Kerala is famously known as ‘God’s Own Country’. Located between Sahyadris and the Arabian Sea, this southern Indian state is famous for attracting tourists from India and worldwide to explore its natural beauty, including green mountains, hill stations, exotic coconut-lined sandy beaches, Ayurveda, and picturesque backwaters. There are places in Kerala which are worth visiting. If you wish to see it, the best time to visit Kerala is from September to March.
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, then you must embark on your journey to some hill station where you can feel relaxed and be at peace with yourself. Regarding spending vacations, one must not be inclined to only Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, or Goa. There are the best tourist places in Kerala you must consider visiting. Let us help you in bringing the checklist of those places.
Top 20 places in Kerala to spend your holidays
Below is the list of the best places in Kerala that attract maximum tourist footfall. Let us begin with.
- Munnar
Munnar is one of the famous tourist places in Kerala to spend your holidays. When coming to Munnar, there are the best hotels in Munnar for your comfy staycation. The nearby tourist attractions to explore from this hotel are Anayirankal,
- The best time to visit: November to February.
- Best places to visit: Eravikulam National Park, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Chokramudi Peak, Echo Point, and Mattupetty Dam
- Things to explore: local Keralan cuisines, photography, and visiting tea gardens
How to reach:
- By Train: Ernakulam Junction (Kochi)
- By Air: Cochin International Airport
- By Road: State-run buses or rent a cab from Kochi to Munnar.
- Kovalam
Goa is one of many preferred destinations for basking in the sun at beaches. Kovalam in Kerala is also a popular tourist spot for its coconut trees and rocky terrain. This small town is nestled in the coastal area of the Arabian Sea. If you want to make the best of your quality time with your family, visit Kovalam Beach, a haven for beach lovers to enjoy water sports.
- Best time to visit: November to February.
- Best places to visit: The best places to visit are Hawa Beach, Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Padmanabhaswami Temple. It would help if you also experience some massage at its spa.
- Things to explore: Water sports, watching the sunset view from the Lighthouse, eating delicious seafood, and relaxing at a spa.
How to reach:
- By Train: Trivandrum Station
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport
- By Road: Book a cab, taxi, and auto to reach Kovalam
- Thiruvananthapuram
When listing the best places to visit in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, also called Trivandrum, must be included. The capital city of the latter southern Indian state experiences draws maximum tourist traffic from all across the world. The roadside bars, cafes, beaches, and resorts are worth to be explored here. Moreover, planning a honeymoon trip with your partner here is a good idea.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Best places to visit: Kanakakkunu Palace, Kovalam Beach, Anchuthengu Fort, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and Arruvy Waterfalls.
- Things to explore: Fort palaces, beach fun, water sports, seafood, temples, lighthouses
How to reach:
- By Train: Trivandrum Station
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport
- By Road: Linking main cities with national highways
- Alleppey
Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, is one of the top tourist places in Kerala. It is the best place to explore its serene backwaters encircled by coconut trees and paddy fields. Besides these, you can also enjoy a houseboat ride with your darling partner on your honeymoon visit. For this, you have to rent a Shikara.
- Best time to visit: August to February
- Best places to visit: Alappuzha Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and Punnamada Lake
- Things to explore: Kayaking, The Snake Boat Race, sailing in houseboats, relaxing at a spa
How to reach:
- By Train: Alappuzha Railway station
- By Air: Kochi International Airport
- By Road: Cabs, Kerala Tourism Buses
- Kannur
Kannur is popularly called the Crown of Kerala and is one of the famous travel destinations in Kerala. Tourists here can explore its monuments and paintings depicting the historical era of French, Dutch, and English colonies. Forget Goa, when you can enjoy sunbathing at the beaches of Kannur and get relieved from all the city stress.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Best places to visit: Payyambalam Beach, Muzhapilangad Beach, Baby Beach, St Angelo Fort, and Kannur Lighthouse
- Things to explore: Trekking, beaches, palaces, banana boat riding, and biking
How to reach:
- By Train: Kannur Railway Station
- By Air: Kannur International Airport
- By Road: Board state-run buses or rent a cab
- Vagamon
Next on the list of top tourist places in Kerala is Vagamon. This serene, offbeat hill station will grab your attention with its misty valleys, twisty streams, tea plantations, and calm climate. If you want to experience trekking and other sports activities, then Vagamon is the ideal place to visit. Touring this bewitching valley of Kerala will make you feel so relaxed.
- Best time to visit: Any season
- Best places to visit: Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurisumala, Pine Hill, Vagamon Meadows
- Things to explore: Trekking, paragliding, buying local chocolates and spices, off-road hiking, and visiting spice gardens
How to reach:
- By Train: Kannur Railway Station
- By Air: Kannur International Airport
- By Road: Board state-run buses or rent a cab
- Varkala
Varkala is also among the best places in Kerala because of its splendid vistas. The business makes a perfect touring spot with its natural sceneries, holy sites, springs, and forts. Here, you can have that fantastic experience of watching the sunset and spending quality time with your loved ones.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Best places to visit: Varkala Beach, Odayam Beach, Mangrove Forest Kayaking, Edava Beach, Kappil Beach, and Ponnumthuruthu Island
- Things to explore: Water sports, visiting temples, Kilimannor Palace, eating local cuisine
How to reach:
- By Train: Trivandrum Railway station
- By Air: Trivandrum International Airport
- By Road: State-run buses of Kerala Tourism
- Kozhikode
Kozhikode is a famous tourist spot in Kerala. Before its current name, it was called Calicut. It is a beautiful place for those who want to be with nature and those interested in historical facts. The history of Kozhikode traces back to the time of Vasco Da Gama, a European explorer and the first person to have discovered trade routes to India.
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Best places to visit: Kozhippara Falls, Vayalada, Thusharagiri Falls, Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kozhikode Beach, Payyoli Dam, Kariyathumpara, and Kakkayam Dam
- Things to explore: Backwater viewing, tasting sweet dishes, and enjoying the beach.
How to reach:
- By Train: Quilandi Railway station
- By Air: Calicut International Airport
- By Road: Buses ply from all neighbouring cities to reach Kozhikode
- Wayanad
Joining the list of best places in Kerala is Wayanad. For your information, the meaning of this name in English is ‘Land of Paddy Fields’. This place attracts tourists with its cool weather, waterfalls, lakes, caves, and spice gardens. There are many adventure sports to explore in Wayanad. When you visit this place, you will also discover the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once in 12 years.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Best places to visit: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chembara Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, and Edakkal Caves
- Things to explore: Boat riding, trekking, exploring tea estates, wildlife safari
How to reach:
- By Train: Nilambur Station
- By Air: Calicut International Airport
- By Road: Take a taxi or a cab.
- Kumarakom
Nestled on the Vembanad beach, Kumarakom is among the winsome places in Kerala. It is worth visiting with its natural scenic beauty, birds and animal life, and beautiful backwater views. There is so much to do in this beautiful city of Kerala, including visiting bird sanctuaries to refreshing your nerves with Ayurvedic massage.
- Best time to visit: September to March
- Best places to visit: Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom backwaters, Pathiramanal, Jatayu Rock, Thazhathangadi Valiapalli, Kottayam, and Bay Island Driftwood.
- Things to explore: Houseboat rides, snorkelling, water polo, massaging sessions at spas, and bird watching.
How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway station
- By Air: Kochi Airport
- By Road: State-run buses
- Idukki
Idukki is a small district in Kerala on Sahyadris and is far from the city’s busy and noisy life. What makes Idukki unique in terms of a tourist destination is its variety of natural attractions, including rivers, waterfalls, spice plantations, rubber, tea factories, and wildlife. Apart from all these, one more prominent attraction here is the Idukki Dam, one of the highest arch dams in Asia.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Best places to visit: Hill View Park, Murikkady, Kulamavu Dam, Idukki Arch Dam, Anchuruli Waterfalls, Anamudi Hills, and Vagamon
- Things to explore: Visiting tea plantations, rubber plantations, Sandalwood forests, and tasting the local street foods.
How to reach:
- By Train: Ernakulam railway station
- By Air: Cochin International Airport
- By Road: Renting a cab or a taxi
- Munroe Island
For those searching for a place to find peace, Munore Island in Kerala comes as the perfect trip option. It is known to be the conglomeration of 8 mini islands connected to narrow turquoise water canals. During the Onam festival, the Kallada boat race is a famous adventure sport.
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Best places to visit: Munroe Island Canal, Ashtamudi Lake, Kallada River, Kakathuruthu, and Santa Cruz Basilica
- Things to explore: Snake boat racing, watching Kathakali folk dance, bird watching, island hopping, and Amusement Park.
How to reach:
- By Train: Kollam Railway Station
- By Air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
- By Road: Renting a taxi from Kollam Railway Station
- Thekkady
If you are searching for a hill station in Kerala to spend your vacation, then Thekkady is a top pick. It is the most-visited hill station known in this southern state. It is a perfect treat for all nature lovers and those who want to explore wildlife. There is more to explore in this Spice Capital of India. This comes as an ideal destination for adventure junkies.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Best places to visit: Periyar Tiger Trail, Thekkady Lake, Periyar National Park, Pandikuzhi, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, and Murrikady
- Things to explore: Visit a spice plantation, coffee plantation, tea plantation, and jungle safari
How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station
- By Air: Madurai Airport
- By Road: Bus services are available to visit Thekkady
- Poovar
Are you planning a honeymoon vacation? Then, visit Poovar, one of the best travel destinations in Kerala for romantic couples. There is much to explore here to make every moment memorable with your dear one. Here, you can experience travelling in a motor boat that sails through Mangrove-laden backwaters.
- Best time to visit: October to February
- Best places to visit: Poovar backwaters, Thikotti Light House, Kozhipara, Golden Sand beach, and Thiruparappu Falls.
- Things to explore: Motorboat cruising on backwaters, taking Ayurveda massage, birdwatching, and shopping
How to reach:
- By Train: Trivandrum railway station
- By Air: Trivandrum Airport
- By Road: Rent a cab or travel in state-run bus services.
- Kumily
Next on the list is Kumily. This tranquil town of Kerala is located on the border of the latter state and Tamil Nadu. Some of the main attractions you will explore in this peaceful town include many recreational activities, wildlife sanctuaries, and plantations that behold the attention of nature lovers.
- Best time to visit: September to April
- Best places to visit: Periyar National Park, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Thekkady Lake, Peermede Hill Station, Tribal Heritage Museum, and Kadathanadan Kalari Centre
- Things to explore: Elephant rides, watching aesthetic martial arts at Kalari, visiting spice gardens, and trekking.
How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station
- By Air: Kochi International Airport
- By Road: Cab facility on rent from any city in Kerala
- Devikulam
Devikulam, as the name suggests, means ‘The lake where Goddess bathe’. The name itself hints at being a sacred place to find peace. Going by a mythological fact, in Ramayana, Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram, used to take a bath in Devkulam Lake. Since then, it holds its religious significance even today.
- Best time to visit: November to May
- Best places to visit: Pallivasal Falls, Devi Lake, Thoovanam Falls, Anayiranakal Lake, Hill View Park, Attala Rock Shelter, and Meesapulimala.
- Things to explore: Watching cascading waterfalls, tea plantations, velvet meadows, and lakes.
How to reach:
- By Train: Kottayam Railway Station
- By Air: Kochi International Airport
- By Road: Catch state-run buses from Kochi, Munnar, and Kottayam to Devikulam.
- Kuttanad
Kuttanad is popularly known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. This beautiful place has remained in its simplicity with no modern touch. Still, it is enough to drag tourist attractions with its peaceful ambience, paddy fields across backwaters, and coconut groves. Visitors can feel free from all the stress and stay at ease.
- Best time to visit: August to March
- Best places to visit: Achankovil River, Backwaters, Meenachil Rivers, Chavara Bhawan, and Bhagawathi Temple.
- Things to explore: Tasting local Kerala dishes, visiting holy sites (churches & temples), and sailing through backwaters.
How to reach:
- By Train: Alleppey Railway Station and Changanacherry Railway Station
- By Air: Cochin International Airport
- By Road: Bus and car services are available from Alleppey
- Thrissur
Thrissur is the cultural capital city of Kerala. It was earlier known as Trichur until it was renamed to its present name. This place is well-known for its religious, cultural, and historical significance. Home to numerous megalith relics from the Neolithic era, it had been the historical capital kingdom of Kochi. For your information, many tourists from India and abroad visit here to be part of the famous Pooram festival in Thrissur.
- Best time to visit: December to February
- Best places to visit: Charpa Falls, Athirapally Falls, Vadakummnathan temple, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Chavakkad Beach, Lourdes Cathedral, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple, and Kerala Kalamandalam.
- Things to explore: Visit old ruins, palaces, temples, churches, cathedrals, dance forms of Kerala, and beach fun
How to reach:
- By Train: Thrissur railway station
- By Air: Cochin International Airport
- By Road: To reach Thrissur, rent cabs from Pallakad, Kochi, and Mallapuram.
- Lakkidi
If you want to connect with nature, Lakkidi is the perfect holiday destination in Kerala. The climate at this hill station is very calm, which will give you a refreshing experience. Moreover, its astonishing landscapes and serene environment will make you feel at peace with yourself. Please don’t underestimate this place with its small size, as it still counts among the major hill stations in Kerala.
- Best time to visit: October to April
- Best places to visit: Karinthandan temple, Soochipara Waterfalls, Churam Viewpoint, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Karapuzha Dam, and Pookode Lake.
- Things to explore: Dining at Couch Potato restaurant, hiking, bird watching, trekking at Chembra Peak, zip-lining, and boat ride on Pookode Lake.
How to reach:
- By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station
- By Air: Kozhikode International Airport
- Ponnani
In Kerala, Ponnani is a famous tourist destination called ‘Mecca of India’. There are many mosques you will come across while exploring this small town. If you are expecting beach fun, it is also there in Ponnani. With diverse culture and natural beauty, this small town in Kerala deserves your attention.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Best places to visit: Ponnani Lighthouse, Navamukumda Temple, Juma Masjid, and Padinjarekkara Beach.
- Things to explore: Watching migratory birds, touring mosques, and exploring flora and fauna.
How to reach:
- By Train: Chennagur Railway Station
- By Air: Trivandrum Airport
- By Road: Board a taxi
Conclusion
So this ends our list of top places in Kerala that you must consider visiting during your vacations. Every business listed in this article has its own charm and unique attraction to drag tourist footfall on their soil. If you plan a staycation in Munnar, we suggest you book jüSTa Rangers, a luxurious hotel with all modern amenities.