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Situated in the southwestern corner of India is God's Own Country- Kerala. This is the land of enchanting tapestry and cultural beauty. Kerala has every beauty you desire to offer. The top Kerala tourist places range from pristine beaches to misty hills and even serene backwaters. Whether you're travelling solo, on a honeymoon or with your family, Kerala is your place to be.
Kerala has three regional divisions- Cochin, Travancore and Malabar. Each of these regions has some of the best Kerala trip places. The Malabar region is known for its culture and historic spice trade. Kochi is known for its architecture and cuisine. It's in Travancore that you can witness the majestic temples and beautiful beaches.
Kerala is the home to lush tea plantations and wildlife sanctuaries. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the must-visit places for its flora and fauna. Apart from the places to visit in Kerala, you can't stop talking about the delicious food here. The Kerala cuisine is a burst of flavourful delights in your mouth. When you're exploring the places to see in Kerala, make sure to try the delicious Sadya. Served on a banana leaf, this can be one of your best meals ever.
Also known as the Spice Capital of India, during your visit to tourist places in Kerala, you must try some spices here. In fact, you can also plan a trip to the spice orchards for a fun visit. It can help you learn a lot about the region. You can interact with the locals to learn about these spices.
The culture of Kerala is also deeply rooted in arts and traditions. Onam is celebrated with immense grandeur in Kerala. The traditional games, vibrant cultural performances and feasts are a delight to try. You can witness Theyyam and Kathakali in some of the places to visit in Kerala. Each of these performance arts showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Furthermore, you can also watch the traditional art form of Kalaripayattu. The cultural landscape of Kerala is shaped by things practiced since a long time.
The Kerala tourist places have excellent connectivity as well. The airports, such as Calicut, Kochi and Trivandrum, welcome tourists from all parts of the globe. Plan your visit to the top places of Kerala and indulge in the best experience.
There's a wide range of places in Kerala to visit. From the backwaters to the hills, you can explore it all in Kerala.
Here are some of the key tourist places in Kerala that you must not miss out on:
Home to misty hills and emerald-green valleys, Munnar is one of the top places to visit in Kerala. It's a key hill station of Kerala at 1600 metres. Munnar is known for its tea plantations and rich flora and fauna. Munnar is home to the rare Neelakurinji Flower that blooms once in 12 years. You should definitely try to keep safari in the hilly region. Apart from that, you can go paragliding, trekking, camping and boating as well in Munnar.
Known for its beautiful backwaters and houseboats, Alleppey is one of the best places in Kerala. It's popular for its network of canals and lagoons. Alleppey is an excellent destination for a honeymoon. The houseboats here pass through the backwaters, offering a great view of green paddy fields and local life. You must visit famous temples here, such as Mullakkal Temple and Chettikulangara Devi Temple.
Wayanad is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for trekking. It has pleasant weather throughout the year. It's home to orchards of various spices like fenugreek, black cumin, cardamom and more. The sanctuaries and wildlife reserves protect the forest life of Wayanad. A key attraction in Wayanad is the Banasura Sagar Dam. You can go hiking, trekking, rappelling and camping in Wayanad.
Kochi is a wonderful coastal city located on the southwest shore of Kerala. The British initially established it as a centre of trade. Therefore, Kochi offers some of the best historical places to see in Kerala. Fort Kochi is one of the most iconic areas of Kochi. There are old churches, temples and forts here, each of which has a different yet beautiful story to tell.
Thekkady is a breath of fresh air during your Kerala visit. You can watch the Asian Elephants here or enjoy a Kathakali show. There are various forest places to visit in Kerala at Thekkady. You can watch multiple wildlife species like bison, deer, Bengal tigers, Nilgiri langurs, and more. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place that offers a great view of the animal kingdom.
If you want to relax during your visit to Kerala tour places, Kumarakom is where you need to be. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom has a very relaxing atmosphere. It's one of the most offbeat places to see in Kerala. You can either bask in the golden hues of sunset or enjoy calm houseboat rides. Also, do not miss out on visiting the iconic Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
One of the top places to visit in Kerala is the wonderful Kovalam. The Ayurvedic massage centre is one of the most prominent in the area. The Lighthouse Beach is the largest beach. There are two more beaches here- Samudra Beach and Hawa Beach. These three beaches together form a crescent shape. Upon your visit to Kovalam, you must also visit the Kunnumpara Sree Murugan Temple, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple and Azhimala Siva Temple.
Varkala is known for its cliffside beach views overlooking the Arabian Sea. If you want to experience a laidback environment, this is one of the best Kerala places to visit. Apart from pristine beaches, there are lakes, natural fisheries, springs and forts. You can just grab your Yoga mats and set out to explore this beauty. There are various Yoga sessions and meditation practices held here.
Thrissur is a prominent land of Kerala known for its culture and spirituality. It is one of the must-visit Kerala tourist places. Often, Thrissur is referred to as the Cultural Capital of Kerala. Some of the key attractions in Thrissur include Chowannur Cave, Athirapally Waterfalls, Punnathur Akotta, Shalthan Thampuran Palace and more. Winter is an ideal time to visit Thrissur for a vacation.
Bekal is a wonderful place to visit in Kerala. It's located in the Kasargod district. Some of the best places to visit in Bekal include Hosdurg Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Bekal Beach and Ananthapura Temple. There are around 45 caves in Bekal known as the Nityananda Ashram Caves. You must explore these caves at least once in your lifetime.
Backwaters cruises and houseboat stays are some of the most fun activities to do in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the best places to explore the backwaters in Kerala. The serene waterways are lined with coconut palms. By staying in houseboats, you get the authentic Kerala experience. The backwater cruises provide a great sunset viewing experience.
Other places to enjoy backwaters in Kerala include Kollam, Kumarakom and Punnamada Lake. Each of these destinations has its own charm and authentic experience to offer. Some of the houseboat stays at the Kerala trip places come with comfortable decks for stargazing. Do not miss out on trying this, for you'll get to witness the natural landscape of Kerala.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top wildlife destinations of India. You can find various animals like tigers, diverse bird species, wild boars and more. The Periyar Lake offers a great view of the natural habitats of the wolf.
The Mathikettan Shola National Park is a treat for nature lovers. Tourists can also visit Wayanad for wildlife enthusiasts, with the colouration around Chikhalvely Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the best natural trails in Kerala for trekking is through the misty forests of Munnar. The best places to visit in Kerala are great for nature enthusiasts. The authorities take proper conservation initiatives to promote responsible tourism.
Want some relaxation and a break from the hectic routine? Try Ayurvedic spas and wellness retreats in Kerala. Kerala is extremely popular globally as the hub of Ayurvedic medicine. There are various luxury wellness resorts across Alleppey, Munnar and Kochi. These places offer personalised Ayurvedic treatment by experienced Vaidyas.
Different Ayurvedic treatments practised in Kerala include Shirodhara, Abhyanga and Panchakarma detoxification. Most of the Kerala tourist places offer this over holistic healing. These treatments address mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Most visitors at the wellness retreats and spas report improved sleep quality, pain relief and reduced stress. The experts practice preventive care and rejuvenation, so it is entirely safe.
Apart from being naturally beautiful, Kerala is also very culturally rich. The rich cultural and spiritual influences in Kerala can be noticed through magnificent temples. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of India's wealthiest temples. There are sacred water tanks and orange gopurams.
Sabrimala Temple in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala is one of Kerala best places to visit, attracting tourists for years. Kochi is home to the Cochin Jewish Synagogue, preserving centuries of the cultural and religious history of Kochi. A visit to the temples of Kerala paves the way for deep spiritual immersion. You should also take a chance to witness Kathakali performances or Kalaripayattu to gain cultural insights about Kerala.
The coastline of Kerala is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. These beaches offer various aquatic adventures to indulge in, too. Varkala Beach is one of the best places to enjoy adrenaline-pumping experiences. Therefore, you can either try paragliding or go cliff jumping. At Kovalam Beach, you can try various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing and surfing.
For kayaking, you can visit the mangrove forests near Cochin. The unique environment supports diverse marine life. Some of the key beaches in Kerala to try scuba diving include Varkala, Cherai and Kovalam. You can also enjoy fishing village experiences with authentic interactions at Kerala best places to visit. Other water sports and beach adventures to try during your Kerala tour include swimming, paddleboarding and snorkelling.
Below are some of the festivals you must explore when you're visiting places in Kerala:
Thrissur is one of the lesser-known Kerala tourist places. The Thrissur Poornam celebrated here is one of the biggest and most important festivals of Kerala. Poornam stands for full moon. Therefore, the festival is celebrated during the full moon in Thrissur. A flag hoisting ceremony is celebrated, followed by rounds of fireworks.
One of the most renowned festivals of Kerala is Onam. This is the best time to indulge in Kerala tourism. The ten-day celebration is continued with traditional flower decorations or Pookalam. The boat races, such as Chundan Vallam, are held during this festival to highlight togetherness and competitive spirit.
Malayalis celebrate their New Year, known as Vishu. To celebrate the harvest, on the first day of auspicious Vishu, the people arrange various items such as fresh lemons, money, raw rice, silver items and cucumbers. These items are then offered to Goddess Bhadrakali. Sacred deities are offered Sadya and Veppampporasam.
One of the key things to experience when you visit Kerala trip places is Theyyam. Celebrated mostly between December and April, this is a key celebration in the North Malabar region of Kerala. It showcases the ancient history, traditions and local beliefs of the people.
If you're exploring places to visit in Kerala between July and September, make sure Alappuzha is on your list. The snake boat race is one of the most fun and exciting races here. Held in the Kuttanad region, this is one of the most beautiful places. The traditional boats taking part in the race are around 100 to 120 feet long. It's a great showcase of the teamwork spirit.
This is the festival when deities are taken around on their Vahanas. The grand procession has Vahanas such as Anantha, Kamala, Pallakku, Simhasana and Garuda. This festival is celebrated in one of the key Kerala tour places, the Padnabhaswamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram. All the deities are carried to the beach and given a sacred bath.
You just can't miss out on this festival during your visit to Cochin in December. It's held during the last week and is one of the most vibrant festivals. The highlight of the festival is the burning of the effigy of Pappanji (a symbolic figure of an old man) at midnight of New Year's Eve.
Visiting Kerala for your trip? Do not miss out on trying these food items:
The delicious Puttu and Kadala Curry is a popular breakfast item in Kerala. Puttu refers to the cylindrical steamed rice cake made with coconut shavings. Kadala curry is made of black chickpeas. This is a staple item you'll get in almost all tourist places in Kerala.
Have a Malayali friend? Ask them what their favourite food is, and the answer will probably be appam and stew. Served in all the best places to visit in Kerala, Appam with stew is Kerala’s favourite combination. Appam is a rice pancake, soft in the centre and paper-thin and crispy on the outside. It's smothered in creamy coconut curry that will leave you wanting more.
Basically, a spicy chicken fry- you can never go wrong with this. During your trip to Kerala best places to visit, you must try it. The chicken is usually fried in chilli, vinegar, onion, coriander and garlic and served on a banana leaf. Although spicy, you can't get enough of this dish.
Kerala is extremely popular for its phenomenal prawn curry. Once you figure out which Kerala places to visit, make sure to also know where you can have some prawn curry. The traditional curry is dipped in lots of coconut milk and jaggery. It's sprinkled with salt, pepper and chilli. It's the touch of coconut that enhances the overall taste.
Almost all tourist places in Kerala serve beef curry. However, to get the authentic experience, you must try only the Kerala-style beef curry. It's the burst of flavours that should linger in your mouth for long. The ginger garlic paste, curry leaves, and mustard leaves coat the dish. It's this unique combination that adds to the taste.
Malabar is one of the most popular Kerala tourist places. When you're in Malabar, make sure to try the delicious, flaky parota. The crumbly texture of the parota leads you to this melting in your mouth. It has a very sweet yet savoury taste. Needless to say, quite a favourite among all age groups.
Shopping is a must for anyone visiting places in Kerala. The authentic and locally made products reflect the true cultural identity of the state. During your visit to Kerala tourism places, you can buy items made of very high-quality materials like coir, bamboo, cotton and more.
Some of the key items to visit on your trip to Kerala best places to visit include:
You will get great spices like cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and cloves in some of the best places to visit in Kerala. These are authentic spices and have a long-lasting aroma. Make sure to purchase only from trusted sellers.
Hill stations like Thekkady, Munnar and Wayanad are the best places in Kerala to buy tea and coffee. The tea from here has a very strong aroma. As for the coffee, they're extremely flavourful. You should buy green tea, roasted coffee powder and premium black tea as souvenirs.
Some of the best places in Kerala have great handloom sarees and fabrics. You should definitely purchase Kasavu sarees. The Kerala fabrics are known for their unique craftsmanship. These are ideal for wearing every day or just during festivals and weddings.
During your trip to places to see in Kerala, grab some Ayurvedic oils and soaps. From herbal soaps to balms and skincare products, you can buy it all. These items are made of medicinal plants and coconut oil. However, for an authentic purchase, buy only from certified centres.
The coir industry of Kerala is popular globally. You can purchase various eco-friendly products like footwear, decor items, bags and mats. The product designs will, however, vary from being plain to colourful patterns.
Kerala tourism is extremely popular for its local snacks and banana chips. Halwa and roasted cashews are some things you can't miss out on. These are available easily only at the local chip shops.
The nightlife of Kerala is a blend of comfortable houseboat stays and modern pubs. While you're exploring Kerala tourist places, you can decide the type of experience you want. There's culinary exploration, live music, rooftop bars and unique nightlife.
Below are the best places in Kerala for great nightlife and entertainment:
Kochi is the modern hub with a touch of cultural charm. As one of the prominent places to visit in Kerala, Kochi, you can explore pubs. Various breweries serve great craft beers. Apart from that, you can visit the performance centres in Kochi. Here you can watch Kalaripayattu, Theyyam and Kathakali performances.
Alappuzha is one of the most beautiful Kerala tour places. Known for its backwaters, you can enjoy an overnight houseboat stay here. The tranquil and silent environment adds to the beauty. Some houseboat owners also catch fish for a more unique experience. You can choose from budget houseboats to premium ones.
When visiting places in Kerala, you can't miss out on Varkala. One of the most prominent Kerala tourist places, Varkala, is known for its vibrant nightlife. The North Cliff of Varkala is popular for its eateries and rooftop cafes. These rooftop cafes also hold live music that you can enjoy. The lively atmosphere with Arabian Sea views is to die for. For a more unique nighttime experience, visit the Black Sand Beach.
Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, Trivandrum is one of the must-visit Kerala trip places. Cultural walks are held in the city. You can participate in any of these to learn about the different perspectives of the city. Furthermore, there are various cultural centres at the spot. You can visit any of these centres to witness the artistic performances. You should book your tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.
With so many places to visit in Kerala, it can often be overwhelming. Thus, if you plan your visit to the best places in Kerala in advance, things can be a little easier.
Some of the key travel tips for visiting places in Kerala include the following:
Kerala is one of the most beautiful states of South India. From beaches to backwaters, Kerala is the home to it all. Some of the top tourist places in Kerala include the following:
Each of the Kerala tourist places has great charm. They provide a comprehensive insight into the culture of the region.
Since Kerala is a very green state, the best time to visit Kerala is during the monsoon. If you visit Kerala from June to September, you'll be welcomed by green landscapes. October to May, however, is the peak tourist season for visiting Kerala tour places. If you want comfort, you may plan your visit to Kerala during the winter season, from December to February. Avoid visiting Kerala during the summer because the weather can get extremely hot.
Yes, Kerala is a perfect place for family trips as well as a honeymoon. Kerala tourism places such as the backwaters of Alleppey and the misty hills of Munnar make up for a very romantic setting. There are also many family-friendly places to see in Kerala. You can try water sports or set out on spice or tea plantation tours, and even try Ayurvedic treatments. There are different things to do in Kerala for people of varying age groups. From romance to peace to adventure, you can find it all in Kerala.
A minimum of 4-5 days is enough to visit the significant Kerala tourist places. You can visit places like Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey and Thekkady. However, if you want a more comprehensive Kerala experience, it is advisable to dedicate 7-10 days to exploring tourist places in Kerala. Choose an itinerary that covers all the best places to visit in Kerala while offering cultural immersion.
Apart from being known for its hill stations and backwaters, Kerala is extremely popular for its beaches as well. The beaches are some of the finest Kerala tourism places. Varkala Beach stands out for being a prominent cliffside beach. Kovalam Beach is popular for its crescent-shaped sandy shores. Some of the other best places in Kerala include Cherai Beach, Kollam Beach, Bekal Beach and Marari Beach. These beaches have natural beauty and boast the cultural beauty of the region.
There are a lot of activities to try in Kerala beyond the conventional sightseeing. Houseboat tours across Kerala tourism places are one of the best things to try. Tourists can also visit the spice and tea plantations. Furthermore, you can try wildlife spotting at sanctuaries and wildlife parks. Wellness treatments and Ayurvedic massages are also available for tourists. Different beach activities include sunset watching and trying out various water sports.
Yes, houseboats in Kerala are highly safe and comfortable. The modern houseboats have been designed to fit the needs of tourists visiting Kerala places to see. All the houseboats undergo regular inspection to ensure that they're compliant with the marine regulations. The premium houseboats offer various resort-like amenities for a more luxurious experience. During your Kerala tour, you can choose houseboats as per your needs.
There are multiple options to reach Kerala from all major Indian cities. Air travel is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to travel. You can take direct flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad to Kerala places to visit. Train facilities are also available for easy travel. However, if you're travelling from the North, the duration may be longer. Highways are also well-connected to Kerala. So, you can either take a bus or drive your car for an adventurous road trip. Domestic flights are often a better option to gain quick accessibility. The two major airports of Kerala include Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
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