Kerala, a charming South Indian destination, is a must-visit spot for the visitors. Famous for its emerald backwaters, lush tea estates, pristine hill stations, and the azure Arabian Sea, Kerala tourism offers you an amazing experience.
Abundant with varied landscapes, every part of Kerala has something different to offer. For example, North Kerala’s Wayanad and Kozhikode give you the amazing historical sites that will take you to the Neolithic Era and reflect you to a glorious past with the wood carvings.
One of the best hill stations of Kerala, Munnar in Central Kerala provides you with mountain streams and a unique tea museum with a documentary on the importance of tea. In West Kerala, Kumarakom has an amazing backwater with romantic boat rides, and Thekkady with the largest Tiger Reserve in all of India, whereas in the South, Alleppey and Thiruvananthapuram are famous for their temples and houseboats.
These destinations in Kerala are a must visit places that highlight the state’s stunning beauty, rich culture and friendly vibes, whether you’re visiting Kerala for your honeymoon, with your family holiday or with a solo trip all these locations give you amazing sights and memorable pictures from Kerala tourism.
These are the top 10 must visit places in Kerala, South India-
- Munnar
- Kumarakom
- Kovalam
- Kochi
- Thekkady
- Wayanad
- Kozhikode
- Alleppey
- Kannur
- Thiruvananthapuram
Recommended Kerala Tour Packages
Munnar- The Best Hill Station in Kerala
Munnar is the Kashmir of south India, the hills and waterfalls give you various types of opportunities to explore new experiences than what you normally would. This hill station is located in the Western Ghats of three mountain streams Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala in the Idukki district.
Places to Visit in Munnar
Munnar is the place that provides a major tea plantation center of Kerala, you can also visit the Tea Museum located in the Nallathanni Estate, which features a 30-minute documentary on the importance of tea in Kerala.
Munnar offers several unique places to visit in Kerala, including Echo Point. This place is well known for its echo phenomenon and Atukkad waterfalls nestled 2 km away from Munnar, this beautiful waterfall makes for picnic sites.
Eravikulam National Park, a UNESCO heritage site located 45 minutes drive away from Munnar, gives you a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna.
The rose gardens of Munnar give you a variety of plants, including species, crops, vanilla and other fruit trees making it a top tourist attraction in Kerala.
Where to Stay?
The beautiful hill station offers you various types of stay options but for unique and special experiences you can stay in the treehouses, which are located in the town’s center and are accessible only through private vehicles or if you want luxury hotels you can pick the Munnar Bypass and Pothamedu both of are the ideal choice.
Munnar Cuisine
Munnar’s cuisine is where you’ll find all the popular items of conventional Keralan cuisine. From essentials like Idli, Vada, and Sambhar to the widespread Banana chips. Also, try the early morning food stalls in the bazaar which might offer you an enjoyable breakfast.
The Best Time to Visit Munnar
Munnar has a pleasant climate all year around which makes it a popular honeymoon destination for newlyweds, and if you want the best time to visit it, winter is the best time for Tourism in Munnar
Also Read: Best Destinations to Visit Family & Kids in Kerala
Kumarakom- A Unique Backwater Destination
Kumarakom is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kottayam District. A pleasant village that is famous for its backwater destination in Kerala. Known for its relaxing climate, mangrove farms, rich flora and fauna, coconut palms, extensive paddy farms, and lagoons, making it the best sightseeing Kerala tour.
Places to Visit in Kumarakom
On a Kumarakom tour, you can visit the bird sanctuary that provides you with the various types of species of migratory birds. Kumarakom Backwater gives you romantic boat rides with your loved ones along Vembanad Lake. You can also hire a skilled chef to cook some delicious Keralian food. Thanneermukkom Bund is the largest lake in Kerala that is divided into two parts, in the evening you can enjoy the sunsets with pleasant weather. You can also enjoy the rural life of Kerala and experience the life of a village. A half-day tour provides you with village activities, plantation visits, and walking through Paddy Fields.
Where to Stay?
Kumarakom provides stay options from modest to luxury hotels apart from this, Kumarakom also provides luxurious houseboats with budget-friendly
Kumarakom Cuisine
Kumarakom Cuisine, largely inspired by the Christian food culture, features dishes like Appam- a rice bread, kappa, and seafood that are very famous in Kumarakom.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kumarakom is in November and March. This time is idyllic for the visitors who are planning to visit Kerala.
Also Read: Top Things to Do in Kumarakom Kerala
Kovalam- Top Beach Destination in Kerala
Kovalam is a coastal town located around 13 km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Kovalam is the center of the beaches in Kerala, the Lighthouse Beach is the largest beach in Kovalam and features a 30-meter tall lighthouse, the Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach these 3 crescent-shaped beaches give you the most popular spots for sunsets and water sports.
Top Places to Visit
Kovalam is not just for the beaches it also offers the temples that you visit with your family like- Aazhimala Shiva Temple, Kunnumpara Sree Murugan Temple, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple and Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Anyone who wants to go on a nature tour can visit the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located 32 km away from the main city. Kovalam is also famous for its ayurvedic centers, their treatment and messages along with yoga and meditation making it a part of Kerala tourism.
Where to Stay?
Kovalam provides various types of stays for visitors like- Beach resorts, homestays, 3-star hotels, cottages, lodges, villas and other luxury hotels.
Kovalam Cuisine
The cuisine in Kovalam provides you with a delightful mix of traditional Kerala dishes and fresh seafood.
Best Time Visit
The best time to visit Kovalam is in September and March. This time is idyllic for the beaches and exploring the local attractions.
Also Read: Best Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala
Kochi- The Cultural Hub
Kochi, located on the Malabar coast in the Southwest of India, is a port city with a trading history of at least 600 years ago. It’s also known as the Arabian Sea with the industrial, financial, and commercial capital of Kerala. This is a vibrant city mixed up with tradition and modernity, making it a top tourist place in Kerala. This coastal city is a popular tourist hotspot and an active naval base for the Indian Navy Southern Command.
Best Places to Visit
Kochi is a must-visit place with these sightseeing attractions like Dutch and Portuguese buildings, Old Harbour House, Bolgatty Palace, Jewish Synagogue, art galleries, and heritage homes, you’ll see truly vintage meets future fashion, along with beaches, temples, and heritage sites. All these historical buildings give you beautiful pictures of Kerala. For art enthusiasts, the Binal Art Festival held every 2 years is a must-visit event showcasing international contemporary art from around the world.
Where to Stay?
Ernakulam is a popular choice if you visit Kochi for the first time. The area is a 15-minute drive from Kochi and has plenty of budget and mid-range hotels. It is located close to the railway station and bus stand and the hotels are easily reachable by foot. Marine Drive Road is a top pick for luxury hotels.
Kochi Cuisine
Kochi’s cuisine has a mix of traditional Kerala flavours with influences tasted by Dutch, Portuguese and British cuisines like- Appam, fish curry, and fish Peera along with this Kochi also the Thoran, Banana Chips, Kaalan, Paachadi and Pootuwhich is made by rice flour and banana.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit in Kochi is from October to March. This time is providing a comfortable environment for exploring the city’s diverse historical sites and cultural events.
Also Read: Popular Weekend Getaways from Kochi
Thekkady- India’s Largest Tiger Reserve
Thekkady is a town near Periyar National Park which is the largest Tiger Reserve in the country. Periyar National Park is a major destination for tourists which provides opportunities for wildlife and boat rides in Periyar Park.
Top Places to Visit
Another well-known destination for those who want to experience natural beauty and expensive plantations of pepper, coffee, and cardamom. Mudra culture center, Kadathanadan center and spring valley mountain are the landmarks of the Thekkady. Chellarkovil viewpoints and Pandikuzhi are both hilly terrains covered with lush green vegetation. Chellar Kovil is another destination nearby with many attractive waterfalls. Mangaladevi Temple is another spot which is located at an altitude of 1337 m and opens only during the Chitra Pournami festival. As one of the top honeymoon destinations in Kerala, Thekkady romantic boat rides give, a peaceful environment and scenic beauty provide an idyllic place for the newlyweds.
Where to Stay?
Thekadday provides the stay option from modest to luxury hotels apart from sightseeing opportunities. Most of the resorts are near the national park.
Thekkady Cuisine
Thekkady cuisine is a mixture of local snacks cooked into fresh coconut oil that represents the culture of Kerala amongst the tourists.
The Best Time to Visit
October to February is the best time to visit the animals because the temperature ranges between 21 to 15 degrees Celsius are perfect.
Also Read: Best Hill Stations to Explore in Kerala
Wayanad- The Land of Natural Wander
Wayanad situated in the Western Ghat, is one the best places to visit in Kerala. Wayanad is known for its wildlife reserves, mist-covered hills, and waterfalls, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and including rare species it stands out as a top tourist attraction in Kerala. Visitors can spot various types of bird species along with elephants, leopards and tigers.
Best Places to Visit
The highest peak of Wayanad is Chembra Peak. This place offers you trekking and breathtaking views and the heart-shaped lake will steal your heart. The Edakkal Caves it’s a significant attraction for visitors, this famous ancient petroglyphs and rock formations will take you to the Neolithic Era. Banasura Sagar Dham gives you boating facilities and beautiful images. Wayanad is renowned for tea, coffee and spice cultivation where visitors come and see the cultivation and processing of various spices and crops.
Where to Stay?
Accommodation options are in the range of budget to luxury homestays for all types of travelers. You can also find resorts for your honeymoon.
Wayanad Cuisine
Do try rasam, the piping hot and tangy fiery soup that titillates one’s senses. Prepared from tamarind juice, and lentils and garnished with kadi patta, this soup can be best served as a hot beverage or with some rice.
The Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Wayanad is from October to May, this time marks the dry season when the weather is pleasant and makes it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Whether you are looking for the best wildlife or trekking destination, or you want to visit those places whose roots are joint with the Neolithic Era, Wayanad is the must-visit place in Kerala.
Also Read: Less Explored Tourist Destinations in Kerala
Kozhikode- A Blend of History and Natural Beauty
Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, was the capital of Malabar during the Zamor rule 500 years ago and is famous for its trade in cotton and species with Jews, Phoenicians, Arabs, and Chinese. Kozhikode is famous for its serene beaches, lush green and historic landmarks making it a must-visit place in Kerala.
Top Places to Visit
Kappad Beach is the place where Vasco Da Gama set foot for the first time Discovered India and established spice trade routes with the West. Beypore Beach, known for its ancient shipbuilding yard, offers a glimpse into the traditional craftsmanship of the region. The city is also home to several historic sites- the Kozhikode Fort, and Mananchira Square, which reflects a glorious past, and Tali temple for the wood carvings that attract visitors. The Mishkal Mosque, one of the oldest mosques, represents an example of cultural diversity. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of migratory birds. Thusharagiri waterfalls, with its trekking trails, give you an adventure experience.
Where to Stay?
Stay options in Kozhikode are budget friendly from 3-star hotels to luxury resorts. Beach hotels also offer picturesque beach villas.
Kozhikode Cuisine
Kozhikode cuisine is a mixture of Ara and Malabar, its meat dishes such as Malabar Biryani, Kuzhi Mandhi and Aradika and if you are vegetarian you can also try Kerala Sadhya.
The Best Time to Visit
October and March are the best times to visit Kozhikode, the weather is pleasant during these months, and summers are quite hot for this place.
Also Read: Best Things to Know About Kerala Backwater Tour
Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Venice of the East
Alleppey is located in the Southern part of Kerala, officially known as Alappuzha. This destination is known for its canals, beaches and lagoons making it the perfect place for exploring Kerala.
Top Places to Visit
One of the best attractions in Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the houseboat cruises, which provided an unforgettable experience to the Visitors. These houseboats are modified with modern amenities and offer a unique way to enjoy the lush landscapes, making Alleppey a top tourist place. Punnamada Lake is another highlight with the famous boat race held annually. Alappuzha Lighthouse, which offers you the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Krishnapuram place with its beautiful garden and historical artefacts is a fascinating place to visit. The Vembanad Lake is another scenic spot with a sunset point and scenic views.
Where to Stay?
Accommodation options in Alleppey range from luxurious houseboats to budget-friendly hotels and homestays.
Alleppey Cuisine
Alleppey’s cuisine has several dishes like- ghee roast dosa and Malayalee Parotha. You can also try the Toddy which is locally fragmented with alcoholic beverages made from palm trees and coconut palms.
The Best Time to Visit
October and February are the best times to visit when the temperature is moderate around 33 degrees Celsius. Making a perfect time to explore in your honeymoon time. If you’re on your honeymoon, summers are not the perfect time for couples. Alleppey’s tranquil and romantic ambience often goes viral in photos and videos.
Also Read: Water Tourism Sports in Kerala
Kannur- The Crown of Kerala
Located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, Kannur (fondly known as Cannanore), is a beautiful city bundled with a plethora of sightseeing options like beaches, monuments, ancient temples and picnic spots. This destination is the witness of the deep footprints of the Dutch, Portuguese, British, and the Mysore Sultanate.
Best Places to Visit
This tourist place is famous for the traditional Theyyam performances, a ritualistic art, this land earned it the title of the land of loons and huge cashew trees maybe rooted by the Portuguese. Kannur is home to beautiful beaches like Payyambalam Beach and Muzhappilangad Beach, the only dive beach in Kerala and A top beach destination. These beaches are ideal for swimming and enjoying the sunset views. The Arakkal Museum is a museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. The Parassinikkadavu is dedicated to the snake park as a conservation of snakes. Additionally, the Kannur lighthouse is one of the oldest places on the coastline, which is another unique place to visit.
Where to Stay?
Accommodation options in Kannur, range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly with modern amenities.
Kannur Cuisine
Kannur cuisine offers many restaurants and eating joints besides the place of your stay. However, South Indian cuisine remains the pre-dominating cuisine in the town. Idli, Vada, coconut crepes along with raw mango-lemon chutney and Kerala pappadam are must try.
The Best Time to Visit
October to February is the best time to visit to see the pleasant environment because the temperature ranges between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius are perfect. Summers, on the other hand, are the worst time to go to Kannur.
Also Read: Best Beach Honeymoon Destinations in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram- Capital City of Kerala
The Capital city of Kerala, also known as Trivandrum, is located in the southwest part of Kerala, this famous destination of Kerala is a major hub for tourism because of its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and beautiful landscapes.
Top Places to Visit
Thiruvananthapuram is home to the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, with a rich history and the most revered temples in the world. This temple is a top tourist attraction with stunning architecture and spiritual significance. This city boasts amazing beaches like- Kovalam and Varkala, these beaches provide water spots and relaxing landscapes, making them ideal for capturing beautiful pictures of Kerala. The Napier Museum and Zoo is another place to visit, featuring impressive artefacts, animal species and sculptures. The Kuthiramalika Palace Museum offers you a royal heritage and traditional Kerala architecture. The Priyadarshini Planetarium provides an educational and entertaining experience for the visitors. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the southern side of the western ghats, just 32 km from the main city, offers trekking, boating and wildlife spotting.
Where to Stay?
Apart from the cuisine, accommodation options in Thiruvananthapuram range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly with modern amenities, the city’s connectivity makes it easy to explore nearby attractions and the rest of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram Cuisine
Thiruvananthapuram cuisine offers Horan which is a dry mix of vegetables dressed with coconut bits, a stew in which potatoes and onions are cooked in coconut milk as well as Kalaan which is made of buttermilk, melons and ripe mangoes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is during the winter months from October to February, these months are ideal for outdoor activities and exploration sightseeing, with the temperature ranges 18 to 32 degrees Celsius. Thiruvananthapuram’s blend of history and modernity often appears in the viral images, and videos from Kerala Tourism.
Also Read: Top Travel Destinations in North Kerala
Kerala is a top tourist destination because of its fascinating surroundings, rich culture and a variety of attractions. From the misty hills of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom the sunspots of the Kovalam to the ancient beauty of the Kochi each of the destinations provides a variety of experiences that add to your Kerala’s itinerary. However, you’ll find the destination for a visit to Kerala for your family, a honeymoon trip or simply seeking to capture beautiful images of Kerala. These destinations are not disappointing you. You’ll understand why these places are the must-visit places and sources of viral images and videos that showcase the beauty of Kerala.
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About the author
She is a candle who burns and melts in the chaos of infinity, from where her visceral whistles and leaves an imprint of desire in her heart to know the map of an Island where there are different sunrises and sunsets. Her curiosity brightens to conquer the hearts unrelieved and sometimes mysterious. Her name is - Pallavi Roy - A traveller by soul and a writer by Profession.
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