Top Places to Visit in Kerala for the Ultimate Travel Experience

There are few places on Earth where nature, culture, and serenity come together as harmoniously as they do in Kerala. Tucked along the southwestern coast of India, Kerala – famously known as God’s Own Country – is a traveller’s paradise offering lush green hills, tranquil backwaters, golden beaches, vibrant traditions, and rich biodiversity. Among the many places to visit in Kerala, each destination offers its unique charm, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, spirituality, or cultural immersion.

This detailed itinerary covers the 10 best places to visit in Kerala, complete with travel tips, top attractions, and what makes each place special. Let’s journey through the highlights of this beautiful state.

1. Kochi – A Living Museum of Cultures

Kochi during sunset
Image credit: Avin CP/Unsplash

Kochi, or Cochin, is often the starting point for most Kerala trips. This port city has been a cultural melting pot for centuries, shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, British, Chinese, and Arab influences. You’ll find ancient architecture standing alongside modern cafés and art galleries. With cheap flights to Kochi available from major cities across India and abroad, it’s both accessible and budget-friendly. From heritage homestays to luxury beach resorts, there are best hotels in Kochi to suit every type of traveler.

Some of the most fascinating places to visit in Kerala lie in Kochi, including:

Fort Kochi: Walk its colonial streets lined with old bungalows and quirky art shops.
Chinese Fishing Nets: These massive, graceful nets are operated using a counterweight system and offer a glimpse into Kochi’s fishing traditions.
Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Admire intricate murals and royal artifacts of the Kochi Rajas.
Jew Town: A historic Jewish quarter with spice markets and antique shops.
St. Francis Church: Where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

Tip: Attend a Kathakali performance in the evening at the Kerala Kathakali Centre to experience traditional dance and storytelling- an unmissable part of local culture often included in Kochi tour packages for an authentic experience.

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2. Munnar – Rolling Tea Hills and Cool Breezes

Munnar Hills
Image Credit: Alex Alderic Jero/Shutterstock

Munnar is one of the most loved hill stations and among the iconic places to visit in Kerala. Located 1,600 meters above sea level, it’s known for its sprawling tea estates and cool mountain air. It is recommended to experience living in a tea estate bungalow or eco-resort for a truly immersive escape. To make the most of your visit, consider exploring Munnar tour packages, which often include guided sightseeing, plantation visits, and local cultural experiences.

Highlights of Munnar:

Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years.
Tata Tea Museum: Learn about tea processing and the region’s colonial history.
Top Station: Offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains.
Mattupetty Dam: A scenic picnic and boating spot.
Echo Point & Kundala Lake: Great for families and photo ops.

You’ll find some of the best hotels in Munnar nestled amidst nature – ranging from charming tea estate bungalows and eco-resorts to luxury stays with panoramic views.

3. Thekkady – Into the Wild and Spices

Periyar Lake Thekkady Kerala — Periyar Lake in Thekkady, Kerala
Image Credit: Babu Rengaraj/Shutterstock

Thekkady is synonymous with the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s premier reserves. It’s also the spice capital of Kerala, making it one of the wildest yet aromatic places to visit in Kerala. For a comfortable and memorable stay, you’ll find the best hotels in Thekkady, from jungle lodges and spice plantation resorts to cozy homestays – each offering unique views and easy access to nature.

Top Experiences in Thekkady:

Periyar Lake Safari: Spot elephants, wild boars, and maybe even a tiger while cruising the lake.
Spice Plantations: Tour aromatic farms growing cardamom, pepper, and cloves.
Nature Walks & Bamboo Rafting: Great for birdwatching and jungle immersion.
Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: Witness ancient martial art Kalaripayattu live.

Local Flavor: Don’t leave without trying Thekkady’s unique black pepper chicken and buying farm-fresh spices which is also included in Thekkady tour packages.

4. Alleppey – Glide Through the Backwaters

Houseboat in backwaters, Alappuzha — Houseboat in Backwaters, Alappuzha
Image Credit: Pikoso.kz/Shutterstock

Also known as Alappuzha, this town is the heart of Kerala’s backwater network. A houseboat cruise here is the signature Kerala experience. It is one of the destinations among places to visit in Kerala.

Things to Do in Alleppey:

Houseboat Stay: Enjoy freshly cooked Kerala meals as you float past coconut groves, paddy fields, and quaint villages.
Alleppey Beach: Popular for its long pier and sunset views.
Kuttanad Region: Known as the ‘rice bowl of Kerala’, this area lies below sea level and features mesmerizing paddy fields.
Ambalapuzha Temple: Famous for its sweet palpayasam offering and architecture.

Travel Tip: Visit during Onam or the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race for a festive vibe, and make your trip more relaxing by staying at best hotels in Alleppey, ranging from charming houseboats to serene lakeside resorts.

Also Read: Top 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Kochi: Travel Tips & Offbeat Ideas

5. Varkala – Cliffs, Coconuts, and Calm

Varkala beach, Kerala
Image Credit: Dmitry Rukhlenko/Shutterstock

Unlike most beaches in Kerala, Varkala features dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It’s a favorite among international backpackers and wellness seekers. It is ideal for solo travelers, yoga lovers, and anyone seeking a quiet beach escape. There are plenty of the best hotels in Varkala to choose from – beachside resorts, cliff-top retreats, and boutique stays that offer stunning sunset views and peaceful surroundings.

Why Visit Varkala:

Papanasam Beach: A sacred beach where Hindus perform rituals for departed souls.
Varkala Cliff: Lined with shops, yoga retreats, and cliffside restaurants with sunset views.
Sivagiri Mutt: A pilgrimage center founded by social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Janardana Swamy Temple: A 2,000-year-old temple believed to be older than the temple town itself.

6. Wayanad – Mystical Forests and Mountain Air

Wild Indian elephant in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Paul Harding 00/Shutterstock

In northern Kerala, Wayanad is one of the most enchanting places to visit in Kerala, famous for its tribal heritage, ancient caves, and wildlife. For a comfortable and immersive stay, choose best hotels in Wayanad including eco-resorts, jungle lodges, and hillside cottages that offer both relaxation and adventure right at your doorstep.

Must-Do Activities in Wayanad:

Edakkal Caves: Trek uphill to view prehistoric carvings that date back over 8,000 years.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot elephants, bison, and exotic birds.
Meenmutty & Soochipara Waterfalls: Surreal and untamed natural beauty.
Chembra Peak: Trek to the heart-shaped lake en route to the summit.

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7. Kumarakom – Serenity by the Lake

Morning Landscape from Kumarakom backwaters — Morning Landscape from Kumarakom Backwaters
Image Credit: Jimmy Kamballur/Shutterstock

Set on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is perfect for those who want to unwind from daily life. It’s one of the more serene places to visit in Kerala for those who prefer quiet over crowds. To make the most of your experience, consider looking for Kumarakom tour packages, which often include backwater cruises, bird sanctuary visits, and stays at tranquil lakeside resorts.

Highlights of Kumarakom:

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Spot migratory birds like Siberian cranes, herons, and kingfishers.
Backwater Resorts: Choose from boutique to luxury resorts offering Ayurvedic therapies.
Canoe Rides: Explore small canals lined with flowering plants and traditional homes.

For a truly scenic experience, explore the serene backwaters and coastline with some of the best cruise tour packages in Kochi, offering everything from sunset views to traditional houseboat stays.

8. Trivandrum – The Spiritual and Administrative Capital

Scenic view of Trivandrum
Image credit: Vishnu Prasad/Unsplash

Trivandrum, or Thiruvananthapuram, balances government institutions with rich cultural landmarks.

Top Sites in Trivandrum:

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: A stunning Vishnu temple believed to be the richest in the world.
Napier Museum: Houses rare artifacts and Kerala-style architecture.
Kuthiramalika Palace: Built with carved horses in its woodwork, near the temple complex.
Beaches: Shankumugham and Vizhinjam offer peaceful alternatives to Kovalam.

Pro Tip: Dress conservatively when visiting temples and religious sites.

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9. Athirappilly – Waterfall Wonder

Drone photo of Water falls Athirappilly — Drone Photo of Water Falls at Athirappilly
Image Credit: Singh’S Drones/Shutterstock

Located near Thrissur, Athirappilly is Kerala’s largest waterfall and has featured in many Indian films. This gem is often overlooked but remains one of the most visually striking places to visit in Kerala.

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Why Visit Athirappilly:

Athirappilly Falls: Best viewed in monsoon; the thundering cascade is 80 feet tall.
Vazhachal Falls: Close by and more serene.
Rainforest Treks: Discover native flora and fauna on short hikes.

Here’s a fun fact: Scenes from Bahubali, Raavan, and Guru were filmed here.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

The best time to explore the places to visit in Kerala is from October to March, when the weather is cool and ideal for sightseeing. Monsoon lovers can enjoy lush scenery and wellness retreats from June to September.

Also Read: Explore the Coastal Charm of Kerala: Varkala and Fort Kochi

How to Reach Kerala

By Air: Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut are the major international airports.
By Train: Kerala is well connected by Indian Railways.
By Road: Kerala has excellent bus and taxi services from neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

From highland tea gardens to cliffside beaches, and temple towns to jungle trails, these 9 places to visit in Kerala offer a complete taste of what makes this state magical. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a spiritual retreat, Kerala welcomes every kind of traveller – each stop revealing a new flavour, rhythm, or story to remember!

FAQs- Places to Visit in Kerala

What are the top places to visit in Kerala for first-time travelers?
For first-timers, must-visit places in Kerala include Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Thekkady, and Kovalam for a mix of hill stations, backwaters, beaches, and cultural experiences.

Which is the best time to visit Kerala for a holiday?
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March when the weather is pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing, houseboat stays, and nature tours.

Are the backwaters better in Alleppey or Kumarakom?
Alleppey is ideal for traditional houseboat cruises and a vibrant atmosphere, while Kumarakom offers quieter, upscale resorts with stunning views and rich birdlife.

What are the best places to visit in Kerala with family?
Family-friendly destinations in Kerala include Munnar, Thekkady, Kochi, Wayanad, and Kumarakom—offering safe, scenic, and activity-rich experiences for all ages.

Is Kerala suitable for a honeymoon trip?
Yes, Kerala is a top honeymoon destination, especially for romantic getaways in Munnar, Alleppey, Varkala, and Kumarakom with nature, privacy, and wellness options.

What are the best hill stations to visit in Kerala?
Munnar and Wayanad are the top hill stations in Kerala, known for cool climates, tea estates, trekking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.

How many days are enough to explore Kerala?
A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal to comfortably explore Kerala’s top attractions, including beaches, backwaters, hill stations, and wildlife sanctuaries.

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