10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala: God's Own Country

Nestled in the southern part of India, Kerala offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. If you’re planning a trip, here are the 10 best places to visit in Kerala that you shouldn’t miss.

 

1. Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters and houseboat cruises. The lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and picturesque canals make it a must-visit destination. While in Alleppey, indulge in a traditional Kerala Sadya and explore the Alappuzha Beach for its stunning sunsets.

 

How to reach Alleppey from Kochi?

The most convenient option is to travel by road by hiring a private car, taxi or self-driven car through NH66. The journey by road takes approximately 1.5 hrs. Private and state buses operate between Kochi and Alleppey, they are economical and frequent.

 

For a unique experience, you can even travel through backwaters. Kerela State Water Transport Department offers boat services that connect Kochi to Alleppey. This route covers the scenic beauty of Kerela waterways.                   

Must do Activities in Alleppey:-

  1. Visit the Alleppey and Marari beaches for sunbathing, mesmerizing sunsets and picnics.
  2. Visit local markets for shopping for authentic spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs in the bustling markets.
  3. Explore the Kumarakom bird sanctuary, heaven for bird lovers.

Best time to visit Alleppey

Ideally, October to March is considered the best time to visit Alleppey when the weather is cool and pleasant, while monsoons are perfect for enjoying lush greenery. Summers here are less crowded as the temperatures are soaring.

 

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2. Munnar

Munnar, a hill station in the Western Ghats, is a haven for nature lovers. With rolling tea gardens, misty hills, and pleasant weather, it’s perfect for a peaceful getaway. Visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or enjoy the breathtaking views from Top Station.

How do you reach Munnar from Kochi?

Munnar is approximately 110 kms from Kochi and the ideal as well as comfortable route is to travel by taxi which is readily available in Kochi or opt for hiring self- drive cars for flexibility and enjoy the great sightseeing along the way.

 

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation operates regular buses for to and fro to Munnar. You can take a bus from Kochi’s KSRTC bus station or from Ernakulam or Aluva.

Must do activities in Munnar:

Visit home to the endangered  Nilgiri Tahr, a park offering scenic treks and breathtaking views of the Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India. Explore the lush tea plantations and visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea plantation in the World.

 

Enjoy the peaceful boat ride on Mattupetty Lake, which is surrounded by hills. It is an ideal spot to relax, see wildlife, and enjoy the beauty.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

The ideal time to visit Munnar is from September to March as the weather is cool and pleasant, with clear skies, lush greenery, beautiful sightseeing, and suitable for trekking and multiple outdoor activities in Munnar.

Monsoon Season here is exceptionally beautiful with rejuvenated waterfalls, greener landscapes and misty hills with moderate to heavy rainfall.Munnar is one such place with a perfect retreat to escape the scorching summers in the plains. As the temperature here ranges between 15° C to 25° C., tea plantations are vibrant and less crowded in summer.

3.Kumarakom

Kumarakom is another backwater destination that offers tranquillity and scenic beauty. It’s also a bird lover’s paradise, thanks to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot migratory birds. Enjoy a houseboat stay or simply relax by the Vembanad Lake

How to reach Kumarakom?

Kumarakom is well-connected to major cities in Kerala. Kochi to Kumarakom is about 60 km via NH66. Buses and Taxis operate regularly from nearby cities.

Activities in Kumarakom

The best way to explore Kumarakom is through a tranquil backwater cruise on the Vembanad Lake. You can opt for houseboats, motorboats, or traditional kettuvallams. Enjoy the peaceful ride to observe the lush greenery, local wildlife, and villages.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a paradise for bird lovers, is spread over 14 acres and is home to a wide variety of migratory and resident birds. The sanctuary offers boat rides or walks through the sanctuary to experience diverse wildlife and scenic beauty.

The best time to visit Kumarakom

Winter season (November to February) is considered the best time to visit Kumarakom for an enjoyable experience. Monsoon’s are also considered as the beautiful time to visit apart from winters. Though the heavy rains can make outdoor activities challenging but the landscapes and the lush greenery are at their best.

4.Kochi (Cochin)

Kochi is a vibrant city blending modernity and history. Known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” it boasts attractions like Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, and Mattancherry Palace. Explore the bustling markets and try the local seafood delicacies.

How to reach Kochi?

Cochin International airport (COK) is the main airport, located 25kms from the city. This airport connects Kochi to all the major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai as well as International destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Activities in Kochi

Kochi has access to the famous Kerala backwaters, a network of canals, lakes, and lagoons. You can even opt for a traditional houseboat cruise or explore the nearby islands, such as Munambam or Kumbalanghi.

Fort Kochi is one of the most popular areas in the city. Do not miss the famous Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique sight along the coast. A walk through the narrow lanes of Kochi will give you a taste of its rich history of galleries, cafes, and old buildings.

Best time to visit Kochi

October to March is considered as the best time to visit the Kochi as the temperature ranges from 17° C to 33°C making it comfortable for outdoor activities as well as sightseeing. For all the nature lover’s June to September is the best time to visit as heavy rainfall adds a lush green charm to the city though outdoor activities are hindered during this season. However, it is an ideal time to visit for the serene experience.

5.Thekkady

Go on a boat ride in the Periyar Lake to spot elephants, tigers, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Spice plantations and trekking trails add to Thekkady’s charm.

 

How to reach Thekkady?

To reach Thekkady from Kochi involves a scenic journey passing through lush landscapes of Kerala. The most convenient and comfortable way is through the taxi or self-drive car which takes around 4 – 5 hrs. The buses run by KSRTC and private buses are considered as the cheapest option to travel to Thekkady from Kochi.

The best time to visit Thekkady

The weather during the winter (October to March) here is cool and pleasant and is considered the best time to visit. Kerala’s cultural and traditional festivals and local events take place during this season. Only if you like rain, Monsoon is also a unique time to visit.

 

Activities in Thekkady

Thekkady is the home to renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a mix of adventure, nature, and cultural experience. Thekkady is almost famous for its Spice Plantation tour and with a guided tour you can learn about the different spices and even purchase them to take home. For adventure lovers, trekking in the forests is a great activity. For unique experience you can even try Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake.

6. Wayanad

Wayanad is a lush green paradise known for its waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. The Edakkal Caves and Meenmutty Falls are must-visit attractions. Adventure seekers can enjoy trekking at Chembra Peak, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

 

 

How do you reach Wayanad?

Wayanad has good road connectivity to major cities in Kerala, and from Kochi to Wayanad, it takes 6 -7 hrs by car, which is the most convenient and comfortable way to reach Wayanad. State-run and private buses also operate from Kochi to Wayanad.

Activities in Wayanad

 

Edakkal Caves are famous for their rock carvings, and the trek to these caves is challenging as well as rewarding with panoramic views of hills and valleys. Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake surrounded by lush forests.

 

A peaceful boat ride here on the lake is wonderful, or you can even opt to walk along its scenic trails. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to various wild animals and bird species. Jeep Safari here allows you to explore the sanctuary and its rich flora and fauna closely.

The best time to visit Wayanad

 

Winters (October to May) is the best time to visit Wayanad. During this time, you can visit the area for trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring beautiful waterfalls. Visiting during rains allows one to view the incredibly lush and green Wayanad, but outdoor activities like trekking and wildlife safari are limited due to slippery trails and flooding.

7. Varkala

The Papanasam Beach is believed to have holy waters that wash away sins. Enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, yoga sessions, and traditional Ayurvedic massages in this serene coastal town.

 

How to reach Varkala?

 

One can reach Varkala in 1.5 hours from Trivandrum International Airport, and it is just 3 KM from Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station. If you are on a budget trip, you can also travel by state KSRTC buses, which have a frequency of every one hour from major bus stands near Railway stations and the Airport.

Activities in Varkala

 

Varkala is not only famous for water sports, backwater, Ayurvedic massage, and Varkala beach, but it lush greenery also attracts tourist for trekking, as it has stunning views. Evening you can stroll around Arabian beach for sunset.

 

The best time to visit Varkala

 

The best time to visit Varkala is between the second week of October to mid of March, as the temperature in this season is below 25 degrees, and it offers a pleasant climate throughout.

8. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)

The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is known for its cultural heritage and architectural marvels. Visit the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest temples in the World, and relax at the Kovalam Beach, a short drive away.

 

 

 

How to reach Trivandrum?

Since Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala, reaching here is super ease and convenient and ease for all types of travellers. An international airport located in the heart of the city connects to major part of the city and state. Thiruvananthapuram Central is one of the busiest railway station in Kerala. The main NH 66 highway connects to the major cities like Kochi, Kollam & Kanyakumari.

Activities in Trivandrum

One can easily spend 3 days in Trivandrum by visiting one of the must-visit iconic temples, Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Napier Museum, Zoo, houseboat ride in Poovar, and if you are looking for relaxation, then Kovalam Beach is the right place for the same. You can buy souvenirs and get the ayurvedic Kerala massage on the beach.

The best time to visit Trivandrum

Since Trivandrum is part of Kerala, the best time to visit Trivandrum is between October to March, offering pleasant and comfortable client for the visitor,  Visitor avoid to travel between April to June, as the climate is hot, and humid sometime. Visitor who loves to travel during rainy season, can visit between July & September.

9.Athirappilly Waterfalls

 

Often referred to as the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly Waterfalls is a spectacular natural wonder. The Chalakudy River adds to the scenic beauty of this destination.

 

 How to reach Athirappilly Waterfalls

 

Athirappilly Waterfalls are 40 Km from Cochin International Airport and 30 Km from Chalakudy Railway station. It is not only well connected to the major cities of Kerala but also has good connectivity from Chennai and Tamil Nadu. Based on travel preference, one can reach by State bus or private car.

Why is Athirappilly Waterfalls the must-visit place in Kerala?

 

Athirappilly waterfalls is one of the largest waterfall in Kerala with a height of 80 feet tall, and 330 feet width. One can easily spend around 2 hours at Athirappilly waterfalls by clicking photos, and if you are lucky you may also spot Endangered Lion – Tailed Macaque and the Green Hornbill .

What is the best time to visit Athirappilly Waterfalls?

 

Visiting Athirappilly Waterfalls during the Monsoon between June and September will be the best time to visit, as Chalakudy River flow is really high; visiting between October and February can make your travel more remarkable as the weather is cool, and it would be ideal for photography and could enhance travel experience.

10.Kannur

 

Kannur is a lesser-explored gem in Kerala, known for its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage. Payyambalam Beach and Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach are major attractions. Don’t miss the traditional Theyyam performances, a unique art form of northern Kerala.

 

 

 

How to reach Kannur?

Kannur International Airport, located just 28 KM from the main city of Kannur, offers connectivity for domestic & International Airlines, allowing tourists to visit throughout the World. One can also travel by state bus, Interstate train and private car.

Activities in Kannur

Payyambalam Beach and St. Agnelo Fort are a few of the major tourist attractions of Kannur, which tourists do not wish to skip during their Kannur trip.

What is the best time to visit Kannur?

The weather here is pleasant between October & March, this season allows visitor to plan their visit to Kannur. Rainy season starts from June September, experience heavy rainfall between July & September, witnessing serene experience for all those travellers who loves nature

Why Kerala is a Must-Visit Destination

Kerala’s charm lies in its diversity. From lush tea gardens and serene backwaters to vibrant festivals and delectable cuisine, it offers something for every traveller. Each destination in Kerala provides a unique experience that showcases the state’s natural beauty and cultural richness.

 

Best Time to Visit Kerala

The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. If you’re a monsoon lover, June to August is perfect for enjoying the rains and rejuvenating with Ayurvedic therapies.

 

Travel Tips for Visiting Kerala

  • Carry light and breathable clothes, as Kerala has a tropical climate.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Opt for local transport like auto-rickshaws or buses for a budget-friendly experience.
  • Respect the local traditions and dress modestly, especially at temples.

Kerala is undoubtedly a destination that promises unforgettable memories. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking peace, these 10 best places to visit in Kerala will leave you spellbound. Plan your trip today and experience the magic of God’s Own Country!