Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala & Things To Do

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Kerala? This land, where art, culture, food, nature, and shopping come together, truly feels like a dream come true.

Kerala, known for its stunning sandy beaches, lush coconut groves, tranquil backwaters, and world-famous Ayurvedic tourism, is one of India’s top tourist destinations. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or both, Kerala offers a perfect mix of luxury, comfort, and peace.

From exploring the top tourist attractions in Kerala to enjoying its serene landscapes, Kerala has something to soothe the soul of every traveler.

Let’s Explore The Top 10 Tourist Places in Kerala 

1. Kovalam

Kovalam is a scenic place located in the capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram and is known for its serene beaches.

This tourist destination in Kerala attracts tourists from across the world, including families and couples due to the stunning scenery, Ayurvedic massage centers, and exciting night life.

The Kovalam beach comprises of 3 beaches such as the Lighthouse beach, Hawa beach, and Samudra beach which gives that the Crescent shape.

The Lighthouse beach is known for the lighthouse that adorns the beach with its intermittent lighting after the sunset.

You can also take a stroll with your loved one and munch on yummy food from the local eateries that line the beach.

While Hawa Beach is the best choice for tourists who wish to have a peaceful stay, Samudra Beach is perfect for those who wish to stay in luxury resorts.

One can also find beaches like Ashoka Beach, Grove Beach, and shangumugham beach, not far away from Kovalam

• Places to Stay: Uday Samudra leisure beach hotel and spa, The Leela, Gokulam Grand Turtle on the Beach, Little Elephant beach restaurant, Hotel Sea View Palace
• Things to Do: Have delicious snacks at the German bakery, visit Shivananda Yoga Vedanta ashram, get an Ayurvedic massage at the massage centers, go shopping at the local handicrafts and textile stores, and indulge in water sports.
• Popular Tourist Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Jeevan music café, Gramam village fare, Vellayani Lake.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
• Nearest Railway Stations: Trivandrum Central

2. Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi is one place in Kerala that you must not miss if you wish to explore a myriad of cultures including those of the Portuguese and the Dutch.

This beautiful tourist spot in Kerala has so many things to offer including its marvellous architecture, shopping streets, and peaceful beaches.

It houses several historical monuments including the Santa Cruz Basilica and the Dutch Palace.

There are several cafés that you can relax in after a long day of sight seeing including the popular Kashi art café and Mocha art café that brings together art and food.

If you visit Fort Kochi from December to March, you will get to witness Asia’s largest contemporary art festival Kochi Biennale.

2 days would be enough to have a fun time in Fort Kochi and enjoy the popular tourist attractions.

There are several affordable hotels and home stays in Fort Kochi where you can stay and visit the nearby spots including the beaches and monuments.

• Places to Stay: Hotel Fort Kochi beach inn, Sonetta home stay, Hotel Abad, Park Avenue, the Spencer Home, Peniel Residency

• Things to Do: Shop at Princess Street, take photos in Jew Street, take part in an exhibition held in Uru art harbour, experience Kochi Muziris Biennale, watch traditional Kathakali dance performance at Kerala Kathakali center, Watch the Chinese fishing nets

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish synagogue, Dutch palace, Saint Francis church, Maritime Museum.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March

• Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport (27km)

• Nearest Railway Stations: Ernakulam South

Also Read- Top Hill Stations in India

3. Alappuzha

Located in the Laccadive Sea, this city is known for being the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala.

With the picturesque backwaters, lagoons, and beaches along with popular religious sites like temples and churches, Alappuzha keeps you wanting to come back for more.

This top tourist attraction in Kerala is famous for its boat races in the Punnamada Kayal, mouth-smacking seafood items, and sightseeing of the stunning landscape on houseboats.

Kerala is known as the home of the Indian coir industry due to the immense contribution from the coir mills in Alappuzha which you should definitely visit.

It is a must to indulge in the delicacies of Alapuzha including the locally fermented alcohol Toddy and Appam with traditional Kerala fish Curry.

• Places to Stay: Rajatheeram Beach homestay, World Backwaters, Sterling Lake Palace, Abad Turtle Beach, Uday Backwater Resort.

• Things to Do: Enjoy a guided local food tasting experience, spend time on the houseboats, have fun with your family on Mararikulam beach, visit Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna temple, Watch a Kathakali performance, go canoeing and kayaking

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Alleppey backwaters, Alappuzha lighthouse, Alappuzha beach, Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, St Andrews basilica, Arthunkal, St Mary’s Forane church

• Best Time to Visit: November to February

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

• Nearest Railway Stations:  Alappuzha railway station

4. Wayanad

Wayanad is a top tourist spot in Kerala that offers families, couples, and children a delightful experience.

The rich wildlife, picturesque waterfalls, and luxurious yet homely resorts make Wayanad the best destination for any type of holiday.

The beautiful lakes, temples, caves, and forests put together a jaw-dropping backdrop that you can find nowhere else in Kerala.

It is a charming place in Kerala that unlocks a treasure box of experiences that soothe your soul.

Not only can you relax in the bounty of nature, but also get to indulge in the most adventurous experiences and activities.

• Places to Stay: Karlad Lake Resort, Vythiri Mist Resort, Vythiri Tea Garden Retreat, Dhanagiri Homestay, The Four Seasons Home Stay

• Things to Do: Cycling, trekking on Chembra Peak, camping on hill stations, boating on Pookode lake, experiencing the village and forest life, enjoying breathtaking sights at Neelimala View Point, bamboo rafting on Kuruva Island

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Banasura Sagar dam, Thirunelli temple, Edakkal caves, Kalladi forest, Uruvu, Soochipara falls, Kabini river

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
• Nearest Railway Stations: Kozhikode railway station

5. Munnar Hill Station

No list of the top places to visit in Kerala is complete without a mention of the Munnar hill station.

With tea plantations, little streams, and hills, Munnar is the best option for a peaceful retreat for couples and families.

With a variety of options for camping and trekking, mountain biking, therapeutic massages, and markets, this rejuvenating place in Kerala will definitely make your staycations unforgettable.

The plantation resort in Munnar which is locally called Erumadam is a perfect eco-accommodation facility for couples to have a dreamy stay.

Get ready for your vacation with a cup of hot tea and your favorite movie, as this fantasy land is ready to please you with a plethora of natural wonders.

• Places to Stay: Windsong Resort, Hut Holidays Inn, Lumino Dwellings, Bellmount Resort, Tea Country, Tulsi Village.

• Things to Do: Tour the Kolukkumalai tea estate, go camping and trekking on Echo Point, mountain biking on Suryanelli, Take a bath in Lakkam waterfalls, rock climbing, and enjoy a shikhara ride in Kundala Lake.

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Kundala Dam, Mattupetty Dam, Carmelagiri elephant ride, Cure Monastery Spa, Tea Museum, Munnar Markets, Punarjani Traditional Village

• Best Time to Visit: December to February
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
• Nearest Railway Stations: Aluva railway station

Also Read- Top Places to Visit in India on Your Next Vacation

6. Kumarakom

If you are planning to spend a short vacation or weekend getaway with your family in Kerala, Kumarakom would be the perfect choice.

You get to witness the coming together off little island clusters, backwaters, and and abundance of flora and fauna that can take your breath away.

Kumarakom is also a place that is famous for soothing Ayurvedic massages, making it the most ideal rejuvenation destination in Kerala.

The gorgeous Aruvikuzhi waterfalls, Vagamon hill station and rubber plantations in Kumarakom attract wanderlusts and adventure enthusiasts from across the world.

This top tourist spot in Kerala can be accessed conveniently as it is connected to other South Indian cities by bus.

• Places to Stay: Illikkalam lakeside cottages, backwater heritage home stay, Saro Lake County, The Lake Reosrt by Maat hotels.

• Things to Do: Go on a houseboat ride in Vembanad lake, watch the birds in Kumarakom bird sanctuary, meditate in the stunning backdrop of Kumarakom, get an Ayurvedic massage at Maya spa, watch Kathakali performance

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Nehru snake boat race, street markets, Baker’s Gourmet,  Zuri resort and spa, Vagamon hill station, Kumarakom beach

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Nearest Airport; Cochin international airport
• Nearest Railway Stations Kottayam railway station

7. Thekkady

Thekkady Is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts who like to engage in a wide variety of adventurous activities and explore the natural beauty of the place.

Couples and families alike can indulge in trekking, mountain walks, and boat rides when visiting this town located in Idukki district.

Boat rides that give you a glimpse of the stunning landscape of the Periyar lake and a tour of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary are popular favours among tourists here.

The town of Chellarkovil offers a nostalgic and misty atmosphere for tourists to relax in especially during the monsoons.

Looking to visit a place that looks straight out of a fairy tale? Gavi is a magical land in Thekkady that welcomes you with mesmerizing beauty with its lush green jungles and crystal clear waters.

• Places to Stay: Abad Green Forests, Niraamaya Retreats, Cardamom County by Xandari, Periyar Nest Resort, Jungle View Homestay

• Things to Do: Bamboo rafting in Periyar wildlife sanctuary, visit the beautiful hill stations like Panchalimedu and Ramakkalmedu, trek to Gavi, explore the place on a bullock cart ride

• Popular Tourist Attractions:Elephant junction, Periyar National Park, Green Park spices, Yodha cultural village, Periyar tiger reserve, Mudra cultural centre, Mangaladevi Temple
• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Nearest Airport: Madurai
• Nearest Railway Stations: Kottayam railway station

8. Thrissur

If you are looking for city in Kerala that is known for it’s religious vibes, Thrissur is the right choice due to its variety of temples and spiritual centres.

With the largest temple in Kerala and the waterfalls noted for its cameo in Bahubali movie, Thrissur is one place you must definitely check out when visiting Kerala.

This popular place in Kerala is famous for the Thrissur Pooram which is a grand celebration of the spiritual traditions and culture of Kerala with a display of elephants and percussion instruments.

You can visit Thrissur in the months of April and may to witness this colourful and vibrant temple festival.

Thrissur is also home to popular beaches waterfalls and other tourist attractions like Peechi Dam, that is one of the highlights in the list of famous tourist places in Thrissur.

If you are a car fanatic, do not forget to visit the Vintage Vauxhall Velox car club where you can see a vast number of classics from history.

• Places to Stay: Hyatt Regency, Gurukripa Heritage hotel, Daan Regency, Wariyam Heritage, Rose Garden Home stay

• Things to Do: Visit Cheppara, take your kids to Nehru Park, take part in the Thrissur Pooram, visit the various temples, take a cool shower in the Vazhachal falls, spend some time in the Dolours Basilica

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Guruvayur Sreekrishna temple, Vadakkunnathan temple, Cheraman Juma Masjid, Peechi dam, Heritage garden, Athirappilly waterfalls, Chavakkad beach,

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
• Nearest Railway Stations: Thrissur railway station

Also Read: 15 Best Places to Visit in Kerala

9. Varkala

A trip to Kerala does not feel satisfactory without visiting the world famous beaches of Varkala.

The beauty of Varkala cannot be explained as here, the cliffs merge with the Arabian Sea, and the hills kiss the sea giving a spectacular view for tourists.

Apart from the blue waters and golden sands, Varkala is also known for the ancient buildings, local shops, and the Varkala lighthouse.

Known as the Goa of Kerala, this famous tourist attraction also welcomes you with open arms to try out the adventurous water sports and the delectable local cuisines.

The lush coconut groves, beautiful sunsets, and mini bars offer the perfect conditions for families and couples to relax and unwind after a tiring day.

• Places to Stay: Deshadan Cliff and Beach Restaurant, Anandan tourist home, Clafouti Heritage Resort, Oceano by Trouvaille

• Things to Do: Engage in water sports like parasailing and paragliding, stroll on the Varkala beach, party at night clubs and cafés, go mangrove forest kayaking, pay respects to Lord Vishnu at Janardhanaswamy Temple.

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Anjengo Fort, Thiruvambadi Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Ponnumthuruthu, Vishnu temple, Kaduvayil Juma Masjid

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Nearest Airport Trivandrum International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Varkala Sivagiri railway station

10. Kozhikode

Kozhikode is another place that you must visit when you are on your much-awaited trip to Kerala.

Located in the north of God’s own country, this beautiful place is packed with cultural and religious attractions like temples, eateries and cafes, art galleries, and shopping streets

It also offers a multitude of natural beauties like beaches and waterfalls that couples can chill at after a tiring day of sightseeing.

Kozhikode is famous for the Kappad beach where Portuguese Explorer Vasco da Gama set foot in 1498. It was known as the city of spices for its role in the trading of eastern spices during the colonial period.

Enjoy a Theyyam performance in Kozhikode by following the Theyyam calendar which includes their month, date, and timings.

• Places to Stay: The Raviz Calicut, Sea Queen Hotel, The Raviz Kadavu, Gateway Hotel, Nexstay Crystal Residency

• Things to Do: Enjoy the famous local cuisine, take photos at the Kozhippara Falls, shop at SM Street, visit the Tali temple, and relax at Kozhikode beach.

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Mananchira Square, Beypore Beach, Kariyathumpara, Kappad beach, Sargaalaya, Pazhassiraja museum and art gallery

• Best Time to Visit: October to February
• Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
• Nearest Railway Stations: Calicut railway station

Kerala is a bounty of natural beauty and cultural heritage that cannot be covered in a single write-up.

Let us know about your experience with visiting Kerala so that travel enthusiasts can make their Kerala trip more fun and memorable by trying out your suggestions.