Kerala is a popular state that attracts tourists from different parts of the globe. It is located in the southwestern part of India and has unique geographical attributes that make it a popular tourist hotspot in India. National Geographic Traveller has marked Kerala as one of the ten paradises around the world that are renowned for their amazing backwaters and ecotourism initiatives.
Kerala offers visitors exotic wildlife, hill stations, tranquil and long stretches of backwater, serene beaches, and a pleasant climate. You can also find different forms of classical arts, a wide array of mouthwatering cuisines, and colorful festivals.
Here is the list of 10 places in Kerala that you must include on your itinerary to spend an amazing vacation trip.
- Kochi
- Munnar
- Alappuzha
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Wayanad
- Kovalam
- Kozhikode
- Periyar National Park
- Kumarakom
- Varkala
Table of Contents
List of Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala
Kochi
Kochi, earlier called Cochin, is a beautiful city filled with estuaries, interesting monuments, and bustling streets. Kochi is also called the commercial capital of Kerala. It is also a popular tourist destination where a number of people from different parts of India visit to spend their vacation.
Some of the popular destinations of Kochi that you must visit are Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco da Gama Square, Cherai Beach, Abayaranyam, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Street, David Hall, Fort Kochi Beach, and many more.
Kochi Travel Tips
The best time to visit Kochi is during the months of October and March when the
Kochi Facts
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kochi It is located at a distance of 37.1 km and will take about 1 hour and 13 minutes to reach this destination via taxi.
Highlights
- You can also visit Kochi-Muziris, which is an international exhibition of contemporary art in the whole of Asia.
- Make sure to try the ayurvedic massage therapy to rejuvenate from the pressure and stress of your daily life.
- Kochi has been the main port city of India since the 14th century and is thus known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.
Munnar
Munnar is a renowned tourist destination of Kerala that is situated at an elevation of 1600 meters above sea level. Munnar is the point where three streams merge, namely, Kundala, Nallathanni, and Mudrapuzha. Munnar is a beautiful town that offers tourists winding lanes, and picturesque towns.
You can also spot some of the exotic flora and fauna in this region of Kerala. It is said that there is a flower named Neelakurinji that makes the hill station covered in blue, however this flower blooms once every 12 years, and hence you can spot this flower net in the year 2030. Munnar has Anamudi, which is the highest peak in Munnar and provides scenic views to visitors.
Munnar Travel Tips
The best time to visit Munnar is during the winter season which prevails between the months of October and February. During these months the temperature remains comparatively cooler and you can explore Munnar in a comfortable manner.
Munnar Facts
The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport which is located at a distance of 107 km and will take approximately 3 hours and 1 minute to reach the destination via taxi.
Highlights
- It was early a hill station for the elites of the British Raj due to the scenic panorama of the surroundings.
- You can spot different species of animals such as ruddy mongoose, and Nilgiri Tahr as well as 120 species of birds.
- You can enjoy the paragliding activity that will allow you to enjoy the surrounding views from the bird’s eye angle.
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Alappuzha
Alappuzha, also called Alleppey, is a city that has gained popularity in the tourism industry for its houseboat cruises and is referred to as the Venice of the East.
You can explore a number of different places when you are visiting this region of Kerala. Alappuzha is renowned for its coir industry, marine products, backwaters, beaches, and boat races. The houseboat you will see in the backwaters imitates kettuvallams during ancient times.
In early times, tons of spices and rice used to be carried in these kettuvallams, which were usually boats with thatched roofs. The large network of canals plays a significant role in the life of the community people of the district.
Alappuzha Travel Tips
The best time to visit Alappuzha is either between January to March or from October to December. During these months you will experience pleasant weather that will also help you enjoy your stay at the houseboats in the backwater.
Alappuzha Facts
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Alappuzha It is located at a distance of 82.6 km and will require about 2 hours and 26 minutes to reach the destination via cab.
Highlights
- Water carnivals are held here using the gigantic snake boats that are mainly used in races and are enjoyed by a large number of people.
- You can cruise to Kollam over the Vembanad lake and enjoy the lush green fields and coconut trees on your way.
- You must visit Kuttanad, also known as the rice bowl of Kerala, which is home to backwaters, lakes, and paddy fields.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is known as the evergreen city of India and is also the capital of Kerala. The city is packed with historical sites and architecture, backwaters, long stretches of shorelines having palm trees, and beautiful beaches.
Moreover, Thiruvananthapuram is also one of the most visited pilgrimage sites of India. Back in the 17th century, this city was the capital of the Travancore kingdom, which was ruled by the Varma dynasty.
The city was named Thiruvananthapuram by King Marthanada Varma, who dedicated it to Lord Padmanabha, who is the presiding deity of the Padmanabhaswamy temple. This city offers travelers a wide array of South Indian cuisines along with historical landmarks and architectural treasures.
Thiruvananthapuram Travel Tips
Thiruvananthapuram is best visited during the months of October to February when there is little chance of rainfall and the weather remains pleasant making it ideal for the tourist to engage in sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Thiruvananthapuram Facts
Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Thiruvananthapuram, which is situated at a distance of 6.1 km and takes around 21 minutes from the airport to reach the city via cab.
Highlights
- The word Thiruvananthapuram was derived from three Malayalam words, Thiru, Anantha, and Puram, which together mean “The City of Lord Ananta”, who was the serpent Shesha, where Lord Padmanabha reclines.
- Both Kovalam and Shankhumugham are popular beaches and also a tourist hotspot.
- Thiruvananthapuram besides being the IT hub of Kerala is also now an academic hub, where a number of renowned institutions are present.
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Wayanad
Wayanad is a beautiful district of Kerala, which is maintained by the District Tourism Promotion Council, Wayanad. Tourists from different parts of India visit this place to enjoy the trekking trails and camping along with exploring caves, waterfalls, and bird watching.
Wayanad is placed on an elevated mountainous plateau in the Western Ghats. It is considered to be a paradise for nature lovers as the area is enchanting and pristine which is rich in culture and history. You will feel mesmerized amidst the rugged terrains and lofty ridges.
Wayanad Travel Tips
It is best to visit Wayanad during the winter season that prevails during the months of November to February, when the temperature during the day is low and the nights are cold, allowing travelers to visit different places around Wayanad comfortably.
Wayanad Facts
The nearest airport to Wayanad is Kozhikode International Airport which is located at a distance of 91 km and takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes to reach the city via taxi.
Highlights
- In early times the pepper of Wayanad was renowned globally for its spiciness and was thus exported massively around different parts of the world.
- You can purchase a number of products from this place such as herbal plants, honey, bamboo products, tea, coffee, and spices.
- If you are into adventure, then Cheengari Rock Adventure Centre is a must-visit place.
Kovalam
Kovalam is another small and pristine coastal town located at the south of Thiruvananthapuram. Kovalam has been a popular tourist hotspot since the 1930s which is renowned for its three adjacent crescent beaches. The rock formation near the beaches allows places suitable for sea bathing in calm waters.
Housing some of the most pristine beaches of Kerala, this tourist destination has been named “Paradise of the South” by Travel magazine. The lining up of the coconut trees by the seashore offers an attractive view to the visitors. Thus, if you are planning to visit Kerala, then you must enlist your trip to Kovalam to enjoy a wonderful time in this coastal town.
Kovalam Travel Tips
The best time to visit Kovalam is during the months of September to March, as the weather remains enjoyable and you can enjoy exploring the beaches and spending your leisure time in a pleasant manner.
Kovalam Facts
The nearest airport to reach Kovalam is Trivandrum International Airport which is situated at a distance of 13.2 km and takes about 23 minutes to reach the destination via taxi.
Highlights
- If you are careful about the waves and currents then you can enjoy your swim in the ocean water.
- You can enjoy activities like banana boat rides, scuba diving, and jet skiing at the ocean to enjoy your time at Kovalam.
- The presence of Monazite and Ilmenite offers a black texture to the beach sand that is a distinguishable feature of Kovalam.
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Kozhikode
Kozhikode is another coastal city of Kerala which was earlier a giant spice trade center located along the Malabar coast and was earlier known as the City of Spices. If you are visiting Kozhikode then you will witness hills, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, historic sites, beaches, and lush green countryside.
The city was founded back in 1042 A.D. after which Chinese, Arabs, and Phoenicians reached its shore for trading. Some of the prime tourist attractions of Kozhikode are Sarovaram Bio Park, Kozhikode Beach, SM Street, Mananchira Square, Kappad Beach, and many more. Thus, if you are visiting Kerala, then make sure you include Kozhikode in your itinerary.
Kozhikode Travel Tips
It is highly recommended to visit Kozhikode during the months of October and March as the weather then remains pleasant and allows the tourists sightseeing in a relaxed manner. Moreover, during these months, a number of festivals are hosted in the city, among which the Malabar Mahotsavam is the renowned cultural festival highlighting rich traditions.
Kozhikode Facts
The nearest airport to Kozhikode is Calicut International Airport which is 27.6 km away and takes around 54 minutes to reach the destination via taxi.
Highlights
- In the year 1948, Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed in Kozhikode.
- The Kozhikode beach offers a beautiful view of sunset that mesmerizes the visitors.
- Kozhikode is also the 195th largest urban area in the world and was early a major trading point of eastern spices.
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Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is a beautiful park that has a rich biodiversity. The amazing flora and fauna attract tourists from different parts of India as well as from foreign countries. You will be spellbound when you witness the exotic wildlife and endangered species in their natural habitat.
This national park offers you a number of wild species such as wild boar, stripe-necked mongoose, gaur, Malabar giant squirrel, sambar, elephant, and royal Bengal tiger.
You can also spot a number of different bird species within the national park. If you are a nature lover, then you will love this national park because of its diversified flora and fauna.
Periyar National Park Travel Tips
It is recommended to visit Periyar National Park during the months of October to February when you will get a favorable temperature that will help you explore the national park in a comfortable manner.
Periyar National Park Facts
The nearest airport to Periyar National Park is Madurai Airport which is situated at a distance of 154 km and takes around 3 hours and 13 minutes to reach the park via taxi.
To visit this national park, you need to purchase a ticket worth of ₹45 for adults and ₹15 for kids. Moreover, for a camera, you need to pay an additional charge of ₹38.
Highlights
- There is an option for a boat safari in Periyar Lake and enjoy the steady ride witnessing the surrounding wilderness.
- There are 230 different bird species out of which 20 are endemic species and 14 are endangered species.
- The national park is renowned for having a herd of 50 Asian elephants, which highlights the conservation ability of the park.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a serene village located on the Vembanad Lake which is present in the backwaters of Kerala. There are a number of canals that have houseboats placed in them. This place offers you a blend of blue skies and greenery that is ideal for travelers.
This village is renowned for its Kumarakom Responsible tourism project through which the local people fostered sustainable tourism attracting a large number of both national and international tourists. You can also enjoy their rich culinary traditions and numerous cuisines that will meet your appetite.
Kumarakom Travel Tips
The best time to visit Kumarakom is during the months of September and March when you will get a low humidity and temperature to help you enjoy your visit to the different places at Kumarakom.
Kumarakom Facts
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Kumarakom It is located at a distance of 73.1 km and takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes to reach the destination via cab.
Highlights
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit place in Kumarakom where you may spot a wide variety of bird species along with migratory birds.
- You can also witness the net fishing practice and enjoy the freshwater fishes caught in the net, such as prawns, shrimps, karimeen, and others.
- In the year 2007, the Department of Tourism of the Government of Kerala started the initiative of the Kumarakom Responsible Tourism project with the aim of fostering sustainable tourism development in the state.
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Varkala
Varkala is a beautiful town located in the South Indian state of Kerala that is a popular tourist destination as it offers scenic views of the sunset, which will mesmerize you.
Apart from beautiful beaches, Varkala is also one of the major pilgrim destinations as a number of ancient temples including Janardhana temple and Sivagiri Mutt are present here.
The tranquility and serenity of the place helps in setting it apart from Kovalam. Hence, to attain a fascinating experience, you must visit this place and also visit a beautiful geological monument named “The Valkara Formation”.
Varkala Travel Tips
The best time to visit Varkala is during the months of October to March, when the temperature is comparatively cooler and you can spend your time exploring Varkala in a pleasant manner.
Varkala Facts
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest airport to Varkala It is located at a distance of 40.9 km and takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes to reach the place via taxi.
Highlights
- You can engage in different activities like jet skiing, parasailing, paragliding, and others.
- You can visit Sivagiri Mutt, where you can find the burial spot of Sree Narayana Guru, who was a social reformer, spiritual leader, and philosopher.
- The waters in the Papanasam beach are believed to have sin-cleansing properties, which attracts pilgrims from different parts of India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most visited place in Kerala?
The most visited place in Kerala is the backwaters, which is the main attraction of Kerala and attracts a large number of tourists from different parts of India
Which part of Kerala is most beautiful?
Munnar is considered to be the most beautiful part of Kerala as it offers an escape from the chores of city life, where one can witness lush greenery
Which month is best to visit Kerala?
It is best to visit Kerala in the months of September to March to get pleasant weather that will help you enjoy your trip to Kerala.
What is special in Kerala to visit?
There are a number of specialties in Kerala that attract tourists, such as ayurvedic tourism, hill stations, backwaters, and sandy beaches lined with coconut trees.
Which is the safest place to visit in Kerala?
Kozhikode is considered to be the safest place in Kerala and is in 10th rank in the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report.
How many days are enough for Kerala?
In general, a 5-days trip to Kerala will offer you a suitable traveling experience to backwaters, beaches, hill stations, and historic places.