25 Best Places to Visit in Kerala

25 Best Places to Visit in Kerala

25 Best Places to Visit in Kerala with your family, friends or for couples who is going for honeymoon. Kerala, known as “Daivathinte Swantham Naadu” means God’s Own Country, offers breathtaking landscapes, beautiful backwaters, lush green hills, nice beaches and cultural richness. Here’s the list of destinations in Kerala, complete with details like the best time to visit, suitability for families, couples, and kids, and travel distances from nearby airports and railway stations. You can create your own list based on your own likeness.

1. Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Famous for houseboat cruises, the backwaters offer a serene and unique experience through a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes, showcasing Kerala’s natural beauty. Backwaters encircled by swaying coconut trees and lush paddy fields while you sit in a cozy houseboat! A cruise along this houseboat is the first picture that comes to the minds of  all travelers whenever they think about Kerala.

• Why Visit: Famous for backwaters, houseboats, and serene beaches.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Families, couples, honeymooners.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 83 km.
  • Alleppey Railway Station: 5 km.
• Highlights: Houseboat stays, Alleppey Beach, and the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August).

Find Beautiful Homestays in Alappuzha, Kerala

2. Munnar

Munnar is a beautiful hill station with cool weather and lots of green tea fields. It is a great place for camping under the stars and going trekking in the misty mountains. Munnar is much more than a hill station loved by visitors from all over the world. It is located 1,600 meter above the sea level. Munnar is a perfect place to unwind, rejuvenate and camp.

• Why Visit: Tea plantations, cool weather, and misty hills.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March.
• Suited For: Families, couples, honeymooners, nature lovers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 110 km.
  • Aluva Railway Station: 109 km.
• Highlights: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Anamudi Peak.

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3. Kumarakom

Kumarakom village is a harmonious assembly of small islands, which is a part of the scenic Kuttanad region. A beautiful backwater destination known for its houseboat cruises, bird sanctuary, and lush landscapes along the Vembanad Lake. In the bird bird sanctuary you will see the presence of Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck, and majestic migratory birds such as the Siberian Stork.

• Why Visit: Backwaters and bird sanctuary.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Families, couples, kids.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 85 km.
  • Kottayam Railway Station: 15 km.
• Highlights: Houseboat rides, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

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4. Wayanad

Wayanad is a hilly district in Kerala, famously known for stunning landscapes, misty mountains, abundant wildlife. The district is a paradise for nature lovers, with its waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and vast stretches of tea and spice plantations.

• Why Visit: Misty hills, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Best Time to Visit: October to May.
• Suited For: Families, kids, adventure seekers, couples.
• Travel Distance:
  • Calicut International Airport: 65 km.
  • Kozhikode Railway Station: 72 km.
• Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak.

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5. Kovalam

A world-famous beach with a crescent-shaped coastline, clear waters, and a picturesque lighthouse. It’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Whether you choose to laze away with your favorite drink and stare into the horizon amid fishing activities, experiencing the myriad cultures or get adventurous by indulging in some sporty activities, Kovalam beach is one of the must visit place by tourist.

• Why Visit: Crescent-shaped beaches and water sports.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March.
• Suited For: Families, couples, kids, honeymooners.
• Travel Distance:
  • Trivandrum International Airport: 15 km.
  • Trivandrum Railway Station: 16 km.

Highlights: Beach

Find Homestays in Kovalam, Thiruvanthapuram

6. Thekkady

Thekkady has it all. Situated in the Idukki district of Kerala, at an altitude of 900–1800 m above sea level, Thekkady is a dream destination for adventure travelers and nature lovers alike. The region is also home to the richly biodiverse Periyar Tiger Reserve. Thekkady, lying on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, is so closely related to this renowned sanctuary that often the names Thekkady and Periyar are used interchangeably to refer to the area.

• Why Visit: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
• Best Time to Visit: September to April.
• Suited For: Families, couples, kids, nature enthusiasts.
• Travel Distance:
  • Madurai Airport: 140 km.
  • Kottayam Railway Station: 114 km.
• Highlights: Boating in Periyar Lake, nature walks, and bamboo rafting.

7. Kollam

Kollam, a charming coastal district in Kerala, is renowned for its scenic backwaters, especially the beautiful Ashtamudi Lake, which attracts lakhs of visitors for houseboat cruises. Kollam also very famous for cashew industry, Kollam is the ideal place to see the cashew industry at close.

• Why Visit: Ashtamudi Lake and eco-tourism.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Suited For: Families, couples.
• Travel Distance:
  • Trivandrum International Airport: 70 km.
  • Kollam Railway Station: 3 km.
• Highlights: Houseboat cruises, Jatayu Earth Center.

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8. Varkala

Varkala, a calm and quiet hamlet, lies on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district. It has several tourist attractions, including a beautiful beach, a 2000-year-old Vishnu Temple, and the Ashramam-Sivagiri Mutt. The Papanasam Beach (also called Varkala Beach), which is ten kilometers away from Varkala. A dip in the holy waters at this beach is believed to purify the body of impurities and the soul of all sins; hence the name ‘Papanasam Beach. A two-thousand-year-old shrine, the Janardhanaswamy Temple, stands on the cliffs overlooking the beach, a short distance away. The Sivagiri Mutt, founded by the great religious reformer and philosopher Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928), is also close by. The Samadhi (the final resting place) of the Guru here attracts thousands of devotees every year during the Sivagiri Pilgrimage days—30th December to 1st January.

• Why Visit: Beaches and pilgrimage.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Suited For: Couples, families, solo travelers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Trivandrum International Airport: 50 km.
  • Varkala Railway Station: 3 km.
• Highlights: Varkala Beach, Janardana Swamy Temple, and cliffside cafes.

9. Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly waterfalls, Kerala’s most famous and largest waterfall, standing over 80 ft high. The sight of the water crashing onto the ground fills you with a sense of wonder at the sheer power and magnificence of nature. Located around 63 km from Thrissur district, it is a perennial picnic spot for people in the area and beyond. Its surrounding greenery is perfect for walks and picnics with loved ones.

• Why Visit: Largest waterfall in Kerala, often called the “Niagara of India.”
• Best Time to Visit: September to January.
• Suited For: Families, couples, adventure seekers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 55 km.
  • Chalakudy Railway Station: 30 km.
• Highlights: Waterfall trekking and nearby Vazhachal Falls.

10. Vagamon

Vagamon hill station in Idukki is among the few spots on the planet that must be experienced first-hand to truly discover its glory. The grassy hills, beautiful nature and cool climate of the place cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. This town is neatly tucked away in Idukki district. Visitors can avail themselves of many activities, including trekking, paragliding, mountaineering, and rock climbing. People love traveling across a chain of three famous hills: Thangal, Murugan, and Kurisumala.

• Why Visit: Rolling meadows, cool climate, and pine forests.
• Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to December.
• Suited For: Couples, honeymooners, families.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 94 km.
  • Kottayam Railway Station: 64 km.
• Highlights: Paragliding, trekking, and camping.

11. Bekal

Spread over 40 acres of land, standing the tough trials of the waves, is the largest fort in the state of Kerala – the Bekal Fort. The ever-enchanting charm of the pristine and sandy beaches, its crashing waves, and winds all tell the tale of a renowned history guarded inside the mighty walls of this 300-year-old fort

• Why Visit: Historic fort and scenic beaches.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Suited For: Families, couples, history lovers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Mangalore Airport: 70 km.
  • Kasaragod Railway Station: 15 km.
• Highlights: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach.

12. Thrissur

The cultural capital of Kerala, the Poorams or temple festivals in Thrissur, draw in thousands of people every single year. From majestic elephants to colorful pulikali processions to the world-renowned Thrissur Pooram, there is always a festive atmosphere in the air. The district is also home to several cultural centers like Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy, and the Sangeetha Nataka Academy. Thrissur is a place one must visit if you are planning your trip in April / May for Thrissur Pooram. The people, swaying to the beats of the chenda, will help you understand the true heart and spirit of Kerala.

• Why Visit: Cultural hub of Kerala with famous temples.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March, April-May for Thrissur Pooram.
• Suited For: Families, solo travelers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 58 km.
  • Thrissur Railway Station: 2 km.
• Highlights: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram festival.

13. Silent Valley National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this park offers excellent trekking opportunities through forests. Located in the Northeast corner of Palakkad district, Silent Valley was called ‘Sairandhrivanam’ as it was here that Sairandhiri is believed to have hidden along with her five husbands, the Pandavas, while escaping their cruel cousins, the Kauravas

• Why Visit: UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich biodiversity.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Coimbatore Airport: 117 km.
  • Palakkad Railway Station: 75 km.
• Highlights: Wildlife safaris, trekking.

14. Poovar

A scenic island where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea, known for its golden sand beaches and peaceful backwaters, located about 35 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Poovar drains Neyyar River into Arabian Sea. During monsoon, Neyyar River carries sand and mud and mineral deposits to Poovar, resulting in the formation of an estuary. With swaying coconut palms, endless golden sands, shimmering sea, crimson sunsets and lush green vegetation it always welcomes tourists with open arms.

• Why Visit: Backwater cruises and serene beaches.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Suited For: Couples, families.
• Travel Distance:
  • Trivandrum International Airport: 30 km.
  • Trivandrum Railway Station: 32 km.
• Highlights: Floating cottages, boating.

15. Cherai Beach

• Why Visit: A clean and family-friendly beach with golden sands and calm waters.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Suited For: Families, couples, solo travelers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 30 km.
  • Aluva Railway Station: 23 km.
• Highlights: Swimming, dolphin spotting, and water sports.

16. Nelliampathy

• Why Visit: A serene hill station with breathtaking views and lush greenery.
• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Suited For: Families, couples, nature enthusiasts.
• Travel Distance:
  • Coimbatore Airport: 120 km.
  • Palakkad Railway Station: 60 km.
• Highlights: Trekking, waterfalls, and coffee plantations.

17. Kalady

• Why Visit: Birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya, a spiritual hub.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Spiritual seekers, families.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 5 km.
  • Aluva Railway Station: 16 km.
• Highlights: Adi Shankara Keerthi Sthamba, temples.

18. Pathiramanal Island

• Why Visit: A birdwatcher’s paradise on Vembanad Lake.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Families, couples, kids.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 85 km.
  • Kottayam Railway Station: 15 km.
• Highlights: Boating, birdwatching.

19. Anamudi Peak

• Why Visit: The highest peak in South India, perfect for trekkers.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Adventure seekers, nature lovers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 130 km.
  • Ernakulam Railway Station: 135 km.
• Highlights: Trekking, panoramic views.

20. Meesapulimala

• Why Visit: A trekking hotspot with breathtaking mountain views.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Suited For: Adventure enthusiasts, couples.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 110 km.
  • Aluva Railway Station: 115 km.
• Highlights: Trekking, camping.

21. Munroe Island

• Why Visit: A cluster of islands famous for backwater tourism and village life.
• Best Time to Visit: October to February.
• Suited For: Families, couples, nature lovers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Trivandrum International Airport: 84 km.
  • Kollam Railway Station: 26 km.
• Highlights: Canoe rides, birdwatching, village walks.

22. Silent Valley National Park

• Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in biodiversity and natural beauty.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Adventure seekers, families, wildlife enthusiasts.
• Travel Distance:
  • Coimbatore Airport: 117 km.
  • Palakkad Railway Station: 75 km.
• Highlights: Trekking, jeep safaris.

23. Gavi

• Why Visit: A serene eco-tourism destination surrounded by forests.
• Best Time to Visit: September to February.
• Suited For: Nature lovers, adventure seekers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Madurai Airport: 175 km.
  • Kottayam Railway Station: 130 km.
• Highlights: Trekking, camping, jeep safaris.

24. Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary

• Why Visit: A paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Suited For: Families, birdwatchers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Cochin International Airport: 44 km.
  • Aluva Railway Station: 48 km.
• Highlights: Rare bird species, nature trails.

25. Jatayu Earth Center

• Why Visit: Home to the world’s largest bird sculpture and adventure activities.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March.
• Suited For: Families, adventure lovers.
• Travel Distance:
  • Trivandrum International Airport: 52 km.
  • Kollam Railway Station: 30 km.
• Highlights: Ziplining, rock climbing.