Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala ??? The Complete Travel Guide
Kerala ??? aptly called "God's Own Country" ??? is India's most picturesque and diverse state, offering lush green backwaters, mist-covered hill stations, pristine beaches, vibrant cultural performances, and world-class Ayurvedic wellness centers. Here are the top 10 places in Kerala that every traveler must experience.
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha) ??? The Venice of the East
No Kerala trip is complete without a houseboat cruise in Alleppey. The interconnected network of canals, lakes, and lagoons ??? spanning over 1,500 km ??? is a UNESCO-recognized ecosystem. Board a traditional kettuvallam houseboat, watch village life unfold along the banks, and taste authentic Kerala fish curry cooked fresh on board. The annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (August) is a spectacular event here.
2. Munnar ??? Tea Capital of South India
Perched at 1,600m in the Western Ghats, Munnar is India's most picturesque tea plantation hill station. Visit the KDHP Tea Museum, walk through endless green estates, visit Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr mountain goat, and take in the panoramic views from Top Station. Best enjoyed September to May.
3. Thekkady (Periyar) ??? Wildlife & Spice Country
Thekkady is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ??? where you take a peaceful boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot elephants bathing at the shore, wild Gaur, and shy sambar deer. The surrounding area is rich in spice plantations ??? visit cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and coffee farms with hands-on tasting experiences.
4. Kovalam Beach ??? Kerala's Most Famous Beach
Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram, is Kerala's most popular beach destination. The crescent-shaped Lighthouse Beach is ideal for swimming (with lifeguards), while Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach offer quieter experiences. The area is also known for quality Ayurvedic treatment centers ??? an evening massage after a beach day is divine.
5. Varkala Cliff Beach ??? The Bohemian Paradise
Varkala is Kerala's most unique beach ??? situated on laterite cliffs 15???30 meters above the Arabian Sea. The cliff promenade is lined with yoga studios, beach cafes, and boutique shops. The mineral water spring emerging from the cliff is believed to have healing properties. Ideal for backpackers and those seeking a laid-back atmosphere.
6. Fort Kochi ??? A Walk Through History
The heritage district of Fort Kochi is unlike anything else in India. Wander past 16th-century Portuguese and Dutch colonial buildings, visit the iconic Chinese fishing nets (cantilevered nets at the seafront), explore the Jewish Synagogue (1568 AD), Mattancherry Palace, and St. Francis Church (where Vasco da Gama was originally buried). The vibrant street art scene adds a contemporary layer to the historic architecture.
7. Wayanad ??? The Tribal Highlands
Wayanad offers a rare window into tribal culture and dense forests. Visit the Edakkal Caves (ancient pictorial writings from 5,000 BC), Chembra Peak (Kerala's highest trekking destination with a heart-shaped lake near the summit), Banasura Sagar Dam (India's largest earthen dam), and stay in a bamboo tree house surrounded by coffee and spice estates.
8. Thrissur ??? Kerala's Cultural Capital
Thrissur Pooram (April???May) is undoubtedly one of India's most spectacular festivals ??? a grand procession of 30+ decorated elephants with traditional percussion orchestras at Vadakkumnathan Temple. Thrissur is also home to Kerala Kalamandalam ??? the deemed university for classical arts like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, and Kutiyattam dance forms.
9. Kumarakom ??? Backwater Birds & Peace
Situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake (India's longest lake), Kumarakom is a haven for bird watchers. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary hosts Siberian storks, egrets, herons, darters, and teal during winter migration. The area is also known for luxury lake-facing resorts and traditional houseboat experiences quieter than Alleppey.
10. Padmanabhapuram Palace ??? A Marvel in Wood
Located near Kanyakumari border, Padmanabhapuram Palace is Asia's largest wooden palace and the former seat of Travancore kingdom. The intricate woodwork, Belgian glass windows, and labyrinthine rooms are remarkable. The palace museum houses artifacts dating back to the 16th century.
Kerala Travel Tips
- Best time: October to February (post-monsoon and winter)
- Must-try food: fish curry with rice, appam with stew, puttu and kadala, payasam
- Book houseboats at least 2 months in advance for peak season
- Kerala is well connected by overnight trains from Chennai (7???8 hours to Ernakulam)
Plan your Kerala holiday with our Kerala Tour Package starting at ???22,900 per person including houseboat, all transfers, and sightseeing.
