Kerala welcoming destination where nature, beaches, backwaters, ayurveda, and culture awaits you.Known as the “God’s Own Country,” where the backwaters fascinate everyone with their enchanting stillness. Its an dreamlike paradise where the dawn delivers mist and wonder. Yes, it is the ‘Spice Capital of India,’ where the evening bids farewell with some of Mother Nature’s wonderful sounds. Yes, Kerala is beautiful and appealing! Let your passion go and plan a journey to this colourful land; there are several sites to see in Kerala.
Make sure you visit all of these places and create some of the most memorable experiences from your vacation. And, if you’re having trouble deciding which sites to visit, here’s a categorised list of tourist spots that will fill your travelogue with fun, frolic, and excitement:
1. Wayanad
Wayanad, nestled in the lap of the Western Ghats, definitely deserves to be at the top of the list of places to visit in Kerala. This breathtaking hill resort, located at an incredible height of 700-2,100m, is all about imagination, unspoilt nature, unforgettable moments, and fun!
Visitors may rediscover and decode history while visiting this mountainous refuge, adding to Wayanad’s captivating charm. Yes, the beautiful and pristine woods of Wayanad were inhabited over 3,000 years ago.
Best time to visit:
All-Year Destination
Major attractions:
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
How to reach:
By Air: Calicut International Airport around 96 km.
By Train: Nilambur Railway Station around 90 km.
2. Munnar
Munnar, yet another beautiful hill station in the midst of the interesting Western Ghats, requires no introduction. A holiday in the seductive settings of this highland refuge is all about the soaring clouds, gorgeous mountains, rolling hills, and a peaceful environment, rising 1,600m above sea level.
Munnar, which is largely covered by never-ending tea plantations and green woods, cannot be overlooked when looking for the greatest tourist destination in Kerala. Munnar, whether in the summer or winter, monsoon or spring, will always leave you wanting more!
Best time to visit:
All-Year Destination
Major attractions:
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, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu View
How to reach:
By Air: Cochin International Airport around 120 km.
By Train: Ernakulam Junction around 125 km.
3. Cochin
Kochi or Cochin is a one-of-a-kind location in God’s Own Country, brilliantly blending cultural traditions with modern concepts! This majestic port-city, affectionately known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” has long been a tourist destination.
Cochin, a melting pot of many cultures and customs, has absorbed all modern perspectives to become one of India’s most developed metropolises. Cochin will make you fall in love all over again, whether it’s the spirit of Dutch businesses, British heritage, Chinese nets, or ancient spice marketplaces.
Best time to visit:
July to April
Major 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
How to reach:
By Air: Kochi International Airport around 120 km.
By Train: Kochi Junction around 124 km.
4. Kovalam
When it comes to beaches in Kerala, Kovalam is the clear winner, both visually and in terms of tourist traffic. Apart from the beach, Kovalam features a number of tourist attractions, including the lighthouse, Karamana river, Vellayani lake, Valiyathura pier, Kovalam art gallery, Thiruvallam Parasurama temple, and others.
The falcate curved beach, gorgeous blue waves, and white sandy shore make this a must-see pit break on any Kerala journey. The waters are quiet, making it excellent for swimming or relaxing and sunbathing on one of the lounge chairs.
Aside from sightseeing, swimming, and eating delicious food, Kovalam also provides adventure activities including as diving, parasailing, and windsurfing.
Best time to visit:
September to March
Major attractions:
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.
How to reach:
By Air: Thiruvanthapuram International Airport around 15 km.
By Train: Trivandrum Central Railway Station around 12 km.
5. Kozhikode
You won’t be mistaken if you label this metropolis as the ‘City of Spices’, ‘City of Truth’ or the ‘City of Sculptures’. All of these words, however, are insufficient to express the atmosphere and soul of Kozhikode or Calicut! This vibrant city is much more than a tourist attraction.
Kozhikode or Calicut, located on the Malabar Coast, is regarded as one of Kerala’s most diverse and greatest destinations to visit. This lovely city is also a living reminiscence of the Dutch and British eras in India, with a plethora of historical sites, tourist locations, and attractions.
Best time to visit:
July to April
Major attractions:
Kadalundi, Tali Temple, Lion’s Park, Kalipoyika, Mananchira Square, Krishna Menon Museum, Peruvannamuzhi Dam, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore Beach, Kozhippara Falls, Thusharagiri Falls, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Mananchira Square, Krishna Menon Museum, Peruvannamuzhi Dam.
How to reach:
By Air: Calicut International Airport around 27 km.
By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station
Also Read: 10 Things You Should Consider While Traveling
6. Bekal
Bekal, a tiny town in Kasaragod district, is not only a well-known tourist destination in the state, but also a region steeped in history. Tourists and travellers alike are drawn to the old fort, huge beaches, and several coastal areas, all set against a rich cultural setting.
Bekal Fort, one of Kerala’s largest and finest maintained forts, is located in Bekal. The observation towers of this 300-year-old fort in the shape of a huge keyhole provide a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea.
The beach surrounding the fort is ideal for spending an evening relaxing and watching the spectacular sunset. One may enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort by walking along the promenade created for tourists.
Best time to visit:
October to March
Major attractions:
Bekal Fort, Pallikere Beach, Bekal Fort Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Kappil Beach, Hosdurg Beach, Nileswaram Cultural Centre, Nityanandarshan Caves, TulurVanam, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Mallikarjuna Temple, Malik Dinar Mosque, TulurVanam, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Mallikarjuna Temple, Malik Dinar Mosque.
How to reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport around 70 km.
By Train: Kasaragod Railway Station around 12 km.
7. Kannur
Kannur, popularly known as ‘The Crown of Kerala,’ is a visual delight for visitors! This beach town on the Malabar Coast is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Kerala, surrounded by the captivating beauty of the Western Ghats, ornamented with the enticing strokes of the Arabian Sea, and dressed with the bucolic appeal of an evergreen view.
Whether you are a nature lover, a beachgoer, a history enthusiast, a cultural admirer, a thrill seeker, or a casual traveller, you will fall in love with Kannur’s pristine beauty. Not to mention that this city is home to Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, India’s only drive-in beach.
Best time to visit:
October to March
Major attractions:
Payyambalam Beach, Meenkunnu Beach, Thottada Beach, Baby Beach, Mopila Bay, Dharmadam Island, Parassinikkadavu, Arakkal Museum, Sundareswara Temple, Fort St. Angelo, Pallikunnu, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach.
How to reach:
By Air: Calicut International Airport around 80 km.
By Train: Kannur Railway Station
8. Kavvayi
When looking for locations to visit in Kerala, you may come across a variety of backwater destinations. If you want the most strange or magical backwater experience, Kavvayi Backwaters is the place to go! Flowing with all its beauty and charm Payyanur in Kerala’s Kannur district, this stretch of backwater has a particular allure that may infect tourists in a wink!
Kavvayi Backwaters, surrounded by beautiful greenery, is an ideal honeymoon and family holiday spot in Kerala. Visit this picturesque residence at any time of year, and you will be captivated by its heart-warming beauty and charm!
Best time to visit:
October to March
Major attractions:
Boating on Valiyaparamba Island, Payyannur Island, and Kavvayi Island.
How to reach:
By Air: Calicut International Airport around 150 km.
By Train: Payyannur Railway Station
9. Thrissur
If you enjoy culture or are interested in Kerala’s rich traditions, Thrissur should be at the top of your vacation list! This city, also known as ‘Trichur,’ was previously the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin and is known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Kerala’.
Thrissur, which is surrounded by a number of sacred temples and other holy sites, is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindu worshippers. Yes, this city is the site of the famed ‘Temple Festival’ or ‘Thrissur Pooram,’ which is known and attended by devotees from all over the world.
If you visit the city during this event, you will see the whole Trichur together and celebrating the holiday with vim and zest!
Best time to visit:
Aprilto May
Major attractions:
Chavakkad Beach, Nattika Beach, Vatanappally Beach, Athirapally Waterfalls, Guruvayoor, Peechi Dam, Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Thrisuur Zoo, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmony Dam, Thrissur Pooram, Archaeological Museum, PunnathurKotta, Sri Maheswara Temple, Lourdes Cathedral, Marth Mariam Church, Vaddak
How to reach:
By Air: Kochi International Airport around 65 km.
By Train: Thrissur Railway station
10. Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, commonly known as the “Evergreen City of India,” is the state’s capital and largest city. This city, located on Kerala’s southernmost tip, is a prime illustration of how rural life coexists with a modern way of life.
Trivandrum is a veritable treasure trove for visitors from all walks of life, with countless tourist locations, historical sites, picturesque beaches, and much more. Thiruvananthapuram is known as the ‘Economic Capital’ of Kerala and is regarded as one of the best Indian towns to live in.
Best time to visit:
Year round destination
Major attractions:
Ponmudi, Kovalam, Shanghumugham Beach, Aruvi Waterfalls, Akkulam Tourist Village, Veli Tourist Village, Aruvikkara Dam, Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Peppara Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Poovar, Kowdiar Palace, Agasthyakoodam, Koyikkal Palace, Kanakakunnu Palace, Anchuthengu Fort, Napier Museum, Zoological Gardens, Vizhinjam, Thiruvallam, ParipallyGajamela, AnanthaPadmanabha Temple, AttukalBhagavathi Temple
How to reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport
By Train: Trivandrum Central Railway Station
11. Palakkad
Palakkad, popularly known as the “Gateway to Kerala,” is a true paradise for environment lovers and enthusiasts. This gorgeous terrain is dotted with lush and evergreen foliage all around, and is worshipped as the ‘Granary of Kerala.’ It is located at the foothills of the powerful Western Ghats.
Palakkad, with its historic past, broad range of customs, cultures, art & music, and the indigenous Malabar way of life, is unquestionably a natural gem on Kerala’s tourism map. Furthermore, the tropical environment that prevails in this beautiful city makes it a must-see destination in Kerala.
Best time to visit:
July to March
Major attractions:
Palakkad Fort, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary, Mayiladumpara Peacock Sanctuary, Malampuzha Dam and Gardens, Attappadi, Kava View Point, Rock Garden, Siruvani Reservoir, Kanjirapuzha Reservoir, Dhoni Forest (Trekking), Kalpathy Heritage Village and Temple Complex, Nelliyampathy Hills, Pothundi Dam and Reservoir, Mangalam Dam, Tipu
How to reach:
By Air: Peelamedu Airport (Tamilnadu) around 40 km.
By Train: palakkad Junction
12. Munroe Island
Munroe Island is a collection of islands right out of a fairy tale, with a total of eight separate islets. This set of islands, interconnected by a blue network of canals, is about 27 kilometres from the city of Kollam and is a popular tourist attraction.
These islands, surrounded by evergreen coconut forests, are the pinnacle of tranquilly and calm. You may visit Munroe Island at any time of year, whether on a family vacation, honeymoon trip, trekking treks, or casual getaway.
Best time to visit:
September to May
Major attractions:
Island Hoping, Boating, Kallada River, Ashtamudi Lake, Wonderla Amusement Park, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Jew Town, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica.
How to reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport around 95 km.
By Train: Kollam Railway Station around 25 km.
