Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a picturesque state in southern India renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. With its serene backwaters, lush green hills, pristine beaches, and vibrant festivals, Kerala offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
In this blog, we will explore the 10 best places to visit in Kerala, each offering its own distinct charm and attractions. From the serene backwaters of Alleppey to the majestic tea plantations of Munnar, there is something for everyone in this enchanting state. check out our Kerala group tour
Best Places to Visit in Kerala
1. Munnar
Munnar is a hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is known for its lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. Munnar is a popular tourist destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
Key Highlights:
Tea plantations: Munnar is home to some of the most famous tea plantations in India. Visitors can take a guided tour of a tea plantation and learn about the process of tea making.
Top Station: Top Station is the highest point in Munnar, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Mattupetty Lake: Mattupetty Lake is a beautiful natural lake surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake.
Kundala Lake: Kundala Lake is another beautiful lake located in Munnar. Visitors can enjoy boating and picnicking on the lake.
Eravikulam National Park: Eravikulam National Park is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a mountain goat. Visitors can go on a guided trek through the park and spot the Nilgiri tahr and other wildlife.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Munnar. The taxi fare from CIAL to Munnar is approximately Rs. 3,000.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva. From Aluva, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Munnar. The taxi fare from Aluva to Munnar is approximately Rs. 2,500.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Munnar. The bus journey from Kochi to Munnar takes approximately 3 hours.
2. Thekkady
Thekkady is a picturesque hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is known for its lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Thekkady is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Western Ghats and enjoy adventure activities.
Key Highlights:
Periyar National Park: Periyar National Park is the most popular tourist attraction in Thekkady. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and deer. Visitors can go on a jungle safari, boat ride, or trekking tour in the park.
Periyar Lake: Periyar Lake is a beautiful natural lake surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake.
Vandiperiyar: Vandiperiyar is a small town located near Thekkady. It is known for its spice plantations and beautiful waterfalls. Visitors can take a spice plantation tour or visit the waterfalls.
Gavi: Gavi is a remote village located in the Western Ghats. It is known for its pristine forests and waterfalls. Visitors can go on a guided trek to Gavi and enjoy the beauty of the Western Ghats.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Thekkady is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Thekkady. The taxi fare from CIAL to Thekkady is approximately Rs. 3,500.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Thekkady is Kottayam. From Kottayam, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Thekkady. The taxi fare from Kottayam to Thekkady is approximately Rs. 2,500.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Thekkady. The bus journey from Kochi to Thekkady takes approximately 4 hours.
3. Kovalam
Kovalam is a coastal town in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. It is known for its beautiful beaches, Ayurvedic resorts, and backwaters. Kovalam is a popular tourist destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Key Highlights:
Lighthouse Beach: Lighthouse Beach is the most popular beach in Kovalam. It is known for its golden sand, clear blue water, and stunning sunsets.
Samudra Beach: Samudra Beach is another popular beach in Kovalam. It is known for its calm waters and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Hawah Beach: Hawah Beach is a secluded beach in Kovalam. It is known for its rocky coastline and is ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
Ayurvedic Resorts: Kovalam is home to many Ayurvedic resorts, offering a variety of treatments and therapies.
Backwaters: Kovalam is also known for its backwaters, which offer a peaceful and scenic experience. Visitors can enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kovalam is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV). From TRV, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Kovalam. The taxi fare from TRV to Kovalam is approximately Rs. 1,000.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kovalam is Thiruvananthapuram Central. From Thiruvananthapuram Central, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Kovalam. The taxi fare from Thiruvananthapuram Central to Kovalam is approximately Rs. 800.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Kovalam. The bus journey from Kochi to Kovalam takes approximately 5 hours.
4. Alleppey
Alleppey is a coastal town in Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is known for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and beaches. Alleppey is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience the laid-back lifestyle of Kerala and enjoy the beauty of its backwaters.
Key Highlights:
Backwaters: Alleppey is home to the most extensive network of backwaters in Kerala. Visitors can enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters and experience the beauty of the Kerala countryside.
Alleppey Beach: Alleppey Beach is a beautiful beach with golden sand and clear blue water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball on the beach.
Marari Beach: Marari Beach is another beautiful beach located near Alleppey. It is known for its calm waters and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Kuttanad: Kuttanad is a region in Alleppey known for its rice paddies and canals. Visitors can take a boat ride through the rice paddies and experience the rural life of Kerala.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Alleppey is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Alleppey. The taxi fare from CIAL to Alleppey is approximately Rs. 2,000.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Alleppey is Alleppey. From Alleppey railway station, visitors can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach their destination.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Alleppey. The bus journey from Kochi to Alleppey takes approximately 2 hours.
5. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a picturesque village located in Kottayam district of Kerala. It is known for its backwaters, bird sanctuary, and Ayurvedic resorts. Kumarakom is a popular tourist destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
Key Highlights:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction in Kumarakom. The sanctuary is home to a variety of migratory and resident birds. Visitors can take a boat ride through the sanctuary and spot the birds.
Backwaters: Kumarakom is also known for its backwaters, which offer a peaceful and scenic experience. Visitors can enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
Ayurvedic Resorts: Kumarakom is home to many Ayurvedic resorts, offering a variety of treatments and therapies.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Kumarakom. The taxi fare from CIAL to Kumarakom is approximately Rs. 2,500.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is Kottayam. From Kottayam, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Kumarakom. The taxi fare from Kottayam to Kumarakom is approximately Rs. 1,500.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Kumarakom. The bus journey from Kochi to Kumarakom takes approximately 2 hours.
6. Wayanad
Wayanad is a hill district in Kerala known for its lush green forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. Wayanad is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Western Ghats and enjoy adventure activities.
Key Highlights:
Banasura Sagar Dam: Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earth dam in Asia. It is located in Wayanad and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
7. Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station located in Idukki district of Kerala. It is known for its rolling hills, meadows, and forests. Vagamon is a popular tourist destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature.
Key Highlights:
Rolling Hills: Vagamon is known for its rolling hills, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Meadows: Vagamon is home to several meadows, including Thangalpara and Kurisumala. These meadows are ideal for picnicking, trekking, and camping.
Forests: Vagamon is surrounded by lush green forests, which are home to a variety of wildlife. Visitors can go on a guided trek through the forests and spot the wildlife.
Vagamon Lake: Vagamon Lake is a beautiful natural lake surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy boating and fishing on the lake.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Vagamon is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Vagamon. The taxi fare from CIAL to Vagamon is approximately Rs. 3,500.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Vagamon is Kottayam. From Kottayam, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Vagamon. The taxi fare from Kottayam to Vagamon is approximately Rs. 2,500.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Vagamon. The bus journey from Kochi to Vagamon takes approximately 4 hours.
8. Bekal
Bekal is a coastal town in Kasaragod district of Kerala. It is known for its historical fort, beaches, and backwaters. Bekal is a popular tourist destination for those who want to explore the history of Kerala and enjoy the beauty of its coastline.
Key Highlights:
Bekal Fort: Bekal Fort is a 400-year-old fort located on a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is one of the largest forts in Kerala and offers stunning views of the coastline.
Bekal Beach: Bekal Beach is a beautiful beach with golden sand and clear blue water. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball on the beach.
Backwaters: Bekal is also known for its backwaters, which offer a peaceful and scenic experience. Visitors can enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Bekal is Mangalore International Airport (IXE). From IXE, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Bekal. The taxi fare from IXE to Bekal is approximately Rs. 2,500.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Bekal is Kasaragod. From Kasaragod, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Bekal. The taxi fare from Kasaragod to Bekal is approximately Rs. 1,000.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Bekal. The bus journey from Kochi to Bekal takes approximately 8 hours.
9. Athirappilly
Athirappilly is a picturesque waterfall located in Thrissur district of Kerala. It is known for its cascading waters and lush green surroundings. Athirappilly is a popular tourist destination for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience the thrill of adventure.
Key Highlights:
Athirappilly Falls: Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala. It is surrounded by lush green forests and offers stunning views. Visitors can take a bath in the waterfall or enjoy a trek through the surrounding forests.
Vazhachal Falls: Vazhachal Falls is another beautiful waterfall located near Athirappilly. It is known for its cascading waters and is ideal for picnicking.
Chalakudy River: Chalakudy River flows through Athirappilly. Visitors can enjoy rafting and kayaking on the river.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Athirappilly is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Athirappilly. The taxi fare from CIAL to Athirappilly is approximately Rs. 2,500.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Athirappilly is Chalakudy. From Chalakudy, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Athirappilly. The taxi fare from Chalakudy to Athirappilly is approximately Rs. 1,000.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Athirappilly. The bus journey from Kochi to Athirappilly takes approximately 3 hours.
10. Idukki
Idukki is a district in Kerala known for its lush green hills, tea plantations, and wildlife. Idukki is a popular tourist destination for those who want to experience the beauty of the Western Ghats and enjoy adventure activities.
Key Highlights:
Idukki Dam: Idukki Dam is the largest arch dam in Asia. It is located in Idukki district and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Idukki district. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. Visitors can go on a jungle safari or boat ride in the sanctuary.
Tea Plantations: Idukki is home to many tea plantations. Visitors can take a guided tour of a tea plantation and learn about the process of tea making.
Hill Stations: Idukki district is home to several hill stations, including Munnar, Thekkady, and Vagamon. These hill stations offer stunning views of the Western Ghats and are ideal for trekking, camping, and nature walks.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Idukki district is Cochin International Airport (CIAL). From CIAL, visitors can take a taxi or bus to their destination in Idukki district.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Idukki district is Kottayam. From Kottayam, visitors can take a bus or taxi to their destination in Idukki district.
By Bus: There are regular bus services from major cities in Kerala to Idukki district. The bus journey from Kochi to Munnar, the most popular tourist destination in Idukki district, takes approximately 3 hours.
Kerala is a treasure trove of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, exploration, or a spiritual retreat, this southern Indian state has something to offer every traveler.
From the serene backwaters of Alleppey to the majestic tea plantations of Munnar, each destination in Kerala has its own unique charm and attractions. By exploring these top 10 places, you can experience the best of what Kerala has to offer and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
