Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is a place that has something for everyone. It’s full of green nature, peaceful backwaters, cool mountain air, and rich traditions. Whether you love nature, enjoy learning about different cultures, or just want a break from busy life, Kerala is the perfect place to relax and explore. In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the top 10 best tourist places to visit in Kerala, offering a perfect blend of nature, culture, and serenity.
1. Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala where the fresh smell of tea fills the air and green hills stretch as far as you can see. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The weather is cool and refreshing all year round, which makes it a perfect escape from the heat. Munnar is famous for its tea gardens, misty mountains, winding roads, and stunning viewpoints that offer amazing views of the valleys below. You can visit tea factories, go for nature walks, or just sit back and enjoy the calm.
Must-visit spot: Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam and Lake, Anamudi Peak, Attukal Waterfalls
Best time to visit: September to March, when the air is crisp and the skies are clear
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is a peaceful town in Kerala, best known for its beautiful backwaters and houseboat rides. It’s a place where you can enjoy slow, relaxing boat trips through calm waters surrounded by tall coconut trees. Imagine waking up on a houseboat, gently floating along quiet canals, with the sound of birds singing and water softly splashing around you. It’s a perfect spot to unwind, enjoy nature, and experience a simple, peaceful way of life.
Must-visit spot: Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Best time to visit: October to February, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for backwater cruising
3. Wayanad
Wayanad is a perfect place for people who love quiet, less-crowded travel spots. It’s full of misty mountains, green forests, and spice farms that smell amazing. You can visit beautiful waterfalls, explore caves, and spot wild animals in the wildlife sanctuaries. Wayanad is peaceful and full of nature, making it a great escape from busy city life. It’s also a great place for trekking, camping, or just relaxing in the fresh mountain air.
Must-visit spot: Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Best time to visit: October to May for trekking and sightseeing
4. Fort Kochi
Fort Kochi is a place where you can feel the history all around you. It has old buildings from the time of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, along with the famous Chinese fishing nets by the sea. Walking through the streets feels like going back in time. You’ll see beautiful churches, cozy cafes, art galleries, and colorful street art. Fort Kochi is like a mix of different cultures, with tasty food, interesting people, and stories from around the world.
Must-visit spot: St. Francis Church, Chinese Fishing Nets, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Cemetery, Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue
Best time to visit: October to March, ideal for walking tours and festivals like Kochi-Muziris Biennale
5. Thekkady
Thekkady is the best place to experience the wild side of Kerala. It’s home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see animals like elephants, deer, monkeys, and many kinds of birds. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a tiger! You can explore the forest by going on a jungle safari, or try something different like bamboo rafting on the lake. Thekkady is perfect for people who love wildlife, adventure, and being outdoors.
Must-visit spot: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake, Spice plantations, Elephant camps, Mangala Devi Temple
Best time to visit: September to April for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities
6. Varkala
Varkala is a peaceful beach town that’s different from the usual busy beach spots. It’s known for its tall cliffs next to the sea, where you can enjoy amazing views of the ocean. There are natural springs nearby that many people believe have healing powers. Varkala has a calm and relaxed feel, making it great for people who want to do yoga, meditate, or just take a break from everyday stress.
Must-visit spot: Papanasam Beach, Varkala Cliff, Janardanaswamy Temple, Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt
Best time to visit: October to March for clear skies and gentle sea breezes
7. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a quiet and peaceful place, perfect for enjoying Kerala’s famous backwaters without the crowds. It’s like Alleppey, but calmer and more relaxing. You can stay in a houseboat or by the lake and enjoy the slow, soothing pace of life. Kumarakom is also great for bird lovers, as it has a beautiful bird sanctuary where you can see many types of birds, especially during the migration season. Whether you’re on a honeymoon or just want a quiet break, Kumarakom is a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature.
Must-visit spot: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal Island, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, St. Mary’s Church
Best time to visit: November to February
8. Kovalam
Kovalam is a lovely beach town that feels relaxed and easy-going. You can enjoy swimming in the sea, surfing, or just relaxing on the soft sandy beaches. If you want to take care of your body and mind, Kovalam is famous for Ayurvedic massages that help you feel refreshed. It’s a great place to visit whether you’re traveling with family or on your own.
Must-visit spot: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Ayurvedic centers
Best time to visit: September to February when the sea is calm and the weather is mild
9. Athirappilly
Athirappilly Falls is the biggest waterfall in Kerala and looks truly amazing and strong. It feels like something out of a movie—because it has actually been shown in many Indian films! The waterfall is surrounded by thick, green forests that make the whole place feel magical and peaceful. It’s a great spot for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys beautiful views and fresh air.
Must-visit spot: Athirappilly Waterfalls, Vazhachal Falls, Charpa Falls, Sholayar Dam, Chalakudy River
Best time to visit: June to September (monsoon) for full-flowing falls, or October to January for pleasant weather
10. Vagamon
Vagamon is a quiet and peaceful hill station that many travelers haven’t discovered yet. It has soft green meadows, tall pine trees, and cool, misty mornings that feel very calm and refreshing. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature without many crowds. If you like adventure, you can try paragliding here and get a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful landscape.
Must-visit spot: Vagamon Meadows, Kurisumala Ashram, Vagamon Pine Forest, Murugan Hill, Thangalpara
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November.
Conclusion
Discover the charm of Kerala through its scenic hills, serene beaches, peaceful backwaters, and rich culture. Each destination in this top 10 best tourist place to visit in Kerala offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a cultural escape, Kerala truly has something for everyone. Pack your bags and let the beauty of “God’s Own Country” leave you inspired.
