10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala: A Complete Travel Guide

Kerala is one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. Also known as “God’s Own Country,” it is home to lush forests, misty hills, golden beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, historic cities, backwaters, and much more.

If you are visiting for the first time or planning a Kerala tour, looking for a family getaway to peaceful locations or an amazing adventure experience, there are plenty of options in Kerala.

In this guide we will cover the 10 best places to visit in Kerala, reasons as to why you should visit these places, activities to enjoy, and travel tips for your Kerala travel experience.

1. Table of Contents

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   Munnar—A Paradise in the Hills

Munnar is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala. It is known for misty hills, cool climates, valleys, and green tea estates.

Munnar is located in the Western Ghats. It is ideal for families, couples, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

Things to Do in Munnar

• Visit the tea estates
• Visit Eravikulam National Park.
• Visit Mattupetty Dam and enjoy its scenic beauty.
• Enjoy the views from Top Station.
• Visit tea museums and get to know the process of tea making.
• Trekking in the nearby hills

Why Visit Munnar?

If you like mountains and a tranquil environment, then Munnar should be at the top of your list of things to do in Kerala. With its natural landscapes and comfortable climate, Munnar is perfect for escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Alleppey—Backwaters that are famous in Kerala

Alleppey (Alappuzha) is known globally for its traditional houseboats and backwaters.

One of the highlights of a trip to Kerala is a cruise on the backwaters of the state.

Things to Do in Alleppey

• Stay the night on a traditional houseboat
• Take a cruise through the backwaters
• Visit the villages
• Eat traditional food from Kerala
• Enjoy the sunset from the canals
• Visit the beaches around Alleppey

Why Visit Alleppey?

If you are looking for a slow-paced and relaxing vacation, then visit Alleppey. The villages, coconut trees, canals, and traditional boats make Alleppey a very distinctive destination.

3. Wayanad—A Nature Lover’s Dream

Wayanad is a hilly region that is full of wildlife, caves, waterfalls, mountains, and forests.

Wayanad is one of the best places to visit in Kerala if you love nature and the outdoors.

Things to Do in Wayanad

• Visit Edakkal Caves
• Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Visit Soochipara Falls
• Visit Banasura Sagar Dam
• Go hiking and trekking
• Visit coffee and spice farms

Why Visit Wayanad?

Wayanad is the perfect blend of adventure and tranquillity. Spend the morning in the forest or at a waterfall and spend the evening soaking up the tranquillity of the hills.

4. Kochi—Where History Meets Modern Kerala

Kochi (or Cochin) is one of the most interesting cities in Kerala. It is home to history, culture, art, food, shopping, and modern attractions.

The most prominent feature of Kochi is its rich history and unique Chinese fishing nets found throughout the old town.

Things to Do in Kochi

• Visit Fort Kochi
• See Chinese fishing nets
• Visit Mattancherry Palace
• Visit Jew Town
• Visit local art galleries and cafés
• Try local Kerala food

Why Visit Kochi?

Kochi is a great place to start when visiting Kerala. There is history, culture, food, and a modern city to experience.

5. Thekkady – Wildlife and Adventure

Thekkady is mostly home to the stunning forests and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in the great outdoors and wildlife.

Things to Do in Thekkady

• Take a cruise on Periyar Lake
• Explore the forests
• View elephants and other animals
• Take nature walks
• Try bamboo rafting
• Visit spice plantations in the vicinity

Why Visit Thekkady?

Thekkady allows visitors to experience the natural side of Kerala. It is great for wildlife lovers and adventure tourists.

6. Kovalam—A Beautiful Beach Destination

Kovalam is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala. With its palm-lined coast and relaxed environment, Kovalam welcomes both local and international tourists.

It is ideal for those looking to enjoy the beach while also relaxing.

Things to Do in Kovalam

• Relax on the beach
• Take in the sunset
• Swimming is perfectly safe, so enjoy it
• Try the local seafood
• Try some Ayurvedic treatments
• Visit the nearby lighthouse

Why Visit Kovalam?

If you’re looking for some beaches during your visit to Kerala, then Kovalam is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. It’s a great spot to relax and take in the beach environment.

7. Varkala—Cliffs, Beaches,

The main attraction in Varkala is the stunning cliffs that fall dramatically into the Arabian Sea. There are shops, cafés, and beautiful beaches. The sunset views are also spectacular.

Things to Do in Varkala

• Go to Varkala Beach
• Visit the cliff path
• View the sunset
• Browse the shops and cafés
• Visit Janardhana Swamy Temple
• Take in the beauty of the coast

Why Visit Varkala?

Varkala has something for everyone. There is a beautiful beach environment, relaxation, culture, and a great travel experience.

8. Kumarakom—Peaceful Backwater Beauty

Kumarakom is another beautiful place to experience the backwaters of Kerala. It is located on the shores of the Vembanad Lake and is surrounded by greenery, canals, and coconut trees.

Things to Do in Kumarakom

• Take a cruise on a houseboat
• Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
• Take walks in the villages.
• Visit a lakeside resort and relax.
• Take a canoe ride through the backwaters.
• Try the local food of Kerala.

Why Visit Kumarakom?

Kumarakom is perfect for those who are looking for a natural and peaceful vacation.

9. Vagamon—Kerala’s Hidden Hill Escape

Vagamon is a peaceful hill station with pine forests, valleys, rolling fields of green, and a cool climate.

Vagamon can provide a quieter experience than some of Kerala’s more popular tourist destinations.

Things to Do in Vagamon

• Stroll through the green meadows.
• Take a walk in the pine forests.
• Visit the scenic viewpoints.
• Try paragliding.
• Go trekking.
• Take photographs of the mountains around.

Why Visit Vagamon?

If you’re looking for less crowded places to visit in Kerala, then Vagamon is a good choice. The tranquil environment is ideal for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

10. Thiruvananthapuram—Culture, History, and Beaches

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is ideal for experiencing the history and culture of Kerala.

There are also many beautiful beaches located near the city so you can easily experience both beaches and sightseeing.

Things to Do in Thiruvananthapuram

• Visit Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Visit museums and cultural sites.
• Check out Kovalam.
• Shop around.
• Try the local food of Kerala.
• Pick up some information on the history and culture of Kerala.

Why Visit Thiruvananthapuram?

If you are looking for culture, architecture, history, or an interesting city to visit, then Thiruvananthapuram should be included on your list when visiting Kerala.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Kerala can be visited during most of the year; however, the ideal time to visit will depend on what you are looking for during your visit.

October to February

Generally during these months the weather is suitable for sightseeing, sightseeing tours, visits to the hill stations, beaches, and outdoors. This is also a good time to visit.

March to May

During these months the weather can be quite hot; however, the hill stations like Wayanad and Munnar can still be great places to visit.

June to September

Monsoon season in Kerala means a lot of rainfalls. The natural beauty is at its best during this period, and many tourists prefer to visit during this season because of the ambiance and experiences available in the off-peak season. However, outdoor activities may be disrupted due to rainfall.

Kerala Travel Tips

Below are some useful tips to keep in mind prior to traveling to Kerala:

1. Plan Your Itinerary

There are numerous tourist spots in various areas of Kerala. Do not attempt to do all of them within a short time frame.

2. Mix Experiences

An ideal trip can include experiences such as backwaters, beaches, wildlife, hills, and culture.

Sample Itinerary:

Munnar → Thekkady → Alleppey → Kochi

This itinerary offers experiences of mountains, wildlife, backwaters, and culture.

3. Book Accommodation & Activities in Advance

Kerala can get crowded at busy times of the year. If you book your accommodation and activities ahead of time, your visit will be much smoother.

4. Enjoy the Local Dishes

Sample some of the local food while in Kerala. Try Kerala-style fish dishes, kadala curry, puttu, appam with stew, and other local food. These will help create a more complete experience of your visit.

5. Be Respectful of the Culture

Kerala is a land of great religious and cultural traditions. When visiting temples or other religious sites, dress appropriately. Simply be mindful of local customs.

How Many Days Are Enough for a Kerala Tour?

For a first Kerala tour, about 5-7 days should be sufficient to get a feel for the state.

For an extended stay of 8-10 days, there are more places to visit, and you can do so at a more leisurely pace.

A possible 7-day itinerary could be

Day 1: Kochi
Day 2: Munnar
Day 3: Munnar
Day 4: Thekkady
Day 5: Alleppey
Day 6: Alleppey or Kumarakom
Day 7: Kochi and departure

This itinerary can be altered to suit your interests and number of days available.

Planning a trip to Kerala? You can also explore our guide to Ooty for beautiful landscapes, scenic attractions, and things to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in Kerala?

Popular places to visit in Kerala include Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad, Thekkady, Kovalam, Varkala, Kumarakom, Vagamon, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Which place is most famous in Kerala?

Some of the most popular places in Kerala are Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Wayanad, and Thekkady. All these offer something different.

Which place is best for couples in Kerala?

Kumarakom, Varkala, Kovalam, Munnar, and Alleppey are good for couples, as these places are beautiful and provide a serene environment.

Which place is best for families?

All the above places can be suitable for family tourism. Thekkady, Wayanad, Kochi, Munnar, and Alleppey provide ample scope for variation in terms of age groups and activities.

How many days do I need for Kerala?

If you want to visit some of the most prominent places in Kerala, then 5-7 days would be sufficient. For a more leisurely and exhaustive tour of Kerala, 8-10 days or more would be ideal.

Is Kerala good for a first-time visitor?

Yes. Kerala has backwaters, wildlife, mountains, food, culture, history, and beaches all around. So first-time visitors can choose from a wide range of options.

Conclusion

Kerala is more than a tourist destination. It is a state that offers you backwaters, culture, mountains, beaches, forests, and food.

There is so much to offer in Kerala. The misty tea estates in Munnar, the serene backwaters of Alleppey, the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, and the forests of Wayanad and Thekkady, to name a few.

If you are planning to visit Kerala, select the places according to the kind of experience you are looking for rather than trying to visit all the places. Kerala can cater to nature lovers, romance seekers, culture buffs, relaxers, and adrenaline chasers.

So, pack up and plan your trip to some of the most amazing places to visit in Kerala.