Kerala is a wondrous location where the dawn delivers mist and wonder. This is where the backwaters enchant everyone with their enticing stillness, affectionately known as “God’s Own Country.” Kerala is a sight to behold, with geography ranging from cold highlands to warm sea beaches. Here is a list of must-see Best Places to Visit in Kerala for everyone visiting this tropical paradise.
1. Alleppey
Alappuzha, sometimes known as the “Venice of the East,” is one of the best places to visit near Kochi and part of many Kerala vacation plans.
It is around 63 kilometres from Kochi and 152 kilometres from Trivandrum.
The area’s backwaters are ideal for a houseboat holiday.
Explore the watery paths. Houseboats are archaic forms of transportation that have been modernised with a plethora of luxury comparable to a 5-star hotel.
| Tourist Attractions: | Alappuzha Beach; Marari Beach; Mannarasala Temple; St. Mary Rorane Church Karumadikuttan Statue; Krishnapuram Palace. |
| Best time to visit: | Year-round destination |
| Nearest airport: | Kochi International Airport |
| Nearest railway station: | Alleppey Railway Station |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 1-2 Days |
| Where to stay: | The Tharangini HouseBoat, The Ramada Alleppey, Vembanad Lake Hotel; JCT Houseboat or Cosy Houseboats; Citrus retreats and Lemon Tree |
2. Kochi
Fort Kochi, one of the Best Places to Visit in Kerala, is frequently seen as a gateway to God’s Own Country. The city has a rich history, tradition, and multiculturalism. It is one of Kerala’s most popular travel destinations for environment enthusiasts, history fans, and visitors.
Kochi is Kerala’s cultural and economic centre. It is a tourism hotspot that draws tourists from all over the world. In Kochi, you may feast your eyes on anything from Chinese fishing nets to unique spice cultivations.
| Tourist Attractions: | Fort Kochi, Vypeen Island, Vypeen Beach, Andhakaranzhi Beach, Marine Drive, Bolghatty Island, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Basilica of Santa Cruz, Thrikkara Temple. |
| Best time to visit: | October to March |
| Nearest airport: | Kochi International Airport |
| Nearest railway station: | Kochi Railway Junction |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 2-3 Days |
| Where to stay: | The Trident, Neemrana’s Tower house, Le Colonial Neemrana |
3. Thekkady
Thekkady, located in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is famous for being a centre of animal adventure.
The Periyar Lake in the national park is extremely appealing. Only here can you go on a boat safari to see wildlife.
You may witness the elephants that wander the sanctuary, visit the lush green trees, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, or go on an elephant safari into the jungle.
Periyar is ideal for animal enthusiasts and those looking to relax amid the misty highlands of the Nilgiris.
| Tourist Attractions: | Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Gavi, Kumily, Caramom Hills, Spring Valley Mountain, Pandikuzhi, Chellarkovil, Panchalimedu, Vandiperiyar, Grampi, Mangala Devi Temple |
| Best time to visit: | October to February |
| Nearest airport: | Madurai Airport (140km), Kochi International Airport (265km) |
| Nearest railway station: | Kottayam Railway Station (107km / 3 Hours |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | Half-Day to Full Day |
| Where to stay: | Aranya Nivas, Michael’s Inn, Springdale heritage resort |
4. Munnar
Munnar, yet another beautiful hill station amid the interesting Western Ghats, requires no introduction.
The village has an effortless appeal despite its elevation of 6000 feet.
This hill’s incline and pleasant weather are ideal for tea cultivation. In Munnar, the vista of undulating hills touching the clouds refreshes your mind and spirit.
It is one of the greatest spots to visit in Kerala for a trip, and it is popular with honeymoon couples worldwide.
In fact, Munnar has been ranked one of the top romantic destinations in the world.
It is a fantastic place, with lush, sprawling tea estates, scented spice farms, picturesque lakes, mountain streams at Agasthyakoodam, rolling hills, and so on.
| Tourist Attractions: | Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View Point, Anamudi, Blossom Park, TATA Tea Museum, Vattavada, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Nyayamakad, Meesapulimala, Kolukkumalai, Chithirapuram, Rajamala, Top Station, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo Swiss |
| Best time to visit: | Year-round Destination |
| Nearest airport: | Kochi International Airport at a distance of 132 km |
| Nearest railway station: | Aluva Railway Station, 120 km away. |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 2-3 Days |
| Where to stay: | Misty mountain resorts, Fort Munnar, Munnar Terrace Greens |
5. Thrissur
If you enjoy culture or like exploring Kerala’s rich traditions, Thrissur should be at the top of your vacation list!
This city, also known as ‘Trichur,’ was originally the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin and the ‘Cultural Capital of Kerala.’
The town is built on a 65-acre hillside and is home to various temples, cultural centres, churches, and vibrant cultural events.
The city was one of the first human communities. In April/May, Thrissur hosts the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival.
This is Kerala’s most colourful and stunning temple celebration, held at Thekkinkadu Maidan.
| Tourist Attractions: | Chavakkad Beach, Nattika Beach, Vatanappally Beach, Athirapally Waterfalls, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrissur Pooram, Archaeological Museum, PunnathurKotta, Sri Maheswara Temple, Lourdes Cathedral, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Dolours Basilica, Arattupuzha Temple |
| Best time to visit: | April to May (Thrissur Pooram festival) |
| Nearest airport: | Kochi International Airport (67km) |
| Nearest railway station: | Thrissur Railway Station |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | Half-Day to Full Day |
| Where to stay: | Dass Continental, Hotel Peninsula, Lulu International Convention |
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6. Kovalam
Kovalam is one of India’s most beautiful, enjoyable, and relaxing beach getaways.
The renowned tourist destination in Kerala has a variety of luxury lodgings as well as several Ayurvedic treatment clinics.
In recent years, Kovalam has grown in reputation as an Ayurvedic health centre.
So, if you need to recharge your batteries, Kovalam is the place to go.
You may wonder about, participate in beach activities, or engage in other enjoyable activities while visiting Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach.
| Tourist Attractions: | Vellayani Lake, Lighthouse Beach, Chowara Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, Shangumkham Beach, Neyyar Dam, Aruvikkara Dam, Edakallu, Karamana River, Kovalam Art Gallery, Valiyathura Pier, Artificial Coral Reef, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Naiper Art Museum, Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. |
| Best time to visit: | September (Monsoon End) to March |
| Nearest airport: | Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (16km) |
| Nearest railway station: | Trivandrum Central Railway Station (13km) |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 4 Hours/Half Day |
| Where to stay: | Beach Hotel De Tour Neelakanta,Vivanta by Taj Green Cove and Hotel Samudra KTDC |
7. Wayanad
This is one of Kerala’s greenest destinations to visit, known as the “country of paddy fields” in Malayalam. Its beautiful splendour and exhilarating experiences make it a popular destination for travellers.
The district is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, making it ideal for spending time in nature and engaging in outdoor activities. Visit Muthanga Animals Sanctuary to see wildlife such as Spotted Deer, Bison, Cheetah, and Bears.
| Tourist Attractions: | Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake, Lakkidi, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Sulthan Bathery, Chain Tree |
| Best time to visit: | October to April |
| Nearest airport: | Calicut International Airport |
| Nearest railway station: | Nilambur Railway Station (92km / 3 Hours) |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 2 Full Days |
| Where to stay: | Vyithiri Village, The Woods Wayanad, Upavan Resort, and Wayanad Silver Woods Resort |
8. Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, a city, brimming with enthusiasm while coexisting with historical heritage, is one of the greatest tourist destinations in Kerala.
The capital city is one of India’s most beautiful and greenest cities.
Trivandrum is a veritable treasure trove for visitors from all walks of life, with countless tourist locations, historical sites, picturesque beaches, and much more.
The lovely city, built on seven hills, provides intriguing things worth seeing. In addition to being a contemporary metropolis, it is the state’s historical and cultural centre.
| Tourist Attractions: | Ponmudi, Kovalam, Shanghumugham Beach, Aruvi Waterfalls, Veli Tourist Village Aruvikkara Dam, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace, Kanakakunnu Palace, Anchuthengu Fort, Vizhinjam, Thiruvallam, ParipallyGajamela, Anantha Padmanabha Temple, |
| Best time to visit: | October to February |
| Nearest airport: | Trivandrum International Airport |
| Nearest railway station: | Trivandrum Central Railway Station |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 1-2 Days |
| Where to stay: | Fortune Hotel The South Park, Classic Sarovar Portico, Hotel Galaxy Inn, Classic Sarovar Portico and Vivanta by Taj, |
9. Kozhikode
Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, is well-renowned for its natural beauty, culture, historical landmarks, educational institutions, and gastronomic delights.
Perhaps this is why Kozhikode is also called the “City of Sculptures.”
Kozhikode is also known as the “City of Spices” since it is a significant commercial port for eastern spices.
Vadakkan Pattukal is folk songs or ballads popular in the area.
| Tourist Attractions: | Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Thusharagiri Falls, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Tali Temple, Lion’s Park, Kalipoyika, Mananchira Square, Krishna Menon Museum. |
| Best time to visit: | July to April |
| Nearest airport: | Calicut International Airport (28km) |
| Nearest railway station: | Kozhikode Railway Station |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 2-3 days |
| Where to stay: | Renai Kappad beach resort, The Taviz Resort and Spa and Park Residency at Ramanattukara |
10. Kannur
Kannur was formerly a major British commercial centre in the south, therefore much of the city still has a Colonial feel to it, with the local flavour of Kannur.
Kannur, often known as ‘The Crown of Kerala,’ is a visitor’s visual delight! Embraced by the captivating beauty of the Western Ghats, ornamented with the enticing strokes of the Arabian Sea, and adorned with the bucolic charm of an evergreen forest.
You may visit St. Angelo Fort, wander along Payyambalam Beach, see animals at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, or take a ferry journey over the Laccadive Sea.
| Tourist Attractions: | Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Baby Beach, Parassinikkadavu, Arakkal Museum, Fort St. Angelo, Pallikunnu, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Payyambalam Beach, Thottada Beach, Dharmadam Island. |
| Best time to visit: | October to March |
| Nearest airport: | Calicut International Airport |
| Nearest railway station: | Kannur Railway Station |
| Ideal Trip Duration: | 1-2 Days |
| Where to stay: | Hotel Sky Pearl, Aroma Ayur Heritage Resort, Hotel The SkyPark Mattannur and Kaula Inn |
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