Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, on the south-western tip of India, is one of the most sought-after tourist places in the world. In this article, we have listed 10 must-visit places in Kerala and the top things to do.
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Kerala, as per the National Geographic Traveller, is one of the 50 must-visit destinations in a lifetime. An equable climate, serene beaches, tranquil backwaters, lush hill stations, ayurvedic healing centres and wildlife make it a popular tourist place.
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Best time to visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala depends on preferences and desired experiences. Winter, from October to February, offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Monsoon, from June to September, showcases Kerala’s lush greenery but limits outdoor ventures. Summer, from March to May, brings warm temperatures but is ideal for wildlife sightings and adventure activities. Whether it’s enjoying festivals in winter, witnessing Kerala’s rain-washed beauty in monsoon, or exploring hill stations during summer, Kerala offers diverse experiences throughout the year. Each season unveils a unique facet of “God’s Own Country,” ensuring a memorable visit regardless of the time chosen.
Top places to visit in Kerala
Here is a list of the top tourist places to visit in Kerala.
Best tourist places in Kerala #1: Alleppey backwaters
One of the best tourist places to visit in Kerala is Alleppey, 53 kilometres from Cochin. Alleppey (or Alappuzha), has bright green backwaters, palm-fringed lakes, lush paddy fields, colourful lagoons and a 150-year-old lighthouse. The most popular tourist place in Kerala is the rejuvenating and tranquil backwater, referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. Choose a half-day or a full-day boat cruise on the backwaters. For the more adventurous, ask for the overnight cruise. Alleppey Beach is one of the best beaches in south India and is a confluence of lagoons, rivers and backwaters. Also worth visiting are Mannarasala Temple and St Mary’s Syro-Malabar Catholic Forane Church. Do not miss the Krishna Puram Palace, popularly known as Pathinarukettu. This majestic palace was built by the erstwhile Travancore king, Marthanda Varma and is famous for its Kerala-style architecture, royal artefacts and mural paintings, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Alleppey.
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Best tourist Places in Kerala #2: Kochi
Kochi (Cochin), also called the ‘Gateway to Kerala’, is considered the best tourist place in Kerala. It is one of the finest port cities in Kerala. Cochin International Airport, the busiest airport in Kerala, received The United Nation’s 2018 Champions of the Earth Award for becoming the world’s first solar power airport. Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi has one of the finest natural harbours in the world and was the centre of the global spice trade for centuries. The iconic Chinese Fishing Nets is one of Kochi’s most recognisable sights that have been used since the 14th century. Kochi is a land of many cultures and religions and its colonial beauty and heritage can be seen at Fort Kochi, an old town with European architecture. St Francis Church is the oldest church built by Europeans in India. The Jewish Synagogue, built in 1568, is magnificently decorated with Chinese tiles and Belgian chandeliers. Also worth visiting are the Dutch Palace and the Cherai beach.
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Best tourist places in Kerala #3: Thekkady
Thekkady is heaven for wildlife and nature lovers and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala due to its cool climate, lush greenery, wildlife sanctuary and hills with tea, coffee and aromatic spice plantations. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over 777 sq kms and is one of the must-visit places in Thekkady. Of the 777 sq kms, 360 sq kms is a thick evergreen forest. The Periyar Forest is a wildlife reserve where one can observe the wildlife from the safety of a boat. Elephants playing in the lake and tigers lazing around are a sight to behold. Apart from elephants, lion-tailed macaque, sambar deer, leopard and wild boar can also be spotted. The rivers Pamba and Periyar flow through the dense park and help the flora and fauna thrive. It also provides shelter to many migratory birds like Malabar grey hornbill, white-bellied blue flycatcher, sunbird, great hornbill, black-necked stork and Nilgiris wood pigeon. You can enjoy the wildlife and the lush greenery by staying in a tree house resort.
Most beautiful places in Kerala #4: Kumarakom
Kumarakom (56 kms from Kochi) is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala, full of mangrove forests, emerald green paddy fields and coconut groves. To protect the ecology, the Kerala government has declared Kumarakom a special tourism zone. This is a must-visit green paradise for those who love backwaters, nature, birds, waterfalls, history and food. It is set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in the state of Kerala. The houseboat ride is one of the main tourist attractions in Kumarakom. The bird sanctuary, spread across 14 acres, is a favourite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s joy. Egrets, darters, herons, teals, waterfowls, cuckoo, wild ducks and migratory birds like the Siberian stork visit in flocks. The Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall is the major attraction of Kumarakom. The Thazhathangady Mosque is one of the heritage zones of Kerala. History enthusiasts can visit the Bay Island Drift Museum near Kumarakom Beach. A visit to Kumarakom will not be complete without trying the authentic fish dishes.
Best places to visit in Kerala #5: Thrissur
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Thrissur is one of the best tourist places in Kerala with lots to explore. The must-visit beaches include Chavakkad Beach, Nattika Beach, Vadanappally Beach, Snehatheeram Beach and Periyambalam Beach. The city is famous for its gold and diamond jewellery, with about 70% of the jewellery consumed in Kerala being produced here. Built in the classic Kerala style of architecture, the imposing Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Thrissur. Sitting atop Thekkinkadu Maithanam, the temple finds mention in ancient Hindu texts like the Brahmanda Purana and is believed to have been founded by Lord Parashuram. Guruvayur Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in India. It is an important place of worship for Hindus who pray to Lord Vishnu’s Krishna avatar, Guruvayurappan. Another must-visit place in Thrissur is the Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, an impressive Indo-Gothic church considered to be the largest in the country. It has a white façade, which makes it identifiable with an imposing interior with a large nave and 11 altars and stunning murals depicting scenes from the Christian scriptures.
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Best tourism places in Kerala #6: Poovar Island
Poovar Island with golden sands, calm waters and unique flora and fauna is one of the best tourist places in Kerala and has an estuary where the beach, island, river and sea meet. Poovar is only 30 kms from Thiruvananthapuram and one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. This romantic getaway has unspoiled beaches. There are floating cottages, as well as land cottages. Go boating through the dense mangrove forests or simply gaze at the horizon for hours to de-stress. In a small coastal village, there are motor boat cruises, Shikara Boat cruises, special honeymoon cruises, sunrise-sunset cruises, lunch and dinner cruises, bird-watching cruises and island round cruises. While cruising through the Poovar backwaters, one can spot water birds like kingfisher, Brahminy kite, night heron, sea egret and black darter. Poovar Beach offers relaxing, sun-kissed, gold sand for all-day-long strolls.
Most beautiful places in Kerala #7: Munnar
Munnar in Kerala is one of the most beautiful hill stations. Located at an elevation of nearly 1,500 metres, Munnar is filled with an awe-inspiring veil of hazy mist, scenic valleys, numerous streams, huge waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations and winding pathways. There are several scenic waterfalls in and around Munnar. Atukkad Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls and Naimakkadu Waterfalls are frequently visited by tourists. Munnar is also known for Neelakurinji, a rare plant that flowers only once in twelve years. South India’s largest tea-growing region, Munnar has a lovely environment throughout the year with temperatures varying from 0°C to 20°C. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea plantation and offers the perfect backdrop for remarkable photo opportunities. Tourists can taste the different flavours of tea and buy fresh tea from the factory outlets. Annuamudi peak is the highest mountain peak in South India. About 8,842 ft above the mean sea level, the beauty of this peak lies in its structure. Unlike the pyramidal or conical peaks, this one is a huge monolith rock that resembles an elephant. Don’t miss the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where the elusive Nilgiris Tahr attracts tourists from all across the world.
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Best places to visit in Kerala #8: Kovalam
Kovalam is a must-visit place in Kerala that offers you enchanting views of the ocean. A city made of four sandy beaches, Kovalam is one of the best surfing destinations in India. It is located 16 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. Known for temples and sunsets, there are plenty of places to see in Kovalam. Spread across a 17-kilometre-long coastline, Kovalam Beach is formed by three exquisite, crescent-shaped beaches – Hawa Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Samudra Beach. The place is also known for Yoga training, local food and photography. The art galleries, cafes and museums are worth exploring. The Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to visit in Kovalam and also one of the most crowded. The height of this lighthouse is around 30 metres. Climb up the140 stairs to enjoy the spellbinding view.
Best tourist places in Kerala #9: Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala and one of the largest cities in the state. It is popular for its alluring beaches. A must-visit place is the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple, considered to be one of the richest in the world. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Shri Padmanabhaswamy, believed to be the lord of the city of Trivandrum. Do visit the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum built by Maharaja Swathi Balarama Varma. This museum displays valuable collections of the royal family. The two royal thrones – one made of Bohemian crystals, embossed with an emblem of the conch on the backrest and the other made of ivory are the prime attractions of the museum. Another attraction is the Napier Museum, which has incredible sculptures and coins from different eras of Kerala. Housed in a wooden building from 1880, this museum has Buddhist sculptures, temple carts, ivory carvings and a wood-carved model of Kerala’s famous Guruvayur temple. One of the best parts of the museum is the musical instruments from different parts and eras of Kerala. Vellayani Lake is the largest lake in Trivandrum and amongst the best Trivandrum tourist destinations to visit. The lake has some alluring views of the village and the backwaters. Sitting at the peak of a hill, Kanakakunnu Palace offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in the surrounding gardens. Pay a visit to this palace and relive the golden days of the Travancore dynasty.
Best tourist places in Kerala #10: Kozhikode
Kozhikode (Calicut) is the legendary seaport where Vasco da Gama first set his foot and discovered India. Besides historical and commercial significance, this famous tourist place has serene beaches, panoramic countryside, wildlife sanctuaries, museums, waterfalls, rivers and hills. Kozhikode city is the centre for coconut, pepper, rubber, coffee, lemongrass oil and cashew nuts. Today, Kozhikode is one of the best cities in Kerala. Kozhikode Beach is an ideal location for relaxing and unwinding. This beach is the main attraction for tourists to see the luminous sunrise and sunset. A perfect location for boating, Kalipoyika is a must-visit to enjoy cruising, row boating and pedal boating. Another place for tourists to visit is the Mannanchira Square, christened after a clear water pool created by King Manavedavan, the former Zamorins. There are temples, mosques and churches scattered around this place. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, near the Kadalundi River coming from the Arabian Sea, is situated amidst numerous islands and hillocks and is one of the well-known tourist places. The beauty of this bird sanctuary is amazing as it has nearly 100 local and around 60 migratory bird species that sing to the charm of natural beauty.
Best tourist places in Kerala #11: Vagamon
Vagamon is one of the scenic hill stations in Kerala, nestled in Idukki district. It is a sought-after tourist places in Kerala for leisure travellers and adventure enthusiasts. People can explore adventure activities here, which includes mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, etc. It is considered a year-round travel destination.
Best tourist places in Kerala #12: Ashtamudi
Ashtamudi is a serene tourist spot situated in the quaint town of Kollam. The Ashtamudi Lake is located here and draws tourists regularly. The location is also known for coir manufacturing, traditional fishing, and cashew processing.
Best tourism places in Kerala #13: Guruvayur
Guruvayur is 27 kms from Thrissur and the temple town is famous for the Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple. The temple has many elephants and is famous for Thulabaram.
Best tourism places in Kerala #14: Kasargod
This is a very quaint town in Kerala that has rich biodiversity. It has stunning beaches that is frequented by tourists world over.
Best tourism places in Kerala #15: Kannur
Kannur is known as the crown of Kerala. It is outlined by the Western Ghats, Kannur has the Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach.
Best tourism places in Kerala #16: Idukki
Idukki is known as the India’s Backwater Capital. This place has many peaks like Anamudi and many spice gardens.
Top things to do in Kerala
Kerala has plenty of interesting things for couples, families and friends who visit the picturesque land. From adventure sports or healing massages, Kerala has something for everyone.
Elephant ride
An elephant ride is a must in Kerala and among the best things to do in Munnar and Thekkady. A tourist can also visit Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary in Kochi for exciting activities like elephant bath, elephant safari and elephant feeding.
Houseboat ride in the backwaters
A trip to Kerala is incomplete without experiencing the Kerala backwaters. The lush, palm-fringed landscape, diverse wildlife and villages that line the backwaters make a houseboat cruise a tranquil experience that can be part of a memorable romantic getaway at Allepey or Kumarakom. Houseboats in Kerala have well-equipped bedrooms, living rooms and decks with views.
Relax with an Ayurvedic massage
Due to various Ayurveda resorts in Kerala, this ‘God’s Own Country’ attracts tourists from all over the world for a revitalizing retreat. The generous availability of medicinal herbs and plants and the best Ayurvedic resorts make the state a holistic health destination. Trained professionals pamper you with wonderful massages leading to physical relaxation and mental wellbeing. A trip to an Ayurvedic healing centre can involve a week’s stay and a detox course (called panchakarma). You can also book any one of their offered treatments.
Watch Kathakali
A unique form of dance, Kathakali originated in Kerala. It is one of the best examples of the prevailing culture of this region. A tourist must watch Kathakali performance in Kerala. It involves elaborately-colourful make-up, costumes and face masks that traditionally male actor-dancers wear.
Visit spice plantations
Besides tea and coffee, there are various kinds of spices cultivated in Kerala. Visit the aromatic spice plantations of Kerala and see pepper, star anise, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg grow. The spice plantations can be visited in Thekkady, Wayanad and Munnar.
Must-have food in Kerala
The staple food of Kerala is influenced by the history and culture of the state. It is a blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Rice, fish and coconut are the common ingredients. Kerala is known as the spice bowl of India so, naturally, the flavours are enriched with chillies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, tamarind, black pepper, cardamom, clove, ginger, cinnamon and asafoetida. Enjoy the fresh coconut water. Upma, masala dosa, puttu, idli and appam are popular for breakfast. One of the well-known dishes of Kerala is idiyappam. Also known as Noolappam in Kerala cuisine, idiyappam is made of rice flour, salt and water with several thin strands or sevai entwined together. Puttu and kandala curry is considered to be one of the popular traditional Kerala dishes. Puttu is a cylindrical steamed rice cake that is cooked in a mould with grated coconut. It can be served with ripe bananas, grated coconut and kandala curry (the Kerala version of kala chana). Sadya, the multi-course meal, is served during festivals and weddings. This regal lunch includes rasam, pachadi, kichadi, pulissery, olan, sambar, papad, varavu, thoran, aviyal and payasam served with hot steaming rice on a banana leaf.
Kerala is well-known for spicy versions of non-vegetarian dishes. Must-have desserts include palada payasam and halwa, which are special desserts of Kerala. Palada payasam is made by boiling crunchy vermicelli and rice in milk and flavoured with cardamom, sugar and butter. Banana halwa is a must-try when visiting the land of backwaters. Neyyappam should be on the list of Kerala sweets and snacks to try. Neyyappam is typically made from rice flour, coconut, cardamom, milk and ghee and stuffed with a mixture of jaggery.
Shopping in Kerala
Kerala is also a shopping destination where you can buy various spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, coffee, clove and nutmeg from Thekkady, Periyar, Kumily, Munnar and around Fort Kochi. Those who love aromatherapy and massages can pick up a variety of oils. Kasavu Mundu is the traditional cotton textile of Kerala made of cotton and adorned with a zari border. Banana chips are another famous and must-buy item of the state. Kerala is well-known for its abundance of coconuts and is famous for its coir items. Go street shopping in Kochi and buy rugs, wall hangings, pure coconut oil, mats, boats and Urus (little models of the popular snake boats of Kerala used in boat racing). You can buy miniature elephants and pick up auspicious Nettipattam, the decorative ornament for good luck that can also be a lovely home décor item. Some famous local markets you must visit in Kerala for shopping are Connemara Market in Kochi, Mattupetty Dam Market in Munnar, Mattancherry Spice Market in Kochi, Chalai Market in Trivandrum, Local Town Market of Munnar and Sarwar Market in Trivandrum. Do visit Lochi Lulu International Shopping Mall, the largest mall in Kerala spread across 17 acres.
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Kerala, fondly called God’s Own Country, embodies an enchanting blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights. From serene backwaters to lush hill stations, each destination offers a unique experience. Whether exploring the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, the colonial charm of Kochi, or the wildlife sanctuary of Thekkady, Kerala captivates visitors with its diverse attractions. Indulging in activities like houseboat cruises, Ayurvedic massages, and Kathakali performances adds depth to the journey. With its rich culinary heritage boasting flavorsome dishes like idiyappam and palada payasam, Kerala promises a feast for the senses and a journey of a lifetime.
FAQs
Which is the best time to visit Kerala?
While any time of the year is a good time to visit the scenic land of Kerala, the best time is during the winter season when the weather becomes pleasant, which is from October to March. Hill stations in Kerala like Munnar can be visited from April to June. The monsoons are the time to witness the beauty of Kerala in all its glory.
How can I travel within Kerala?
Kerala has a good network of roads with luxury coaches and tourist taxis. Apart from roadways, ferry boats and railways are the other modes of transport. App-based cab services are available in prominent cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Thrissur and Calicut. For the most premium experience of a Kerala tour, it is best to book a private cab from a reputable tour operator.
Is Kerala a good place for a honeymoon?
Kerala is the honeymoon destination for a couple to enjoy relaxing massages and view romantic backwaters, hill stations, tea fields and waterfalls. A couple can stay in a treehouse or houseboat apart from the regular resorts.
