Top 10 Must-Visit Kerala Tourist Places for Every Traveler
Kerala, also known as "God’s Own Country," is a tropical paradise nestled on the southwestern coast of India. Renowned for its backwaters, lush green landscapes, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches, Kerala is a must-visit destination for every traveler. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Kerala has something for everyone.
Here's a list of the top 10 must-visit Kerala tourist places that should be on every traveler's bucket list.
Munnar is a picturesque hill station, located about 1,600 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats. Famous for its sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool climate, Munnar is a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners alike. The town is surrounded by rolling hills covered in lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the valleys below.
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Known for its tranquil backwaters, Alleppey is one of the top Kerala tourist places that offer a unique and serene experience. The backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes that snake through small villages and paddy fields. A houseboat cruise on these waters is an iconic experience in Kerala.
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Thekkady is home to the famous Periyar National Park, one of India’s most well-known wildlife sanctuaries. It's the best place for those who wish to get up close to nature and wildlife. You can take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
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Kochi (Cochin) is a vibrant city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition. Known for its rich history, this port city is often referred to as the cultural and commercial hub of Kerala. With influences from the Dutch, Portuguese, British, and Chinese, Kochi has a unique charm.
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Wayanad is a serene and less commercialized hill station, making it one of the best Kerala tourist places for those seeking tranquility. Known for its waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and caves, Wayanad offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
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Kumarakom, located near Vembanad Lake, is another beautiful destination known for its backwaters. It is less crowded than Alleppey, making it a perfect spot for a serene holiday. Kumarakom is famous for birdwatching, thanks to its extensive bird sanctuary.
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Varkala is one of the most picturesque Kerala tourist places, famous for its unique setting where cliffs meet the Arabian Sea. It’s a popular destination for backpackers, yoga enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a relaxed beach vibe. Varkala also has spiritual significance, as it is home to the famous Janardanaswamy Temple.
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Kovalam is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala, known for its crescent-shaped coastline and shallow waters, perfect for swimming. The town is a hotspot for tourists seeking sun, sand, and surf, with plenty of beachfront resorts and Ayurvedic spas.
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Athirappilly Waterfalls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is often referred to as the “Niagara of India.” This majestic waterfall is a sight to behold, with water cascading down from a height of 80 feet. It's a great place for nature lovers and photographers.
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Bekal, located in northern Kerala, is a small town known for its historic fort and pristine beach. The Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Bekal is a perfect destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.
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1. Munnar: The Queen of Hill Stations
Munnar is a picturesque hill station, located about 1,600 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats. Famous for its sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and cool climate, Munnar is a haven for nature lovers and honeymooners alike. The town is surrounded by rolling hills covered in lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the valleys below.
Highlights:
Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the famous Anamudi Peak.
Tea Museum: Learn about the history of tea production in the region.
Mattupetty Dam: Perfect for boating and picnics.
Kundala Lake: A serene spot for a peaceful day out.
Best time to visit: September to May
Tea Museum: Learn about the history of tea production in the region.
Mattupetty Dam: Perfect for boating and picnics.
Kundala Lake: A serene spot for a peaceful day out.
Best time to visit: September to May
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha): The Venice of the East
Known for its tranquil backwaters, Alleppey is one of the top Kerala tourist places that offer a unique and serene experience. The backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes that snake through small villages and paddy fields. A houseboat cruise on these waters is an iconic experience in Kerala.
Highlights:
Houseboat cruises: Spend a day or night on a traditional Kettuvallam (houseboat).
Alleppey Beach: A peaceful and scenic beach for relaxation.
Snake Boat Races: Witness the excitement of these traditional boat races during the monsoon season.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, located nearby.
Best time to visit: November to February.
Alleppey Beach: A peaceful and scenic beach for relaxation.
Snake Boat Races: Witness the excitement of these traditional boat races during the monsoon season.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for birdwatchers, located nearby.
Best time to visit: November to February.
3. Thekkady: A Wildlife Lover’s Paradise
Highlights:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Famous for its elephants, tigers, and other wildlife species.
Spice Plantations: Explore aromatic spice gardens and learn about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation.
Bamboo Rafting: A thrilling experience in the dense forest of Periyar.
Jeep Safaris: Explore the offbeat terrains and wildlife.
Best time to visit: October to February
Spice Plantations: Explore aromatic spice gardens and learn about cardamom, pepper, and vanilla cultivation.
Bamboo Rafting: A thrilling experience in the dense forest of Periyar.
Jeep Safaris: Explore the offbeat terrains and wildlife.
Best time to visit: October to February
4. Kochi: The Gateway to Kerala
Highlights:
Fort Kochi: Explore colonial architecture, narrow streets, and the famous Chinese fishing nets.
Mattancherry Palace: Also known as the Dutch Palace, it showcases Kerala’s regal history.
Jew Town: A historic area with the Paradesi Synagogue and antique shops.
Marine Drive: A scenic promenade ideal for evening walks.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Mattancherry Palace: Also known as the Dutch Palace, it showcases Kerala’s regal history.
Jew Town: A historic area with the Paradesi Synagogue and antique shops.
Marine Drive: A scenic promenade ideal for evening walks.
Best time to visit: October to March.
5. Wayanad: A Perfect Retreat in Nature
Highlights:
Edakkal Caves: Ancient caves with prehistoric carvings.
Banasura Sagar Dam: The largest earthen dam in India, perfect for trekking and boating.
Soochipara Waterfalls: A three-tiered waterfall set amidst lush forests.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot elephants, leopards, and various species of birds.
Best time to visit: October to May.
Banasura Sagar Dam: The largest earthen dam in India, perfect for trekking and boating.
Soochipara Waterfalls: A three-tiered waterfall set amidst lush forests.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot elephants, leopards, and various species of birds.
Best time to visit: October to May.
6. Kumarakom: A Backwater Haven
Highlights:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Spot migratory birds like Siberian storks, egrets, and kingfishers.
Vembanad Lake: Enjoy houseboat rides and canoeing on the largest lake in Kerala.
Pathiramanal Island: A small yet scenic island accessible by boat.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Indulge in traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massages and therapies.
Best time to visit: September to March.
Vembanad Lake: Enjoy houseboat rides and canoeing on the largest lake in Kerala.
Pathiramanal Island: A small yet scenic island accessible by boat.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Indulge in traditional Kerala Ayurvedic massages and therapies.
Best time to visit: September to March.
7. Varkala: A Cliff-Side Beach Destination
Highlights:
Varkala Beach: A pristine beach surrounded by cliffs, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Papanasam Beach: Believed to have holy waters that wash away sins.
Varkala Cliff: Enjoy panoramic views and explore cafes and shops along the cliffside.
Janardanaswamy Temple: A 2,000-year-old temple that attracts devotees.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Papanasam Beach: Believed to have holy waters that wash away sins.
Varkala Cliff: Enjoy panoramic views and explore cafes and shops along the cliffside.
Janardanaswamy Temple: A 2,000-year-old temple that attracts devotees.
Best time to visit: October to March.
8. Kovalam: Kerala’s Famous Beach Town
Highlights:
Lighthouse Beach: The most famous beach in Kovalam, featuring a picturesque lighthouse.
Hawa Beach: Another beautiful beach with golden sands and calm waters.
Water Sports: Try activities like parasailing, surfing, and water skiing.
Ayurvedic Spas: Kovalam is known for its rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies.
Best time to visit: September to February.
Hawa Beach: Another beautiful beach with golden sands and calm waters.
Water Sports: Try activities like parasailing, surfing, and water skiing.
Ayurvedic Spas: Kovalam is known for its rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies.
Best time to visit: September to February.
9. Athirappilly: The Niagara of India
Highlights:
Athirappilly Waterfalls: One of the most iconic waterfalls in India.
Vazhachal Falls: Located nearby, another stunning waterfall worth visiting.
Nature Walks: Explore the lush forests and wildlife around the area.
Film Location: The waterfall has been featured in numerous Indian films, including "Baahubali."
Best time to visit: June to September (monsoon season for the best waterfall views).
Vazhachal Falls: Located nearby, another stunning waterfall worth visiting.
Nature Walks: Explore the lush forests and wildlife around the area.
Film Location: The waterfall has been featured in numerous Indian films, including "Baahubali."
Best time to visit: June to September (monsoon season for the best waterfall views).
10. Bekal: A Historical Coastal Town
Highlights:
Bekal Fort: A well-preserved fort offering stunning views of the coastline.
Bekal Beach: A serene beach perfect for relaxation and evening strolls.
Ananthapura Lake Temple: A beautiful temple surrounded by a lake.
Kappil Beach: A nearby less-crowded beach, ideal for solitude seekers.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Bekal Beach: A serene beach perfect for relaxation and evening strolls.
Ananthapura Lake Temple: A beautiful temple surrounded by a lake.
Kappil Beach: A nearby less-crowded beach, ideal for solitude seekers.
Best time to visit: October to March.
Tips for Travelers to Kerala
Best Time to Visit: The winter season (October to March) is generally the best time to visit Kerala, as the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.
Ayurveda: Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments. Consider indulging in some rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies during your stay.
Cuisine: Don't miss out on Kerala’s delicious cuisine, especially seafood, coconut-based dishes, and traditional Kerala Sadhya (feast).
Travel: It’s advisable to book houseboats and popular accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Ayurveda: Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments. Consider indulging in some rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies during your stay.
Cuisine: Don't miss out on Kerala’s delicious cuisine, especially seafood, coconut-based dishes, and traditional Kerala Sadhya (feast).
Travel: It’s advisable to book houseboats and popular accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.