Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala, India

Kerala is a region in India that is rich with attractions and beautiful scenery. There is no shortage of incredible places to visit. Here are the Kerala India Travel recommendations for the top 10 places to visit in Kerala.

1) The Backwaters – Wherever and however you choose to explore the backwaters, this emerald watery paradise is a definite highlight of Kerala. Find out more with our introduction to the backwaters and best ways to experience the backwaters guides.

2) Fort Cochin –
The oldest part of this seaside city is more laid-back than other Indian cities and features Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture, art galleries, churches, spice markets and the famous Chinese Fishing Nets.

3) Munnar – A beautiful, tranquil hill station with a cool climate, plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and visits to tea plantations. Read our Guide to Munnar, Kerala and Quiet Alternatives to Munnar, Kerala.

4) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary –
A fantastic place to take boat, jeep or hiking trips to spot elephants, monkeys and even the elusive tiger. Read our Guide To Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and some Quiet Alternatives to Periyar.

5) Kollam – This small market town isn’t an obvious attraction, but it’s the southern gateway to the backwaters, and a quieter alternative to Alleppey for organising houseboat and canoe trips. We also enjoyed the untouristy and authentically Indian feel of the town.

6) Varkala – A gorgeous beach below rocky cliffs lined with chilled out cafes- the perfect place to watch the spectacular sunsets. Read more about beaches in South Kerala.

7) Kumarakom –
At this bird sanctauary near Kottayam you can walk or take a boat ride to spot comorants, herons, egrets and storks.

8) Thrissur – A religious and cultural centre featuring one of the largest temples in Kerala.

9) Kozhikode –
This historic town is the gateway to the quieter beaches and backwaters of Northern Kerala, with temples and museums to visit too.

10) Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – A quieter alternative to Periyar as a great place to spot elephants in the wild. We also featured it as a Quiet Alternative to Munnar, Kerala as a more peaceful hill station retreat.

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47 Responses to “Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala, India”

  1. abendkleider says:

    thanks a lot for the great tips

  2. RAJESH says:

    You have’nt added the KOVALAM BEACH, TRIVANDRUM.

  3. ken says:

    There are many small places to visit in each & every district.If someone provide details on this ,it will be much helpful.

  4. thirumoorthi says:

    poovar is a island near trivandrum.

  5. Anand Naidu says:

    Good tips. But if you could add the best time to visit these places.

  6. dhruv nanavati says:

    i want to visit karela which will be the finest time to visit

  7. madhusudan says:

    when is right time and climate to visit kerala state

  8. Anantrai Thanki says:

    The best time to visit Kerala is Dec to Mar,i have been there 3 times and infact want to see Kerala in this Monsoon season when it is rather cool.

  9. romeo says:

    its a shame to discard kovalam when someone adds kollam, varkala etc.

  10. SHITAL SHAH says:

    Required infirmation about how much days are sufficient to spend in Munnar,Thekaddy,Alapuzza,Kovalam,cochin

  11. Ashok says:

    We have plan to visit kerala Aug 13, 14 & 15 2011. Can you provide route map and expense details for the same

  12. GK says:

    Can you provide forest tourist place information

  13. Marks says:

    Adventure places is preferable for 3 days tour.
    Can anyone provide

  14. MR.C.M.PATEL says:

    we want to visit kerala at period of deepawali 23 oct 11
    i want to know how many days we have to spent for visit to main places. rate of avarage hotel.whether we can get gujarati
    food ? address and phone no. of gujarati samaj

  15. Biju says:

    What is Kerala without Visiting Trivandrum?

    Padmanabha Temple (World’s Wealthiest Temple), Kovalam, Museum and Zoo, Shankumugham Beach, Veli Lake for Boating…. Excellent place in Kerala

  16. Arvind says:

    Can anyone suggest me Most Economical Tour of Kerala at my gmail account sawantarvind@gmail.com

  17. Santhosh H R says:

    I’m planning to visit kerala next month. Please help me out how to plan for three days…

  18. diks patel says:

    How many days we need to visit most well known places?

  19. Erin says:

    Have a look at our 1 week itineraries and then choose 1 or 2 places you’d most like to visit

  20. Sankar says:

    you should do some arrangement for enjoyment like DJs and Enjoying facilities in kerala . Its lacking in kerala.

  21. Rupali says:

    I m planning a trip to kerala from 25 dec to 1 st jan . My tour plan is Cochin
    Munnar
    Thekkady
    Alleppey
    Kovalam
    Kovalam (Kanyakumari)Cochin
    Is it hectique to go till Kanyakumari with 2 smll kids
    or is it better to add trivendrum and periyar
    pl. reply

  22. Where we enjoyed…

    1.Palakkad : Nelliyampathy,Mazlampuzha dam
    2.Thrissur :Guruvayoor temple,Yanai kottam
    3.Chalakudi:Athirampalli Water Falls
    4.Cochin :Azalapuzha
    5.Trivandram:Kovalam,Sangumugam Beachs..Veli Village..

  23. diwakar says:

    i ma interested to tour kerala in the second week of december kindly send details of offers, packages etc my contact no is 9448121619

  24. Pierse says:

    kerala is an awesome place

  25. pradeep kumar verma says:

    please send the packge of munnar & kanya kumari

  26. Sanat says:

    Planning to vist Kerela for 2 days on 31st – 1st Jan 12.
    Please let me know which area should I be covering.

    What will be the best place to stay ?

    Thanks

  27. savita srivastava says:

    beautiful place to visit and see the scenic beauty of kerala.

    but be aware of the hotel named as kovalam , next to the beach. hotel manager was number onr fraud, no decency to speak to the customer, very poor hygiene, and a bad service. total wastage of money.

  28. deepak sharma says:

    we have plan to visit kerele for 6 days between 13 jan. to 21st jan.2012 . help us, to which places we can see along with train map.

  29. PJtribe says:

    Anyone know of any good surf beaches in Kerala?

  30. […] 3) Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala A concise run down of the most popular and interesting places to visit in Kerala. […]

  31. Devendra Dabkara says:

    I would like to visit kerala along with my family ( 08 persons)i.e. all 10 places as suggested at top,i.e. Backwaters,The fort Cochin,Munnar,Perriyar wild life sanctury etc.Kindly suggest as how long (time required to visit)it will take and the expenditure or package.I can afford ~10days and a moderate expenditure.

  32. abdul wahab says:

    hey ya,
    ,e and ny frnds hav decided to goto kerela for 4 day…
    we want enjoy the backwaters and most beautiful beaches..and even a stay on island..can u pls help me out wit the places i should visit…and gud packages if avail…we’re around 6 member..pls mail me wit the details

  33. dixit says:

    Plan to visit Kerala
    9 Persons (8 + 1 child)
    Date :June 12
    Requiew Non-AC Car / Hotels

  34. Arun says:

    Hi Dixit, kindly contact Great India tours,they can fullfill your dream trip

  35. Althaf says:

    I just want to comment on your blog that I really enjoy reading your blog post here. It is very rich, I also digg the way you write! Keep it up….

  36. Sido says:

    Could someone please recommend a quiet homestay or hotel in Fort Kochi. Also do you need to haggle with the rickshaw, taxi drivers beforehand. Thanks.

  37. Erin says:

    This is the homestay we recommend: https://www.keralaindiatravel.net/kerala-india-travel/beena-homestay-review-fort-kochi-kerala

    Yes, you should always haggle with taxi and rickshaw drivers and agree a price before you start the journey.

  38. paramjit singh says:

    i want to enjoy kerla trip.pl u suggest me. my holidays is 21-06-2012 to 06-07-2012.when i come & which days required.

  39. Deep says:

    I am planning for a Thursday to Sunday (4 days) trip to Kerala from chennai.. But confused where to vist . My idea is to see atleast two places.We initially thought of Wayanad. Please suggest two places which we can visit in four days time. We are a couple.

  40. Ram says:

    Is it a good idea to visit Kerala in 1st week of June? I am planning to visit most of the places mentioned above.

  41. Biju says:

    Dear All,

    We are from Bangalore and we have visited Palakkad in Kerala recently, located just 45 km away from Coimbatore and Nelliyampathy Hills, located just 70 km away from Palakkad. We have visited beautiful Palakkad Fort, Chinmaya Mission Trust Sri Krishna Temple, Rock Garden, amazing Rope Way trip, Malampuzhaa Gardens and also had shopping in Palakkad. On the next day we have visited amazing Nelliyampathy Hills, (My personal opinion is Nelliyampathy Hills is much better than other hill stations in Kerala, if any one really looks for the natural beauty). We have visited Seethargundu, Kesavan parai, Pobsons Estates, Pothundi reservoir and also taken some good snaps from various tea estates en-route to Seethargundu view point. We have enjoyed Night Safari by open jeep through the forest area, which was really adventurous and experienced during this trip. People think that Kerala means Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alappey and Kovalam. But what we experienced is Palakkad is better than all those popular destinations as people can enjoy something in Palakkad especially for family and kids.

  42. Jude says:

    Hi,

    We 12 pax have traveled entire Kerala on last month. When we were in Cochin for hardly 4 days, some tourist informed about the destinations Nelliyampaathy and Palghat in Malabar area as they came to Cochin after visiting those destinations. As we were not knowing about those destinations,we have discussed with the tourists and finally we have decided to visit over there after cutting 2 days stay in Cochin and we have visited the amazing hill station called Nelliyampaathy.Later we have visited Heritage Town- Palghat and later visited Palakkad Fort, Rock Garden and Malaampuzha. This destinations are very interesting for all. Thanks to Gods Own Country!!

  43. Georgia says:

    Wayanad is an amazing EDEN. Love that spot. We had visited Bekal Fort as well which is in the Northern part of Kerala Where we can see the traditional art and cultural galleries, especially Muzhappilangad Beach. Perhaps this is Keralas only drive- in beach. Where you can drive entire length of 4 K.m . God created the universe in its entire splendor. A great place to look at, to travel through and to play with.

  44. prudvi says:

    Suggest me 2 must watch places in kerala and which are nearby beach and home stay has to be very good.We are a group of 8 planing to visit during the 1st week of September for about 4 days .And yes we enjoy having liquor at home stays .

  45. MHD SHAFEEQ says:

    THIS WEB SITE IS VERY HELFUL FOR ME, PLS SEND MORE VAYANAD TOURIST PLACE

  46. vishal says:

    i want to hav a travel all good places in Kerala with my wife for 7 to 8 days in end of this year from27 nov to 20 dec…. can u plan for me from surat and back to surat.