There are three main international airports located in Kochi , Trivandrum , and Calicut respectively. Several railway stations connect Kerala to other parts of India.

All the destinations mentioned here can be covered on the most scenic road trips from Bangalore , the city where I live in.

🚙 🚗 Rent a  Zoomcar  for self-driving all the way in Kerala 🚔

Going around in Kerala

While I'm all for exploring India solo, I get that it can be a bit overwhelming if you're not a local. So, your best bet is to rent a cab with an English-speaking driver.

But hey, if you're up for a little adventure, local transport like KSTDC buses work great for inter-city travel, and tuk-tuks are your go-to for getting around town.

If you're the kind who likes to take the wheel, you can also book a self-drive car. Just make sure to download the maps and have an online translator app handy.

📲 Getting simcard is difficult in India for foreign nationals. The easiest way to stay connected is with an India e-sim . 🤳

Cuisine and Dining in Kerala

While you have a plethora of “safe” options in most hotels in India, Kerala's authentic cuisine is a must-try.

Rice is the staple food of Kerala and most of the dishes are just the most innovative, mind-boggling ways you can use rice. These are my favorite Keralite dishes.

• Kerala porotta aka Malabar porota(a white-flour Indian bread) with fish-curry
• Appam-stew ( Appam is a type of pancake made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk which is usually had with a vegetable stew)
• Iddiyappam with curry (looks like idli made of rice noodles)
• Puttu with curry (Putti is a cylindrical shaped steamed rice cake)
• Karimeen Fry
• Bamboo chicken biriyani

Although known for sumptuous sea food and one of the few states in India where beef preparations are mainstream, Kerala is actually a great place for vegans.

Many of the authentic dishes as you can see in my list above use only vegan ingredients sourced locally.

If you have time, and want to do something memorable, take a home cooking class of Kerala cuisine

What is the best time to visit Kerala?

The best time to visit Kerala is between November to January . This is the winter season, when coastal Kerala is still hot but comfortable. Rest of the year is extremely hot and humid, except for the Western Ghats region.

If you want to spend most of the time in the Western Ghats of Kerala, you can visit any time of the year.

In fact, if you want to see the famous boatrace in Alapuzha , you should plan your trip around August . This is the peak monsoon season, so temperatures cool down significantly. It will still be humid in the coastal region, but the hills will look spectacular.

The boat races are held as part of the “Onam” celebrations. It is the harvest festival of Kerala, and one of the most important days in Malaylam Calendar.  ( Malaylam is the native language of Kerala, also the native culture).

Just check for the weather reports before embarking on road-trip in the monsoon . 

A few more Frequently Asked Questions Answered

How many days are enough for kerala.

You cover the best of Kerala on a tight schedule in 7 days. This is usually the most practical time-frame most people have for spending in one state of India.

If you can extend your stay to 10 days, you will have more time to explore some of the destinations and enjoy some excursions.

If you are on an India tour and can't afford a week for Kerala , 5 days should be enough to enjoy the unmissable experiences – natural beauty of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam along with some cultural performances.

Ofcourse the longer you stay the better.

How to explore Kerala in 5 days?

A Kerala trip plan for 5 days should ideally have 1 day in Kochi for historic sightings, 1-day Alleppey for experiencing the backwaters and some amazing clean beaches and 2 days in Munnar for blissful Western Ghats experience.

On day 5, drive from Munnar to Kochi via Athirapally Falls. That's what I suggest because I love Munnar. However, you can squeeze in Thekkady on Day 3 and skip Athirapally Falls.

If you are visiting Kerala for the first time and have only 5 days, I highly recommend this packed 5-day Kerala trip by Saffron India Tours .

What souvenirs can I bring back from Kerala?

You can bring the best quality of Indian spices – cardamom, cloves, cinnamon etc. What most people would ask me to bring whenever I travel to Kerala is “ Banana chips “. These thinly slices dried bananas deep-fried in coconut oil is a delicacy that can travel with you back to your home easily.

Besides I highly recommend buying Kerala cotton or Kerala silk sari. You can also buy “ Mundu ” for men in the same material. The white saris or mundu with golden border is a specialty.

Is Kerala safe for solo travelling?

Kerala is one of the safest states in India for tourists. Women usually don't face lecherous stares or bad behavior in public places in Kerala. You are less likely to be scammed as a tourist. Only thing that scares me is the speed at which people drive in the hills in Kerala.

How expensive is Kerala?

In my experience I have found Kerala more expensive than the other states of south India when it comes to tourism. It is certainly the most famous tourist destination in south, and the tariff for cabs, fun-activities, etcetera is relatively higher.

Having said that it is completely affordable for budget backpackers with good hostels and homestays starting from Rs. 1000/- per day.

You cover the best of Kerala on a tight schedule in 7 days. This is usually the most practical time-frame most people have for spending in one state of India. If you can extend your stay to 10 days, you will have more time to explore some of the destinations and enjoy some excursions. If you are on an India tour and can't afford a week for Kerala , 5 days should be enough to enjoy the unmissable experiences – natural beauty of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey or Kumarakom and the pristine beaches of Kovalam along with some cultural performances.

Closing Thoughts

I hope this article inspires you to travel to this amazing state and make memories of a lifetime. I will leave you with a list of my favorite travel sites for travel planning in India. 

If you liked this post, you may also find these articles interesting.

Best of Karnataka – One state, many worlds

Best of Enchanting Tamil Nadu

I have already linked detailed itineraries to the places mentioned in my post. But here they are again for you to read and save for later.

Munnar travel guide

Thekkady travel guide

Wayanad itinerary

Kasargod (Bekal) travel guide

Top Travel Sites in India for 2024

🏨 Booking.com  for the best hotel prices (Price match and free cancellations)

🚗Get discounts on package tours and special experiences with Viator

💸Secure your vacation with travel insurance from Visitors Coverage

🚗Book local transport on 12Go

🚶🏼‍♂️ Free walking tours on Freetour

🛏️ For hostels around the world, check out Hostelworld

🛍️ Myntra for travel fashion and Amazon for travel gear

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17 Comments

Wow! I never realized all there is to do in this region, and I love the itinerary. Thanks for the pointers and great list of things to see and do!

Thanks a lot Meggie.

I have been to Kerala 23 years ago! I really loved it but I was only there for a very short time. I remember seeing the houseboats on the backwaters and thinking I’d like to come back someday and do that. This is excellent information you have provided. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for reading. Hope you come for another trip.

That’s a long time. I hope you come again to see what has changed and spend a night in the houseboat

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Kerala on four occasions within the past three years, and each visit brings forth a fresh allure. My most recent visit o Kovalam refreshed me for at least the next couple of months.

Thanks for this comprehensive post. Now I know what exactly to look for in my next trip.

Great post! The thing that draws me to Kerala is how lush, green and gorgeous the natural landscape can be. Places like the waterfalls at Munnar are just stunning and it would be fantastic to see all the wildlife. Oh, and then the food! 😀

Thank you so much. I hope you visit soon

Wow that beach view is amazing – did you have a favorite one? I have never heard of Kerala but have enjoyed reading about it as I am trying to learn more about the different states of India. Will be saving this for my trip to India!

Thanks a lot Natalie. My favorite beach in Kerala is Kovalam. I love the Marari beach too. Glad to help further if you’re planing a trip to Kerala

What a stunning place to visit- those waterfalls are amazing. And I would definitely love to take a boat ride to see elephants, how awesome!!

What a wonderful guide — so much excellent information!

And the history of the region — I never knew! Thank you!

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts

Munnar and tea gardens are sooo on my list! I was planning a visit in 2019 while working remotely from Pune, but didn’t get around to it, as work got too busy. But looking at your recommendations, definitely a must-visit!

thanks a lot Alina Hope you get to take this trip soon

I love the Munnar waterfall as well as the idea of a 6 hour cruise! The animals look cute and so glad you can see them from the bus.

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Top 10 Places To Visit In Kerala

If you are looking for a place that is beauty personified, if you are after a place that offers serene atmosphere and spectacular views and if you are aiming for some rejuvenation for your body and soul through natural treatment, you cannot think of a place other than Kerala. Kerala, the land, which enjoys the partiality of Mother Nature, has a lot to offer to tourists. Awe-inspiring beaches , majestic hill tops and picturesque landscape spellbound you on your visit to Kerala. It is very difficult to shortlist the tourist places in Kerala to narrow it down to 10 top places. However, an attempt is made here and you could include as many in your itinerary. The only suggestion while you visit Kerala is to take a long leave so that you could maximize your stay in the place.

Get ready to be lost in the chanceless beauty of the place where three rivers meet, namely Kundalay, Mudrapuzha and Nallathanni. Situated at 1524-metre altitude on the Western Ghats, the tourist places in Munnar makes you wonder if it is the birthplace of beauty. The lush green landscape, waterfalls, lakes, forests and tea plantations make this place a heaven on earth. The place offers spectacular view of misty valleys and lakes. You might never have believed that watching tea plantations continuously might be so absorbing and interesting. You can have your share of adventure here as you can go paragliding, trekking and rock climbing .

• Atukkad Waterfalls
• Muniyara Dolmens
• Eravikulam (Rajamalai) National Park
• Mattupetty Dam
• Chithirapuram
• Top Station

2. Kumarakom

Kumarakom is located near Kottayam. It is one of the famous attractions of Kerala. It is bird watchers’ paradise owing to the 14-acre bird sanctuary , a favorite ground for migratory birds. Kumarakom is also a spectacular backwater destination and hence you can go on a boating ride here. As Ayurvedic massage is done here, the place is a favorite for everyone who seeks to relax body and mind. The Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is a favorite tourist spot . It is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India. It is a great place to spend a relaxed day watching sunrise or sunset depending on the time of cruise.

• Vembanad Lake
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
• Kumarakom Beach
• Kumarakom Backwaters
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum
• Pathiramanal Island
• Juma Masjid

3. Thekkady

Thekkady offers a great chance to view wildlife while on a cruise. You can find various wild life species here including elephants, tigers, deer, bisons and many more. Elephant rides are available here to take you inside the forest. Plantations and hill stations offer a picturesque setting to the place. You can go on a trek here. Some of the most important tourist attractions in Thekkady are Periyar River, Murikkady and Chellarkovil .

• Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
• Mangala Devi Temple

One of the most important features about Kerala is the Ayurvedic massage given at Varkala Beach . Varkala is famous for Ayurvedic massage and the place itself is in a wonderful setting. The beach and the mountain make the place attractive. You would not want to miss the sight of sunset here. The beach is clean and offers a great relaxation. You could stretch and let your eyes feast on the tranquil atmosphere or go for swimming and enjoy a great physical exercise. One of the most important aspects about the beach is that it is less crowded and hence you can have your space without being disturbed. Let the beauty of the beach and the atmosphere sinks in as you spend a quite evening here.

• Shree Janardhanaswamy Temple
• Papanasam Beach
• Edava Beach
• Varkala Tunnel

Kovalam is yet another stunning location in Kerala. Situated 16 kms away from the city of Trivandrum , Kovalam has three enchanting beaches. The largest of all the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach. Hawah Beach is the second largest one here and the third beach is Samudra . Kovalam is one of the most sought after destinations in Kerala.

• Lighthouse Beach
• Hawah Beach
• Samudra Beach
• The German Bakery
• Karamana River
• Vellayani Lake
• Halcyon Castle
• Valiyathura Pier
• Vizhinjam Village

6. Kerala Backwaters

Your trip to Kerala cannot have any meaning if you miss a cruise on the Kerala backwaters. The backwaters of Kerala form a network with interconnected canals, lakes, rivers and inlets. Various cities and towns are the starting points and destinations of Kerala backwater cruises. Cruising on Kerala houseboats in the backwaters is one of the most favored attractions here. Dining, sleeping and toilet facilities are available in houseboats . You remain close to nature while on cruise as you have your needs attended to in the houseboat itself. In the serene atmosphere, you could see aquatic creatures in action and observe birds as the boat gets by. You get to watch people working in the fields. Boat cruise lets you enjoy the ride on water while still connecting you with the activities on land.

7. Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak, near Meppadi town , is located at an altitude of 6900 feet above MSL. Trekking here could be very adventurous as the path is steep. The view from top of the peak is spectacular. Forests on either side of the peak, you will find the view amazing. The whole Wayanad falls within your vision range from here and you also get to view Kozhikkode , Nilgiris and Malappuram.

8. Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple

This is the most famous temple in the state of Kerala. It is situated on outskirts of Kochi . The two main deities here are Rajarajeswari and Badrakali . People believe that these Goddesses are very powerful. It is located in a serene atmosphere. Whatever your belief might be, you could still visit the place, which is one of the most important tourist destinations and offers you tranquil moments.

9. Kerala Kathakali Centre

You need to visit this place if you want to taste the essence of the culture of the people of Kerala. The Kerala Kathakali Centre was founded in the year 1990 with a view to bring to the fore Kerala’s classical arts. To achieve this, it encourages fresh talents and makes the training rigorous and more disciplined. The centre offers various performances such as Kathakali, Classical music and dance, Kalaripayattu, the famous martial art form and so on. Take some time to visit the place and watch the performance. You are sure to be blown away by their performances. The costume and makeup need special mention.

10. Poovar Island

A ‘not to be missed’ destination. Poovar Island offers you the best in terms of visionary delights. This is the most sought after estuary in the state as it connects with lake, river and the sea. Take a boat cruise to enjoy the beauty of nature abound in the place. The golden sands and the stunning backwaters create a perfect setting for sunset. It seems that nature has played magic in this place. There are floating cottages as well as land cottages here. The place is also famous for Ayurvedic massages.

Suggesting just a few places to visit in Kerala is a Himalayan task. Thrissur , Kollam , Allepey , Periyar and Wayanad are also among the major tourist destinations in Kerala. Kerala has limitless beauty to offer and is often nicknamed as “God’s own Country”. It is a perfect place to spend a vacation as Kerala elevates your spirits. You can experience oneness with nature and since Kerala is famous for massages, you can have a great time massaging your body to revive yourself.

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7 thoughts on “Top 10 Places To Visit In Kerala”

Can you please advise package cost for one family in Kerala for 5-6 days including sight seeing and hotel.

Kerala is definitely a great choice for a perfect holiday trip. the backwater boathouses are best option to spend some time with family. No doubt Kerala is the “God’s Own City”.

I really wanted to visit in Kerala soon. If I could stay in long time there.I will..

Can you please advise package cost for one family in Kerala for 5-6 days including sight seeing (without Hotel).

15 nights tour of south India which should include Tamilnadu and Kerala Tour.

Hi Can you please advise package cost for one family cost four (my booking stay in ashtamudi club mahindra 7 day).

Great post with lots of information about the places to be visited in Kerala, I am a frequent traveler and post like this will always help me to plan my next destination of travel. I am from Coorg, one of the best places in India, travelers can also visit Coorg after Kerala it is nearby.

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• Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary
• Eravikulam National Park
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Silent Valley National Park
• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
• Athirapally
• Malakkappara
• Vettilappara
• Sulthan Bathery
• Best Time to Visit Kerala
• Things to Do in Kerala
• Beaches in Kerala
• Resorts in Kerala
• Dams in Kerala
• Haunted Places in Kerala
• Hill Stations in Kerala
• National Parks in Kerala
• Waterfalls in Kerala
• Temples in Kerala
• Festivals in Kerala
• Palaces in Kerala

Why Kerala? The 12 Best Places To Visit In Kerala

From the enthralling backwaters and serene hinterland, to lush green rainforests and captivating cities, Kerala is the wonderland that will keep you spellbound every step of the way. The vast landmass is actually packed with awe-inspiring landmarks to see and countless blood-pumping activities to partake in. The places to visit in Kerala are boundless! Each corner of Kerala is so packed with points of interest that even residents of Kerala usually take a lifetime to discover its numerous charms, let alone tourists. It’s a cabinet of natural wonders and a roller coaster ride of urbanities.

Is Kerala on your bucket list for your next holiday trip? Are you looking for things to do and the best places to visit in Kerala? Owing to its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, idyllic climate and affordable costs, Kerala is a hotspot for many tourists from around the world. No surprise that this Indian beauty is one of the most popular travel destinations in India.

There are so many attractions in the country that you could spend a lifetime there and still not see them all. So, here is a list of the top twelve inspirational places to visit which you simply can’t miss on your first, second or even third trip to Kerala.

Just check out these 12 places in Kerala and it won’t be long before your purchasing your flight ticket .

Munnar rarely needs an introduction these days. It is the best hill station in Kerala and a perfect gateway for couples, families, group of friends or solo travellers. As an urban landscape, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Malaysia, as the most recognizable region with an immeasurable cultural impact. Infinite expanse of tea-plantations, green valleys, meadows and mountains combined with varied flora and fauna add to the beauty of this place. Situated at an altitude of 6000 ft in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar is one of the best tourist destinations in India and a favourite honeymoon destination among newlyweds. It has also won the award for the best destination for romance by Lonely Planet. Nevertheless, Munnar is a great destination for couples where everything around you is calm, magical and relaxing and furthermore you are surely surrounded by heavenly scenery.

Since this hill station is one of the most visited honeymoon destinations in India, so you might want to book early to ensure a spot on our tour.

Best time to visit in Munnar : November to February

Tourist places to visit in Munnar : Tata Tea Museum, Attukad Waterfalls, Chithirapuram View Point, Top Station, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Marayoor Sandal Reserve, Kundala Lake, Tea Plantations, Anamudi Peak, Pothamedu View Point

Things to visit in Munnar : Visit tea plantations, sightseeing, boating, wildlife safari, trekking, waterfalls, Ayurveda and spa massages, authentic Kerala cuisine

With no doubt, Varkala is one of the top 12 places to visit in Kerala. You could easily be forgiven for falling in love with Varkala as soon as you arrive in town. Varkala is a coastal and pilgrim town located 51 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. The famous Varakala beach has dramatic towering cliffs that stand like silent patrols, guarding the sparkling waters.

All in all, Varkala is a great place to visit in Kerala as it offers travellers the ability to explore an interesting city as well as enjoy some fantastic nature. With beaches, waterfalls and epic views, Varkala is a must do for any bushwalker, rock climber or nature lover.

Best time to visit Varkala : September to February

Tourist places to visit in Varkala : Papanasam Beach (Varkala Beach), Janardhana Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Golden Island, Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple, Anjengo Fort, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Varkala Aquarium, Kilimanoor Palace

Things to do in Varkala : Fort and Light house, water sports, shopping sightseeing, Varkala culture center, local cuisine, aquarium, yoga

Wayanad selfies — need we say more? Nowhere quite compares to the stunning beauty of Wayanad. Wayanad is home to India’s largest earthen dam, the Banasura Sagar and two of the best wildlife sanctuaries in the country; the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary and Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary. For the tourist, Wayanad opens up an enormous opportunity to delve deeper into its history, tradition and natural beauty. Rocky hills, valleys, white water springs and wild dense forests, together with its wildlife sanctuaries and waterfalls, offer ample opportunities for adventure and recreations.

It really is heaven on earth.

Best time to visit in Wayanad : September to March

Tourist places to visit in Wayanad : Phantom Rock, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala View Point, Pookot Lake, Thirunelly Temple, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Meenmutty waterfalls

Things to do in Wayanad : Tea and spice plantations, camping, nature walk, wildlife safari, sightseeing, waterfalls

4. Trivandrum

Situated on the west coast of India, Trivandrum also known as Thiruvananthapuram in the local language is undoubtedly a beautiful capital and possibly one of the most beautiful ones in the world. Trivandrum is also one of the fastest developing cities in Kerala and a major IT hub in South India. Additionally, the capital city is one of the cleanliest urban communities in India. Backwaters, tidal ponds, serene shorelines add to its appeal.

The capital of Kerala has really a lot to offer not only to its first-time visitors but also to its returners.

Best time to visit Trivandrum : October to February

Tourist places to visit in Trivandrum : Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Agasthyakoodam, Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum, Kovalam Beach, Poovar Island, Ponmudi, Shanghumukham Beach, Neyyar Dam, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Napier Museum

Things to do in Trivandrum : Pilgrim centres, beaches, wild life sanctuaries, hill stations, sightseeing, shopping

5. Alleppey (Allappuzha)

You cannot visit Kerala and miss a chance to go cruising on the backwaters! That is why you must head off to Alleppey, one of the best places to visit in Kerala year-round for its spectacular backwaters. Popularly known as the ‘Venice of East’, Alleppey (Alappuzha) is famed for its tranquil backwaters and fishing harbours. If you’re yearning for some peace and quiet after indulging in the bustle of Kerala’s big cities, locals recommend paying Alleppey a visit.

For a really authentic adventure book one of the houseboat cruises – this offers an emotive journey into the heart of the God’s own country, Kerala.

Best time to visit Alleppey : September to February  

Tourist places to visit in Alleppey : Alapuzzha Beach, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, St Andrew’s Church, Kumarakom Backwaters, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal Island, Punnamada Lake, Sree Krishna Swamy Temple

Things to do in Alleppey : Houseboat cruise, rejuvenate with Ayurveda massages, savor authentic Kerala cuisines like Uduppi breakfast, watching Snake boat race and Elephant parade, birdwatching, sightseeing

6. Kochi (Cochin)

Kerala is one of the most diverse states in the country, and Kochi reflects that in its coastal beauty, multiculturalism, cuisine and ethos that blends modernity with tradition, while harboring back to an old-world colonial spirit. Few of the city’s highlights are Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, the Jewish synagogues and the massive cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that dot the coast. Of course, there are many other sights to attract you to the great city of Kerala, but the Chinese Fishing Net is probably the most iconic. It’s so well-preserved that wandering the city streets feels like stepping back in time.

Best time to visit Kochi : October to March

Tourist places in Kochi : Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty & Vypeen Islands, Malayattoor, Lulu Shopping Mall, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, Pardesi Synagogue, Willingdon Island

Things to do in Kochi : Shop for spices, banana chips, watch Kathakali traditional dance performance, toss a Chinese fishing net, enjoy Ayurveda spa treatment, take a ferry ride

7. Kumarakom

Kumarakom looks like a tiny town that has been taken straight out of a fairy-tale book. Nestled on the on the quiet shores of Lake Vembanad, exploring this place is a beautiful experience. Boasting a labyrinth of lakes, canals and rivulets and home to varied wildlife, Kumarakom is a place you will want to visit more than once in your lifetime. It’s hard to point out a specific area on this fascinating land, simply because every square inch of it is so wondrous. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Kerala, Kumarakom should definitely be on your list of the top places to visit in Kerala.

Don’t just visit Kumarakom for a day.  Stay a night or two and, sit back and breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful Vembanad Lake.

Best time to visit Kumarakom : September to March

Tourist places to visit in Kumarakom : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island, Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Kumarakom Backwaters, Juma Masjid, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Bay Island Driftwood Museum

Things to do in Kumarakom : Boating, fishing, sightseeing, bird spotting, waterfalls, explore village life   

8. Thekkady

There couldn’t be a list of inspirational tourist destinations in Kerala without mentioning Thekkady. Located in the central part of Kerala, Thekkady is a popular hill station and home to one of the largest Tiger Reserves in the country. The variety between the mountains and sea provides the visitors with some breathtaking views. In addition to the most beautiful and mind soothing view, the aromas and the fresh sea air also adds on to the beauty. Hence this is one of the ideal spots to be at if in Kerala.

If you’re visiting Thekkady, an excursion to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is considered an obligatory rite of passage.

Best time to visit Thekkady : October to February   

Tourist places in Thekkady : Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, Gavi Forest, Vandiperiyar, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Mangala Devi Kannahi Temple, Murikkady

Things to do in Thekkady : Wildlife safari, elephant ride, visit spice plantations, trekking, tribal dance and museum, nature walk      

9. Kozhikode

Also known as Calicut, Kozhikode, the multi-cultured coastline city of Kerala, is all about gorgeous natural beauty. For ravishing scenery, lush green rainforests and quint villages oozing storybook charm, it’s hard to beat Kozhikode.

The city was once called the ‘City of Spices’ for its part as a chief trading point of eastern spices. Kozhikode in Kerala offers visitors a chance to blend into its ancient and cultural past. With a large number of beaches, waterfalls and adventure activities, Kozhikode is one among the best city of tourist attractions in Kerala. Be it winter or summer, it offers a memorable vacation packed with a number of activities.

Best time to visit Kozhikode : October to March

Tourist places to visit in Kozhikode : Beypore Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thali Temple, S.M. Street (Sweet Meat Street or the Mittai Therivu), Kakkayam Dam, Mananchira Square, Kariyathumpara, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Mishkal Mosque, Regional Science Centre and Planetarium, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Sarovaram Bio Park

Things to do in Kozhikode : Explore backwaters, beach hopping, nature walk, bird spotting, waterfalls, trekking

Located in the south Indian state of Kerala, Idukki surprises its visitors with its charm and beauty and has a cooler climate than most other districts of Kerala. The rigid valleys, winding streams, and the enchanting rivers of Periyar, Thalayar and Thodupuzhayar and their offshoots make Idukki a must visit destination in Kerala. Being the second largest district in Kerala, more than 95% of its area is covered by emerald green forests and rugged mountains. Boasting plentiful tourist attractions like hill stations, wild life sanctuaries, elephant rides, spice plantations and mountain treks, Idukki must be part of your itinerary planning.

For a chance to experience massive fun and excitement, explore the backwaters and you’ll see Idukki’s natural beauty and charm from the water.

Best time to visit Idukki : October to February

Tourist places to visit in Idukki : Idukki Arch Dam, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Ramakkalmedu, Ervikulam National Park, Anayirankal Dam Reserve, Sita Devi Lake, Panchalimedu, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Meesapulimala, Nedumkandam Hills

Things to do in Idukki : Bird spotting, water sports, plantation tour, waterfalls, trekking, sightseeing

Nestled in the southern tip of India, Kannur is a charming coastal city with gorgeous beaches, lovely parks, and lots of entertaining opportunities. Formerly known as Cannanore or Portuguese name Cananor, this city is a delightful place to visit for all seasons. Kannur is well-known for its native art form “Theyyam”, which is unlike any other dance form, a ritual performed in ancient shrines. Muzhappilangad Beach and Payyambalam Beach, the longest drive-in beaches in Asia are the major tourist attractions of Kannur. Interestingly, Asia’s largest and the world’s third largest Naval Academy is situated at Ezhimala, Kannur.

Best time to visit Kannur : November to February

Tourist places to visit in Kannur : St. Angelo Fort, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Kannur Beach, Arakkal Museum, Mappila Bay, Kannur Lighthouse, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Things to do in Kannur : watch a Theyyam Performance, wildlife safari, adventure activities like wave runner, banana boat ride, Paithalmala trekking, boating, sightseeing

12. Kasargod

If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, you shouldn’t leave Kasargod off your list. It is so beautiful and there is so much to see and do here that you could easily spend a few days staying in this picturesque town.

Snuggled in the northernmost state of Kerala, Kasaragod is a place that is just waiting to be explored. It is blessed with virgin beaches, strategic forts, architecturally distinctive temples, pristine backwaters, cultural and historically discoveries and offers the best of greenery and natural beauty as it is surrounded by three forest districts, namely Dakshin Kannada, Kannur and Kodagu.

Due to its peaceful atmosphere, divine green beauty, calm waterways and the superb views of the Western Ghats & the Arabian Sea, Kasargod draws countless tourists every season from all over the world. The highlights of the region is the Bekal Fort, the biggest fort in the entire state of Kerala imposing circular boundary that spreads to over 40 acre of land running into the Arabian sea.

Best time to visit Kasargod : September to January

Tourist Places to visit in Kasargod : Bekal Fort (fort, beach & Water Park), Madhur Temple, Kottancheri Hills, Ranipuram Hill Station, Ananthapura Temple, Chandragiri Fort

Things to do in Kasargod : Forts, trekking, Valiyaparamba backwaters, beaches, temple visits, cultural experiences

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Kerala!

There are an infinite number of great places to visit in Kerala but these are definitely our top twelve. Incorporating one, a few or all into your Kerala holiday will help make your experience memorable. From the outback to the coast and everywhere in between, get closer to the real Kerala with our super saver all-inclusive Kerala tour packages .

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Places to Visit in Kerala

Budget Hotels > Travel Blog > Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Welcome to God’s Own Country, Kerala, a mesmerizing land of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. With its lush green hills, pristine beaches, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant festivals, Kerala offers a unique and fascinating journey for every traveller. Whether you’re planning a romantic honeymoon, a rejuvenating getaway, or a fun-filled family vacation, explore our comprehensive guide to the top 47 places to visit in Kerala. Embrace the essence of this enchanting paradise as you discover its hidden gems and popular attractions.

Kerala is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse experiences. With its serene backwaters, lush hill stations, golden sandy beaches, and incredible wildlife, Kerala offers something for every traveller. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a romantic getaway, the enchanting destinations in Kerala will leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of what God's Own Country has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What are the best places to visit in Kerala for couples?

A. Alleppey, Munnar, Kumarakom, Wayanad, and Varkala are some of the best places to visit in Kerala for couples.

Q. Which are the best hill stations in Kerala?

A. Some of the best hill stations in Kerala are Munnar, Thekkady, Vagamon, and Ponmudi.

Q. What are the must-visit places in Kerala?

A. Must-visit places in Kerala include Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam, and Fort Kochi.

Q. When is the best time to visit Kerala?

A. The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.

Q. Which are the best places to visit in Kerala in December?

A. Some of the best places to visit in Kerala in December include Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam, and Fort Kochi.

Q. What are the top 10 places to visit in Kerala?

A. The top 10 places to visit in Kerala are Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam, Fort Kochi, Kumarakom, Wayanad, Varkala, Bekal, and Athirappilly.

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THE 10 BEST Kerala Parks & Nature Attractions

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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Kerala Backwaters

2. Tea Gardens

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3. Varkala Beach

4. Kovalam Beach

5. Alleppey Backwaters

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7. Lighthouse Beach

8. Mattupetty Dam

9. Banasura Sagar Dam

10. Marari Beach

11. Poovar Island

12. Edakkal Caves

13. Athirappilly Falls

14. Periyar Lake

15. Elephant Junction

16. Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach

17. Cherai Beach

18. Periyar Tiger Reserve

19. Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park

20. Chembra Peak

21. Kovalam Beach

22. Green Park Spices Thekkady

23. Periyar National Park

24. Thiruvananthapuram Zoo

25. Rose Gardens

26. Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall)

27. Alappuzha Beach

28. Kundala Dam Lake

29. Vembanad Lake

30. Photo Point

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Feb 9, 2024

Insta-worthy places to visit in Kerala

God's own country.

Kerala, often referred to as 'God's Own Country', is renowned for its natural beauty, serene backwaters, lush greenery, and cultural heritage. Here are some Insta-worthy places to visit in Kerala:

Kovalam Beach

Capture the beauty of Kovalam Beach with its golden sands, clear blue waters, and iconic lighthouse. It's a popular destination for both relaxation and water sports.

Marari Beach

Experience the tranquility of Marari Beach, known for its pristine shoreline, swaying palms, and traditional fishing villages. It's an ideal spot for capturing serene beach scenes.

Visit Wayanad's lush green landscapes, dense forests, and mist-covered mountains. Highlights include Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, and the serene Pookode Lake.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Embark on a wildlife safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and capture images of elephants, tigers, deer, and other wildlife amidst the dense forests and serene lakes.

Varkala Beach

Relax on the golden sands of Varkala Beach while enjoying the stunning view of the cliff rising majestically from the Arabian Sea. It's a great spot for sunset photography.

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Photograph the rich backwaters life of Kumarakom, and capture the natural beauty.

Wander through the historic streets of Fort Kochi and snap photos of its colonial architecture, colorful murals, Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant street art.

Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala

Known as the 'Niagara of India', Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala. Capture the majestic cascade of water surrounded by lush green forests.

Munnar Tea Gardens

Explore the vast tea plantations of Munnar, where verdant slopes are covered with neatly trimmed tea bushes. The rolling hills provide a perfect backdrop for breathtaking photographs.

Sail through the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey on a traditional houseboat and capture stunning images of the tranquil waterways, coconut palms, and local life along the banks.

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5 Things You Should Never Miss When In Kerala

New Delhi: After a trip through India's Golden Triangle, many travelers find themselves enchanted by Kerala. This state in India's southwest corner is a land of lush tropical vegetation, warm temperatures, and mountainous backdrops. It is a feast for the senses, with its beautiful beaches, serene backwaters, and towering hills.

Here are the 5 things you should not miss when you are travelling to Kerala:

1. Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala's backwaters are a must-visit for any traveler to the state. These palm-lined waterways are home to a diverse array of fauna and flora, as well as traditional villages and hamlets. Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, a backwaters tour is a great way to experience the best of Kerala. Backwaters tours are a great way to see the backwaters and learn about the local culture. There are a variety of backwater tours available, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious experiences. Whether you're looking for a relaxing boat ride or an adventurous kayak trip, you're sure to find a backwater tour that's perfect for you.

2. Magic of A romatic Spices

Kerala is known as the "Land of Spices" for a reason. The state has a long and rich history of spice cultivation, and its soil is ideal for growing a variety of spices. Some of the most popular spices grown in Kerala include cardamom, vanilla, black pepper, and cinnamon.

3. Enjoy First Light of Day On Tall Tea Plantation

Kolukkumalai is the world's highest tea estate, located in the border towns of Munnar and Kolukkumalai in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The estate's lush green terraces encircle the shola forest, in the shadow of Meeshapulimalai, South India's second-highest peak.

4. J ungle Safari In Periyar

Periyar National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, and for good reason. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and deer. A tour of Periyar National Park is best enjoyed on a jeep safari. The jeeps will take you through the park, giving you the chance to see the animals in their natural habitat.

In addition to jeep safaris, Periyar National Park also offers bamboo rafting. Bamboo rafting is a great way to see the park from a different perspective. You will float down the Periyar River, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.

5. Banasura Sagar Dam

Banasura Sagar Dam is a picturesque tourist hotspot in Wayanad, Kerala. The dam's sprawling reservoir of clear water is surrounded by lush green hills and dotted with tiny islands. It is a photographer's delight, and one of the most spellbinding places to visit in Wayanad.