Are you planning to visit Kerala this year? Explore Kerala with our ultimate travel guide, where we will talk about the 10 best places to visit in Kerala. All these places are adequate in their own way. Kerala is one of the most beautiful South Indian states best known for its rich culture, heritage, ancient customs, food, palm-lined beach, tea and coffee plantations, and more.
To explore Kerala’s beauty, go with the best Kerala tour packages. These packages will cover all the major tourist attractions of Kerala including Munnar, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram, and more.
Kerala has countless places to see and we shortened the list of best places to visit in Kerala for you. In this blog, you will learn about the major attractions of Kerala and the best time to visit them.
Top 10 tourist places in Kerala
Kerala is known for its natural beauty and green landscapes. It is called God’s own Country. It is located in the southern region of India and is popular for its cultural values, religious beliefs, western ghats, and tropical wet evergreen forests. For tourists, there are various best places to visit in Kerala. Here are some of the places that you can visit in Kerala:-
Munnar
Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India. It is surrounded by the Western Ghat mountain range. Munnar is famous for its rolling hills dotted with tea plantations and picturesque roads. A road trip to Munnar is one of the best things to do in Munnar. During monsoon season, you can see the real magic of Munnar, the entire place is covered with clouds and green cover. For nature lovers, Munnar is one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
Munnar Attractions:- Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu viewpoint
Best time to visit Munnar:- October to February
Activities to do in Munnar:- Tea plantations tour, Eravikulam National Park visit, Anamudi Peak trek, Mattupetty Dam visit, Kundala Lake boating, Attukal Waterfalls hike, Top Station view, Blossom Park visit
Kochi
If you’re coming to Kerala with your family and friends, Kochi would be an ideal location for a fun family vacation. It is the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. From luxurious resorts to isolated beaches, Kochi has tons of attractions to choose from. If you’re looking for places to visit in Kerala with family, add Kochi to your bucket list. Here you can see the influence of Arab, Chinese, and European cultures through its architecture, food, and diverse houses of worship.
Kochi Attractions:-Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Folklore Museum, Lulu Mall Willingdon Island, Bolgatty Palace
Best time to visit Kochi:- October to February
Activities to do in Kochi:- Visit Fort Kochi and its historical landmarks, Explore the Chinese Fishing Nets, Walkthrough Jew Town and visit the Paradesi Synagogue, Tour Mattancherry Palace, Enjoy a Kathakali performance, Relax at Marine Drive, Take a ferry to Vypin Island, Visit St. Francis Church, Stroll through the Indo-Portuguese Museum
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a beach city in Kerala. It is globally known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwater, a great network of lagoons, and tranquil canals. For its natural beauty and long sandy beaches, Alleppey is known as one of the best places to visit in Kerala. If you’re coming to Kerala on your honeymoon, you must ask for Alleppey’s special honeymoon Kerala tour packages. Book a stay-in houseboat cruise and enjoy quality time with your beloved.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) Attractions:-Backwaters, Houseboat Cruises, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Vembanad Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal Island, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Best time to visit Alleppey (Alappuzha):- October to March
Activities to do in Alleppey (Alappuzha):- Houseboat cruises on the backwaters, Visiting Alappuzha Beach, Exploring the Alleppey Lighthouse, Touring the Krishnapuram Palace
Bird watching at Pathiramanal Island, Visiting Marari Beach, Exploring the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Canoeing and kayaking in the backwaters, Attending the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (seasonal), Visiting the International Coir Museum, Strolling through the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
Thekkady
Thekkady is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. It is best known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. This small and beautiful town is near Periyar National Park. Thekkady is also famous for its natural species including black pepper, cardamom, clove, ginger, nutmace, nutmeg, and cinnamon. So whenever you’re in Thekkady, don’t forget to bring the natural spices for your kitchen.
Thekkady Attractions:-Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Bamboo Rafting, Elephant Junction, Spice Plantations, Mangala Devi Temple, Murikkady, Chellarkovil Viewpoint, Pandikuzhi, Border Hiking, Anakkara, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Vandiperiyar
Best time to visit Thekkady:- October to February
Activities to do in Thekkady:- Wildlife Sanctuary Visit, Periyar Lake Boat Ride, Elephant Rides and Bathing, Spice Plantation Tour, Bamboo Rafting, Border Hiking, Jeep Safari, Nature Walk, Ayurvedic Massage, Kathakali Performance
Wayanad
For nature admirers, Wayanad is a true paradise. With picturesque landscapes and a rich green forest area, Wayanad has become one of the most beautiful places in India. Clear blue sky, green mountains, and pleasant weather make this place ideal for honeymoon couples. It is less crowded than other major Kerala attractions which leads to Wayanad being among the best places to visit in Kerala for couples.
Wayanad Attractions:-Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, Thirunelli Temple, Kuruva Island, Meenmutty Falls, Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Phantom Rock, Lakkidi View Point
Best time to visit Wayanad:- November to February
Activities to do in Wayanad:- Visit Edakkal Caves, Explore Banasura Sagar Dam, Trek to Chembra Peak, Relax at Pookode Lake, Discover Soochipara Waterfalls, Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Explore Thirunelli Temple, Take a tea plantation tour
Kovalam
Kovalam is a small yet stunning coastal town in Kerala, south of Thiruvananthapuram. A visit to Kovalam is a must to avoid the hustle and bustle of your daily city life. Here you can see fewer people who love to enjoy nature, birds chirping, the sounds of waves, and more. It is a true nature paradise where you can get close to nature and admire its beauty.
Kovalam Attractions:-Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach (Eve’s Beach), Samudra Beach, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Art Gallery
Best time to visit Kovalam:- September to March
Activities to do in Kovalam:- Lighthouse Beach, Water Sports (surfing, parasailing), Ayurvedic massages, Visit Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Sunset views
Kumarakom
Located on Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for couples. Great canals, houseboats, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are the major attractions of Kumarakom. To experience the peace and natural beauty of Kerala, you must visit Kumarakom with your partner. Here you can do many activities like boat rides, temple visiting, beachside enjoyment, and sunset watching.
Kumarakom Attractions:-Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Backwater cruises, Houseboat stays
Best time to visit Kumarakom:- September to March
Activities to do in Kumarakom:- Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake, Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Ayurvedic spa treatments, Explore traditional Kerala cuisine, Sunset watching at Thanneermukkom Bund, Backwater canoeing
Varkala
Varkala is another beautiful coastal town, located near the Arabian Sea and known for Varkala beach, backed by palm-covered red cliffs. In the south of Varkala, there is Papanasam Beach which is believed to have holy waters. Varkala offers some phenomenal sunset views from Odayam Beach.
Varkala Attractions:-Cliff Beach, Janardanaswamy Temple, Varkala Tunnel, Sivagiri Mutt, Ayurvedic spas
Best time to visit Varkala:- September to February
Activities to do in Varkala:- Beach hopping (Varkala Beach, Papanasam Beach), Cliff views and sunset at North Cliff, Ayurvedic massages and treatments, Yoga and meditation retreats, Water sports (surfing, parasailing), Exploring Janardanaswamy Temple
Bekal
Bekal is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. It is best known for its long sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, amazing sunsets, and holy temples. It is home to Kerala’s largest fort Bekal Fort. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty and experience the calmness of nature, Bekal is truly a gem place to visit.
Bekal Attractions:-Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters
Best time to visit Bekal:- September to February
Activities to do in Bekal:- Bekal Fort visit, Kappil Beach exploration, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Bekal Beach Park, Chandragiri Fort trip
Thrissur
If you want to see the rich culture and customs of Kerala, visit Thrissur once in your life. This place is known for its holy religious sites and traditional festivals. It is also called the cultural capital of Kerala. Thrissur Pooram is a religious festival that attracts millions of visitors throughout the globe.
Thrissur Attractions:-Vadakkunnathan Temple, Athirappilly Waterfalls, Thrissur Zoo and Museum, Kerala Kalamandalam, Shakthan Thampuran Palace
Best time to visit Thrissur:- September to February
Activities to do in Thrissur:- Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple, Explore Thrissur Zoo, Attend Thrissur Pooram festival, Wander around Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Shop at Thrissur’s local markets
Key Takeaways
Kerala beckons with a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. From the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the misty peaks of Munnar, and the cultural richness of Kochi, each destination in ‘God’s Own Country’ offers a unique charm.
Don’t miss the serene beaches of Kovalam, the wildlife sanctuaries of Thekkady, and the historic marvels of Thiruvananthapuram. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Kerala’s best places to visit promise to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. Embrace the beauty and diversity of Kerala, where every corner unfolds a new story of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
FAQ
Munnar and Wayanad are one of the most beautiful parts of Kerala. These places are perfect for nature lovers and peace seekers. Both places are blessed with natural wonders and great landscapes.
- Munnar: Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park
- Alleppey: Houseboat stay, backwater cruises
- Kochi: Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, cultural shows
- Wayanad: Wildlife sanctuaries, Edakkal Caves
- Kovalam: Beaches, lighthouse
Winter is the best time to visit Kerala because, at this time, the weather is pleasant and less humid. So plan your trip to Kerala from September to March.
The best way to reach Kerala is by flight. Flights to Kerala are frequently available from various domestic and international locations. Trains are also available, but they take time if you’re coming from Delhi, Kolkata, and other cities.
If you want to book cheap Kerala tour packages, visit the official website of ASAPHolidays and book your Kerala tour package. You will also get 30% off on your booking.
