11 Best Places to Visit On Your Kerala Holiday You Shouldn’t Miss

Crafted by the hand of Gods, there are many most beautiful places to visit in Kerala on your holiday. Its nickname, God’s Own Country, is well deserved. The entire expanse of Kerala is blessed with beauty, unmissable attractions, and some of the most scenic places to visit. From the lush hill stations on the Western Ghats to scenic shores by the Arabian Sea, from the backwaters to the wildlife sanctuaries, lush tea gardens to roaring waterfalls, soothing Ayurvedic resorts to the bustling festivals, Kerala abounds in beauty and bliss.

Here See the 11 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala with Pictures in holiday time.

• Alleppey
• Munnar
• Kumarakom
• Kochi
• Wayanad
• Vagamon
• Kovalam
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Kozhikode
• Thekkady
• Varkala

1. Alleppey – India’s Own version of Venice

India’s Own Venice, the picturesque town of Alleppey, is known for the unique natural spectacle of backwaters. The emerald landscape can be best enjoyed on a houseboat cruise. Experience a secluded holiday on your houseboat with natural bliss for company. Ayurveda, sightseeing, and adventures add to the pleasure of time spent here. Relax in the rejuvenating ambiance, it is one of the places in Kerala you must not miss on your holiday.

Best Tourist Attractions in Alappuzha

• Alappuzha Beach
• Krishnapuram Palace
• Marari Beach – home to local fishermen and their villages
• Revi Karunakaran Museum
• Marari Beach
• Punnamada Lake
• Pathiramanal Island
• Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha
• The Snake Boat Race in Alleppey is another crowd-puller.

Best time to visit

August to February, enjoys the perfect weather conditions to plan your trip to Kerala. While the second Saturday of August is the occasion of the annual snake boat race competition, also known as Nehru Boat Race.

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Kochi International Airport
Nearest Railway Station– Alleppey Railway Station

[ Enjoy a houseboat cruise in Alleppey  with our best customized holiday packages ]

View More Packages

2. Munnar – Best for one day trip

Munnar is a beautiful hill station, one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Situated at an altitude of 1600 m, on the confluence of Muthirapuzha, Kundala, and Nallathanni Rivers. It is one of the best places for a holiday in Kerala, favored by honeymoon couples from all over the globe. Munnar is voted among the best romantic places in the world. Lush, sprawling tea plantations, aromatic spice plantations, lovely lakes, mountain streams at Agasthyakoodam, rolling hills, etc., make it a wonderful destination.

Best Tourist Attractions in Munnar

• Eravikulam National Park, the exclusive home of Nilgiri Tahr in the lush Western Ghats
• Mattupetty Dam
• Anamudi Peak
• Tea Museum
• Attukal Waterfalls
• Cheeyappara Waterfalls
• Top Station
• Marayoor Dolmens
• Indo-Swiss Dairy Farm
• Kundala Lake
• Lockhart Gap
• Trekking, cycling, mountain biking, mountaineering, etc.

Best time to visit

All throughout the year the charming hills have their own magical bliss throughout the year.

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Kochi International Airport at a distance of 132 km
Nearest Railway Station– Aluva Railway Station, 120 km away.

[ Plan your holiday in Munnar with these customized packages ]

View More Packages

3. Kumarakom – Haven of Backwaters and Birds

Set on the shores of the serene Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a picturesque town. The network of waters, the abode of birds, sleepy villages, and the abundance of heritage resorts offering Ayurveda make it one of the top places to visit in Kerala. Go cruising on the houseboat, enjoy the Ayurvedic treatments, and spot birds in their natural habitat. The tranquil ambiance is perfect for relaxing vacations. Kumarakom is one of the top reasons for holidays in Kerala being favored by travelers and honeymoon couples from around the world.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom

• Kumarakom Beach
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, one of the best bird-watching spots in India
• Vembanad Lake
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum
• Pathiramanal Island is a haven for birds, especially migratory ones.

Best time to visit

August to February offers the best experiences of holiday in Kerala. Monsoon, the months between July and September, is the best time to enjoy Ayurveda sessions.

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Kochi International Airport at a distance of 119 km
Nearest Railway Station– Kottayam Railway Station, 15 km away

Explore places to visit with these best customized Kumarakom holiday packages.

4. Kochi – Gateway to Kerala

The Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin is one of the top places to see in Kerala. The coastal city has a legacy of history that traces back to the first colonialists who landed on the shores. There is so much for travelers to explore beaches, museums, churches, and modern tourist delights. The multi-ethnic heritage of the city is reflected in its tourist sights, food, shopping, and every aspect of the town.

Best Tourist Attraction in Cochin

• Vypeen Island Zone
• Fort Kochi, one of oldest heritage sites in Kerala
• Paradesi Synagogue, ancient place of worship for Jews
• The beautiful stretch of Marine Drive overlooking the Arabian Sea
• Santa Cruz Basilica
• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Mattancherry Palace also known as Dutch Palace
• Kerala Folklore Museum
• Vallarpadam Church
• Museum of Kerala History
• Kerala Kathakali Centre
• Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
• Cochin Port Maritime Heritage Museum
• Bastion Bungalow

Best time to visit

August to February, while the weather is pleasant

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Kochi International Airport, 12 km from the city center.
Nearest Railway Station– Ernakulam Railway Station in the city.

[ Explore the best attractions with these  customized Kochi  tour packages ]

5. Wayanad – Prettiest Place

Nestled amidst the Western Ghats’ lush green hills, Wayanad is one of the popular travel destinations for nature lovers. The district is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, therefore perfect for spending time with nature and indulging in adventures. The emerald beauty of the hills, the mists clouding the roads, thundering waterfalls, and uninhibited wildlife will welcome you to God’s Own Country. Trekking is the lure for adventure enthusiasts, whereas the charming treehouses enchant honeymoon couples.

Best Tourist Attractions in Wayanad

• Wayanad wildlife sanctuary
• Chembra peak, one of the highest peaks in the region
• Heart-shaped lake, enroute the trek to Chembra Peak
• Meenmutty Falls
• Ayurveda Yoga Villa
• Edakkal caves are pre-historic caves that are one of the oldest in the world
• Kuruwadeep, an island on the Kabini River, is also a popular eco-spot
• Banasura Sagar Dam
• Wayanad Heritage Museum
• Kanthapara Waterfalls
• Karapuzha Dam
• Muthanga Wildlife Safari
• Grassroots for a true treehouse stay

Best time to visit

October to May

How to reach

Nearest airport– Kozhikode Airport, 100km
Nearest Railway Station– Kozhikode Railway Station, 110 km.

[ Explore Wayanad tour packages. ]

View More Packages

6. Vagamon – An ideal summer destination in Kerala

Perching at the height of 1200m, Vagamon is another hill station in Kerala that serves as a perfect getaway or vacation destination. It is an ideal place for people looking for peace and solace away from the hustle-bustle of the city. Massive rocky mountains, pine forests, beautifully cascading waterfalls, and a serene environment steer people to visit here. Many people in nearby cities prefer coming to this place during the weekends as it gives them the perfect environment to rejuvenate. While you visit here with family or friends, try practicing meditation.

Best Tourist Attractions in Vagamon

• The breathtaking Vagamon Hill Town.
• Amusing Vagamon Pine Forest.
• Kurisumala.
• The popular Meenachil River.
• Elaveezha Poonchira.
• Pattumalai Church.
• Illikal Peak.
• Maramala Waterfall.
• The spiritual land of Thangal Para.
• The meadows of Barren Hills.
• Vagamon Lake.
• Idukki Dam.
• Pattumalai Church.
• Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The peaceful Kurisumala.

Best time to visit

Though people visit Vagamon throughout the year, it is better to avoid the monsoons. During the rainy season, commuting inside the town becomes a bit difficult. Therefore, preferably a person can visit here during summer (March to May) or winter (December to February).

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Cochin Airport (75 km) (approx.)
Nearest Railway Station – Kuttikanam (22 km) (approx.)

7. Kovalam – Sand, Surf, and Sea

Kovalam is one of India’s most beautiful, fun, and relaxing beach destinations. One of the best places to visit in Kerala, Kovalam is home to several luxury accommodations and many Ayurveda massage centers. Spend time walking along the sandy shores, indulge in watersports, get a luxurious massage, and relish delicious seafood. The beach’s serene ambiance is perfect for a long, relaxed day. The pleasant weather adds more charm to this little piece of paradise. The beach lures families, honeymoon couples, and even solo backpackers seeking to enjoy the sand, sea, and surf.

Tourist Attractions at Kovalam Beach

• Lighthouse beach with the ancient lighthouse
• Hawah beach
• Samudra Beach
• Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort
• Karamani River
• Vellayani Lake
• Halcyon Castle
• Valiyathura Pier
• Vizhinjam Village
• Surya Samudra Kovalam is one of the popular resorts to indulge in Ayurveda treatments.

Best time to visit

August to February

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Trivandrum International Airport, 25 km away.
Nearest Railway Station– Trivandrum Railway Station, almost at a distance of 25 km.

[ Plan your beach holiday in Kovalam with these well-planned holiday packages ]

8. Thiruvananthapuram – City Of Lord Padmanabhaswamy

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Built on seven hills, the pleasant city offers interesting sights worth a look at. It is a historical as well as the cultural hub of the state in addition to being a modern metropolis. The city has many tourist attractions, including temples, gardens, palaces, museums, beaches, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, and many more.

Best Tourist Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram

• The golden Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the revered temple of the city after which it gets its name
• The historic wooden Puthe Maliga Palace
• The Napier Museum
• Natural History Museum and art gallery
• Pray at the holy Attukal Temple
• Kowdiar Palace
• Vellayani Lake
• Palkulangara Devi Temple
• Veli Lake and Tourist Village
• Beach and Lake Ayurvedic Resort to bask in the bliss of authentic Ayurveda treatments.

Best time to visit

September to March is the best time to plan a visit.

How to reach

Nearest Airport – Trivandrum International Airport, 11 km from the city center
Nearest Railway Station – Trivandrum Railway Station in the city with frequent connections all over India.

[ Explore attractions with our customized Trivandrum tour packages ]

9. Kozhikode – Charming Beauty with Ancient Legacy

Originally known as Calicut, Kozhikode is famous for its inherent natural beauty, culture, historical sites, educational institutions, and culinary experiences. The town played a very important role in shaping the colonial era of India. The Dutch and the British colonial era have left a strong influence on the city. Named among the best places to visit in Kerala, Kozhikode is known for its authentic Malabar food. The cuisines are mouthwatering and must be given a try. Kozhikode has everything that one requires to make it a perfect holiday.

Best Tourist Attractions in Kozhikode

• Mananchira
• Conolly Canal
• Hilite Mall
• Kallayi, Tali Temple
• Kappad Beach
• Kozhikode Beach
• Thusharagiri Waterfalls
• Sargaalaya
• Payyoli Beach
• Kozhippara Falls
• Matri Dei Cathedral

Best time to visit

August to February is a good time to plan your trip.

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Kozhikode International Airport in the city.
Nearest Railway Station– The city is connected with frequent connections at Kozhikode Railway Station.

[ Plan your holiday in Kozhikode with these customized tour  packages ]

10. Thekkady – Land of the Wild and Spices

Set amid picturesque natural beauty, Thekkady in the Western Ghats of Kerala is known for the hub of wildlife adventure. The Periyar National Park in the area is a major tourist destination for wildlife lovers. Set in the captivating locales of Thekkady, nature has blessed the lands with abundant flora, fauna, and adventure. The Periyar Lake set in the national park is particularly of interest. Wildlife safaris on boats are only available here. Spot Elephants, Tigers, rare species of birds, and other animals unique in the Western Ghats.

Best Tourist Attractions in Thekkady

• Wildlife safari on the top of elephants as well as on jeep
• A boat safari on the Periyar Lake aboard a bamboo raft
• Jungle patrolling and nature walks
• Visit spice plantations of Thekkady,
• Stay at homestays and eco-friendly resorts.

Best time to visit

Throughout the year, the weather conditions are perfect for visiting this part of Kerala. Even wildlife safari does not close for the monsoon, which becomes even more special after rain.

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Kochi International Airport, 160 km away.
Nearest Railway Station– Kottayam Railway Station at a distance of 114 km.

[ Enjoy wildlife safari with these customized Thekkady holiday packages ]

Also Read: Where to go for Jungle Safari in India

11. Varkala – Quaint Hamlet by the Sea

When it comes to the unrivaled bliss of Kerala, it’s not fair not to talk about Varkala, one of India’s best beach destinations. Set along the shores of the Arabian Sea, the beauty takes your breath away. The serenity of the beach is noteworthy. Lush palm groves and playful waves line soft sands. Varkala is quite away from the crowds and is one of the serene locales. Get an Ayurvedic massage at one of the beach centers, and you will be revitalized.

Tourist Attractions at Varkala Beach

• A hot spring with medicinal properties
• Papanasam beach
• Janardhana Swamy Temple
• Seafood restaurants
• Ayurvedic beach centers
• Sivagiri Mutt
• Anchengo Fort & Lighthouse

Best time to visit

October to February, while monsoon is the perfect time to stay at one of the Ayurvedic resorts in India.

How to reach

Nearest Airport– Trivandrum International Airport, 44 km away.
Nearest Railway Station– Varkala Railway Station in the city. Also close by is Kollam railway station.

[ Browse with our best customized Varkala tour packages ]

Kerala is located on the Malabar Coast of Southern India and offers relatively comfortable weather throughout the year, varying from coasts to hill stations. But the best time to visit Kerala is during the winter (October to March) when the temperature ranges from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius. During summer (March to May), you can explore the majestic hill stations of Kerala, and during monsoon season (June to August), you can enjoy Ayurvedic treatments.

Now you can plan your trip with our well-planned Kerala holiday Packages and make your vacation more enjoyable.

View More Packages

Related Post:

15 Awesome Winter Holiday Destinations in India
10 Amazing Things To Do In Goa This Year

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save