Top Tourist Destinations & Experiences in Kerala

Kerala, the land of spices, is a popular holiday destination. With lush greenery, serene backwaters, golden sandy beaches, diverse wildlife, ancient temples, and delicious cuisines, it is a tropical heaven in the southernmost state of India. With its abundant natural beauty, the state is called the “God’s Own Country”.  Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Kerala, also called God’s Own Country, is India’s southernmost state, renowned for its backwaters, lush greenery, rich culture, and fascinating history. Replete with numerous attractions and ancient temples, the state offers a diverse range of things to explore and experience. Our Kerala Travel Guide will let you know the top places to visit and things to do in the state. And, if needed, you can get a Kerala tour package customized to your specific needs and choices.

Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala

One of the top holiday destinations in India, Kerala is replete with beautiful places that attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you want to enjoy a beach trip or a cozy honeymoon amidst the misty mountains, the state has something for every type of traveler. From peaceful beaches to cool hill stations, and from wildlife sanctuaries to historic towns, you get a plethora of places to explore and visit during your Kerala tour. Here are the most popular places to visit in Kerala:

Munnar

If you are a mountain person, visit Munnar in Kerala, which is a cool and scenic hill station located in the Western Ghats. With its rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and fresh mountain air, Munnar is a popular honeymoon destination in Kerala, India. You can visit tea factories, walk through beautiful gardens like the Eravikulam National Park, and see the rare Nilgiri Tahr (a mountain goat). Munnar is also a great place for photography and idyllic holidays.

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

It is said that your Kerala tour is incomplete without traversing through backwaters, and Alleppey is the most popular backwater destination in the state. Called the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and relaxing views. You can rent a traditional houseboat for a day or an overnight stay and enjoy Kerala-style meals on board. It’s also a great place to see paddy fields, coconut trees, and migratory birds.

Kochi (Cochin)

Another famous tourist place in Kerala is Kochi, formerly known as Cochin. It is a modern city with a rich history. In Fort Kochi, you’ll see Chinese fishing nets, old churches like St. Francis Church, and colonial-style houses. You can also explore the Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace. Kochi has a strong arts scene with many galleries, cafés, and events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (an art festival).

Thekkady

Visit Thekkady in Kerala if you are a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast. Thekkady is renowned for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers a unique way of exploring wildlife in the region. You can embark on a boat ride on Periyar Lake and observe elephants, wild boars, and a variety of birds. It’s also a great place for spice plantation tours—learn how cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon are grown. Adventurous travelers can enjoy bamboo rafting, jungle trekking, or nature walks.

Wayanad

A peaceful and picturesque district nestled in Kerala, which is famous for its spice plantation, diverse wildlife, and prehistoric Edakkal Caves, is Wayanad. This is a popular tourist place to visit in Kerala.  Apart from Edakkal Caves with ancient rock carvings, you must explore Meenmutty and Soochipara waterfalls, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. This place is perfect for trekking, visiting tribal villages, and staying in eco-resorts or treehouses.

Kovalam

Kovalam is one of the most famous beach destinations in Kerala that everyone must visit. The Lighthouse Beach is the main attraction, with golden sand and clear waters. You can swim, surf, try Ayurvedic massages, or simply enjoy a seafood meal by the sea. Due to its proximity to the capital city of it is one of the popular weekend getaways from Thiruvananthapuram, which has museums and temples worth visiting.

Varkala

Varkala is a unique beach town where cliffs rise right next to the Arabian Sea. The Papanasam Beach is believed to wash away sins, and many people visit the nearby Janardanaswamy Temple. The cliff-top view, yoga centers, and peaceful vibe make Varkala a popular holiday destination for both Indian and international tourists.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a tranquil village on the banks of Vembanad Lake, ideal for backwater cruises and bird watching. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many local and migratory birds, including kingfishers, herons, and Siberian cranes. The area also has luxury resorts and traditional Kerala-style cottages, perfect for an idyllic or relaxing holiday.

Top Things to Do in Kerala

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a beautiful state in southern India known for its green landscapes, peaceful backwaters, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you love nature, history, or festivals, Kerala has something special to offer you. Whether you are on a trip to Kerala with family, partner, or a friend group, here are some top experiences you shouldn’t miss:

Heritage Walk of Fort Kochi

Take a relaxing walk through Fort Kochi, a historic part of Kerala. You’ll see old buildings, churches, and streets that show a mix of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British history. It’s like walking through a storybook of Kerala’s past.

Cruise Across Backwater

The one thing that every traveler must do in Kerala is to cruise across the backwaters. It is said that your trip to Kerala is incomplete without experiencing this enchanting boat ride. So, hop on a boat and float through Kerala’s peaceful backwaters—narrow canals and rivers surrounded by palm trees and villages. It’s a calm and beautiful way to see local life and nature up close.

Experience Snake Boat Race

If you’re in Kerala during the boat race season, don’t miss the exciting snake boat races! These are long, narrow boats rowed by many people at once, racing down the water to the cheers of huge crowds. It’s full of energy and tradition.

Ayurvedic Wellness Experience

Experiencing an Ayurvedic wellness treatment in Kerala is like nowhere else in India. It is the birthplace of Ayurveda. Hence, one should not miss this golden opportunity to receive the authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatment and spas. There are many wellness centres that offer Ayurvedic wellness retreats to experience authentic Ayurvedic treatments for holistic healing. Not only will it rejuvenate your mind, but also your soul. You will eventually make your tour more relaxing and calming by experiencing this.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

Well, the best time to visit Kerala is during the winter season. However, every season shows a distinct hue of the state. The season you pick to travel to Kerala depends on the purpose of your visit. But you would love the state in every season. Here’s what you should know about the best time for a Kerala tour:

Peak Season – August to March: One of the best times to visit Kerala is between August and March, when the weather remains pleasant with temperatures ranging from 18 to 32 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to explore the best attractions, cruise across the backwater, visit tea and spice gardens, and embark on a wildlife safari. However, this is the peak tourist season in the region, which may affect travel costs, so plan wisely.

Moderate Season – June to August: This is the monsoon season in Kerala, when the temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The state experiences heavy rainfall during the season. But it enhances the lush greenery of the region, which transforms the state into a completely different avatar straight out of a postcard. With moderate to fewer crowds, you experience the best holiday in Kerala during the monsoon season.

Off Season – April to May:

The summer months from April to May are not ideal for planning your Kerala tour because of the rising temperatures. The hot and humid weather conditions will not be ideal for exploring the place. However, fewer tourists lead to enjoying a peaceful surrounding as well as lower prices on accommodation and travel.

How to Reach Kerala

Whether you are coming from a neighboring state or far from northern India, knowing how to reach Kerala will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. Kerala is one of the top tourist destinations in India, bordered by the Arabian Sea. With good connectivity, one can reach Kerala by train, flight, and road.

By Road: Kerala is well-connected by road to nearby cities, like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mangalore. Buses from the major states, like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, run daily to different cities in Kerala. You can take private and government buses to reach Kerala. Or, you can also plan to travel by personal vehicle.

By Air: Reaching God’s Own Country by flight is one of the most convenient ways for both domestic and international tourists. Kerala has numerous international airports that make it easier for travelers to travel by air. The three major airports in Kerala are:

• Cochin International Airport (Kochi)
• Trivandrum International Airport (Thiruvananthapuram)
• Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode)

There are direct flights available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad to any of the above-stated airports in Kerala.

By Train: Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, and Kozhikode are the major railway stations that are well-connected to major Indian cities, like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. You can board trains from any of these cities to reach Kerala. Traveling by train is the most convenient and cheapest way to reach God’s Own Country.