In this article, I will talk about the Best Places to Visit in Kerala. Kerala is beautiful, culturally rich, and landscape serene.
It’s a land with a lot to offer, and balancing fun, calm, and memories is not a thing every land does.
This one does it great. The misty hills of Munnar, the calm backwaters of Alleppey, the lively streets of Kochi and the unspoiled Kovalam and Varkala beaches offer the perfect surroundings for any traveler.
You can find adventure and relaxation here, all at the same time and with experiences you will not forget.
Key Points & Best Places To Visit In Kerala
| Place | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Munnar | Tea plantations, misty hills, Eravikulam National Park |
| Alleppey (Alappuzha) | Houseboat cruises, backwaters, scenic canals |
| Kochi (Cochin) | Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture |
| Wayanad | Lush forests, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries |
| Thekkady | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, bamboo rafting, spice plantations |
| Kovalam | Crescent-shaped beaches, lighthouse, water sports |
| Varkala | Cliffside views, Papanasam beach, Ayurvedic centers |
| Kumarakom | Bird sanctuary, serene backwaters, luxury resorts |
| Thrissur | Cultural festivals, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram |
| Bekal | Bekal Fort, beachside views, peaceful ambiance |
10 Best Places To Visit In Kerala
1. Munnar
Munnar is often referred to as the “Kashmir of South India,” and is a calm hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is famous for its tea plantations, beautiful hills and landscapes.
The Eravikulam National Park is known to house the rare Nilgiri Tahr and offers both trekking and numerous opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Other attractions include the Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum, and Anamudi Peak which is the tallest mountain in South India.
With its cool temperatures, valleys, and numerous breathtaking waterfalls, Munnar appeals to nature lovers and photographers alike.
Visitors spice gardens and Kerala cuisine, perfectly incorporating both adventure and relaxation.
| Famous Things in Munnar |
|---|
| Tea plantations and estates |
| Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr) |
| Mattupetty Dam |
| Anamudi Peak |
| Tea Museum |
| Attukal Waterfalls |
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey is known as the “Venice of the East” and is beautiful for its houseboats and backwaters.
A cruise on Vembanad Lake shows the village life of Keralaites and their paddy and coconut cultivation.
The place is famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. Tourists flock to the place to enjoy the Beach, the Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, and the lodge.
The houseboat stays are really famous and are the best way to have a glimpse of the Keralan culture, its food, and the lovely surroundings.
The place is best for couples, families, and photographers searching for serenity, and so, it is one of the best tourist places in Kerala.
| Famous Things in Alleppey |
|---|
| Backwaters and houseboat cruises |
| Vembanad Lake |
| Annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race |
| Alleppey Beach |
| Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple |
| Alappuzha Lighthouse |
3. Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi, the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, is a lively city harmonizing the past, present, and future.
It is Phoenix of Cochin as Fort Cochin, embankments of Cochin, is famous for old colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and beautiful streets.
Mattancherry Palace and Jewish Synagogue are a part of the riches of heritage that Kerala boasts of. Marine Drive on the other hand is a modern and picturesque promenade.
Kochi is a center of art, theatre, and festivals, for example, the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Its every day interfaces, sea food and cultural activities are a delight for global tourists.
Escaping modernity for a trip to Kochi is a brilliant option for tourists that need a combination of tradition and urbanity.
| Famous Things in Kochi |
|---|
| Fort Kochi and colonial architecture |
| Chinese Fishing Nets |
| Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) |
| Jewish Synagogue |
| Marine Drive |
| Kochi-Muziris Biennale (art festival) |
4. Wayanad
Kerala’s Western Ghats holds Wayanad, a haven for nature lovers. Filled with undulating and misty hills, dense forests, and countless wildlife sanctuaries, Wayanad has it all: camping, trekking, and outdoor activities.
Highlights include the Edakkal Caves with their ancient carvings, the beautiful Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls, and scenic Pookode Lake.
Wayanad provides sanctuary for wildlife and the opportunity to see elephants and exotic birds and also has tigers and wildlife.
Wayanad is a spice growing region and has beautiful and peaceful villages. Wayanad is perfect for eco-tourism with its mild climate, rich biodiversity, and beautiful terrain.
Wayanad is perfect for the adventurous traveler, one looking for culture, or one looking for the peaceful escape that nature provides.
| Famous Things in Wayanad |
|---|
| Edakkal Caves (ancient petroglyphs) |
| Pookode Lake |
| Soochipara and Meenmutty Waterfalls |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Spice plantations |
| Chembra Peak trekking |
5. Thekkady
Thekkady is known for the Periyar wildlife sanctuary; the protected Periyar lake is home to elephants, bison, deer, and many species of birds.
Guests can also enjoy boat rides on the lake. Thekkady is well known for its spice plantations and offers tours and tastings of cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
There are also spice plantations in the region. Thekkady offers bamboo rafting, trekking, and nature walks for people who seek adventure.
The tranquility of Thekkady along with its abundant wildlife makes it perfect for eco-tourism which offers tranquility and relaxation.
Community entertainment also adds to Thekkady’s beauty. Thekkady is a perfect combination of wildlife and cultural entertainment, making it a must see for visitors to Kerala.
| Famous Things in Thekkady |
|---|
| Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Periyar Lake boat rides |
| Spice plantations (cardamom, pepper) |
| Bamboo rafting and trekking |
| Nature walks and eco-tourism |
| Kalaripayattu and Kathakali performances |
6. Kovalam
Kovalam is one of the very first and best beach destinations in Kerala. It is admired for the crescent-shaped coastline and the clean, golden beaches.
Light House beach, Hawa beach, and Samudra beach are the Kovalam beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing.
Kovalam also offers water sporting activities like parasailing, surfing and boat rides. Kovalam is famous for Ayurvedic treatments and wellness tourism as well.
It is beautifully rejuvenating and relaxing. The local beachside cafes, local markets where the people are very social, and the sunset views are another bolstering reason for Kovalam to be your vacation point in Kerala.
| Famous Things in Kovalam |
|---|
| Lighthouse Beach |
| Hawa Beach |
| Samudra Beach |
| Water sports (surfing, parasailing) |
| Ayurvedic wellness centers |
| Beachside cafes and markets |
7. Varkala
Varkala is an exceptional seaside town due to its beautiful cliffs which overlook the the Arabian Sea.
The cliffs, especially Papanasam Beach, are great for swimming and bathing, and are also good for watching the sunset.
Varkala is also known for its natural springs which are said to have healing capabilities. The town attracts wellness seekers from all over the globe since there are Ayurvedic treatment centers and yoga retreats.
The town’s lively bazaars and cafe’s at the beach serve local handicrafts and dishes from the sea. Varkala is also less busy compared to Kovalam, so there is a good mix of peace and beauty.
Alongside the wellness experiences, there are also spiritual services. Varkala is a great place for peace, adventure, and rejuvenation.
| Famous Things in Varkala |
|---|
| Papanasam Beach |
| Cliff-side views and sunsets |
| Natural medicinal springs |
| Ayurvedic and wellness retreats |
| Beachside cafes and shops |
| Relaxed coastal vibe |
8. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a stunning backwater location indentation of Vembanad lake and is well recognized for its houseboats and bird sanctuary.
Visitors can take a peaceful boat trip and see local villages as well as a variety of plant and animal life.
Nature lovers and photographers flock to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to see the migratory birds.
Guests at luxury resorts can indulge in wellness offerings, enjoy Ayurvedic baths, and sample authentic Keralan dishes.
Visitors can enjoy the lake by fishing, kayaking, or doing nothing at all. People looking to escape the city, Kumarakom is for you.
Kumarakom is a place of ecosystems, tranquil backwaters, and unique biodiversity and is a place for both leisure and nature.
| Famous Things in Kumarakom |
|---|
| Houseboat cruises on Vembanad Lake |
| Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary |
| Luxury resorts and lakeside stays |
| Fishing and kayaking |
| Traditional Kerala cuisine |
| Peaceful backwater experience |
9. Thrissur
Along with its rich traditions, heritage sites, festivals, and history, Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala.
The Thrissur Pooram festival is renowned globally and is celebrated with elaborate parades, fireworks, and elephants.
The city also contains institutions and temples, such as the Vadakkunnathan Temple, and churches that illustrate the artistic and religious diversity of the region.
Other than the historical and festive importance, the thriving cultural market that includes museums, art galleries, and the local market with its handicrafts, traditional Kerala goods, and festive atmosphere makes it a heritage tourism destination.
As a winning combination of traditions and art, with a strong underlying spirituality, Thrissur provides a unique Kerala experience that is both festive and rich culturally.
| Famous Things in Thrissur |
|---|
| Thrissur Pooram festival |
| Vadakkunnathan Temple |
| Churches and religious landmarks |
| Cultural institutions and art galleries |
| Local handicraft markets |
| Rich Kerala traditions and heritage |
10. Bekal
Bekal is situated in northern Kerala. When visiting this region, don’t forget to take in the breathtaking views from the Bekal Fort, an amazing attraction in this region, which is situated along the Arabian Sea.
Anyone in need of relaxation, along with tourists, historians and photographers are drawn to the clean, quiet beaches and the beautiful, rocky terrain.
Built in the 17th century, Bekal Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in the state of Kerala. As with the other locations in the region, Bekal includes ayurvedic wellness centers and resorts.
There are other activities in Bekal besides birdwatching and cultural exploration, such as walking along the beach.
The mixture of historical sites with the stunning beaches and calm atmosphere surrounding Bekal, makes it very enjoyable.
This place is rich in heritage and provides a beautiful and rare view of the coast of Kerala.
| Famous Things in Bekal |
|---|
| Bekal Fort |
| Bekal Beach |
| Scenic coastal landscapes |
| Resorts and ayurvedic centers |
| Birdwatching opportunities |
| Photography and heritage tourism |
Conclsuion
In cocnlsuion Kerala, the “God’s Own Country,” offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure.
From the misty hills of Munnar to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, the vibrant streets of Kochi, and the tranquil beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, each destination promises unique experiences.
Exploring Kerala guarantees unforgettable memories, relaxation, and a deep connection with nature and heritage.
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The ideal time is October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant.
Which is the most popular hill station in Kerala?
Munnar is the most famous for tea plantations and scenic landscapes.
Where can I experience Kerala’s backwaters?
Alleppey and Kumarakom are the top destinations for houseboat cruises.
Which beaches are must-visit in Kerala?
Kovalam and Varkala are the most popular beaches for relaxation and water activities.
What cultural attractions can I explore in Kerala?
Thrissur’s festivals, Kochi’s Fort Kochi, and local temples showcase Kerala’s heritage.