Kerala, God’s own country, is a land of rare beauty and nature’s exotic wonders. From the lush green Western Ghats to Alleppey’s vibrant backwaters, Kerala envelops you in a seductive embrace of nature. You can discover Kerala’s cherished destinations like the tranquil Ayurveda village of Kovalam, the romantic mountains of Munnar, the spicy bustling markets of Thrissur, and the serene lakes of Periyar. Kerala’s places will delight your senses and stir your soul with their magical allure. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Kerala.
Exciting Places to Visit in Kerala
- Thrissur
Thrissur, also known as Trichur, is a vibrant city in Kerala, famous for its cultural and religious heritage which hosts the Thrissur Pooram. It has many ancient temples, churches, and mosques. Thrissur is also a hub of art and literature, with institutions like Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy and Kerala Sahitya Academy. Thrissur also offers natural attractions like waterfalls, beaches, and hills.
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do
- Witness the Thrissur Pooram festival
- Enjoy the Chavakad Beach
- Visit the Archaeological Museum
- Explore the Vilangan Hills
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station. The distance between Thrissur Railway Station and Thrissur is approximately 1.4 km. You can reach Thissur from Thrissur Railway Station by taxi via Kokkali Road and Kuruppam Road.
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport (56 km from Thrissur). You can reach Thrissur from Kochi International Airport by bus from Kochi Airport to Aluva and then by train from Aluva to Thrisur.
- Kannur
Kannur, located in northern Kerala, is known for its pristine beaches, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage. It is famous for its traditional Theyyam performances, a unique Northern Malabar ritual art form. Kannur is also home to the St. Angelo Fort, a well-preserved historical monument. With its beautiful beaches, attractive handloom industry, serene backwaters, and vibrant local culture, Kannur is a must-visit place in Kerala for travelers looking to experience the authentic beauty of God’s Own Country.
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do:
- Banana Boat Ride
- Visit the Arakkal Museum
- Enjoy the Vismaya Water Park
- Explore the Ezhimala Hills
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur Railway Station (2 km). To Kannur from Kannur Railway Station, you can take prepaid taxis via SN Road and Bus Stand Road. You can also take a bus or a car from Kannur Railway Station to Kannur. The travel time is about 10 to 15 minutes.
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport (25 km). You can use cab services or a town car from Kannur International Airport to Kannur for easy access.
- Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala and a city of contrasts. It has a rich history and culture, with landmarks like the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, and the Kuthiramalika Palace. It also has a modern and vibrant side, with IT parks, shopping malls, and nightlife. Thiruvananthapuram is a gateway to the scenic beaches of Kovalam and Varkala and the wildlife sanctuaries of Neyyar and Peppara.
Best time to visit: October to February
Things to do:
- Attend a Kathakali performance
- Take a boat ride on Poovar Island
- Visit the Kuthira Malika Palace Museum
- Explore the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (1 km). To get from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station to Thiruvananthapuram, you can take an e-rickshaw too.
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (6 km). Traveling from Trivandrum International Airport to Thiruvananthapuram has many options, like a bus, taxi, or town car.
- Kochi
Kochi is a vibrant port city on the Malabar Coast of India, where you can enjoy a memorable family gateway. Kochi offers a mix of colonial charm, modern attractions, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. You can visit the historic Fort Kochi, the scenic Marine Drive, the bustling Lulu Mall, and the serene backwaters. You can also indulge in fun activities like boating, fishing, shopping, and sightseeing. Kochi is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for families and newlyweds.
Best time to visit: October to February
Things to do
- Visit the Kovalam Beach
- Enjoy the Veli Tourist Village
- Explore the Ponmudi Hill Station
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (5 km). To reach Kochi from Ernakulam Junction, you can take a taxi, bus, auto-rickshaw, or metro. The nearest metro station is Maharaja’s College.
Nearest Airport: The distance is about 42.8 km. To reach Kochi from Cochin International Airport, you can take a bus or prepaid taxi via NH544 and NH66.
- Thekkady
Thekkady is a paradise for wildlife lovers where you can enjoy the thrill of spotting tigers, elephants, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat. Thekkady is home to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, one of India’s largest and most diverse wildlife sanctuaries. You can also indulge in adventurous activities like bamboo rafting, jungle trekking, boating, and spice plantation tours.
That is not all. You can visit the spice plantations and learn about the cultivation and processing of various spices. You can also explore the cultural side of Thekkady by watching the traditional martial arts, dance, and music performances at the Yodha Cultural Village.
Best time to visit: November to early-May
Things to do:
- Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Take a boat ride on Periyar Lake
- Go on a forest trek
- Visit the Mangala Devi Temple
- Visit spice plantations
- Enjoy bamboo rafting
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam (110 km away). You can reach Thekkady from Kottayam railway station by taxi or bus.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (145 km). Take a taxi or bus from Cochin International Airport to Kottayam and then take a bus or taxi to Thekkady.
- Wayanad
Wayanad is a green and serene hill station in Kerala where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and culture with your family. Wayanad has many attractions, such as wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, caves, tea plantations, and tribal villages. Wayanad has many resorts and homestays that make it one of the best places to visit in Kerala for backpackers as well.
Best time to visit: October to May
Things to do:
- Visit Edakkal Caves
- Trek to Chembra Peak
- Visit Pookode Lake
- Explore Banasura Sagar Dam
- Visit Jain Temple in Sulthan Bathery
- Tour tea and coffee plantations
- Visit Soochipara Falls
Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station. The fastest way to reach Wayanad from Kozhikode Railway Station by cab services is to take the NH766, Sh29 route. You can also take a bus from Kozhikode KSRTC Terminal Wayanad.
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport (95 km). Take a taxi from Karipur Airport to Kozhikode bus stand (17 km). Board a Kerala RTC bus to Wayanad (65 km, 2 hours).
- Munnar
Munnar is a charming hill station in Kerala and is a perfect gateway for weekend travel. It is known for its verdant tea gardens, misty mountains, and exotic wildlife, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala for couples. It offers a range of activities for nature lovers, such as trekking, camping, boating, and birdwatching. You can also visit the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, or the Tata Tea Museum.
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to do:
- Visit tea plantations
- Trek to Anamudi Peak
- Take a boat ride on Kundala Lake
- Visit Eravikulam National Park
- Explore Mattupetty Dam
- Enjoy Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment
Nearest Railway Station: Aluva Railway Station (110 km). From the railway station, you can book a cab online.
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport (143 km). After exiting the airport, you can either take a taxi or book a prepaid one from the airport’s counters.
- Kovalam
Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea in Kerala, famous for its three crescent-shaped beaches. Kovalam offers a variety of leisure options, such as sunbathing, swimming, massages, cultural programmes, and catamaran cruising. You can also visit the lighthouse, the Vizhinjam mosque, and the fishing villages. It offers a romantic getaway for couples who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Best time to visit: September to May
Things to do:
- Relax on Kovalam beaches
- Take a boat ride on the Arabian Sea
- Visit Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
- Enjoy Ayurvedic massage or spa treatment
- Watch Kathakali performance
- Visit Halcyon Castle
Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Railway Station (14 km). You will find several options to reach Kovalam – prepaid taxis, state transport buses, and auto rickshaws waiting outside. The most convenient option is to take a prepaid taxi.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (15 km). You can hire an auto-rickshaw or cab from outside the airport. State transport buses also ply between Trivandrum and Kovalam but you’ll have to take an auto from the bus stand to your hotel.
- Alleppey
Alleppey is a charming town in Kerala where you can experience the beauty of backwaters, beaches, and canals. Alleppey is a perfect destination for couples who want to enjoy a houseboat cruise, a relaxing Ayurvedic massage, delicious South Indian cuisine, and a serene night walk. You can also visit Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and Pathiramanal Island. Alleppey is a romantic getaway that will make you fall in love again.
Best time to visit: September to mid-May
Things to do:
- Take a houseboat ride in Alleppey backwaters
- Visit Alleppey Beach
- Explore backwaters on a canoe/kayak
- Visit Revi Karunakaran Museum
- Attend Kathakali performance
- Explore Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
- Taste local cuisine
Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station. You can take an auto rickshaw, taxi, local bus, or hire a houseboat from the jetty located near the Alleppey Railway Station to reach the city center or backwaters.
Nearest Airport: Kochi Airport. The most convenient and comfortable way to get to Alleppey from Kochi Airport is by taxi. You can easily find taxi services at the airport.
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