Kerala is one of the most mesmerizing places to visit in India. The ‘God’s Own Country’ has extremely magnificent tourist destinations which are absolutely a treat to your eyes. Nobody can deny the fact that Kerala is a promised land for any tourist. The tropical land of Kerala is globally famous and adored for its natural beauty.
The land is gifted with quiet backwaters, tea estates, traditional dance forms, idyllic beaches, Ayurveda, sparkling waterfalls, serene hill stations, amazing wildlife, authentic cuisines, and so much more. Whether you want a romantic honeymoon getaway, family trip, or an adventurous tour with your friends; Kerala will welcome you wholeheartedly.
Here is a sorted list of some of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. So, let’s dive in!
15 Mesmerizing Places To Visit In Kerala
1. Munnar
Munnar is a spectacular hill town in the district of Idukki, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The town is situated around three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundalahere, and the word ‘Munnar’ means three rivers in the Malayalam language. It is also the home of some of the endangered species of animals like Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr.
Munnar is known as the most appealing tourist destination in South India due to its natural valleys, pristine hills and rivers, astounding wildlife, cozy hotels and resorts, and exotic tropical flora and fauna. The place invites thousands of traveler enthusiasts each year.
Major attractions: Eravikulam National Park, TATA Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Kundala Lake, Nyayamakad, Meesapulimala, Kolukkumalai, Lock-Hart Gap, Chithirapuram, Vattavada, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Rajamala, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Lite of Pi Church, Pothamedu View Point, Anamudi, Blossom Park.
Best time to visit: September to March
Ideal duration: 2 nights/3 days
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Ranked 2 in on our list for all the good reasons, Alleppey (Alappuzha) gives you some incredible traveling goals. Situated in the banks of cyanic Vembanad Lake, Alleppey is also called the “Backwater Capital Of India”. One can find solitude in one place and that is the houseboats of Alleppey valley. The houseboats here are equipped with comforting facilities such as an air conditioner, kitchen, modern bathrooms, and balcony with an amazing view. The shiny backwaters fringed with coconut trees fascinate the most.
Major attractions: Vembanad Lake, Alleppey Beach, Arthunkal Church, Ambalapuzha Temple, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Kuttanad Backwaters, Mannarshala Temple, Karumadikuttan Statue, St. Mary Rorane Church.
Best time to visit: September to mid-May
Ideal duration: 1 Night/ 2 days
3. Kochi (Cochin)
One of the best centerpieces of God’s own country, Kochi (colonially known as Cochin), is the ideal place for a honeymoon trip. Fondly called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Kochi has always been a dream destination for travelers. Ancient churches, forts, and cathedrals surrounded by lush mangrove trees, coconut trees, azure Kerala backwaters are some of the major allurements. Fort Kochi, one of the famous beaches, is a perfect blend of the colonial and present era that tranquilizes your mind, soul, and body.
Major attractions: Fort Kochi, Vypeen Beach, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Basilica of Santa Cruz, Bolghatty Island, Thrikkara Temple, Cherai Beach, Andhakaranzhi Beach
Best time to visit: July to April
Ideal duration: 1 Night/ 2 days
4. Wayanad
Enriched with heavenly beauty, and calm and composed atmosphere with rich culture, Wayanad tourism is a perfect blend of nature and man-made heritage. This place deserves all the attention as it is one of the greenest places in Kerala. The soothing temperature of Wayanad complemented with misty mountains, unblemished woods, steady waterfalls is an ultimate gateway spot for the wanderlusts.
Major attractions: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Banasura Hill (perfect for trekking), Lakkidi View Point, P Kuruvadweep, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kabini, Papanashini River, and Padinjarathara Dam
Best time to visit: October to May
Ideal duration: 1 Night/ 2 days
5. Thiruvanantapuram
The capital city of God’s own country, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is located at the southwestern brim of Kerala and is also marked as a “Must-see destination” by National Geographic Traveler. The world-famous Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple here is also an attraction point for the Hindus. The largest city of Kerala is filled with numerous esteemed beaches, historical monuments, far-extending beaches, and rich cultural heritage which is a beauty to behold.
Major attractions: Aruvikkara Dam, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanakakunnu Palace, Anchuthengu Fort, Poovar, Koyikkal Palace, Kowdiar Palace, Agasthyakoodam, Peppara Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best time to visit: Octuber to February
Ideal duration: 1Night/ 2 Days
6. Kozikode
The iconic beauty of Kerala is also known as Calicut, which located on the Northern side of Kerala. The place is popular for its authentic culture, historical sites, dense greenery, truly stunning backwaters, lush green palm trees. All the scenic landscapes, backwaters, delicious seafood will simply win your heart. This splendid city is also reminiscent of the Dutch and British eras in India.
Major attractions: Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Beypore Beach, Krishna Menon Museum, Peruvannamuzhi Dam, Thusharagiri Falls, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kadalundi, Tali Temple, Lion’s Park, Kalipoyika, Mananchira Square
Best time to visit: June to September
Ideal duration: 1 day/ 2 Nights
7. Marari Beach
Marari Beach, located in the Alleppey district of Kerala, is truly a paradise on Earth. All the sunbathers and sea lovers can count this place on their bucket list without a second thought. Marari Beach is an ideal place for you to soak up the sun, watch the sunset with a romantic view, and so much more. In short, this untamed beach is a lot more than just a seashore.
Major attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Cherthala, Thumpolly Beach, Chinese Fishing Nets, The Dutch Palace, Mararikulam Shiva Temple, Poochakkal and St. Andres Church
Best time to visit: September to May
Ideal duration: 1 day
8. Kottayam
Kottayam, is a naturally enchanting destination that is also a significant spot for spices and crops, especially rubber. The picturesque views and the ancient shrines add to this destination’s beauty. Apart from nature’s blessings, Kottayam is also a town achieving a 100% literacy rate and is called ‘Akshara Nagari’ meaning ‘City of Letters.’ All the verdant landscape and fields are enough to mesmerize you in one glance.
Major attractions: Kottathavalam, Nadukani, Island of Pathiramanal, Illikkal Kallu, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Best time to visit: September to February
Ideal duration: 1 Night/2 Days
9. Palakkad
The pleasant town of Palakkad is an excellent place for all the tree-huggers. It is located near a wide low pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges. One can find that Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and paddy Fields. The town is surrounded by exotic flora and fauna, scenic mountains, temples and forests, sparkling lakes, and majestic and lovely dams, and so much more.
Major attractions: Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad Fort, Jain Temple, Seethargundu viewpoint, Malampuzha Garden and Dam, and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Best time to visit: November to March
Ideal duration: 1 Night/ 2 days
10. Coonoor
Another quaint town of Coonoor, also known as ‘The Crown of Kerala,” located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, is a serene beauty packaged with an abundance of beaches, mountains, backwaters, ancient temples, and picnic sites. The place is one of the most visited places of Kerala due to its unique art of weaving, cashew trees, banana boat rides, and so much more. Coonoor is undoubtedly a fantastic delight to all the nature enthusiasts, beach lovers, history geeks, adrenaline junkies, and casual backpackers.
Major attractions: Ezhimala Beach, Fort St. Angelos, Tellicherry Fort and Rajarajeshwara Temple
Best time to visit: October to March
Ideal duration: 1 Day
11. Malampuzha
Malampuzha, located in the Palakkad district, better known as India’s ‘Spice capital,’ is a perfect example of our coexistence with mother nature. All the greens, natural beauty, and calmness of this place are spellbinding, making it a must-visit place in Kerala.
Major attractions: Malampuzha Dam and Garden, Palakkad Fort, Dhoni hills and Waterparks, Kava, Rock Garden Thread Garden, Udankhatola, Snake Garden, Fantasy Park
Best time to visit: 1 Night/ 2 Days
Ideal duration: August to April.
12. Varkala
Varkala is the most awe-inspiring place to visit in Kerala. Absolutely stunning beach tryst with the Arabian Sea, Varkala is also a popular rendezvous for adventure lovers. A kaleidoscopic coastal town in Trivandrum is also famous for the ancient Janardana Swami Temple. This is the only place in God’s Own Country where cliffs are found alongside the seashore, which looks pretty hypnotic.
Major attractions: Paragliding, Water sports, local cuisines of Kerala
Best time to visit: August to March
Ideal duration: 1 Night/ 2 Days
13. Munroe Island
The profound Munroe Island is a beautiful canal cruise in Kerala situated at the merging point of two rivers Kallada and Ashtamudi Lake. The island is a unique collective group of 8 small islets, which is around 27 km away from the heart of Kollam. This coral island has so much to offer, including marvelous scenic rural landscapes, coconut orchards, lagoon, mangrove forests, and narrow canals. This place is also famously known for its Kallad boat race, which is held in September every year.
Major attractions: Thangassery Light House, Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach, Paradesi Synagogue, Kallada River, Wonderla Amusement Park.
Best time to visit: Anytime exept monsoon.
Ideal duration: 5-8 hours
14. Kuttanad
The poetically beautiful Kuttanad is truly a place to fall in love with. Kuttanad is known as the ‘Rice bowl of Kerala,’ being home to lush green rice fields spread in a vast area, separated by different channels. A trip to Kuttanad will definitely lure you with its evergreen charm, multiple picturesque views, beautiful coconut plantations, backwaters, and rural landscape, and beautiful hamlets. You will also see the traditional heritage, the agricultural system of God’s own country.
Major attractions: Traditional Water Turbines, Punnamada Lake, Pampa River, Champakulam, Meenachil River.
Best time to visit: October to March
Ideal duration: 1-2 Days.
15. Thrissur
Thrissur is blessed with many pilgrimage sites and sacred temples. The ideal time to visit Thrissur is during one of the famous festivals in India, known as “Thrissur Pooram” and the Onam festival. Apart from its rich traditional values, Thrissur also has plenty of scenic splendor like picturesque cascades and beaches.
Major attractions: Snehatheeram Beach, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple and Athirappilly Waterfalls
Best time to visit: October to April
Ideal duration: 2 Nights/ 3 days
The land of God, Kerala, has all the joy and beauty to offer throughout the year. Come join the gift of the Arabian Sea to get the tranquility that you always crave for.
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