Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is a haven for tourists with its calm beaches, natural forests, and peaceful backwaters. The territory is situated in the southern part of India on the Malabar coast and would be a perfect place for newlyweds, enthusiasts of wildlife, and those seeking those seeking quietness. This lovely region has many beautiful places that guarantee superb holidays.
Below is a detailed guide to the top 10 Kerala tourist attractions, which are very captivating due to their individual uniqueness and beauty.
10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey is called the “Venice of the East” because of its scenic backwaters, houseboats, and peaceful canals. A boat trip in a traditional Kerala houseboat is an experience that cannot be forgotten; it gives a glimpse into the lifestyle and scenic beauty of Kerala’s backwater.
Main Attractions:
- Houseboat Cruises: When you think about Alleppey, what comes to mind? Houseboats! These floating marvels are equipped with all modern amenities, enabling you to live in luxury while experiencing the tranquilly of the backwaters. The houseboats serve as a platform for exploring the interconnecting lakes, rivers, and canals while enjoying traditional Kerala cuisine made on board.
- Alleppey Beach: This beautiful beach is perfect for taking time to relax. Of course, there will always be plenty of options. The 137-year-old pier extending into the sea is a major attraction, offering stunning views and nostalgic charm.
- Vembanad Lake: Vembanad Lake, the largest lake in Kerala State, is an abode for bird watchers and nature lovers. During a ride on a lake, one gets serenity with many bird species around on the sides as they enjoy the silent atmosphere around them.
- Punnamada Lake: Every year during the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, this place becomes alive with snake boat racing at Punnamada Lake, which is an incredible show not only attracting tourists from all over the world but also local people themselves too.
2. Cochin (Kochi)
Cochin, which is the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is a lively city with deep cultural roots and historical importance. The city is a mix of old and new, with ancient forts, churches, and contemporary urban attractions.
Main Attractions:
- Fort Kochi: The colonial architecture here, narrow streets, and vibrant street art make it an interesting place to visit. Another interesting feature on this part of the coast are the Chinese fishing nets that represent its unique heritage.
- Mattancherry Palace: It also has murals depicting Ramayana scenes and other religious stories, making it more beautiful. This palace speaks volumes about its society’s past history by showing different cultural backgrounds combining together.
- Jewish Synagogue: It is one of the oldest synagogues in the commonwealth of nations, located in Jew Town. The amazing Belgian chandeliers, hand-painted tiles from China, and antique brass columns add beauty to it.
- Marine Drive: Marine Drive is a beautiful walkway along the backwaters where you can go for an evening stroll with a fantastic view of the sunset and city life.
3. Munnar
Munnar, a captivating hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, is famous for its green and verdant tea gardens, hills that roll, and moderate weather. It’s a naturalist’s paradise as well as a thrill-seeker’s heaven.
Main Attractions:
- Gardens of teas: Munnar is acknowledged for its immense tracts of tea estates. Tourists can be guided around the tea-making process, have some fresh tea, and feel the breath-taking views.
- Eravikulam National Park: This park has stunning views of the Anamudi Peak, which is the highest peak in South India, where one can see Nilgiri Tahr, an endangered animal. The rolling slopes covered by grass and Shola forests make it an ideal location for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Mattupetty Dam: A favourite picnic place, Mattupetty Dam offers boating facilities and beautiful perspectives of the encircling mountains and valleys.
- Echo Point: From what it sounds like, this place is massively known for its natural echo occurrences. For everyone who will visit this place, all you have to do is shout out loud and hear your resounding voice from up to down—such lovely moments!
4. Kovalam
Kovalam is a well-known beach destination situated only 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. It is popular for the sweeping curves of its beaches, which are palm-fringed and resort-lined.
Main Attractions:
- Lighthouse Beach: The most famous beach in Kovalam, Lighthouse Beach takes its name from Vizhinjam Lighthouse, located on a rocky promontory. From the top of the lighthouse, one can catch views of the Arabian Sea and other connected coastlines.
- Hawah Beach, also known as Eve’s Beach, is recognised for its calmness and local markets. This is a wonderful place to relax yourself, swim, or join in a bustling seaside culture.
- Samudra Beach: Compared with other beaches, Samudra is a deserted one, which makes it ideal for those who cherish their peace of mind. With waves bursting on the shoreline and a peaceful environment, you would find it perfect to unwind here.
- Kovalam Art Gallery: In this gallery, both modern and traditional works of art are represented, giving an insight into what Kerala aspires to be.
5. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a village on the banks of Vembanad Lake that is characterised by tranquilly and known for its backwater tourism and bird sanctuary, making it an ideal place for people who want peace and natural beauty.
Main Attractions:
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: This 14-acre bird sanctuary is a must-see for bird enthusiasts. The migratory birds include Siberian cranes, kingfishers, and egrets.
- Vembanad Lake: Vembanad Lake is the biggest lake in the state; it’s good for houseboat cruises and bird watching. Serene backwaters surrounded by many plants make it a perfect location to relax.
- Pathiramanal Island: Pathiramanal is a small island situated in the Vembanad Lake that can be reached by boat. It’s peaceful, with birds richly scattered all over the place; you can never find any other better place to go when you need peace of mind.
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum: It has a unique collection of driftwood sculptures that provide an amazing perspective on nature’s own artistry and creativity.
6. Palakkad
The lush greenery, dense forests, and historical importance make Palakkad, or Palghat, famous. It is sometimes called the “Granary of Kerala” because of its fertile land.
Main Attractions:
- Palakkad Fort: This fort was constructed in the 18th century by Hyder Ali, hence making it a major landmark in history. Its well-preserved architecture and serene environment make it a must-visit place.
- Malampuzha Dam: Malampuzha Dam is a favourite picnic spot with beautiful gardens around it as well as nice boating places. From the ropeway, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vicinity.
- Nelliyampathy Hills: Nelliyampathy Hills are perfect for trekking and nature walking due to coffee plantations, tea estates, and breathtaking lookouts.
- Silent Valley National Park: This national park is home to rich flora and fauna, besides functioning as a biodiversity hotspot. For those who like nature watching and photography, this is an ideal place to be.
7. Thekkady
Dense forests, wildlife, and spice plantations are what Thekkady is famous for. It is a place that wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers would love to visit.
Main Attractions:
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Periyar, one of India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries, boasts diverse species ranging from elephants to tigers to various bird kinds. By going on a boating tour around the lake, visitors can observe the animals living within their natural environments.
- Periyar Lake: Ringed with verdant woods, Periyar Lake is perfect for boat riding while watching animals along the sides. This makes it an appropriate place for relaxation because of its tranquil atmosphere and lovely surroundings.
- Spice Plantations: Guided tours can be conducted in this area, where visitors will learn how spices such as pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon are grown in Thekkady’s spice farms.
- Murikkady: Among other reasons, Murikkady is famous for its picturesque landscapes and spice gardens, which offer a refreshing experience in the lap of nature.
8. Wayanad
The gorgeous environment, comprising fauna, flora, and spice plantations, has given Wayanad the name of a beautiful hill station. The place is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, wildlife safaris, and exploring caves.
Main Attractions:
- Edakkal Caves: These ancient caves hold prehistoric rock carvings from the Neolithic age. An enthralling trek leads to these caves, which open to offer breathtaking views of the hills around.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: It has elephants, leopards, and various birds, among others, making it a great place for lovers of animals.
- Chembra Peak: Chembra is one of the most preferred places by tourists who would love mountain climbing in Wayanad. On your way up to this peak, you will see mind-blowing landscapes with a heart-shaped lake enclosed in them.
- Banasura Sagar Dam: This dam is made of soil, which makes it the biggest in India, thus attracting people who go there for picnics. Boating activities are also conducted here. The surroundings are richly covered by forest, resulting in an awesome view.
9. Kottayam
Kottayam is an extremely attractive backwater destination, primarily known for its beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and rich culture. It is often referred to as the “Land of Lakes, Letters, and Latex” because of its many lakes, high literacy rate, and rubber plantations.
Main Attractions:
- Vembanad Lake: This spot makes a good place for houseboat rides and bird watching. Vembanad Lake is calm and beautiful.
- Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple: This ancient temple has stunning paintings and traditional Kerala architecture.
- Mannanam is a historic village popular for St. Joseph’s Monastery and rich in cultural heritage.
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Located nearby, this sanctuary is a safe haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers.
10. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State, is a potpourri of a rich past, cultural legacy, and present-day facilities. The city acts as a gateway to the southern parts of Kerala, and it has lots of attractions for tourists.
Main Attractions:
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: One of the world’s most affluent shrines, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is renowned for its Dravidian structure along with its spiritual importance. The ornate sculptures and massive temple buildings leave you breathless.
- Kovalam Beach: Kovalam Beach is located a few kilometres from the city centre and is famous for its crescent-shaped beach line and bubbling beach life. It’s a great place to sunbathe, swim, or feast on seafood.
- Napier Museum: This house hosts unique archaeological findings and traditional artefacts like bronze deities, ancient jewellery, and typical chariots belonging to Kerala.
- Shanghumukham Beach: This place boasts beautiful scenery and possesses a giant mermaid statue, which lures people to take walks here in the evening so that they can watch the sunrise at sunset or even beyond this time.
Kerala Weather and Best Time to Visit
The topography of Kerala is different, and it has a coastline, thus making it have a tropical climate. Knowing the weather can guide your visit to this beautiful state.
Weather in Kerala:
- Summer (March to May): This is a fine season to visit the hill stations of Munnar and Wayanad, as the temperature during this period varies from 29°C to 40°C. At places like these, the climate is cooler.
- Monsoon (June to September): Kerala receives heavy monsoons due to southwest monsoon winds. It is also the time when one can experience Ayurvedic treatments since this kind of weather favours it. On the other hand, this can result in changes in travel plans, although rainfall turns Kerala into a green paradise.
- Post-Monsoon (October to November): Occasionally, there are showers, and temperatures remain mild during the post-monsoon period. The lush green landscape makes for an ideal time to visit, especially for eco-tourists and photographers.
- Winter (December to February): The winter months are the best time to visit Kerala, with the weather remaining cool and pleasant between 18°C and 29°C. This season is perfect for exploring beaches, backwaters, and other tourist spots where the climate remains clear throughout. This pleasant weather also encourages outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit:
Kerala is at its best between the months of October and March. These months bring in weather that is pleasant enough for sightseeing, houseboat cruises, and exploring other sites within the state. It doesn’t even matter whether it’s about backwaters in Alleppey, beaches in Kovalam, or Munnar hill stations, as this time is most favourable for travel.
Conclusion
A visit to these top 10 places will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural richness of Kerala. Hence, each destination in Kerala is unique, be it serene backwaters in Alleppey, vibrant city life in Cochin, lush tea gardens in Munnar, or tranquil beaches in Kovalam. Consequently, there are great attractions and charming features at each place you go to in the state of Kerala. Listed below are some of the must-visit sites in Kerala.
