Kerala is famously known as God’s Own Country. It is one of India’s most beautiful tourist destinations. It is peaceful backwaters and misty hill stations to exotic wildlife and golden beaches. Kerala offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. If you’re planning a trip, here are the 10 best places to visit in Kerala that deserve a spot on every traveler’s bucket list and you enjoy a lot.
Munnar – The Green Paradise of Kerala
Munnar is located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of India’s most enchanting hill stations. Munnar is a breathtaking hill station known for tea plantations, cool weather, and rolling green valleys. The misty hills and lush greenery make it perfect for couples and nature lovers. It’s the best time to visit in September to March. Most Attractive destinations in Kerala are Echo Point, Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park.
Best things to do in Munnar:
1. Stay in a resort on a hilltop
2. Visit tea plantations & click photos
3. Watch the sunrise from Top Station
4. Enjoy local chocolate and spices
5. Try trekking, camping, or mountain biking
You also try the local food like Appam with Stew, Kerala Parotta & Beef Fry, Fish Curry Meals, Homemade Chocolate & Cardamom Tea.
Alleppey – Houseboat & Backwaters Capital
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha. Alleppey is the heart of backwater tourism in India. It is one of the most iconic travel destinations in Kerala, famous worldwide for its serene backwaters and luxurious houseboat experiences. It is surrounded by palm-lined canals, emerald paddy fields, small islands, and peaceful villages, Alleppey offers a relaxing and romantic escape. It is often called the “Venice of the East” because of its endless network of waterways. It’s the best time to visit in March to May, June to September and October to February. Best things to do in Alleppey:
1.Stay overnight on a houseboat
2. Enjoy traditional Kerala meals onboard
3. Watch sunrise & sunset from the deck
4. Visit beaches & coastal villages
You also try foods like Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish Fry), Kerala Prawn Curry, Appam & Stew and Banana Fritters (Snack on the houseboat).
Wayanad – Forests, Wildlife & Waterfalls
Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers. Perfect for trekking and adventure lovers, Wayanad offers beautiful landscapes and ancient caves along with wildlife sanctuaries.The highlight of Wayanad is its stunning waterfalls. Soochipara Falls, Meenmutty Falls, and Kanthanpara Falls. It’s the best time to visit in March to May, June to September and October to February. Best things to do in Wayanad:
1. Spot elephants, deer, bison, peacocks & more.
2. Soochipara, Meenmutty & Kanthanpara waterfalls.
3. Climb through rocks to ancient carvings.
4. Most loved activity for couples/families.
You also try foods like Kerala Sadya, Malabar Biriyani, Karimeen Fry, Banana Chips
and Bamboo Rice Payasam.
Kovalam – Kerala’s Most Beautiful Beach
It is located along the Arabian Sea and Kovalam is one of Kerala’s most iconic and stunning beach destinations.A paradise for beach lovers, Kovalam is popular for golden sand, water sports, and luxury resorts. It is famous for its golden sand shores, calm blue waves and picturesque lighthouse views. Top Beaches in Kovalam such as Lighthouse Beach, Eve’s Beach, Samudra Beach. It’s the best time to visit in November to March. Best things to do in Kovalam:
1.Water Sports – Surfing, parasailing, jet-ski, snorkeling.
2. Kovalam is famous for therapeutic treatments.
3. Traditional Kerala boat ride is Catamaran Ride.
You also try foods like Kerala Fish Curry, Grilled Prawns & Seafood Platter, Appam with Stew, Fried Calamari and Tender Coconut Ice Cream.
Kochi – The Queen of Arabian Sea
It is often called “The Queen of the Arabian Sea,” Kochi. A mix of history and modern vibes and Kochi offers beaches, heritage sites, shopping streets, and amazing food. Kochi is known for its Chinese fishing nets reflecting over the Arabian Sea, colonial streets of Fort Kochi, vibrant art cafés, and the charm of backwaters, beaches and islands. Top places to visit in Kochi such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town and St. Francis Church are heritage places. Paradesi Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica and Chottanikkara Temple are spiritual places. It’s the best time to visit in October to March. Best things to do in Kochi:
1. Watch the sunset at Chinese Fishing Nets
2. Explore Fort Kochi on a bicycle
3. Backwater boat ride from Marine Drive.
4. Kathakali & Kalaripayattu cultural shows
You also try foods like Kerala Seafood Platter, Fish Pollichathu, Karimeen Fry, Prawns Roast and Appam with Stew.
Thekkady – Land of Wildlife & Spice Plantations
If you love nature, wildlife safaris, and boat rides, Thekkady is a must-visit. In the lush Western Ghats of Kerala. Thekkady is a dream destination for travelers who love forests, wildlife and nature. The heart of Thekkady deceit at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where dense forests, grasslands and a scenic lake create the perfect home for elephants, tigers, bison, deer and hundreds of rare bird species. Thekkady is known as a spice paradise of India. Visitors can enjoy bamboo rafting, trekking, nature walks, camping, jeep safaris and even traditional martial arts shows (Kalaripayattu). It’s the best time to visit in September to April. Best things to do in Thekkady:
1. Deep jungle drive & photography
2. Famous wildlife sightseeing on water
3. Explore Kerala’s spice farmlands
4.Traditional Kerala martial art
You also try food like Kerala Sadya (Banana Leaf Meal), appam with stew, kerala fish fry and Elaneer Payasam.
Varkala – Cliffs & Crystal Blue Beach
Varkala is one of Kerala’s most iconic beach destinations. Varkala is one of India’s most scenic beaches with a unique cliff side view and vibrant cafes. The Varkala Cliff stretch is a paradise filled with cafés, seafood restaurants, yoga centers, street shops, and sunset viewpoints. The vibes are relaxing, youthful and perfect for solo travelers, couples, and beach lovers. Varkala Beach is also known as Papanasam Beach and it is believed to purify the mind and soul. Best time to visit in October to March. Best things to do in Varkala:
1. Sunset from Varkala Cliff, Black Sand Beach, Odayam Beach
2. Swimming, surfing, parasailing, and a banana boat.
3. Yoga classes, meditation workshops, spa & Ayurveda massage.
4. Janardhana Swamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt.
You also try food like Grilled Fish, Puttu & Kadala Curry, Idiyappam with Egg and Diyappam with Egg.
Kanyakumari (near Kerala) – Where Oceans Meet
Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip of India. Although located on the Tamil Nadu border, Kanyakumari is a common part of Kerala trips and famous for sunrise & sunset views.The destination where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. Kanyakumari is one of the most unique and spiritual coastal places in the country. Kanyakumari is one of the most unique and spiritual coastal places in the country. Kanyakumari is perfect for families, couples, pilgrims, and photographers. Best time to visit in October to March. Best to do in Kanyakumari:
1. Watch sunrise and sunset
2. Beach photography & shell shopping
3. Visit Gandhi Memorial
4. Spend a peaceful evening by the seaside
You also try food like South Indian meals, Appam & Stew, Fish curry, seafood fry and Banana chips.
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Kumarakom – Luxury Backwater Escape
If you want a peaceful holiday with luxury resorts, bird watching and lake views, Kumarakom is ideal. Kumarakom is a peaceful and luxurious backwater destination in Kerala, known for calm Vembanad Lake, coconut-lined shores, and world-class resorts. It’s an ideal spot for couples, family vacations, and anyone who wants a relaxing nature experience. Enjoy a private luxury houseboat with meals and sunset views, Scenic lake.
surrounded by birds & greenery. Best time to visit in September to April. Best to do on Kumarakom:
1. Nature lovers’ paradise with rare migratory birds
2. One of the most romantic sunsets in Kerala
3. Calm waters perfect for boating and soft adventure.
You also try food like Kumarakom Fresh Seafood Platter, Kappa (Tapioca) with Fish Curry, Puttu & Kadala Curry.
Vagamon – Hidden Hill Station
Vagamon is one of Kerala’s most peaceful and underrated hill stations, known for rolling green meadows, pine forests, mist-covered valleys, and cool weather throughout the year. It is perfect for nature lovers, couple. Perfect for adventure lovers — paragliding, trekking, lakes, pine forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. Calm boating experience surrounded by hills, tall, dense forest with a dreamy atmosphere also perfect for photos, 360° views of hills and clouds etc. are the top attractions. Best time to visit in September to March. Best to do in Vagamon:
1. Paragliding
2. Nature walks & trekking
3. Lake boating
4. Campfire & Tent stay
You also try food like Malabar Parotta with Beef, Kappa (Tapioca) with Fish Curry, Grilled Fish / Fish Fry and Kerala Biryani (Thalassery Style).