Kerala—”God’s Own Country,” offers beautiful beauty, rich culture, and tranquil backwaters. This South Indian state offers several travel alternatives between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Kerala offers nature, history, and tranquilly. This article will highlight Kerala’s 20 greatest tourist destinations to make your vacation memorable.
Kerala overview:
Kerala’s beaches, Western Ghats, and backwaters are lovely. Cultural events, art, and food showcase the state’s heritage. Kerala’s moderate temperature and beautiful scenery attract tourists year-round. Travel infrastructure and local hospitality make it appealing.
Top 20 Places to Visit in Kerala:
| Places to Visit in Kerala | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|
| Munnar | November to February |
| Alleppey (Alappuzha) | November to February |
| Kochi (Cochin) | October to March |
| Wayanad | October to February |
| Trekked | September to March |
| Kovalam | September to March |
| Varkala | October to March |
| Kumarakom | September to March |
| Thrissur | October and March |
| Bekal | December-February |
| Poovar | August to March |
| Vagamon | October to February |
| Athirapally | September to January |
| Malappuram | August to November |
| Kannur | November to February |
| Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) | October to February |
| Palakkad | November to February |
| Nelliampathy | September to May |
| Kottayam | October to February |
| Kasaragod | December to February |
1. Munnar # Best Place to Visit in Kerala
Munnar is a prominent Western Ghats hill getaway with tea estates, hazy mountains, and nice weather. Nature lovers like it.
Places to Visit in Munnar: Chokramudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, Echo Point, Pothamedu Viewpoint
Vacation Time Duration: 3-4 days
Average Expense: ₹ 1,980* per person per day
How to Reach Munnar:
- By Road: Rent a cab from Kochi to Munnar. You can also book your seat on state-run buses from various towns of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- By Train: Eranakulam Junction (Kochi) is the nearest railway station to Munnar.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) # Tourist Place in Kerala
Alleppey, “Venice of the East,” offers lovely backwaters, houseboats, and lagoons. This tranquil backwater houseboat tour shows occupants’ lifestyle.
Places to Visit in Alleppey: Vembanad lake, Marari Beach, Alleppey Beach, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Vacation Time Duration: 2 days
Average Expense: ₹ 2500* per day per person
How to Reach Alleppey:
- By Road: You may rent a cab from Kochi, or Kerala Tourism Buses provide service from other parts of Kerala to Alleppey.
- By Train: You can access Alappuzha Railway Station, which is within the limits of the city.
- By Air: Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport to Alappuzha.
3. Kochi (Cochin) #Tourist attraction in Kerala
Kochi is a cosmopolitan city with history. City art and gastronomy thrive.
Places to Visit in Kochi: Vasco Da Gama Square, Jewish Synagogue, Ballisca of Santa Cruz, Chinese Fishing Nets, Andhakaranzi Beach
Vacation Time Duration: 2 days
Average Expense: ₹ 1260- 1560* per trip per person
How to Reach Kochi:
- By Road: Kochi is easily accessible by national highways connecting it to all major South Indian states.
- By Train: Ernakulam Railway station connects Kochi with all major cities of South India
- By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport here.
4. Wayanad # Top Tourist Place in Kerala
Waterfalls, animal sanctuaries, and lush forests provide a paradise for nature lovers. Walking pathways and spice plantations are nearby.
Places to Visit in Wayanad: Pookode Lake, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Eddakal caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam
Vacation Time Duration: 2-3 days
Average Expense: ₹ 7,600* per adult for 2 Nights / 3 Days
How to Reach in Wayanad
- By Road: Rent a cab or taxi from Calicut.
- By Train: Nilambur Station is the nearest railway station to Wayanad
- By Air: Calicut International Airport is nearest to Wayanad
5. Thekkady #Holiday Destination in Kerala
A unique animal experience is Thekkady’s Periyar Sanctuary. Elephant, tiger, and bird sightings are possible aboard Periyar Lake boats. Spice farms and nature hikes make this excursion intriguing.
Places to Visit in Trekked: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Abrahams Spice Garden, Gavi, Spring Valley Mountain, Pullumedu, Tribal Heritage Walk, Pandikuzhi
Vacation Time Duration: 2-3 days
Average Expense: ₹ 1270- 1580* per trip per person
How to Reach in Thekkady
By Road: Thekkady could be reached via National Highway 220 and State Highway 41 in Kerala.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Thekkady is in Kottayam, which is 114 km away and strategically
positioned to connect this picturesque town to major cities across India.
By Air: The nearest airport to Thekkady is the Madurai airport at a distance of 103 kilometres.
6. Kovalam # Kerala Outing Place
Beach lovers go to its crescent-shaped beaches and pristine waters. Ayurvedic massage establishments are widespread in Kovalam.
Places to Visit in Kovalam: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Padmanabhaswami Temple, Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach
Ideal Vacation Duration: 2 days
Average Expense: ₹ 14,999* per adult for 5 Nights / 6 days
How to Reach Kovalam:
- By Road: You can access inter-state buses from cities in Kerala or other south Indian states like Chennai, Bangalore and Madurai.
- By Train: Trivandrum station connects Thiruvananthapuram with other cities of Kerala and outside. Rent a cab, taxi, rickshaw or auto from here to reach Kovalam
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated here that connects Kovalam with all other Indian states and outside
7. Varkala #Kerala Vacation Place
Varkala is known for its beaches, rocks, and springs. Therapy and Arabian Sea views await at Papanasam Beach. Meditation and yoga retreats are common in Varkala.
Places to Visit in Varkala: Kappil Beach, Varkala beach, Janardhan Swami temple, Ponnumthuruthu Island and Odayam Beach
Vacation Time Duration: 3 days
Average Expense: ₹ 11,111* per adult for 2 Nights / 3 Days
How to Reach in Varkala:
- By Road: State-run buses of Kerala Tourism can take you to Varkala.
- By Train: Trivandrum Railway station is closest to Varkala.
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram is closest to this beach town.
8. Kumarakom #Kerala Places to See
Kumarakom on Vembanad Lake is known for birdwatching and backwater tourism. Lakeside and houseboat resorts provide peace. During migration, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary attracts birdwatchers.
Places to Visit in Kumarakom: Thazhathangadi Valiapalli, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Bay Island Driftwood, Jatayu Rock and Kottayam
Vacation Time Duration: 3 days
Average Expense: ₹ 9,999* per adult for 2 Nights / 3 Days
How to Reach Kumarakom
- By Road: State-run buses ply between Kumarakom to Kottayam.
- By Train: Kottayam Railway station is nearest to Kumarakom.
- By Air: Kochi Airport is nearest to this city.
9. Thrissur #Kerala Spot to Visit
Kerala’s cultural hub, Thrissur, has festivals, temples, and events. Bright processions and traditional music make Thrissur Pooram famous.
Places to Visit in Thrissur: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Chavakkad beach, Kerala Kalamandalam, Lourdes Cathedral and Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple
Ideal Vacation Duration: 1-2 days
Average Expense: ₹ 18,111* for 6 Nights / 7 Days
How to Reach Thrissur
- By Road: You can rent cabs from Kochi, Mallapuram, and Pallakad to reach Thrissur.
- By Train: Thrissur railway station is the nearest railway station.
- By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Thrissur.
10. Bekal #Kerala Picnic Spot
Kerala Picnic Area Bekal History Views of the Arabian Sea from Bekal Fort. Beaches and backwaters improve it. Picnics and Kerala’s tradition are great at Bekal.
11. Poovar #Holiday Place in Kerala
A little coastal town with magnificent beaches and backwaters is Poovar. A sea-to-river holiday at Poovar Island Resort is unique. The tranquilly makes holidays here pleasant.
Places to Visit in Poovar: Golden Sand beach, Thikotti Light House, Thiruparappu Falls, Kozhipara, Poovar backwaters
Vacation Time Duration: 2-3 days
Average Expense: ₹ 6,599* per adult for 2 Nights / 3 Days
How to Reach Poovar
- By Road: You can rent a cab or state-run bus services to reach Poovar from any part of Kerala.
- By Train: Trivandrum railway station connects Poovar to most major cities of India.
- By Air: Trivandrum Airport in Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport to Poovar.
12. Vagamon #Kerala Famous Places to Visit
Vagamon, a mountain station with foggy slopes, pine trees, and lush meadows. Popular attractions include Kurisumala Ashram, Thangalpara, and Vagamon Falls. In Vagamon, paragliding and trekking are popular.
Places to Visit in Vagamon: Dales and meadows of Vagamon, Vagamon Falls, Kursimala, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary and Pine Hill
Vacation Time Duration: 1-2 days
Average Expense: ₹ 8,500* per adult for 2 Nights / 3 Days
How to Reach Vagamon:
- By Road: You can board a bus from Kottayam to Vagamon. You can also rent cabs to reach here from Kochi.
- By Train: Kottayam railway station is nearest to Vagamon.
- By Air: You can rent cabs to Vagamon from Kochi International Airport.
13.Athirapally # Kerala Most Famous Place
Then “Niagara of India.” Pretty Athirapally Waterfalls. Sholayar woods and Vazhachal Falls enrich this visit. For nature lovers and photographers.
14. Malappuram #beautiful tourist places in Kerala
Cultural heritage and natural beauty distinguish Malappuram. Popular attractions include Kottakkunnu Park, Teak Museum, and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary. Traditional arts and festivals are in Malappuram.
15. Kannur #Place to explore in Kerala
Must-See Kerala: Kannur Famous for its beaches, Theyyam festivities, and historical sites. St. Angelo’s Fort, Payyambalam Beach, and Arakkal Museum are musts. Kannur’s culture and beauty are interesting to discover.
Places to Visit in Kannur: Muzhapilangad Beach, St Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach, Baby Beach, and Kannur Lighthouse
Vacation Time Duration: 1-2days
Average Expense: ₹ 1,500* per adult per day
How to Reach Kannur
- By Road: Board state-run buses or rent a cab from any part of Kerala to reach here.
- By Train: Kannur Railway Station is situated in this city.
- By Air: Kannur International Airport is located here.
16. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) # Best Place to See in Kerala
The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, combines modern and traditional. City access to Ponmudi hill station and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram: Kanakakkunu Palace, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kovalam Beach, Arruvy Waterfalls, Anchuthengu Fort.
Vacation Time Duration: 3-4 days
Average Expense: ₹ 2,799* per adult per day
How to Reach Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
- By Road: It is connected to major cities with national highways.
- By Train: Trivandrum Railway station is located here.
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated here.
17. Palakkad # best place to travel in Kerala
The “Granary of Kerala,” Palakkad, merges nature and culture. Palakkad Fort, Silent Valley National Park, and Malampuzha Dam are popular. Beautiful paddy fields and charming settlements are in rural Kerala.
18. Nelliampathy # Kerala popular place
Nelliampathy Hill Station Coffee, tea, and beautiful woodlands are in Nelliampathy. Seethargundu Viewpoint, Nelliampathy Hills, Pothundy Dam attract tourists. Wonderful landscape and weather make it a fantastic escape.
19. Kottayam # Best Citi to Visit in Kerala
With rubber plantations and Kerala’s backwaters, Kottayam is picturesque. Vembanad Lake, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are popular. Publishing and writing flourish in Kottayam.
20. Kasaragod # Best Travelling Place in Kerala
Kasaragod, Kerala’s northernmost district, contains forts, temples, and beautiful scenery. Ananthapura Lake Temple, Chandragiri Fort, and Bekal Fort are attractions. The shore has unspoiled beaches and fishing villages.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kerala
1. Kerala is best visited October–February due to its beautiful weather.
2. Local Food: Appam, puttu, Kerala sadya.
3. Kerala has well-connected airports, railroads, and highways. For short distances, take buses or auto-rickshaws.
4. Temple visitors should follow local customs.
5. Season and destination-specific packing: Bring light, comfortable clothing. Bring sunblock, insect spray, and an umbrella.
Conclusion
Kerala is a popular Indian tourist destination due to its distinct landscapes and culture. Every place is unique, from Alleppey’s backwaters to Munnar’s misty mountains. Culture, adventure, and relaxation await in Kerala. Explore Kerala’s beauty.
You may generate memories at these 20 best Kerala places. Allow Kerala to captivate you in “God’s Own Country”.
