Kerala is a surreal destination where the mist and magic of the morning descend. The backwaters, also known as “God’s Own Country,” are a place where the alluring quiet of the backwaters holds everyone captive. Yes, it’s the ‘Spice Capital of India,’ where the evening bids farewell to some of Mother Nature’s enchanting melodies. Kerala’s elegance and allure are undeniable! Allow your wanderlust to run wild and plan a trip to this fascinating land; there are a plethora of places to see in Kerala. Make sure you visit all of these places so you can build some of the best memories of your journey. And if you’re having trouble deciding which destinations to visit, Here’s a list of tourist attractions that will make your trip full of fun, frolic, and excitement:
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Alleppey (Alappuzha):
On one side, there’s Kerala, and on the other, there’s Alappuzha, or Alleppey, a dreamy tourist spot! Alleppey is known as the “Backwater Capital of India” or the “Venice of the East” for its tranquil backwaters and abundant beauty!
It is one of Kerala’s most popular backwater destinations and one of the most sought-after tourist destinations, situated on the banks of the azure Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a houseboat cruise and linger, village hikes, Ayurvedic therapies, and much more when you visit this paradise!
Places to visit in Kerala
Best Time to Visit:
Year-round destination
Tourist Attractions:
Vembanad Lake , Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Kuttanad Backwaters, Arthunkal Church, Ambalapuzha Temple, Mannarshala Temple, Karumadikuttan Statue, St. Mary Rorane Church
Nearest Railway Station:
Alleppey Railway Station
Weather:
Summer (April – June), Winter (October – Mid March), Monsoon (July – September)
2.Wayanad:
Wayanad, nestled in the Western Ghats, really deserves to be at the top of every list of places to visit in Kerala. This breathtaking hill station, located at an incredible height of 700-2,100 metres, is all about fantasy, untouched nature, unforgettable moments, and merriment!
Visitors will revisit and unravel history when visiting Wayanad, which adds to the hilly retreat’s enchanting beauty. Yes, Wayanad’s lush and untouched forests are said to have been inhabited over 3,000 years ago.
Best Time to Visit:
Year-round Destination
Tourist Attractions:
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls, Sentinel Rock Falls, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake, Lakkidi, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, Edakkal Caves, SulthanBthery, Chain Tree
Nearest Airport:
Calicut International Airport (98km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Nilambur Railway Station (92km / 3 Hours)
Weather:
Summer (March – May), Winter (December – February), Monsoon (June – September)
3. Cochin:
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a one-of-a-kind location in God’s Own Country that perfectly blends traditional values and modern ideas! This imposing port city, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” has always been a draw since the dawn of time.
Cochin, a melting pot of various cultures and customs, has welcomed all modern perspectives to become one of India’s most evolved metropolises. Cochin can make you fall in love all over again, whether it’s with the essence of Dutch institutions, British heritage, Chinese nets, or traditional spice markets.
Places to visit in Kerala
Best Time to Visit:
July (Beginning of Monsoon) to April (Early Summer)
Tourist Attractions:
Fort Kochi, Vypeen Island, Vypeen Beach, Cherai Beach, Andhakaranzhi Beach, Marine Drive, Bolghatty Island, Guruvayoor, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. FrnacisChirch, Basilica of Santa Cruz, Thrikkara Temple, Kanjiramattam Masjid, Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, Jewish Synagogue, Cochin Cultural Centre, Malayattoor, Mattancherry, Lulu Mall (Largest Mall in India), Kodannad Elephant Training Centre, Hill Palace Museum, Edappally Museum, Princess Street, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Vasco Da Gama Square
Nearest Airport:
Kochi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station:
Kochi Railway Junction
Weather:
Summer (March – June), Winter (July – September), Monsoon (October – February)
4. Munnar:
Munnar, yet another beautiful hill station nestled in the fascinating Western Ghats, needs no introduction. A holiday in the beguiling locales of this hilly retreat is all about the lofty clouds, picturesque mountains, rolling hills, and a relaxing ambience, rising 1,600m above sea level.
Munnar, which is mostly covered by never-ending tea plantations and lush forests, is a must-see for anyone looking for the best tourist destination in Kerala. Munnar will still leave you wanting more, whether it’s in the summer, winter, monsoon, or spring.
Best Time to Visit:
Year-round Destination
Tourist Attractions:
Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View Point, Anamudi, Blossom Park, Devikulam, Pallivasal, TATA Tea Museum, Vattavada, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, Nyayamakad, Meesapulimala, Kolukkumalai, Lock-Hart Gap, Chithirapuram, Rajamala, Top Station, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo Swiss Diary Farm, Lite of Pi Church,
Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (125km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Ernakulam Junction (128km / 4 Hours)
Weather:
Summer (March – May), Winter (December – February), Monsoon (June – September)
5. Kumarakom:
Kumarakom, a beguiling backwater destination in God’s Own Country, is adorned by the mystical beauty of the Vembanad Lake. Located close to the city of Kottayam, this is a spot where being lazy is one of the best things you can do during your Kerala vacation.
Kumarakom is popular among all types of tourists, thanks to the allure of the emerald Vembanad Lake, the evergreen coconut grooves, the breezy rice fields, and much more. Backwater cruises and houseboat stays, on the other hand, are the most common activities in this lovely tourist destination.
Best Time to Visit:
September (Monsoon End) to March (Winter End)
Tourist Attractions:
Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View Point, Anamudi, Blossom Park, Devikulam, Pallivasal, TATA Tea Museum, Vattavada, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyapara Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, Nyayamakad, Meesapulimala, Kolukkumalai, Lock-Hart Gap, Chithirapuram, Rajamala, Top Station, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo Swiss Diary Farm, Lite of Pi Church,
Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (125km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Ernakulam Junction (128km / 4 Hours)
Weather:
Summer (March – May), Winter (December – February), Monsoon (June – September)
6. Kovalam:
If you enjoy going to the beach and believe that nothing can compare to the allure and beauty of Goa or other iconic beach destinations, you must visit Kovalam today! This beach town, located along the shores of the captivating Arabian Sea, is unquestionably one of Kerala’s most popular tourist destinations.
Kovalam, just 16 kilometres from Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is home to some of the country’s most beautiful and pleasant beaches. Around Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach, you can go for a walk, participate in beach sports, or participate in other fun-filled activities.
Places to visit in Kerala
Best Time to Visit:
September (Monsoon End) to March (Beginning of Summer)
Tourist Attractions:
Vellayani Lake, Lighthouse Beach, Chowara Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, Shangumkham Beach, Neyyar Dam, Aruvikkara Dam, Edakallu, Karamana River, Halcyon Castle, Kovalam Art Gallery, Valiyathura Pier, Veli Tourist Village, Artificial Coral Reef, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Naiper Art Museum, Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple,
Nearest Airport:
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (16km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Trivandrum Central Railway Station (13km)
Weather:
Summer (March – June), Winter (November – February), Monsoon (July – September)
7. Thekkady:
If you want to get the most out of your Kerala vacation, visit Thekkady, God’s Own Country’s evergreen abode! This is the location that always wears Mother Nature’s green colour! It is strategically placed and well-connected with some of the big Kerala holiday destinations.
Thekkady, also known as the “Spice Capital of Kerala,” is well-known for being home to a variety of exotic wildlife. And, while we’re on the subject of wildlife, Thekkady’s Periyar National Park can captivate your senses with its diverse population of inhabitants!
Best Time to Visit:
October to February (Winter)
Tourist Attractions:
Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Gavi, Kumily, Caramom Hills, Spring Valley Mountain, Pandikuzhi, Chellarkovil, Panchalimedu, Vandiperiyar, Grampi, Mangala Devi Temple
Nearest Airport:
Madurai Airport (140km), Kochi International Airport (265km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Kottayam Railway Station (107km / 3 Hours)
Weather:
Summer (March – May), Winter (October – February), Monsoon (June – September)
8. Kollam:
Kollam, a charming port city in God’s Own Country, has its own allure and appeal. It is a picture-perfect holiday destination in the list of the most attractive or tempting tourist places in India’s ‘Backwater Capital,’ enthralled by the turquoise Lakshadweep Sea and caressed by the emerald Ashtamudi Lake.
While in Kollam, you can fully appreciate and observe Kerala’s indigenous cultures and traditions. Whether it’s for fishing, agriculture, cashew processing, or tourism, this port city is a popular destination. Beach lovers will enjoy themselves at Kollam Beach, Tangasseri Beach, and Thirumullavaram Beach.
Places to visit in Kerala
Best Time to Visit:
August (Mid Monsoon) to March (Beginning of Summer)
Tourist Attractions:
Dutch Quilon, Thirumullavaram Beach, Kollam Beach, Ashtamudi Lake, Palaruvi Waterfalls, Paravoor, Punalur, Thenmala, Mayyanad, Deer Park, Thevalli Palace, British Residency, Chavara, Jatayupara, Thangasseri, Rameshwara Temple, Sasthamkotta, Ochira,KottarakkaraKathakali Museum, Picnic Village, Munore Island, Neendakara Port
Nearest Airport:
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (51km), Kochi International Airport (129km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Kollam Railway Junction
Weather:
Summer (March – May), Winter (October – February), Monsoon (June – September)
9. Vagamon:
Vagamon is the place to go if you’re looking for a special, but captivating holiday experience in Kerala. This retreat in the Idukki district is renowned for its salubrious beauty, nice climate, and much more. It is one of Kerala’s most beautiful hill stations and least explored tourist destinations.
In addition to leisure travellers, Vagamon attracts a sizable number of thrill and adventure seekers. It is a year-round destination that is suitable for outdoor sports such as paragliding, mountaineering, rock climbing, trekking, and many others.
Best Time to Visit:
Year-round Destination
Tourist Attractions:
Murinjupuzha Water Falls, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, ElaveezhaPoonchira, Idukki Arch Dam, Pine Hills, Parumthumpara Point, Kurisumala, Peermade, Mangala Devi Temple, Pattumalai Church, Kuttikanam Palace,
Nearest Airport:
Cochin International Airport (75km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Kottayam Railway Station (64km / 2 Hours)
Weather:
Summer (March – June), Winter (October – March), Monsoon (July – September)
10. Kozhikode:
If you name this metropolis the ‘City of Spices,’ the ‘City of Reality,’ or the ‘City of Sculptures,’ you would not be mistaken. Both of these synonyms, however, are insufficient to adequately explain the aura and nature of Kozhikode or Calicut! This vibrant metropolis is far more than a tourist attraction.
Kozhikode or Calicut, located on the Malabar Coast, is regarded as one of Kerala’s most diverse and best places to visit. This wonderful city, which is dotted with a variety of historical monuments, tourist destinations, and attractions, is also a vibrant relic of India’s Dutch and British periods.
Places to visit in Kerala
Best Time to Visit:
July to April
Tourist Attractions:
Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Thusharagiri Falls, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kadalundi, Tali Temple, Lion’s Park, Kalipoyika, Mananchira Square, Krishna Menon Museum, Peruvannamuzhi Dam
Nearest Airport:
Calicut International Airport (28km)
Nearest Railway Station:
Kozhikode Railway Station
Weather:
Summer (April – May), Winter (October – March), Monsoon (July – September)
