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Kerala in 2025 is enjoying its title being God's Own Country with all its increased vigour and eternal beauty. There are beautiful hill stations and sparkling backwaters all over the state. The places to visit in Kerala also include golden beaches. The historical landmarks like Fort Kochi and the colourful festivals enhance the experience. Each of the Kerala tourist places has a story to tell.
Many individuals wonder about when they should go to Kerala. The state offers different experiences all year round. Here is a quick overview:
Also Read: Best Time to Visit Kerala
| Tour Packages Name | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala Delight | 5 Nights6 Days | Rs. 36300.0 |
| Kerala Delight With Excursion To Kanyakumari | 7 Nights8 Days | Rs. 51200.0 |
| Madurai Rameswaram Kanyakumari Trivandrum Darshan Yatra Group | 5 Nights6 Days | Rs. 43400.0 |
| Cordelia Cruises - Cochin - Lakshadweep - Highseas - Mumbai | 3 Nights4 Days | Rs. 45500.0 |
| Kerala - Quick Kochi | 3 Nights4 Days | Rs. 12500.0 |
Kerala is a combination of hill stations and backwaters along with beaches and cultural centres, and wildlife. There is Kochi's colonial charm and trade history and also Munnar's tea-clad hills. The places to visit in Kerala has something for everyone.
Kochi is one of the prime Kerala tourist places that brings together history and the sea with culture. The top things to do are:
Kochi is a gateway among the best places to visit in Kerala for first-time travellers wanting culture and coast.
Munnar ranks high on places to visit in Kerala for hill stations because of its rolling tea gardens and misty hills. Key Kerala tourist places here are:
Alleppey city is called the Venice of the East. It is popular among the places to visit in Kerala for its backwaters and network of canals. There are overnight houseboat stays on Vembanad Lake. The ancient Alappuzha Beach Pier and coir-toting villages should not be missed. You can witness the Nehru Trophy Boat Race held at Alappuzha.
Wayanad is a green gem in Kerala and one of the most captivating Kerala tourist places in the highlands. Some of the natural attractions in the region are:
A visit to the tribal villages for an authentic local experience makes it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. This is the place to be when you want to get out of the coastal areas.
Thekkady is famed for its wildlife and spice plantations among places to visit in Kerala. Periyar National Park offers boat tours. There is also elephant and tiger viewing. There are spice gardens around Kumily where you can view the farming of:
Thekkady is one of the best places to visit in Kerala if you love adventure and forests together.
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and a cultural hub. The city is surrounded by beaches and temples and museums. Key Kerala tourist places include:
It is a great stop among places to visit in Kerala for both spirituality and leisure.
Kumarakom is peaceful and scenic among places to visit in Kerala. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is ideal for seeing migratory birds.
Offbeat attractions are Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and Pathiramanal Island. It is counted among the best places to visit in Kerala when you want wildlife and backwaters in one place.
Varkala is a coastal escape among places to visit in Kerala known for its golden beaches and spiritual ambience. Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach has red laterite cliffs. They have been declared a national geological monument. The Janardana Swamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt are also attractions.
There are adventure activates such as parasailing, kayaking and water sports. The cafes located on cliffs offer a breathtaking sunset view. Varkala is a combination of sea and spirituality. It ranks among the best places to visit in Kerala if you want beaches with character.
Kerala tourist places are known for their versatile offerings. The culture and spice markets along with Ayurvedic influence add to the charm of the place. Below mentioned are the best places to visit in Kerala.
The backwaters of Kerala are some of the most iconic places to visit in Kerala. These waterways stretch through:
It offers a waterway route with serene canals, houseboat tours, village scenes, palm-lined beaches, and bird life. Among the Kerala tourist places, the backwaters give you floating life, rice paddies, serene sunsets and rural culture. Spend 1-2 nights in a houseboat to experience it all.
Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey - Travel by the canals of Vembanad Lake. The houseboats float past coconut groves and lush rice fields. Kerala tourist places like this let you taste fresh seafood and relax in private decks. You can also enjoy sunset reflections. There are luxury and low-cost boats. The majority of the cruises are associated with the local cuisine and folk music.
Athirappilly Waterfalls is often called the Niagara of India and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for nature lovers. The Vazhachal Falls are nearby. There are hornbills, elephants as well as endemic birds. Monsoon months provide it with some dramatic flows. Post-monsoon provides it with lush vistas and easier access.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a gem among places to visit in Kerala for wildlife and nature lovers. It occupies evergreen forest and spice plantations. It also has the Periyar Lake. The sanctuary is located in Thekkady.
There are:
Top activities include:
The most appropriate time is from October to February. 2-3 nights are ideal to experience the sanctuary and spend some time by the lake.
Mattupetty Dam is one of the peaceful and scenic Kerala tourist places in Munnar. It was completed at the time of the Pallivasal project in the early 1950s and is enclosed by mountains and tea plantations. The reservoir allows boating and kayaking. It has a dairy farm in immediate proximity and walking trails. The Mattupetty Dam is among the best places to visit in Kerala for nature and a cooler climate.
The Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi are among the more unique places to visit in Kerala. A key way of fishing that dates back a millennium or more was with huge cantilevered nets dipped into the Arabian Sea and operated by counterweights. The explorers guessed that Zheng He used this technology.
The nets create beautiful silhouettes during sunrise or sunset. Go to Vasco da Gama Square to watch the nets working. It's a free attraction and a great photo subject. The place offers a glimpse into Kerala tourist places where history meets daily life.
This Fort is one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala. It is a must among the best places to visit in Kerala. It has a keyhole-shaped design. Shivappa Nayaka built the Bekal Fort. You can take a walk around its walls and go to the observation tower.
There are underground tunnels and a old water tank. There are other beaches and parks near Bekal as well. For history lovers and photographers yearning for Kerala tourist places with sea fort charm, this is unforgettable.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most revered Kerala tourist places and among the best for spiritual seekers. The construction is a mixture of Kerala and Dravidian architecture and has a history of more than a thousand years. It is iconic for the idol of Lord Vishnu sitting on the serpent Anantha. The interiors feature:
Dress code is strict. The early morning and evening are the visiting hours. This temple is unique thanks to its rich culture, rituals and architecture.
There are also a number of places to visit in Kerala that are ideal for a day trip. Every spot below can be explored in a day and adds richly to your list of the best places to visit in the state.
Vagamon place is situated in the Idukki district and offers serene hill views and some mild adventure activities. The main tourism sites are:
You may hike, ride or simply roam around foggy valleys and tea gardens. Vagamon is a meeting point of breathtaking scenery and minimal crowds.
The Poovar Island is a beautiful coastal estuary site where the sea and river converge with the backwaters and the lake. It's among the best places to visit in Kerala. The best attractions include:
Locals use birds and mangrove vegetation to add to the scenery. You will be able to relax on golden sands and ride on houseboats while you have great seafood. Poovar is perfect for a calm day away from busy city life among Kerala tourist places.
The hills are in the Palakkad district. They are one of the popular places to visit in Kerala for green hill retreat lovers. It is known to have tea, coffee and spice gardens. There are a number of observation points such as Seetharkundu and Raja Cliff.
The gentle trekking trails, waterfalls and orchards make it serene yet adventurous. The scenic views during the hairpin turns are exciting. Being one of the less frequented places of tourism in Kerala, Nelliyampathy offers calm beauty with fewer human settlements.
Thenmala is India's first planned ecotourism spot and ranks among the top places to visit in Kerala for sustainable nature tourism. You can explore the Adventure Zone with:
Other activities include:
SOTC offers a number of different Kerala tour packages that cover the best places to visit in Kerala. Each package is designed to suit different travel needs and budgets. Top choices include:
There are also packages based on experience including spiritual and luxury. SOTC handles everything from travel and accommodation to guided activities.
The must-see places to visit in Kerala include:
It is popular for a number of things like its backwaters and lush hill stations. Other attractions include:
The months of October to March are ideal for a trip to Kerala. The weather stays pleasant and cool. Tourists can peacefully enjoy the different activities like boat riding and trekking.
Kochi is the best base city. It is close to the main attractions and restaurants. Most of the tours begin there. Another good option is Munnar in terms of hill stay and Alleppey to stay in houseboats.
There are a number of hill stations among the places to visit in Kerala. Top ones are:
Yes. Kerala is ideal for families because it has safe travel services and family-friendly sightseeing. There are also easy treks, delicious food, and resorts. You will find recreational activities for all ages.
Decent coverage of the top attractions can be made in five to seven days. Ten or more days can give you some of the add-on destinations and leisure.
The best cultural interests and places include:
Munnar is one of the most visited places in Kerala. The Alleppey backwaters also attract numerous tourists in the course of the year.
A quick itinerary includes:
Begin your tour at Kochi and move on to Munnar or Wayanad. Take a day trip through the Alleppey backwaters and then experience wildlife in Thekkady. Relax and finish the trip with one of the beaches at Kovalam or Varkala.
The top places to visit in Kerala are:
You can see wildlife in:
Yes. Kerala is fairly safe. Be sure to stay at reputable places and avoid isolated areas. People in this area are usually hospitable.
The most interesting shopping spots include:
Yes. You can:
The best food to try in Kerala is:
If you think of only beaches and temples when asked about best places to visit in Kerala, then you couldn’t be more wrong. This coastal paradise houses some incredibly gorgeous hill stations too. Here are tourist places in Kerala that are perfect for hill-station lovers.
If you think of only beaches and temples when asked about best places to visit in Kerala, then you couldn’t be more wrong. This coastal paradise houses some incredibly gorgeous hill stations too. Here are tourist places in Kerala that are perfect for hill-station lovers.
Thekkady is yet another proof of why Kerala is a great hill station destination. It is famous for its green cover and unique flora and fauna. Thekkady is one of the most unique places to visit in Kerala. Every time you visit, you will see a different hue of green in the hills because of the rotating plantations. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest tourist attractions in Thekkady hills offering a boat cruise, elephant safaris and trekking. Besides these you can also visit Mangala Devi Temple, PandiKuzhi, Vandiperiyar and Ramakalmedu.
Wander in the hills of Vagamon and explore misty waterfalls and beautiful roads cutting through the dense forests. Illikal peak, Poonjar Palace and Meenachil river are some of the lesser known treasures hidden in the lush green hills of Vagamon making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
If you want to experience the mountains in a luxurious way, then Lakkidi is your go-to place in Kerala. Home to several luxury resorts, Lakkidi will pamper you with rugged luxury.
Green rotating plantations, Edakkal caves from the Neolithic age and Kabini river defines everything about Vythiri. Located 1300m above sea level this tourist place in Kerala also offers adventure sports such as rafting, boating and angling.
Peermedu is on every traveller’s list of places to visit in Kerala for witnessing the tribal lifestyle and to explore the varied shades of green on the Peermedu mountains. These mountains are covered with a mix of tea, coffee and spice plantations. Explore this small hill station named after Sufi Saint Peer Mohammad and bring back some memorable experiences.
How can one miss out on visiting the magnificent beaches? The spectacular coastline makes for some amazing beaches and places to visit in Kerala.
Head to Thiruvananthapuram and explore the many beaches here. Kovalam beach will offer the quintessential light house view. On the Papasnanam beach, you can view the Varkala Formation declared as a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India. If you want to watch the sun set on the magical white beaches, Shankumugham beach is your place.
The port city has beaches that are home to old ruins. Visit Mundakkal beach to see the abandoned dredger ship or head to Kollam beach to see Chinese fishing nets, Chinese water pots and a flat bottomed Chinese wooden boat. Who could have thought that beaches could be a place to explore history?
Cherai beach at Ernakulam is a very popular spot among swimmers as the tide is mostly low, making it safe for swimming. Travellers also visit Cherai beach for Dolphin sightings and to see the ruins of Pallippuram fort and Palluppuram church.
Visit the Kappad Beach, which is rumoured to be where Vasco Da Gama set foot when he first visited Kerala in 1498. The next on list of beaches to visit at Kozhikode is the Beypore beach located in the ancient port town.
This beach is not just popular among travellers but also a hit among Bollywood film-makers as many movies have been shot here. The Bekal fort is surely one of the most scenic places to visit in Kerala.
Not many of us know where to hunt for retreats and Ayurveda resorts when browsing for tourist places in Kerala. However, the list of best places to visit in Kerala is incomplete without these renowned wellness resorts. If you want to skip the conventional and seek an off-beat holiday, going for a spa retreat is one way to do so. Gone are the days when adventure holidays were the only thing in vogue for travellers. Now’s the time to unplug, loosen your travel gear and just relax and reconnect with yourself.
Carnoustie is your luxury retreat getaway with world class dining, a royal houseboat and 5-star hospitability. Enjoy refreshing yoga sessions, detox, stress control therapies and delectable seafood here.
This resort, modelled after an old Portuguese house, offers Ayurvedic therapies such as Sirodhara, Ellakithirummu, Kizhi, Pizhichil, and Njavarakizhi. Located at Palakkad, it is one of the most preferred places to visit in Kerala.
Kerala’s vibrant art and culture scene is the perfect fodder for any artsy souls. Catch up on some Kalaripayatttu at Kadathanadan Kalari, Thekkady and Kerala Kathakali Centre at Kochi. Visit the Folklore Museum, Margi theatre and Kathakali Club to witness some incredible classical dance performances.
There’s no dearth of tourist places in Kerala. Select one of SOTC’s Kerala packages to get a glimpse of this magical land. The beauty is in the fact that you can design your own unique itinerary.
Spending the night in a rustic house boat sailing in the serene backwaters of Kerala is one way to relax and rejuvenate in the midst of nature. Absolutely pocket friendly and adorned with experiences of a lifetime, an indulgence as such will capture your heart and will bring you a step closer to God’s own country – Kerala. Marvel at the widespread crystal waters bordered with trees of coconut and listen closely to the euphonious melodies of nature. Tucked in the generous bounty of Mother Nature away from all the tourist buzz, staying in Kerala house boats is a must-have experience.
