There are so many places to visit in Kerala that even a week’s trip is not enough. It is such a beautiful and charismatic land that it is known as God’s own country. Kerala is one such state in India that is a blend of natural beauty and magic. Known as the “Spice Capital of India” Kerala has been the central destination for honeymoons and tourism.
Be prepared to be enchanted by the backwaters in Alleppey, wildlife and museums in Wayanad. The eco-village of Idukki, Valara waterfalls, and the classic Kochi. The magic of Kerala never vanishes, though it takes your breath away. The enthralling glimpse of the wildlife in India and the beautiful tea plantations make you want to stay here forever. Apart from villages and cities with natural beauty and plantations, there are a plethora of tourist places to visit in Kerala.
Once you are here, there is no going back. Be sure to visit the famous Thrissur Zoo and witness the fauna of Kerala, along with visiting the rich Wayanad Heritage Museum, Blossom Park, shop at the Triveni Floating Market and spend some quality time at the Lockhart Gap ViewPoint.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA
1. Wayanad – The Land Of Heavenly Trails
Wayanad means the land of paddy fields in Malayalam. Wayanad is one of the greenest tourist places in Kerala. Enriched with godly beauty, serene atmosphere and rich culture, Wayanad tourism is a perfect mix of nature and man-made heritage. After all, the place is famous for its richness in cultures, traditions, and tribal heritage. Small, unnamed waterfalls, that line the city haphazardly, add to the place’s charm. Being home to some of the most lush green vegetation, Wayanad is one of the most refreshing forest places to visit in Kerala.
2. Thekkady – For The Love Of Wildlife
Thekkady is simply heaven hidden in thick forests and wild vegetation and this is exactly what it makes one of the best forest tourist places in Kerala. You get to see the nearly extinct species of animals including tigers, sambars, gaurs, and lion-tailed macaques. Also, there are elephants, lions, deer’s, bison, boars, and the Great Indian tigers. Probably, the most favored among Kerala’s tourist places, Thekkady boasts of abundant beauty and exotic wildlife. Its trekking path from Moozhiyar to Thekkady Gavi is one of the most popular trails in South India. Boating and wildlife observation are two of the favorite pastimes in Thekkady.
3. Vagamon – Solitude Guaranteed
There is an enchanting hill station called Vagamon which is hidden from all the hoopla and surprisingly is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Adorned with magical meadows, mystical gardens, beautiful dales, aromatic tea plantations, and misty valleys, Vagamon hills has surely earned its place among the best tourist places in Kerala. The fresh air and perfectly manicured gardens of Vagamon are a breath of fresh air.
4. Bekal – Nothing Less Than Heaven On Earth!
Bekal is especially known for its famous Bekal Fort, which is rated among the best places to visit in Kerala. Many Indian movies, like Rang De Basanti, are filmed in the fort premises. The sea breeze passing through your hair, the pleasant weather and good company are key ingredients to have a good time in Bekal. Owing to exotic beauty and serenity, Bekal is among the top three honeymoon places in South India.
5. Varkala – One Of Kerala’s Most Scenic Seasides
Varkala is one of the best places in Kerala seaside. The enticing coastline with cliffs on one side and lush greenery on the other attracts thousands of tourists and water-adventure enthusiasts to the beach. It is popular for activities like boat riding, surfing, parasailing, jetting, horse-riding are the life of the beach. The unmatched beauty of the beach is at its prime during sunsets. The hues of colourful rays make for a surreal atmosphere. Add a dash of luxury by choosing from the most exotic beach resorts in around Varkala and you are set.
Varkala is also an important religious place in Hindu culture. Adorned with many Hindu temples, it welcomes many religious travelers and heritage lovers to its seams with open arms. With so much packed in a single city, Varkala is certainly fit to be among the best places to visit in Kerala.
6. Kuttanad – Rice Bowl Of Kerala
Located in the Alappuzha region, Kuttanad is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala to see and experience the rural landscape with charming villages, backwater, rivers and agricultural lands. Moreover, Kuttanad is the perfect place to see the globally famous traditional Heritage Agricultural System of Kerala with farmland bordered by canals and inland waterways.
7. Thrissur – Experience Rich Cultural Heritage
One of the best among all the other Kerala trip places, Thrissur boasts of its rich cultural extravaganza along with scenic splendor like picturesque waterfalls and beaches. Famous for Thrissur Pooram and Onam celebrations, this small quaint town of Kerala is fittingly acknowledged as the ‘cultural capital of Kerala.
8. Palakkad – A Nature’s Delight
Just like a beautiful picture postcard, Palakkad features the most awesome weather, picturesque mountains, sparkling lakes, beautiful dams, lush green forests and majestic temples and forts. This lush greenery makes it another one of the most rejuvenating forest tourist places in Kerala. With vast sprawling paddy estates and tea plantations, Palakkad, one of Kerala’s famous places is aptly known as the ‘granary of Kerala.
9. Malappuram – Vedic Learning And Islamic Philosophy Centre
One of the most offbeat yet best places to see in Kerala is Malappuram. Locally translated as ‘land atop hills’ this place is famous for expansive teak plantations and houses many heritage temples, mosques and historic monuments.
10. Ponmudi – The Golden Peak
If you’re a mountain-child and wish to lose yourself amidst lush mist-laden hills, then Ponmudi hills is the place for you. This is one of Kerala’s famous places also for the hikers and trekkers. since there is so much to explore! With many narrow winding roads, the landscape of Poovar looks surreal. The tea gardens spanning all around add charm to its beauty.
11. Ashtamudi – Impeccable Beauty
Ashtamudi is one of the quaint and best places to visit in Kerala in Kollam attracting visitors from far across the globe because of its impeccable beauty. Visitors usually come here to enjoy the scenic beauty and soak themselves in the soothing ambiance of God’s Own Country. The pictorial city has many popular tourist attractions you can witness like cashew processing, traditional fishing, gorgeous Ashtamudi lake and a lot more.
Places To Stay: The Raviz Ashtamudi, Club Mahindra Ashtamudi, Ashtamudi Villas
Popular Tourist Attractions: Thevally Palace, Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard, Ashtamudi Lake and Monroe Island
12. Marari – Gorgeous Beach Location
Marai beach in the Alleppey district of Kerala is a paradise for beach lovers. It is one of the most gorgeous beaches in the country and is also rated among the top five ‘Hammock Beaches’ by National Geographic. One can enjoy various beach activities, sun basking or simply chill in peace for sometime. The beautiful white sand beach is also famous for its gorgeous sunset view.
13. Cochin – Major Port City
Cochin is a major port city in God’s own country. Fondly called the Queen of the Arabian Sea, this is one of the best places to visit in Kerala that has forever been on every traveler’s bucket list. It is a perfect blend of local flavors and modern ideas, to offer the best to its visitors. The backwaters, beaches, traditional spice markets which are a short drive from Cochin have made their way to list of things to see and experience in Cochin.
14. Thiruvananthapuram – Economic Capital Of Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of God’s own country and also one of the popular Kerala tourist places. This largest city in the state has many tourist spots, exotic beaches and much more. It is also one of the finest cities to live in India and hence it is also rightly called the Economic Capital of Kerala. With so many places to visit, it attracts tourists from all walks of life.
15. Kollam – Treasure Trove Of Natural Marvels
Often tagged as one of the best places to visit in Kerala, Kollam has proven to be an ideal destination for those who are seeking to escape the city chaos and embrace the tranquility oozing out of natural wonders. Kollam is often referred as the gateway to the backwaters and it exhibits some of the most picturesque views that takes away the breath of spectators.
Snuggled on the shores of the Ashtamudi Lake, this destination is known for its rich and deeply-rooted history. This town reeks of the old-world charm and is home to numerous ports in the Arabian Sea that were once of significance to merchants, explorers, and missionaries.
16. Thalassery – The Most Beautiful Coastal Town
Exhibiting deeply rooted history and rich culture that dates back to the time of British era, Thalassery often named as Tellicherry, is a coastal town that is one of its kind. Hiding impeccable experiences in its lap, Thalassery is a destination that offers a perfect amalgamation of the glorious past and the present time natural marvels sitting in the arms of Kerala.
Giving travelers a chance to witness the charm of timeless ruins, Thalassery attracts history buffs and nature admirers from the entire country. Apart from being home to several thousand picturesque landscapes, this town is also famed for numerous bakeries that offer lip-smacking delicacies in every nook and cranny.
17. Nilambur – The Land Of Teak Plantations
Showcasing unspoiled nature, Nilambur is one of the best places to visit in Kerala that transfers travelers back to the time of colonial rule in the country. Blanketing an exquisite blend of culture and art, Nilambur is quaint, little town snuggled on the shores of the Chaliyar River and is often tagged as the ‘Land of Teak Plantations’.
This destination offers awe-inspiring views of the well-groomed nature that houses exotic wilderness. For those who are seeking to get an insight into the royal history should surely consider traveling to Nilambur. There is an extensive number of woods that cover the floors of Nilambur including Venteak, mahogany, and rosewood. Massive Royal mansions, ancient tribal communities, extravagant rainforests, and the enchanting waterfalls define this destination.
18. Kalpetta – That Quaint, Little Town
Another one of the Kerala tourist places that offers a perfect escape to the lap of mother nature is Kalpetta. This quaint town boasts about mighty forest-clad hills that are spread as far as the eye can see, the lush and dense vegetation, refreshing aura, and the charming scenic views. Sitting in Wayanad, Kalpetta reeks of the fragrance of coffee as soon as a traveler steps into this town. One can also witness some of the most impeccable ancient Jain temples covering the floors of this destination, which is nothing less than a cherry on top
19. Mannarkkad – Doorway To Silent Valley
Lying in God’s Own Country, Mannarkkad is one of those Kerala visiting places that attracts those travelers who are seeking to get closer to nature and wildlife. Blessed tremendously with mother nature, this destination is home to an extensive number of tribal settlements.
Sitting in the capital city of Kerala, Mannarkkad is one town that looks straight out of a fairytale with enchanting rivers flowing through the forest-clad valley, making it a picturesque spot. Snuggling on the foothills of the Western Ghats, Mannarkkad is a town that is one of the largest agricultural markets in Kerala, welling various plantation products including cinnamon, rubber, pepper, and plantain.
20. Thenmala – The Planned Ecotourism Land
Nestled amidst the lush green vegetation of the Western Ghats, Thenmala is one of the places to see in Kerala that has earned itself a position on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Covering the floors of Kollam in God’s Own Country, Thenmala blankets an extensive number of fragrant tea and beautiful rubber plantations and stands on top of our list of best places for a day trip in Kerala.
Translating to ‘Honey Hill’ in English, Thenmala is one of the highest suppliers of medicinal honey throughout this region. Apart from being a favorite amidst nature lovers, this destination also has plenty to offer for adventure enthusiasts including trekking trails, rock climbing hills, mountain biking, and much more.
