Best Places to Visit in Kerala
There’s a reason Kerala is called God’s Own Country. Green hills, quiet beaches, misty tea gardens, and tranquil backwaters are all only a few hours away. If it is your first trip to Kerala and you are looking for the best places to visit, this guide covers five spots that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Kerala has something in store for everyone, be it a solo traveler, honeymooners, or those traveling with family. At Voyagers Beat, we create planned trips that remove the hassle of planning so you can just come and enjoy.
Why Visit Kerala?
Kerala is one state that has an amazing variety of landscapes. Hill stations, wildlife reserves, backwaters, and beaches are often within two or three hours of driving of each other.
The food is worth the trip alone. Fresh seafood- think appam and stew and banana chips fried right in front of you.
Kerala is also suitable for all types of travellers. Couples love the houseboats, families enjoy the wildlife parks, and solo travellers relax in the peace of the hill towns.
Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Here are the five destinations that are always at the top of every Kerala trip plan: -
1. Munnar
Munnar is high up in the Western Ghats, covered with endless tea plantations. The air is cool, the views are endless, and the pace of life is relaxed.
Why visit: Munnar is the postcard version of Kerala. Rolling green hills, winding roads, and a climate that is unlike anything else in South India.
Top attractions:
Tea gardens and the Tea Museum
Eravikulam National Park, home to the Nilgiri Tahr
Mattupetty Dam
Top Station viewpoint
Things to do: Explore through the tea estates, hike along one of the nearby trails, or just sit at a viewpoint with a cup of local tea.
Best time: September to March, when the weather is cool and the skies are clear.
2. Alleppey
In Alleppey or Alappuzha, the backwaters of Kerala are at their best. This is the kind of experience that most people have in mind when they think of a trip to Kerala.
Houseboat experience: Most visitors love to spend a night on an authentic Kerala houseboat. You have a private deck with home-cooked meals and water all around you.
Backwaters: The canals flow through coconut groves and small villages, offering you a glimpse of the real life in rural Kerala.
Sunset cruise: Book your boat ride for late in the day. And as the sun sets, the backwaters turn gold, and it is one of those moments worth slowing down for.
Best time: The most comfortable time of year for a houseboat stay is from November to February.
3. Wayanad
Wayanad is Kerala’s wild side. Thick forests, waterfalls, and ancient caves make it a district favourite for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Waterfalls: Soochipara and Meenmutty are among the most sought-after, both surrounded by dense greenery.
Caves: The Edakkal Caves have prehistoric rock carvings, and the short climb up is rewarded with panoramic views of the valley.
Viewpoints: Chembra Peak and its heart shaped lake are a must for any trek lover.
Wildlife: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has elephants, deer, and, if you are lucky, a tiger sighting.
4. Thekkady
Thekkady, Kerala's answer to a jungle getaway, is home to Periyar National Park. It also has some of the finest spice plantations in the state.
Periyar National Park: Dense forest with elephants, bison and a wide range of birdlife.
Boating: A boat ride on Periyar Lake gives you a good chance of spotting wild elephants near the water's edge.
Spice plantations: Walk through cardamom, pepper and clove farms and learn how Kerala got its spice trade history.
Elephant experiences: At some centers near Thekkady, you can interact with and even bathe elephants (under proper supervision).
5. Varkala
In Varkala, Kerala dramatically meets the Arabian Sea. Unlike most Indian beaches, this one runs right under a red cliff lined with cafes.
Cliff Beach: The Cliff is the main attraction. Walk along the edge with the ocean crashing below and rows of cafes on the other side.
Cafes: Varkala's cliff is jammed with rooftop cafes serving everything from fresh seafood to wood-fired pizza, most of which have a sea view.
Water sports: Try paragliding, surfing, or just have a relaxed swim in the calmer parts of the beach.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The best time to visit Kerala is between October and March. Temperatures are pleasant, humidity decreases, and most attractions are easily visited without heavy rain spoiling the fun.
Kerala is at its greenest during the monsoon season from June to September. The hills and backwaters are beautiful to look at, but some outdoor activities might be restricted.
Conclusion
From the tea-covered hills of Munnar to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, each stop in Kerala is a different experience. No matter what kind of traveler you are, these are indeed some of the best places to visit in Kerala.
All of this takes time to plan for yourself. If you want a hassle-free trip to Kerala, check out Voyagers Beat's Kerala tour packages. They have a ready-made itinerary covering all the highlights.
FAQs
Q1. How many days will be enough to cover Kerala?
For first timers, 5 to 7 days is a good amount. This allows you to cover Munnar, Alleppey, and one more place in a relaxed manner.
Q2. Is Kerala safe for solo travellers?
Yes, Kerala is among the safest states in India for solo travel. Public transport is reliable, and people are generally helpful with directions.
Q3. Alleppey or Munnar for couples? Which one is more romantic?
Both are good choices but for different reasons. Alleppey is great for couples wanting quiet houseboat time; Munnar is better if you like cool weather and scenic walks.
Looking for more options? Browse all Kerala trips on Voyagers Beat, and explore our family trip packages.
