Today in this article we will discuss the places to visit in Kerala. Kerala is a beautiful state that everyone should visit once in a lifetime. Kerala has one of the highest literacy rates in India and is also one of the most famous tourist places around the world. Today we’ll see what are the tourist places in Kerala that you should check out on your next trip there.
Best Time To Visit Kerala:-
The best time to visit Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is during the winter months from October to February. This period offers pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity levels, making it ideal for exploring Kerala’s lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and pristine beaches. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, which can disrupt travel plans and outdoor activities. On the other hand, the summer months from March to May can be hot and humid, although hill stations like Munnar provide a cool escape. Overall, visiting Kerala during the winter ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and charm of this enchanting destination.
1. Alleppey
Alleppey is located along the Arabian coast of Alappuzha district and offers backwater, beach and lagoon tourism . Alappuzha district is one of the major tourist destinations apart from backwaters, it offers long paddy fields. Paddy fields are grown every year below sea level and it is one of the major attractions in Kuttanad along with backwaters and boat services.
Things to Do in Alleppey:
- Houseboat Cruises
- Alappuzha Beach
- Marari Beach
- Alappuzha Lighthouse
- Pathiramanal Island
Distance from:
- Trivandrum International Airport: ~150 km
- Cochin International Airport: ~85 km
- Calicut International Airport: ~270 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Punnamada Resort
- Lake Palace Resort
- Lemon Tree Vembanad Lake Resort
- Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey
Famous Food to Try:
- Karimeen Pollichathu
- Alleppey Fish Curry
- Chemmeen Curry (Prawn Curry)
- Kappa (Tapioca) with Fish Curry
2. Munnar
Munnar is a famous hill station in Kerala Located at the confluence of three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundli. It is located on the border of Western Ghats in Idukki district and is famous as a major tea plantation area. Tea plantations, dense forests, valleys, lush green mountains and flora and fauna make Munnar one of the best romantic honeymoon destinations in India.
Things to Do:
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Tea Museum
- Anamudi Peak
- Attukal Waterfalls
Distance from:
- Trivandrum International Airport: ~270 km
- Cochin International Airport: ~110 km
- Calicut International Airport: ~290 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Windermere Estate
- Parakkat Nature Hotels & Resorts
- Fragrant Nature Munnar
- The Fog Resort & Spa
Famous Food to Try:
- Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu
- Kerala Puttu
- Idiyappam with Egg Curry
- Malabar Parotta with Beef Curry
3. Wayanad
Wayanad district is located in the north-east of Kerala, at the height of the majestic Western Ghats. Wayanad is one of the least explored regions of Kerala and is predominantly tribal habitat. Wayanad district is full of attractions with mountain peaks, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Meenmutty Falls is a three-tier waterfall located in Kalpetta with a height of 300 metres.
Things to Do:
- Edakkal Caves
- Chembra Peak
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Soochipara Waterfalls
Distance from:
- Trivandrum International Airport: ~440 km
- Cochin International Airport: ~250 km
- Calicut International Airport: ~100 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Vythiri Village Resort
- The Windflower Resort & Spa
- Wayanad Wild – CGH Earth
- The Serai Kabini
Famous Food to Try:
- Malabar Chicken Curry
- Puttu and Beef Fry
- Bamboo Rice Payasam
- Appam and Mutton Stew
4. Kochi
Kochi, formerly known as Cochin, is a port city of Kerala located on the west coast of India in the Arabian Sea. Kochi is part of the Ernakulam district, which is the eastern part of the mainland of Kochi and both of them are called twin cities. The city of Kochi is home to the Kochi Port, the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard and other major chemical industries. The city of Kochi is the best tourist destination in Kerala and the sixth best tourist destination in India . Kochi Marine Drive and Kochi Harbor, Jain Temple in Mattancherry are some of the famous places to visit around the city.
Things to Do:
- Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Mattancherry Palace
- Marine Drive
- Jewish Synagogue
Distance from:
Trivandrum International Airport: ~210 km
Cochin International Airport: ~38 km
Calicut International Airport: ~170 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Taj Malabar Resort & Spa
- Brunton Boatyard
- Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
- Le Meridien Kochi
Famous Food to Try:
Kerala Fish Curry Meen Molagitta Curry, Kappa and Meen, Curry (Tapioca and Fish Curry), Prawn Curry
5. Kozhikode
Kozhikode known as Calicut is located on the south-west coast of Kerala and is bordered by Kannur, Wayanad, Malappuram and the Arabian Sea. Calicut is where Vasco da Gama lands and is among the territories ceded to the British East India Company by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The city is known as the City of Spices and is famous for its many temples and mosques as well as other attractions like Thusharagiri Falls, Kuttiady Dam and sea port.
Things to Do:
- Kozhikode Beach
- Mananchira Square
- Kappad Beach
- Beypore
- Tali Temple
Distance from:
Trivandrum International Airport: ~385 km
Cochin International Airport: ~185 km
Calicut International Airport: ~28 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- The Raviz Calicut
- The Gateway Hotel Beach Road
- Copper Folia
- Hotel Marina Residency
Famous Food to Try:
Kozhikode Biriyani, Pazham Nirachathu (Stuffed Banana), Chatti Pathiri , Mutta Mala
6. Thrissur
Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala located in the heart of Thrissur district. The city hosts many cultural, spiritual and religious festivals of the state, Thrissur Pooram festival being the most colourful and spectacular among them. Puli Kali also known as Tiger dance is one of the most popular folk art performed here during Onam festival.
Things to Do:
- Vadakkunnathan Temple
- Athirappilly Waterfalls
- Thrissur Zoo and Museum
- Shakthan Thampuran Palace
- Guruvayur Temple
Distance from:
Trivandrum International Airport: ~270 km
Cochin International Airport: ~55 km
Calicut International Airport: ~95 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Joys Palace
- Lulu International Convention Center and Garden Hotels
- Hyatt Regency Thrissur
- Hotel Niya Regency
Famous Food to Try:
Thrissur Pooram Sadya, Pazham Pulissery, Koorka Mezhukkupuratti (Chinese Potato Stir Fry), Kallappam (Rice Pancakes)
7. Thekkady
Thekkady is an important tourist destination of Kerala located in the famous Periyar National Park. Periyar National Park is home to large numbers of Indian elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, Indian bison and Bengal tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam is located around the area on the Periyar River and has created an artificial lake for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Things to Do:
- Periyar Wildlife
- SanctuaryThekkady Lake
- Bamboo Rafting
- Anakkara Spice Plantations
- Elephant Rides
Distance from:
Trivandrum International Airport: ~205 km
Cochin International Airport: ~145 km
Calicut International Airport: ~295 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Spice Village
- Greenwoods Resort
- Elephant Court
- Cardamom County
Famous Food to Try:
Fish Moilee, Kerala, Beef Fry, Malabar Parotta, Kerala Sadya
8. Thiruvananthapuram
The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is located on the west coast of India and is bordered by Tirunelveli, Kollam and Kanyakumari . Thiruvananthapuram is an evergreen city of India and is considered as one of the 10 greenest cities of India. The largest city in Kerala is an IT hub and home to several educational institutions, the Napier Museum and Research Laboratory.
Things to Do:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Kovalam Beach
- Napier Museum
- Poovar Island
- Varkala Beach
Distance from:
Trivandrum International Airport: ~6 km
Cochin International Airport: ~200 km
Calicut International Airport: ~380 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram
- The Leela Kovalam
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Hycinth Hotels
Famous Food to Try:
Idiyappam with Curry Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu (Spicy Chicken Fry) Kerala Prawn Curry Pazham Pori (Banana Fritters)
9. Kollam
Kollam is also a port city on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake, known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. The ancient city of Quilon is known as the best seafood export hub in India. While in Kollam, you can feel and experience the indigenous cultures and traditions of Kerala in the most vibrant way. Be it fishing, agriculture, cashew processing, or tourism, this port city holds a prominent position among visitors. For beach lovers, they can roam around Kollam Beach, Tangasseri Beach, and Thirumullavaram Beach.
Things to Do:
- Ashtamudi Lake
- Thangassery Light House
- Kollam Beach
- Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Jatayu Earth’s Center
Distance from Major Airports :
Trivandrum International Airport: ~65 km
Cochin International Airport: ~155 km
Calicut International Airport: ~300 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
The Raviz Ashtamudi , Fragrant Nature Backwater, Resort & Ayurveda Spa, Hotel Allseason Aquasserenne
Famous Food to Try:
Fish Molee, Chemmeen Ularthiyathu (Prawn Roast), Puttu and Kadala, Elayappam (Steamed rice cakes)
10. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is the most popular tourist destination located near Kottayam city and is famous for its houseboats in the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous bird sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.
Things to Do:
- Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake
- Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
- Kumarakom Beach
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Distance from Major Airports :
Trivandrum International Airport: ~175 km
Cochin International Airport: ~85 km
Calicut International Airport: ~200 km
Best Hotels to Stay:
- Kumarakom Lake Resort
- Vivanta by Taj – Kumarakom
- Aveda Kumarakom
- The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa
Famous Food to Try:
Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish), Kerala Sadya ,Appam with Stew ,Duck Roast
So these were the Top 10 places to visit in Kerala.