9 Incredible Places to Visit in Kerala

There are so many amazing places to visit in Kerala and it’s one of the top destinations for people traveling in India! Explore the famous Kerala backwaters, scenic hill stations and wildlife reserves while you enjoy delicious food and the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Kerala is a beautiful state on the southeast coast of India. It’s situated along the Arabian Sea and is most famous for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Kerala is also known for its culture and colonial history.

With such a diverse state, there are many amazing places to visit in Kerala that offer different experiences. Most famously, the Kerala backwaters are vast waterways that line the coast. There are beautiful hill stations inland and several nature reserves that draw visitors as well. Smaller cities across Kerala also offer insight into the rich culture in the state.

I traveled to Kerala for the first time just 3 months after I moved to India. I’d heard great things about it and it was one of my favorite places to travel! I have gone back several times in the past 7 years and each experience has been unique and memorable. 

Kerala is a welcoming destination and people will make you feel at home. There’s so many things to do in Kerala and it’s one of those places that will make you fall in love with India!

This post is all about the best places to visit in Kerala.

What Makes Kerala a Top Destination in India

Kerala is one of the most popular places to travel in India for many reasons! It’s most famous for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich culture.

The Kerala backwaters line the coast and are incredible waterways that give travelers an insight into the vast biodiversity and rural life of Kerala. Most people explore the backwaters on “kettuvalams” which are traditional boats updated for modern comforts.

Kerala is also famous for traditional art forms like Kathakali dance and extensive tea plantations that line the hilly regions inland. The food is also AMAZING and known by people all over India, especially the seafood dishes.

Overall, Kerala is a beautiful place when it comes to the natural landscape and its rich culture gives travelers a unique and memorable experience. It’s a really safe state to travel around and the people are extremely kind and welcoming.

Best Time to Travel to Kerala

Kerala has some of the best weather in all of India! It doesn’t get too cold and it also doesn’t get unbearably hot at any point throughout the year. While it slightly changes throughout the seasons, the average temperature is around 80 F (28 C).

The peak time to travel to Kerala is in the winter months from December to February because the weather is relatively cool and there’s no rain. It’s the ideal weather for sightseeing, backwater cruise and exploring the hill stations inland. 

Kerala has two monsoons which bring rain. The heaviest monsoon comes between June to September which can sometimes make outdoor activities difficult. The second monsoon is between October to November which still brings some rain but it’s much less intense.

The later monsoon season and winter are great times to visit because they make nature vibrant and lush. Since much of Kerala is famous for its natural beauty, the rain rejuvenates the land and leads to vibrant landscapes.

Summer is considered from March to May and is the hottest time of the year for Kerala. Just be prepared for the warm weather if you travel during these months.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

#1 Kochi

Kochi is a vibrant little city on the eastern coast and is one of the most popular destinations in Kerala. It’s got a rich history with Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Enjoy walking around the narrow streets with colonial-style buildings that give it a unique charm!

Some of the main attractions in Kochi include For Kochi and the Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) where you can learn about its colonial past. There are also super cute shops where you can find all sorts of handicrafts, antiques, clothes, and so much more! I’m not a big shopper, but it was a beautiful place to walk around and explore.

Like many places in Kerala, you’ll find AMAZING food! There is also a rich culture and it’s a great place to watch a performance of traditional dances like Kathakali and Theyyam. You can also find boat rides to explore the Kerala backwaters.

#2 Alleppey

Alleppey (or Alappuzha) is a stunning town that’s famous for its backwaters. The Kerala backwaters are one of the most famous attractions in the state. It’s an unbelievably huge network of canals, rivers and lagoons that line the coast.

Alleppey is the perfect destination for travelers wanting to explore nature and enjoy stunning views of the waterways and rural life. They offer many types of different trips on houseboats from day tours to overnight cruises and you’ll get to immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes.

There are also beautiful beaches to relax at and Punnamada Lake which is a popular attraction. If you’re interested in a more serene experience where you connect with the natural environment, Alleppey is a great place to travel.

#3 Munnar

Munnar is a beautiful hill station that’s famous for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. It’s inland of Kerala and nestled among the highlands which make for beautiful views. There’s a lot of options for trekking, wildlife spotting and exploring the unique biodiversity of the region.

The hills around Munnar are also full of lush green tea plantations. You can visit a tea estate for a tour to learn about the intricate process of tea production. Of course, you have to enjoy a cup of chai too!

Munnar is a small town and is the perfect place to get away from the hustle of cities and just relax. It’s ideal for nature enthusiasts and travelers wanting to rejuvenate with picturesque views of the surrounding nature.

#4 Kovalam

Kovalam lines the Arabian Sea in Kerala and is a famous beach destination with a coastal charm. It has beautiful beaches and water sports for travelers to enjoy and relax.

There are three main beaches in Kovalam. Lighthouse Beach gets its name from the huge lighthouse that you can climb up for panoramic views of the city. Hawa Beach is a more lively beach with water activities. Lastly, Samudra Beach has a quieter and serene atmosphere which is the perfect place to relax.

You can enjoy cafes and shops on the beaches and you have to try the seafood! There’s swimming, surfing, parasailing and soaking in the sun. It’s the best destination in Kerala for travelers seeking a beachy vacation!

#5 Wayanad

Wayanad is a famous getaway destination for nature lovers. It’s a hill station surrounded by lush greenery and tea and coffee plantations. Wayanad also has many activities for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the key attractions which is India’s largest earth dam and a beautiful sight. Travelers can also explore the ancient Edakkal Caves and enjoy waterfalls like Soochipara Falls. There’s a ton of stunning opportunities for trekking and exploring the nature that Kerala is so well-known for.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of animals including Asiatic elephants and tigers as well as many types of birds and plants. It’s a really remarkable sanctuary and a beautiful place to enjoy the protected natural environment.

#6 Varkala

Varkala is another famous beach destination but with a more spiritual ambience. What makes Varkala so beautiful and unique are the stunning red rock cliffs that line the Arabian Sea. There are also beaches below for travelers to relax and enjoy the views.

One of the most popular attractions in Varkala is the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the major Hindu gods. The temple is on top of the cliffs and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline.

Varkala Beach, or Papanasam Beach, also holds spiritual significance for Hindus. Some people believe that taking a dip in the water here will cleanse your soul. Even if you don’t believe in this, it’s still a beautiful place to swim and appreciate the sea!

#7 Thekkady

Thekkady is the perfect destination in Kerala for wildlife lovers. It’s famous for Periyar National Park, spice plantations and scenic landscapes. It’s a small and quiet town inland of Kerala which is a great place to getaway and connect with nature.

Periyar National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala. It’s home to rich biodiversity and of course, wild animals. Enjoy a safari to explore the park and look out for wildlife! It’s particularly known for its elephants and tigers.

Thekkady is a small town that also has places for trekking. You can tour a nearby spice plantation to learn about traditional foods and enjoy a delicious meal too! 

#8 Palakkad

Palakkad is one of the lesser-known places to visit in Kerala but I would highly recommend it! It has a mix of history, culture and natural beauty for travelers to enjoy. Palakkad is a relatively bigger city inland of Kerala, so it still has some city vibes yet surrounded by stunning landscapes.

One of the most popular destinations is the Palakkad Fort. It’s well-preserved and showcases its colonial past with Dutch architecture. You can also explore the Malampuzha Dam which is surrounded by gardens and is a scenic place to hang out.

Silent Valley National Park and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve are also nearby and make for great day trips to explore outside the city. You can take a safari to enjoy the wildlife and rich biodiversity of Kerala!

#9 Kannur

Kannur is a beautiful coastal town in northern Kerala that’s famous for its beaches and rich cultural heritage. While it’s also lesser-known than other destinations, it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Kerala for an offbeat vacation.

There are several popular beaches to relax and enjoy, like Payyambalam Beach and Thottada Beach. There’s also an old Portuguese fort from the 16th century, St. Angelo Fort, which is a prominent historical landmark. The fort also offers beautiful views overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Kannur is also famous for its ancient ritual art form called Theyyam which is like a dance and performance that is quite unique. They are also known for their handloom industry and are home to traditional Kerala sarees known as Kannur handloom sarees. You can also visit the Arakkal Museum to learn about the Arakkal family and cultural heritage of the region.

This post was all about the best places to visit in Kerala.