Explore the top tourist places in Kerala—God’s Own Country—renowned for its breathtaking backwaters, misty hill stations, tea plantations, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Discover must-visit destinations like Wayanad, Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Kovalam, Thrissur, Kozhikode, Varkala, Munroe Island, Kasaragod, and Kochi. Each location offers unique experiences, from houseboat cruises and wildlife safaris to Ayurvedic retreats and temple visits. Ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts, this Kerala travel guide includes top attractions, ideal durations, best visiting times, FAQs, and tips for things to buy and explore.

List of 12 Best Places to Visit in Kerala (Updated 2025)

1. Wayanad

Located in the north-eastern part of God’s Own Country, Kerala, Wayanad is one of the best tourist attractions. Glorified by the Western Ghats with lofty ridges and clear lakes, it is one of the most stunning hill stations in Kerala. Additionally, it is home to the 6000 BCE-old Eddakal Caves and has numerous wildlife sanctuaries with various animals, including Gaur, Indian elephant, deer, and Bengal tiger. It also has several stunning trekking trails. 

Best Attractions: Kuruva Island, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Banasura Hill, Lakkidi View Point, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Kabini, Papanashini River, and Padinjarathara Dam

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: October to May

3. Munnar

Once the summer capital of the British, Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. It is renowned for its tea plantations, aromatic vegetation, misty valleys, and low-flying clouds. Located in the Idukki district, Munnar derives its name from the confluence of three rivers—Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala. Due to its beautiful scenery and the spectacular blooming of the Neelakurinji flower (blooms after 12 years), it is called the Kashmir of South India. 

Best attractions: TATA Tea Museum, Blossom Park, Pothamedu ViewPoint, Attukal Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, and Eravikulam National Park

Ideal Duration:  2 Nights/3 Days

Best Time to visit: October to February and March to June

4. Allepey

No trip to Kerala is complete without visiting Alleppey or Alappuzha. Renowned for its pristine backwaters and houseboat cruises along Vembanad Lake, Alleppey is often called the Venice of the East. It has many beautiful temples, churches, serene villages, and golden sand beaches, including Alappuzha and Marari Beach. The town’s deep-rooted Christian heritage traces back to St. Thomas, with significant influences from Portuguese and Dutch missionaries.

Best attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: October to March

5. Kumarakom 

Perched on the edge of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quaint hamlet with alluring scenery, pleasant weather, and exotic flora and fauna. The magnificent backwaters, lush mangrove forests, and coconut palms attract visitors to Kumarakom. Being a hub of exotic animal species, it is home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, where many migratory bird species come from November to February. 

Best attractions: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple,  Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom backwaters 

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: September to March

5. Thekkady 

When looking for a holiday destination in Kerala, one can’t miss Thekkady. Perched at an altitude of 700m above sea level, it is an ideal place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It is home to one of the largest tiger reserves in the country, the  Periyar Tiger Reserve.  Additionally, visitors visit Thekkady to indulge in activities like jeep safari, elephant ride and bamboo rafting through the Periyar Lake. 

Best attractions: Periyar Lake, Elephant Junction, Ayurvedic Garden, Mullaperiyar Dam, Periyar Tiger Trail, Murikkady, and Vandanmedu

Ideal Duration: 1 Day

Best Time to visit: October to February

6. Kovalam 

The paradise of the South, Kovalam, is a tranquil coastal town in Kerala. It is renowned for its crescent-shaped beaches, like Hawa Beach, the Lighthouse Beach, and the Samudra Beach. Besides beaches, many people visit Kovalam to relax and rejuvenate through Ayurvedic yoga programs. Furthermore, there are beautiful places in Kovalam, boasting enticing attractions such as admirable art, remarkable old-age architectures, churches & temples, and towering dams.

Best attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Halcyon Castle, Akkulam Lake, Karamana River, Rock Cut Caves

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: September to March

7. Thrissur  

The cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur, was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It is well-known for its temples, religious sites, beautiful beaches and cascading waterfalls. The city experiences high footfall during the Thrissur Pooram festival at the Thekkinkadu Maidan of Vadakumnathan Temple in April or May.  

Best attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Basilica Of Our Lady Of Dolours, Athirappilly Waterfalls, Punnathur Kotta, Chavakkad Beach

Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days

Best Time to visit: October to March & April to May

8. Kozhikode 

Nestled in the Malabar Coast, the city of spices, Kozhikode, is one of the offbeat places to visit in Kerala. Due to its sublime beauty, rich culture, and heritage, it attracts visitors from worldwide. Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, was once the capital of the British era of the Malabar district. With magnificent places like Kozhikode Beach and Beypore, the city also offers adrenaline-pumping activities such as trekking, swimming, and staying on a houseboat. 

Best attractions: Conolly Canal, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Kozhippara Falls, and Matri Dei Cathedral.

Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: October to March

9. Varkala

Relax and rejuvenate on the golden sandy beaches of Varkala, a coastal gem in Kerala. Its mineral springs, high cliffs, and beach charm attract visitors to Varkala. This town is also famous for meditation and water sports activities like Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat rides, and Mangrove Forest Kayaking. Witness the breathtaking views from the Varkala Cliff and explore the spiritual ambience of the Janardhana Swamy Temple. 

Best attractions: Varkala Beach, Janardhan Temple, Kappil Lake, Janardan Swami Temple, Vishnu Temple, Anjengo Fort, and Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah.

Ideal Duration:  1 Night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: October to March

10. Munroe Island 

Perched at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and River Kallada, Munroe Island is one of eight inland islands in Kerala. It is famous for its Kallada Boat Race, canal cruises, and narrow waterways. Named after Colonel Munroe, this place showcases Kerala’s scenic rural landscape with thatched houses, coconut plantations, lagoons, and mangrove forests. Visit this island during the 10-day Onam festival. 

Best attractions: Thangassery Light House, Kollam Beach and Thirumullavaram Beach

Ideal Duration: 5-6 hours

Best Time to visit: October to March

11. Kasaragod 

One of Kerala’s offbeat getaways, Kasaragod, is also known as Kasargod. It offers tourists enriched history, culture, enchanting nature, and folklore-clad experiences. Tucked amidst the Western Ghats, it is known for the Chandragiri and Bekal Forts, the Chandragiri River, and the historic Kolathiri Raja. With rolling hills, plush coconut plantations, and an alluring sea view, this is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. 

Best attractions: Malom Wildlife Sanctuary, Bekal Fort, Madhur Temple, Thonikadavu and Ananthapura Lake Temple

Ideal Duration: 1 Day

Best Time to visit: October to February

12. Kochi

Embark on a journey to explore Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea. It was formerly known as Cochin and is often regarded as India’s industrial and commercial capital. With pristine beaches, a far-reaching shoreline, beautiful backwaters, and lush greenery, Kochi is a paradise for nature lovers. Additionally, Kochi offers ample enthralling activities such as snorkelling, elephant riding, bird watching, and beach hopping. 

Best attractions: Santa Cruz Basilica, Gowreeswara Temple Cherai, Paradesi Synagogue, Kerala Folklore Theatre and Museum, Greenix Village

Ideal Duration: 3night/2 Days

Best Time to visit: October to February

FAQs About Tourist Places in Kerala

Why is Kerala famous for?

Kerala is famous for its natural beauty, including stunning backwaters, lush tea plantations, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife. It’s also known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional art forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, vibrant festivals like Onam, and Ayurvedic practices. 

Which is the most visited place in Kerala?

Thekkady is the most visited place in Kerala, particularly for its Periyar National Park and the opportunity to experience the country’s largest Tiger Reserve.

How many days are enough for a Kerala trip?

To cover all the famous tourist attractions in Kerala, one must have at least 7-8 days. During this time, one can explore places like Kochi, Alleppey, Thekkady, Munnar, and Kozhikode. However, if one is visiting for 2-3 days, they can visit Kochi, Alleppey, Kasargod, and Munnar. 

Which part of Kerala is most beautiful?

Kerala has many beautiful attractions and diverse landscapes, making it difficult to choose one. However, Alleppey and Kumarakom are the most beautiful places in Kerala due to their surreal backwater cruises and scenic views. 

What are the things to buy in Kerala?

Coir Products, Kathakali Masks, Temple Paintings, Spices, pure coconut oil, and Handloom Textiles are some of the best things to buy in Kerala. 

What are the entry fees and visitors’ timings for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary?

The entry fees for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary are INR 25 for Indian nationals and INR 300 for foreign nationals. The sanctuary is open daily from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM