Encompassing serenity, Kerala is a charming South Indian destination that should be in every traveller’s bucket list. Adorned with the emerald backwaters, sprawling and lush tea estates, pristine hill stations, and azure Arabian Sea, Kerala tourism boasts numerous tourist places with which you will fall in love instantly.
In North Kerala, districts like Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram have many attractions for the tourists. Wayanad offers a lovely hill station holiday whereas Kozhikode offers a great beach holiday and an opportunity of bird watching.
In Central Kerala, Palakkad, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Idukki have a number of experiences in store. Thrissur is a culture aficionado’s paradise while Idukki and Ernakulam are the hotspots for nature lovers.
In South Kerala Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram are ready with a variety of experiences like backwaters and houseboat in Alappuzha; beach vacations in Kollam, and a glance at rich history of Kerala at Pathanamthitta.
Kerala tourism isn’t only about imbibing natural beauty but its rich culture that is festooned with dances, festivals, delectable cuisine, literature, Ayurveda therapies, and art & craft. Kerala has it all, and you have to see it, to believe it.
The state opens its doors to beach holidays with picturesque beaches like Varkala, Kovalam and Marari. Giving a good run to pristine beaches are the backwaters of Kerala that can be best experienced in Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Kerala's beach and backwaters are accompanied by its lush and surreal hill stations, of which Munnar, Wayanad and Vagamon are the best places to visit in the summer season. With Western Ghats covering some of its area, Kerala is the best wildlife destination and is perfect for birdwatching.
We, at Tour My India would be happy to help you explore the scenic destination of Kerala, and therefore, offer to you the finest Kerala holiday packages and deals. With our best Kerala travel packages, you can rest assured for a hassle free and memorable holiday in Kerala.
List of Top 10 Most Visited Tourist Destinations of Kerala
Alleppey: Kerala’s favourite backwater tourist destination, Alleppey is famed for offering an incredible experience of staying and cruising in a traditional houseboat.
Munnar: Adorned with myriad tea estates and rolling hills, Munnar is without a doubt the best hill station in Kerala. It is a must visit tourist place in Kerala for a relaxing holiday as well as relishing adventure activities.
Kochi: A cosmopolitan city with a bustling port, Kochi is where the modern lifestyle meets the traditional one. The city is the perfect reflection of Kerala and has many experiences up its sleeves.
Thekkady: Fringing the popular Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a hill station in Kerala that attracts many nature and wildlife lovers. It is one of the best places to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kerala.
Thrissur: The cultural capital, Thrissur does not need an introduction. From drawing a large crowd on its Temple Festival (Thrissur Pooram) to being an abode to several cultural centres, the city is a must-visit in Kerala.
Kovalam: A small coastal town with some of the best beaches of Kerala, Kovalam is a place where you get to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, special cultural programmes and catamaran cruising.
Wayanad: Dotted with camping sites, trekking trails and gorgeous waterfalls, Wayanad is a peaceful and picturesque hill station that is perfect for holiday in Kerala.
Kumarakom: The favourite place for luxury seekers desiring a holiday on the backwaters of Kerala, Kumarakom is replete with luxury houseboats and resorts promising an experience of a lifetime.
Kozhikode: Home to serene beaches and historic sites, Kozhikode is where Vasco Da Gama landed when he discovered India. The city is a perfect place to get an authentic experience of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram: The capital city, Thiruvananthapuram is where you can find authentic Kerala’s food, intriguing sights and a cluster of Victorian museums; it’s a place of many experiences.
Best Time for Visiting Kerala for Holidays
The best time to visit Kerala is between October and February, when on an average the weather is conducive to go on sightseeing tours and enjoying all the activities offered in the state.
Quick Important Facts & Information About Kerala
Region
Southern India
Capital
Thiruvananthapuram
Official Language
Malayalam
Sitting Chief Minister
Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan
Also Known as
God's own country
Total Rural Population
17,455,506 (According to 2011 Census)
Total Urban Population
15,932,171(According to 2011 Census)
Total Districts
13
Major Festivals
Onam, Vishu, Thiruvathira
Tourism Attractions
Beaches, Backwaters, Hill Stations, Ayurveda, Wildlife, Cultural Festivals
Kerala Tourism Latest News Update 2023
1. Kerala Breaks Tourism Records in 2022, Welcomes Highest Number of Visitors Ever!
Another feather in the crown of the tourism department in Kerala! Popularly known as the ‘God’s Own Country,’ Kerala witnessed a spike of 2.63 per cent in the footfall of domestic visitors in 2022 after the hiatus of two years of the pandemic. According to PA Mohammad Riyas, Kerala’s Tourism Minister, 1.88 crore domestic tourists visited the state in the last year, which is an all-time record ever, since its formation. Mohammad Riyas also announced the names of the most popular tourist places in Kerala which have welcomed the most tourists. According to the reports, six districts of Kerala, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Idukki and Pathanamthitta received major tourist footfalls in 2022. Moreover, the minister said that Kerala has become a trending wedding destination after the COVID pandemic, which helped the state to achieve the record. He also said that in terms of international tourists, the state is expected to become a tourism hub for Ayurvedic treatment, specifically for European tourists, soon.
2. Kerala Feels Proud Ranking Ninth in TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2022 List
Kerala has been ranked ninth as an eco-tourism destination in the list of World’s Greatest Places 2022 by TIME magazine. The US-based magazine wrote that the spectacular beaches, marvellous temples, amazing backwaters and the superb hospitality of people make the place the ‘Incredible Kerala’. The magazine also mentions the new project named ‘Karavan Meadows’ that promotes sustainable tourism similar to backwater tourism. Minister of Kerala Tourism, Mohammed Riyaz told the press about the latest Kerala Tourism news update and said it’s all become possible due to the hard work and policies made by the sector. Other World’s top destinations to explore are Ras al Khaimah (UAE), Park City (Utah, US), Galapagos Islands, Dolní Moravo of the Czech Republic, Seoul, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Doha, and Detro, which are ranked above Kerala in the list.
3. Kerala Tourism Bags Prestigious ‘Responsible Tourism Global Award’ at World Travel Mart, London
At the World Travel Mart in London, Kerala Tourism won the esteemed Responsible Tourism Global award. PA Mohammed Riyas, the state's minister of tourism, accepted the honour on the department's behalf in London. The Kerala Government's Responsible Tourism Mission's STREET initiative was recognised with the prize. The water street project that was put into place in Maravanthuruthu in the Kottayam district received special attention from the jury.
Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode all have their own airports connecting them to major cities of India.
By Train
Along with Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has several railway stations connecting it to the rest of India.
By Road
NH 17, NH 47, and NH 49 connect Kerala to the major cities of India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is between October and February when the weather is perfect for sightseeing. The monsoon season between June and September is also a good time to visit and enjoy the natural beauty and Ayurveda therapies. In the summer season, it can be difficult to plan a trip to Kerala because of high temperature and humidity. However, hill stations like Munnar can still be visited in the state.
Q. What is the best way to travel to Kerala?
Kerala enjoys a good connectivity via rail, road, and air. Many of its major cities have their own airports, whereas, trains and roads almost all parts of the state.
Q. Is it safe to visit Kerala in the monsoon season?
Yes, it is safe to plan a trip in the monsoon season to Kerala. However, it is recommended to check the weather forecast before planning a trip and also keep an eye on the news.
Q. Do your family tours to Kerala have something for the kids?
Yes, our family tours to Kerala include several activities like horse riding, boating etc. for the kids.
Q. Is Kerala safe for solo women travellers?
Yes, Kerala is quite safe for solo women travellers. However, it is advised to practise caution like one does anywhere in the world while travelling.
Q. In which season Ayurveda therapy in Kerala is recommended?
The monsoon season (June to September) is considered the ideal time for Ayurveda therapy in Kerala. In the rainy season, the pores in the body open which allow the Ayurvedic herbs used in therapies to absorb well.
Q. What are the must-try dishes in Kerala?
The best dishes to try in Kerala are:
Puttu and kadala curry
Karimeen pollichathu (fish)
Malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry
Erissery or pumpkin and lentil curry
Palada payasam (dessert)
Q. Why to book Kerala holidays with TMI?
We are a certified travel company with over 18 years of experience. We are capable of offering 24x7 personalised and cost-effective services for Kerala tours.
An experienced Kerala tour operator, with a team of an experienced
travel enthusiast ensure to give our clients well-designed Kerala South India tour packages.
Certified
We are certified by major tour and travel associations in India and
world like IATA, IATO, TAAI, IMF & MOT (Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India)
Happy Customers
TMI has received numerous accolades from its happy customers for its
excellent services and best Kerala holidays.
Local Offices
We have local office in Kerala for our customers to find assistance
anytime and anywhere.
Kerala invites tourists to savour a plethora of experiences and leaves no stone unturned in offering them the best places to stay. There is a wide range of accommodations available at every popular tourist destination in Kerala. In fact, the lesser-known and offbeat places in the state too have a decent accommodation.
From budget to luxury to heritage hotels to houseboats, camps and homestay, Kerala leaves one spoilt for choices.
Tour My India has association with the top most hotels and resorts of Kerala and offers lowest prices and great deals on every hotel booking made with us. Excellent services are also guaranteed with us!
Major Activities for Tourists in Kerala
Kerala offers an opportunity to have varied experiences that are worth relishing. The state offers the chance to indulge in therapeutic ayurvedic massages; cruising in the houseboats on the pristine backwaters and thrilling watersports on the beaches. The must-have experiences in Kerala also include witnessing exhilarating snake boat races; relishing delectable food; enjoying watching classical dance performances like Kathakali and Mohiniattam or martial art performances like Kalaripayattu.
The state also offers an opportunity to enjoy the tea and spice plantation tours; shopping for handicrafts; wildlife sighting and birdwatching tours.
Kerala Travel Tips
The following travel tips ensure your Kerala trip is hassle-free and that you have a great time in God's Own Country.
You can bring as much foreign currency as you want to Kerala and get it exchanged.
Banks are open for transactions from 10:00 - 3:30 hrs on weekdays and on first and third Saturdays. Second and Fourth Saturdays are holidays.
Several hotels, restaurants and shopping centres accept major credit cards - Mastercard and Visa.
For the best Kerala holiday experience, visit between September and May.
Carry cotton outfits; hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc.
Book your Ayurveda therapies and treatments at centres that are classified/approved by the Department of Tourism.
A variety of food apart from the cuisine of Kerala is available at major restaurants
Some temples in Kerala do not permit entry to non-Hindus.
Strict dress codes are followed in most of the temples. Footwear is banned inside the temple premises.
Nudity is not allowed in any of the beaches in Kerala.
Smoking is banned in public places.
When visiting someone’s home in Kerala, make sure to leave the footwear outside.
Demonstrating affection in public like hugging or kissing is not an accepted practice in Kerala.
To visit a wildlife sanctuary or national park in Kerala, prior permission has to be taken from the concerned authority.
The following emergency numbers come handy in Kerala
Police control room: 100
Fire station: 101
Ambulance: 102, 108
Police Helpline
While traveling on Highways (Highway Alert Number): 9846 100 100
While traveling in Trains (Railway Alert Number): 9846 200 100
Website: www.keralapolice.org
Visa on Arrival
No separate visa has to be applied for visiting Kerala. Certain countries are allowed visa on arrival (VOA) by the Indian Government. The two airports of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi offer visa on arrival to the nationals of following eleven countries:
Japan
Singapore
Philippines
Finland
Luxembourg
New Zealand
Cambodia
Laos
Vietnam
Myanmar
Indonesia
For latest information visit official website of India Visa Online at https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/
Kerala Tourism Festival
The state of Kerala is unarguably rich in its culture, traditions, and history. To make the visitors acquainted with itself, the state hosts a number of tourism festivals that allow a peek inside Kerala. Some Kerala tourism festivals have been celebrated for a long period of time on an annual basis, while few are added every year in order to offer an authentic experience of the state.
Utsavam: It is a folk-art festival that is hosted in many parts of Kerala.
Hop on the Bus: It is a festival organized by Thiruvananthapuram DTPC to offer a sightseeing tour of the city.
Beach Carnival & Games: Hosted in Ernakulam, this festival offers plenty of entertainment at the beautiful beaches of the city.
Malabar Carnival: Reckoned the largest cultural cum commercial fair, it is held in Kottakunnu.
Kadamakkudy Tourism Festival: It is an eight-day festival that exhibits the rich culture and art of Kerala.
Muziris Paddle: It is an enthralling kayaking expedition that offers an incredible nature’s experience.
International Arts & Crafts Festival: Held at Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village in Iringal, the festival is worth witnessing.
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