10 Best location in Kerala you must visit
God’s Own Country, Kerala is one of the must-visit places in India. The tourist attractions in Kerala tempts, pleases and of course grants unforgettable experiences. This paradise in India has hill- stations, backwaters, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, commercial cities, scenic hamlets and much more to explore.
The coastal state snuggled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is pleasing throughout the year. Be it family vacationers, honeymoon couples, solo backpackers or adventure lovers, there is something for everyone.
1.Allapuzha
Alappuzha is known as ‘the Venice of the East’. Offering the best tourist places in Alleppey, this charming place is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters and is home to a huge network of backwaters and more than thousand houseboats. The houseboats you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact a reworked version of the Kettuvallams of olden times. Kettuvallam is a Malayalam word, ‘Kettu’, means living structures and ‘Vallom’ means boat. In the olden days, kettuvallam or boat with a thatched roof that covers over wooden hulls was used to carry tons of rice and spices.
The modern houseboats are equipped with all the comforts of a good hotel room like air conditioners, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. An uninterrupted view of life in the backwaters fringed with coconut trees can be enjoyed from a houseboat. A perfect place to unwind with its laidback canals and lush greenery. The Alappuzha beach with a 137-year-old pier extending into the sea and an old 17th-century lighthouse built by the Portuguese add to the magic of the place. It is famous for its boat races, marine products, and coir industry.
So get ready to wander around this small but chaotic city center and bus-stand area, with its modest grid of canals. Head west to the beach or in practically any other direction towards the backwaters and Alleppey becomes elegant and greenery-fringed, waning into a watery world of hamlets, punted canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats. Float along and gaze over paddy fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks. Indeed, it is here that nature has spent upon the land her richest bounties. Come and explore the best tourist places in Alleppey.
- Best time to visit: September to mid-May
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport at 53 km.
- Nearest railway station: Alleppey Railway Station is in the city.
Places to visit in Alleppey:
| Alappuzha Beach | RaftingKrishnapuram Palace | Marari Beach | Revi Karunakaran Museum |
| Pathiramanal | Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple | Nehru Trophy Boat Race | Arthunkal Church |
2.Wayanad
Wayanad is known for its soothing temperature all around the year, Wayanad is the ultimate destination to escape the scorching sun of North India. This place doesn’t only offer its cool temperature but along with that, it has untouched woods, misty mountains, and long spread plantations. Often called the spice garden of India, Wayanad is laid with many tourist places and vast orchards of various spices like cardamom, Black pepper, Star Anise, Fenugreek, Black cumin and more. These green orchards of distinct spices give this place a different fragrance which is further enriched with the aroma of coffee plantation, nutrition of organic fruits and vegetables and waving paddy fields.
Having said this much about the greenery in the city, it is understood that it will have numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and national parks protecting the rural life of the forests. Adding to all the natural beauty you have India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. Having mighty mountains, dense woods, and gushing rivers, Wayanad is a hub for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and many more adventurous activities.
You can trek to India’s largest Earth Dam, Banasura Dam or trek to witness the sun setting behind the mountains from Wayanad’s highest peak, Chembra Peak. The list doesn’t end here, you have the chance to explore potentially Neolithic age at Edakkal Caves. You will find some petroglyphs- prehistoric rock carvings used as a communication tool.
Moreover, you will find some amazing examples of ancient architecture and religious beliefs through the monuments like Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, Ancient Jain Temple and much more. All these threads weave into an amazing tapestry that will glorify your photo album as well as the album of your life.
Best places to visit near Wayanad
| Edakkal caves | Banasura Sagar dam | Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary | Thusharagiri Waterfalls | Thirunelli Temple |
| Lakkidi View Point | Puliyarmala Jain Temple | Kuruvadweep | Papanashini River | Padinjarathara Dam |
3.Munnar
Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill station in Kerala. Snuggled at 6000 feet, the town has an easy charm. The gradient and the salubrious weather of this hill are perfect for tea farming. The hill station has about 80,000 miles of tea plantation. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Kerala for Tea & Spice plantation tour. The town has an old-world colonial feel to it. Enjoy a relaxing stay in comfortable hotels in Munnar. For adventure-seeking, trekking and camping are definitely exciting. Munnar is a balm to your body, mind, and soul.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 143 km away.
- Nearest railway station: Aluva Railway Station is 110 km away.
Things to see in Munnar:
| Attukad Waterfalls | Cheeyappara Waterfalls | TATA Tea Museum | Meesapulimala |
| Blossom Park | Pothamedu View Point | Life of Pi Church | Top Station |
| Marayoor Dolmens | Mattupetty Dam | Indo Swiss Dairy Farm | Kundala Lake |
| Lockhart Gap | Anamudi | Eravikulam National Park |
4.Kovalam
Listed among the best destination of Kerala, Kovalam is a beauty and one offering cherished experiences. The place offers a lot to tourists. In addition, the pleasant weather, soothing breeze, golden soft sand, and tall coconut trees add more charm to this little piece of paradise. Also, go swimming or bask in the warm sunshine. Get to enjoy lip-smacking seafood. Soothing Ayurvedic massages are also on offer. Relax sunbathing in the warmth or try out water sports like parasailing, snorkeling, etc. Additionally, there are a number of accommodation options suitable for your family, loved one, or for yourself to relax.
- Best time to visit: September to May
- Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport at 15 km.
- Nearest railway station: Trivandrum Railway Station at 14 km.
Famous Tourist Attractions in Kovalam:
| Lighthouse Beach | Halcyon Castle | Hawah Beach | Samudra Beach |
| Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple | Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium | Halcyon Castle | Akkulam Lake |
| Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor | Kovalam Jama Masjid | Vellayani Lake | Karamana River |
| Aruvikkara | Rock Cut Caves | Valiathura Pier | Water Sports in Kovalam |
5.Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve)
Thekkady ranks among the top places to visit in Kerala. It is natural heaven blessed with wilderness snuggled amid the lush greenery of Western Ghats. The forests of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary besides the Periyar Lake are a well-known tourist delight. In addition, coffee and spice plantations are truly amazing. Periyar, one of the 27 Tiger Reserves in India is inhabited by almost 35 species of fauna, like elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs, etc. Also, almost 265 species of birds inhabit the greenery. In addition, you can enjoy the wildness with activities like safari, jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle camp, border hiking, etc.
- Best time to visit: November to early-May
- Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport at 95 km.
- Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station at 114 km.
Things to see in Periyar Tiger Reserve
Periyar wildlife sanctuary Periyar Lake Kadathanadan Kalari Center Elephant Junction Deepa World Spice Ayurvedic Garden Kumily Ramakkalmedu Mullaperiyar Dam Periyar Tiger Trail Mudra Cultural Center Vandiperiyar Chellarkovil Vandanmedu
6.Fort Kochi
One of the top tourist places in Kerala, Fort Kochi is often the gateway to God’s Own Country. The Queen of the Arabian has multiple personalities. The city has a history, heritage and multi-ethnic culture. Perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and tourists, it is one of the most visited travel destinations in Kerala. Fort Kochi has much to offer, in terms of sights, food and experiences. With museums, palaces, synagogues, Hindu temples, churches, heritage buildings, art galleries, beaches, Fort Kochi tempts you to go exploring. Do not miss to savor some of the cuisines and bring home souvenirs.
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport in the city.
- Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction is 13 km away.
Top Places to see near Fort Kochi:
Chinese fishing nets Mattancherry Palace Paradesi Synagogue St. Francis Church Santa Cruz Basilica Hill Palace Marine Drive Ernakulam Shiva Temple Indo-Portuguese Museum Bolgatty Palace Kodanad Elephant Training Center Willingdon Island
7.Kumarakom
Situated near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a tourist paradise. The quiet little hamlet is blessed with alluring sceneries, pleasant weather and an exotic ecosystem. Kumarakom holds a special spot in the list of best places to visit in Kerala. The backwaters are fringed by coconut grooves, fresh paddy fields and villages. Houseboat rides are simply relaxing and out of the world. The delightful authentic food of Kerala is a treat that you definitely should not miss. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places in Kerala. It is home to many bird species including migratory visitors, the Siberian storks.
Places to visit in Kumarakom – You can’t miss
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Juma Masjid, Temple, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Valiyapally, Cheriyapally, Thirunakkara Mahadeva, and Pathiramal Island.
- Best time to visit: September to May
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 85 km away.
- Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station is 16 km away.
8.Thrissur
Thrissur the “Cultural Capital of Kerala“is one of the must-visit tourist places in Kerala. Built around a 65-acre hillock, the town is home to several temples, cultural centers, churches and several colorful cultural festivals. If you want to witness history, heritage and culture of Kerala, there is certainly no better place to go. The city was one of the oldest sites of human settlements. There are many relics of megaliths and dolmens belonging to the Neolithic period. The vibrant Thrissur Pooram Festival is one of the major attractions that draws visitors in large numbers.
Top things to do in Thrissur
Thrissur Zoo, Athirapally Waterfalls, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Viyur Jail Park, Temples of Vadakkunnathan, Paramekkavu and Thiruvampadi
- Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport at 50 km.
- Nearest railway station: Thrissur Railway Station is in the city.
9.Thiruvananthapuram
A city thriving with energy yet co-existing with ancient history, Thiruvananthapuram is among the best tourist places in Kerala. The capital city is one of the most beautiful and greenest cities of India. While the blessed beauty is owing to the beautiful beaches along with serene backwaters fringed by palm and coconut groves. While the historic monuments and revered shrines keep the visitors busy. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple above all is the holiest. The holy abode of Anantha Padmanabha is a source of spiritual bliss. While you enjoy the city pleasures, indulge in water sports, also experience the charming culture of Kerala.
Best places to visit near Thiruvananthapuram
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Veli Lagoon, Karamana River, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunu Palace, Kowdiar Palace, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, along with Attukal Temple.
- Best time to visit: October to February.
- Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport in the city.
- Nearest railway station: Railway station in the city.
10.Kozhikode
Originally known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a beautiful city in Kerala. Among the must-visit attractions set on the Malabar Coast, the town definitely makes its name. It is well-known as a paradise for those who wish to explore nature and history at its best. From churches, temples, historic monuments to sanctuaries and waterfalls, Kozhikode has everything that one requires to make it a perfect holiday in Kerala. In addition, savor the great blend of different traditions like Arabic and Chinese. Also, the colors of this beautiful amalgam can be witnessed in the food offered by the place. In the meantime do not miss to have a taste of Kozhikode cuisine.
Tourist places near Kozhikode
Mananchira, Conolly Canal, Hilite Mall, Kallayi, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Sargaalaya, Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Matri Dei Cathedral, etc.
- Best time to visit: September to May
- Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 28 km away.
- Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station is well within the city limits.
