Kerala For An Enchanting Holiday In The Year 2019
God’s Own Country, Kerala has some
extremely beautiful tourist destinations to hold the attention of global
tourists. There are hill-stations, backwaters, commercial cities, hamlets, and
much more to explore. Rich culture and heritage of Kerala also attract nature
lovers from all over the world. Once you set foot in the beautiful paradise,
all other things seem inconsequential. Most of the metro cities pale in
comparison of Kerala in terms of beauty. Apt for family vacations, romantic
getaways, and honeymoon, it has a bounty of beauty and engaging activities. And
here are the places to visit in Kerala, that must be a part of your travel
plan.
23 Best Places To Visit In Kerala
While you may be wondering about
where all to head in the charming land of Kerala, getting to know about a few
best ones is surely helpful before visiting. So, scroll down to know what all
awaits you here:
- Alleppey – The backwater hot spot
- Munnar – Perfect for a romantic honeymoon
- Kumarakom – One of the most tranquil places
- Wayanad – The land of heavenly trails
- Thekkady – For the love of wildlife
- Kovalam – For some beach fun
- Vagamon – Solitude guaranteed!
- Bekal – Nothing less than heaven on Earth!
- Kozhikode – For authentic Malabar cuisine
- Varkala – One of Kerala’s most scenic seasides
- Kannur – The picture-perfect coastal town
- Kasargod – A coastal paradise in Kerala
- Kizhunna Beach – For complete solace
- Idukki – The true gem of Kerala
- Munroe Island – For an exciting canal cruise
- Kavvayi Backwaters – The stunning backwater landscape
- Kuttanad – Rice bowl of Kerala
- Thrissur – Experience rich cultural heritage
- Palakkad – A nature’s delight
- Malappuram – Vedic learning and Islamic Philosophy Centre
- Poovar – The tropical stay paradise
- Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
- Guruvayur – A spiritual spot
1. Alleppey – The Backwater Hot Spot
Alleppey tops this list of best
tourist places in Kerala with pictures. Its backwater trips, houseboat stays,
and serene beauty attract a fair number of people to its territory. In fact, it
is the most popular place to experience Kerala’s backwaters. Lord Curzon’s
depiction of Alleppey as the Venice of the East is not hyperbole. A
houseboat vacation is what people look for on their visit to Alleppey. There
are expanses of paddy fields, quaint chapels, interesting fishing villages, and
lakes filled with water lilies which make Allepey one of the best tourist
places in Kerala for 3 days trip itinerary.
The fascination of Keralites with
coconut and banana leaves in their food will prove to be a good experiment for
you if you have never had it before. The cobbled pathways and cleaner roads
comparatively will take you on an old-world tour.
Popular tourist attractions:
Alappuzha Beach,Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach,
Revi Karunakaran Museum, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri
Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha. The Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is another
crowd puller.
Best time to visit: September to
mid-May
Nearest airport: Kochi Airport,
which is 53 km away from the city.
Nearest railway station: Alleppey
Railway Station; it is well within the city limits.
2. Munnar – Perfect For A Romantic
Honeymoon
A very popular one among hill stations in Kerala, Munnar is one of
the best tourist places in Kerala for 2 days trip itinerary. Once the summer
capital for the British, the gradient and alignment of hills were particularly
designed for tea farming. With about 80,000 miles of tea plantation, an equal
measure of aromatic vegetation, misty valleys, and low-flying clouds, Munnar is
a hill station that has become one of the best tourist places in Kerala for a
honeymoon.
Cute bungalows, cozy homestays and
lavish hotels and resorts in Munnar, make it the
most romantic destination even among the top places to visit in Kerala. The old
world colonial feel has its own charms and it certainly makes for a good selfie
drive. Revel in the extraordinary blend of luxury and beauty, at the most
amazing honeymoon resorts in Munnar.
Popular tourist attractions: TATA
Tea Museum, Meesapulimala, Blossom Park, Pothamedu ViewPoint, Life of Pi
Church, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Top Station, Marayoor
Dolmens, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Kundala Lake, Lockhart Gap, Mattupetty Dam,
Anamudi, and Eravikulam National Park .
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest airport: Kochi Airport, at a
mere distance of 143 km from the hill station.
Nearest railway station: Aluva
Railway Station, which is 110 km away from Munnar.
3. Kumarakom – One Of The Most Tranquil
Places
Situated near Vembanad Lake,
Kumarakom is a quiet little hamlet with alluring sceneries, ever pleasant
weather and exotic flora and fauna; making it one of the loveliest tourist
places in Kerala. You get a mix of everything here – backwaters, authentic Kerala food, uber fresh air, the
warmth of Keralites, and deliciously fresh coconuts. There is a lot to do;
choose from boating, cruising, houseboat stay, and fishing.
Kumarakom holds a special spot in
the list of best of Kerala’s sightseeing places. The tempting waterways,
decorated lakes, aromatic coconut grooves, fresh paddy fields, thick mangrove
forests, delightful authentic food, and unpolluted freshness of the air add to
the list. Also, Kumarakom’s houseboat stay offers a lot more solitude and
privacy as compared to Alleppey. Even the resorts in Kumarakom are exceptionally
serene and mesmerizing.
Popular tourist attractions:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi
waterfall, Juma Masjid, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Vembanad Lake, Bay Island
Driftwood Museum, Valiyapally, Cheriyapally, Kumarakom Beach, and Pathiramal
Island.
Best time to visit: September to May
Nearest airport: Kochi Airport is 85
km away from Kumarakom.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam
Railway Station is 16 km away.
4. Wayanad – The Land Of Heavenly Trails
Wayanad means the land of paddy
fields in Malayalam. Wayanad is one of the greenest tourist places in Kerala.
Enriched with godly beauty, serene atmosphere and rich culture, Wayanad is a
perfect mix of nature and man-made heritage. After all, the place is famous for
its richness in cultures, traditions, and tribal heritage. Small, unnamed
waterfalls, that line the city haphazardly, add to the place’s charm.
Popular tourist attractions: Besides
top 10 tourist places in Wayanad, there
are Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Banasura Hill, Lakkidi View
Point, P Kuruvadweep, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kabini, Papanashini River, and
Padinjarathara Dam.
Best time to visit: October to May;
adventure enthusiasts should visit during the monsoon months of July and August
to enjoy the perks of trekking and other adventure activities.
Nearest airport: Karipur
International Airport at Calicut is just 95 km away.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode
Railway Station, which is 72 km away from Wayanad.
Suggested Read: 20 Most Amazing Places To Visit In Kerala In December
2018
5. Thekkady – For The Love Of
Wildlife
Thekkady is simply heaven hidden in
thick forests and wild vegetation. You get to see the nearly extinct species of
animals including tigers, sambars, gaurs, and lion-tailed macaques. Also, there
are elephants, lions, deers, bison, boars, and the Great Indian tigers.
Probably, the most favored among Kerala’s tourist places, Thekkady boasts of
abundant beauty and exotic wildlife. Its trekking path from Moozhiyar to
Thekkady Gavi is one of the most popular trails in South India. Boating and
wildlife observation are two of the favorite pastimes in Thekkady.
Popular tourist attractions: Besides
9 must visit places in Thekkady, there are
Periyar Lake, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Elephant Junction, Deepa World Spice,
and Ayurvedic Garden, Kumily, Ramakkalmedu, Mullaperiyar Dam, Periyar Tiger
Trail, Mudra Cultural Centre, Vandiperiyar, Chellarkovil, Murikkady, and
Vandanmedu.
Best time to visit: November to
early-May
Nearest airport: Madurai Airport is
just 136 km away.
Nearest railway station: Kottayam
Railway Station is 114 km away.
6. Kovalam – For Some Beach Fun
Kovalam
beach, one of best beaches in Kerala, is famous for its
New Year celebrations, deep strong massages, Ayurvedic treatments, sunbathing
fests, and water sports like parasailing. It has a crescent-shaped coastline
which is always buzzing with activities. People from different countries,
cultures, and states come together and add to the beauty of the place.
Popular tourist attractions: Lighthouse Beach , Hawah Beach, The
Lighthouse, Samudra Beach, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Marine
Aquarium, Halcyon Castle, Akkulam Lake, Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor, Kovalam Jama
Masjid, Vellayani Lake, Karamana River, Aruvikkara, Rock Cut Caves, and
Valiathura Pier.
Best time to visit:
September to May
Nearest airport:
Trivandrum International Airport is mere 15 km away.
Nearest railway station:
Trivandrum Railway Station is just 14 km away.
7. Vagamon – Solitude Guaranteed!
There
is an enchanting hill station called Vagamon which is hidden from all the
hoopla. Adorned with magical meadows, mystical gardens, beautiful dales,
aromatic tea plantations, and misty valleys, Vagamon has surely earned its
place among the best tourist places in
Kerala. The fresh air and perfectly manicured gardens of Vagamon are a breath of fresh air.
Best tourist attractions:
Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill, Kurisumala, Vagamon Pine Forest, Barren Hills, The
Pattumala Church, Vagamon Lake, Mundakayam Ghat, Vagamon Falls, and Maramala
Waterfalls.
Best time to visit:
Early-August to May
Nearest airport:
Kochi International Airport is 94 km away from Vagamon.
Nearest railway station:
Kottayam Railway Station is 15 km away.
8. Bekal – Nothing Less Than Heaven On Earth!
Bekal
is especially known for its famous Bekal Fort, which is rated amongst the best
tourist places in Kerala. Many Indian movies, like Rang De Basanti, are filmed in the fort premises. The sea breeze
passing through your hair, the pleasant weather and good company are key
ingredients to have a good time in Bekal. Owing to exotic beauty and serenity,
Bekal is among the top three honeymoon places in South India.
Popular tourist attractions:
Bekal Fort, Ananthapura Temple, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Bekal Beach,
Mallikarjuna Temple, Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach, Nileswaram, Bekal Hole Aqua
Park, and Pallikere Beach.
Best time to visit:
September to May
Nearest airport:
Bajpe Airport is nearest at 72 km.
Nearest railway station:
Kasaragod Railway Station is just 12 km from Bekal.
9. Kozhikode – For Authentic Malabar
Cuisine
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is one of the most active
commercial cities in Kerala. The place is famous for its culture, historical
sites, educational institutions, and culinary experiences. The architecture of
the city has strong influences of the Dutch and the British. It is known for
its authentic Malabar food and
the exotic spices that make the
food so delicious. When in Calicut, don’t miss on delicacies like Dum Biryani,
Kallummakkaya, Chatti Pathiri, and Dal Halwa.
Best tourist attractions:
Mananchira, Conolly Canal, Hilite Mall, Kallayi, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach,
Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Sargaalaya, Payyoli Beach, Kozhippara
Falls, and Matri Dei Cathedral.
Best time to visit:
September to May
Nearest airport:
Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 28 km away.
Nearest railway station:
Kozhikode Railway Station is well within the city limits.
10. Varkala – One Of Kerala’s Most
Scenic Seasides
Varkala
is one of the best seaside places in Kerala. The enticing coastline with cliffs
on one side and lush greenery on the other attracts thousands of tourists and water-adventure enthusiasts to the
beach. It is popular for activities like boat riding, surfing, parasailing,
jetting, horse-riding are the life of the beach. The unmatched beauty of the
beach is at its prime during sunsets.
The hues of colorful rays make for a surreal atmosphere. Add a dash of luxury
by choosing from the most exotic beach resorts in Kerala, around
Varkala and you are set.
Varkala
is also an important religious place in
Hindu culture. Adorned with many Hindu temples, it welcomes many
religious travelers and heritage lovers to its seams with open arms. With so
much packed in a single city, Varkala is certainly fit to be among the best
places to visit in Kerala.
Popular tourist attractions:
Varkala Beach, Janardhan Temple, Sivagiri Muth, Kappil Lake, Papanasam Beach,
Janardan Swami Temple, Vishnu Temple, Anjengo Fort, Sarkara Devi Temple,
Varkala Tunnel, and Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah.
Best time to visit:
August to mid-May
Nearest airport:
Trivandrum International Airport is 53 km away.
Nearest railway station:
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is well within the city limits.
Suggested Read: 50 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30
11. Kannur – The Picture Perfect
Coastal Town
Kannur,
formerly known as Cannanore is another scenic places to visit in Kerala,
popular for weaving industries. Feel the charm of this beautiful colonial town,
located at the north eastern coast of Kerala with its sun-kissed beaches
bordered by luxuriant cashew plantations, ancient temples, splendid monuments
and British and Dutch style buildings.
Popular tourist attractions:
Ezhimala Beach, Fort St. Angelos, Tellicherry Fort and Rajarajeshwara Temple
Best time to visit:
October to March to enjoy a cool climate.
Nearest airport: Calicut
International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Kannur Main
12. Kasargod – A Coastal Paradise In
Kerala
Located
close to Bekal, tucked between Western Ghats on one side and azure Arabian Sea
on the other, Kasargod is an entrancing beauty of ‘God’s own country.’
Featuring rolling hills, plush coconut plantations, soothing sea breeze, and
host of heritage temples, it attracts peace-loving travelers but and considered
as one of the most photogenic places in Kerala.
Popular tourist attractions:
Bekal Fort, Madhur Temple, Thonikadavu and Ananthapura Lake Temple, Malom
Wildlife Sanctuary and Ranipuram
Best time to visit:
June to November and January to February. Avoid summer months as they are warm
and humid.
Nearest airport:
Mangalore International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Kasargod has its own railhead
13. Kizhunna Beach – For Complete
Solace
Listed
as one of the secluded beaches in Kerala, Kizhunna Beach is beautiful, less
crowded and pristine. Adorned by reddish and black cliffs and bordered by lush
green palm plantations, Kizhunna Beach is the ideal place to relax, unwind and
rejuvenate. People visit this scenic beach during weekends and indulge in
sunbathing, beach strolls, and swimming.
Popular tourist attractions:
Ezhara Beach- regarded as twin beach of Kizhunna, Arakkal Museum, Munambam,
Mappila Bay, Kannur town, Sea View Park and Dharmadam Island.
Best time to visit:
Round the year, except June to August.
Nearest airport:
Calicut International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Kannur
14. Idukki – The True Gem Of Kerala
If relaxation
and rejuvenation is your priority, plan a trip to Idukki. Nestled amidst
verdant hills and luxurious forests, Idukki allures ardent travellers, nature
enthusiasts, and photography buffs with its stunning natural aura and
attractions. Surrounded by aromatic tea and spice plantations, Idukki is
undeniably one of the best places in Kerala perfect for treks, nature walks,
and bird watching.
Popular tourist attractions:
Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary or Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate,
Thommankuthu Falls, Ramakkal, Kalvari Mount, Idukki Arch Dam, Cheeyappara
Waterfalls and Kalvari Mount
Best time to visit:
June to August and November to January
Nearest airport:
Kochi
Nearest railway station:
Theni- 60 kms from Idukki.
15. Munroe Island – For An Exciting
Canal Cruise
Perched
at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and River Kallada, 27 kms from Kollam,
Munroe Island is popular for canal cruise in Kerala. Named after Colonel
Munroe, this place showcases scenic rural landscape of Kerala with thatched
houses, coconut plantations, narrow canals, lagoons and mangrove forests.
Counted as one of the best places to visit in Kerala, Munroe Island is also
famous for Kallada Boat Race held in September every year.
The
canal cruise of Munroe Island is run by District Tourism Promotion Council. The
voyage operates twice a day, morning at 9:00 AM and afternoon at 2 PM. Charges
per person for the cruise is INR 500.
Popular tourist attractions:
Thangassery Light House, Kollam Beach and Thirumullavaram Beach
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, except monsoon.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, except monsoon.
Nearest airport:
Trivandrum International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Munroe Island Railway Station
16. Kavvayi Backwaters – The
Stunning Backwater Landscape
To
enjoy the real charm of Kerala backwater, Kavvayi Backwaters island should be
on your list. Counted as third largest backwater in the state and one of the
most scenic places to see in Kerala, Kavvayi Backwaters island is formed at the
confluence of River Kavvayi and its tributaries Kuppithodu, Konkol and Kuniyan.
One can cruise in houseboats in and around the islands on Kavvayi Backwaters,
locally known as Kavvayi Kayal.
Popular tourist attractions:
Holy Snakes forest located in Edayilakadu Island
Best time to visit:
October to March, for soothing weather.
Nearest airport:
Calicut International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Payyanur
17. Kuttanad – Rice Bowl Of Kerala
Located
in Alappuzha region, Kuttanad is one of the best places in Kerala to see and
experience rural landscape with charming villages, backwater, rivers and
agricultural lands. Moreover, Kuttanad is the perfect place to see the globally
famous traditional Heritage Agricultural System of Kerala with farmland
bordered by canals and inland waterways.
Popular tourist attractions:
Punnamada Lake and Pampa River
Best time to visit:
October to March months are extremely pleasant.
Nearest airport:
Cochin International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Alappuzha
18. Thrissur – Experience Rich
Cultural Heritage
Thrissur
boasts of its rich cultural extravaganza along with scenic splendour like
picturesque waterfalls and beaches. Famous for Thrissur Pooram and Onam
celebrations, this small quaint town of Kerala is fittingly acknowledged as the
‘cultural capital of Kerala.
Popular tourist attractions:
Snehatheeram Beach, Vazhachal Waterfalls, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Paramekavu
Bhagavathy Temple and Athirappilly Waterfalls
Best time to visit:
October to March is best time to visit Thrissur. One can also visit during
April and May to experience the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram festival.
Nearest airport:
Cochin International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Trichur has its own railway station and well connected with Trivandrum,
Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai and Delhi.
19. Palakkad – A Nature’s Delight
Just
like a beautiful picture postcard, Palakkad features most awesome weather,
picturesque mountains, sparkling lakes, beautiful dams, lush green forests and
majestic temples and forts. With vast sprawling paddy estates and tea
plantations, Palakkad, one of the most scenic places in Kerala is aptly known
as the ‘granary of Kerala’.
Popular tourist attractions:
Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Garden and Dam,
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Jain Temple and Seethargundu viewpoint
Best time to visit:
November to March months are extremely pleasant here.
Nearest airport:
Coimbatore Airport
Nearest railway station: Own
railway stations; Palakkad Junction and Palakkad Town Railway
20. Malappuram – Vedic Learning And
Islamic Philosophy Centre
One
of the most offbeat yet best places to see in Kerala is Malappuram. Locally
translated as ‘land atop hills’ this place is famous for expansive teak
plantations and houses many heritage temples, mosques and historic monuments.
Popular tourist attractions:
Nilambur Teak Museum, Kottakkunnu and Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple
Best time to visit:
July to September to enjoy the beauty of rains. November to February to get
away from the scorching heat of cities.
Nearest airport:
Calicut International Airport
Nearest railway station:
Angadippuram- 16 kms from Malappuram is the closest railway station.
21. Poovar – The Tropical Stay
Paradise
Located
in Trivandrum District of Kerala, Poovar is famed for its scenic beach. The
beach is also dotted with classy resorts that make it one of the ideal places
to visit in Kerala if you’re in search for a lovely tropical staycation.
Popular tourist attractions:
Aazhimala Siva Temple, Poovar Beach, Arjuna Backwaters
Best time to visit:
October to February
Nearest airport:
Trivandrum International Airport is located just 30 km away.
Nearest railway station:
Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station is located 27 km away from Poovar
22. Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
If
you’re a mountain-child and wish to lose yourself amidst lush mist-laden hills,
then Ponmudi is the place for you. This is one of the best places to visit in
Kerala also for the hikers and trekkers, since there is so much to explore!
With many narrow winding roads, the landscape of Poovar looks surreal. The tea
gardens spanning all around add charm to its beauty.
Popular tourist attractions:
Meenmutty Falls, Mankayam Waterfalls, and Ponmudi Rock
Best time to visit: All
around the year
Nearest airport:
Trivandrum International Airport is 67 km away from Ponmudi
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is located about 55 km away
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is located about 55 km away
23. Guruvayur –Spiritual Spot
One
of Kerala’s most spiritual places, Guruvayur is located in Thrissur District.
Being a small town, this is one of the lesser known tourist places to visit in
Kerala, and thus a perfect spot to get to know local culture of the state.
Popular tourist attractions:
Guruvayur Sree Vishnu Temple, Mammiyoor Temple, and St. Thomas Church
Best time to visit: October to March
Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest airport:
Cochin International Airport is located 87 km away
Nearest railway station:
Guruvayur has its own railway station
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