Tourist Places in Kerala

Kerala, affectionately known as “God’s Own Country,” is a picturesque state on India’s southwest coast. Kerala is a traveler’s paradise, with its verdant landscapes, tranquil backwaters, golden beaches, misty hill stations, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you want to rest, adventure, or practice spirituality, Kerala has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll walk you through Kerala’s best tourist sites and help you plan the perfect vacation.

Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Venice of the East

Alleppey is undoubtedly among the top tourist destinations in Kerala because of its breathtaking backwaters. Known for its houseboats and scenic surroundings, Alleppey provides nature lovers with a tranquil haven. One of the best ways to explore Kerala is by taking a houseboat excursion on Vembanad Lake, where guests can ride through verdant surroundings and take in the typical village life along the shores.

Munnar – A Hill Station of Bliss

Munnar, located in the Western Ghats, is a hill station known for its vast tea plantations, temperate climate, and breathtaking scenery. Munnar is great for nature lovers and explorers, with its numerous trekking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and, of course, tea garden tours. Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is a must-see.

Kumarakom – A Quiet Backwater Retreat

A quaint village on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is well-known for its serene backwaters and houseboats. It’s the perfect destination for a laid-back getaway, offering boat excursions, the opportunity to see birds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and an opportunity to experience Kerala’s rural way of life.

Thekkady – The Land of Wildlife and Adventure

A haven for wildlife lovers, Thekkady is home to the well-known Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is well-known for its distinctive wildlife, which includes tigers, elephants, and a variety of birds. You can witness wildlife while floating through the reserve on a boat cruise on Periyar Lake.

Kochi (Cochin) – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

Kochi is a city that seamlessly blends historical traditions with modern attractions. Kochi is known for its colonial architecture and provides a variety of experiences. The Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi, the Mattancherry Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the dynamic Kochi-Muziris Biennale art show make Kochi an intriguing destination for history and art lovers.

One-Day Trip Places in Kerala

Kerala has a lot of one-day vacation destinations that may be explored in a day without the need for a longer stay. If you’re staying in a city like Kochi or Trivandrum, you can take a brief trip to one of these stunning locations.

Varkala – The Cliffside Beach Retreat

Varkala, only 50 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, is noted for its breathtaking cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Varkala Beach, with its golden sands and crystal clear waters, is ideal for a relaxed day out. The Papanasam Beach is also a popular pilgrimage location, with devotees performing rites for the deceased. You can also visit the adjacent Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is more than 2,000 years old.

Athirappilly – The Niagara of India

Athirappilly, in the Thrissur district, is one of Kerala’s most popular waterfalls. Known as the “Niagara of India,” the waterfall stands 80 feet tall and is surrounded by deep forest, making it an ideal location for wildlife lovers. You can spend the day outside, photographing and exploring the neighboring Vazhachal Waterfalls.

Trivandrum – Culture and Nature Combined

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s capital city, has various attractions that may be seen in a single day. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a well-known religious landmark with exquisite construction and spiritual importance. Nearby attractions include the Napier Museum, Kerala Science and Technology Museum, and the famous Kovalam Beach.

Wayanad – Nature’s Gem

Wayanad is another excellent option for a one-day excursion from surrounding places such as Kozhikode. Wayanad is known for its natural beauty, waterfalls, and animals, with attractions like the Edakkal Caves, Pookode Lake, and the Soochipara Waterfalls. It’s an excellent location for nature walks, short hikes, and bird watching.

2-Day Trip in Kerala

If you want to extend your journey for a few days, Kerala has many tourist places that may be visited over two days. Here are a few of the top choices:

Alleppey and Kumarakom – A Backwater Combo

Spending two days in Kerala’s backwaters is a lovely experience. Begin your vacation in Alleppey, where you can take a beautiful houseboat excursion on Vembanad Lake. On day two, travel to Kumarakom, a more tranquil backwater area where you may visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and see village life along the lake. This combo is ideal for individuals looking for a calm vacation.

Munnar and Thekkady – Nature and Wildlife

Munnar and Thekkady are near together, making it possible to visit both in two days. Begin your journey in Munnar, where you may explore the tea estates, go for a nature walk, and enjoy the mild temperature. On the second day, go to Thekkady to explore the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and have a boat ride across Periyar Lake. These sites provide an excellent balance of nature, animals, and adventure.

Kochi and Fort Kochi – History and Culture

Spend the day in Kochi, exploring attractions including the Dutch Palace, the Jewish Synagogue, and the bustling Marine Drive. The next day, visit Fort Kochi to see the colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, and the iconic Santa Cruz Basilica. This blend of history, culture, and architecture provides an enriching two-day excursion.

Best Tourist Places in Kerala with Family

Kerala is one of the greatest places for family vacations due to its varied range of attractions. Whether you’re searching for beach fun, animal adventures, or cultural experiences, Kerala has something for everyone in the family.

Varkala – A Perfect Beach Getaway

Varkala Beach is great for a family outing. The golden dunes, calm waves, and crystal blue water make it ideal for swimming and resting. The neighboring Papanasam Beach has spiritual importance, making it an excellent choice for a family getaway. The Janardhana Swamy Temple provides a calm environment for family prayers and ceremonies.

Munnar – A Family Escape to the Hills

Munnar is an ideal destination for a family vacation. Children will enjoy the tea gardens and the opportunity to witness elephants at Eravikulam National Park. You may also visit Mattupetty Dam, where family can go boating in a lovely setting. Munnar is a relaxing family vacation destination thanks to its mild climate and gorgeous surroundings.

Thekkady – A Wildlife Adventure for All Ages

The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady provides families with an up-close experience with wildlife. A boat journey on Periyar Lake will let children to see elephants and other creatures. Nature walks, bamboo rafting, and spice plantation visits are all instructive and enjoyable activities for the entire family.

Kumarakom – A Quiet Family Retreat

Kumarakom is ideal for families looking for a relaxing vacation by the backwaters. You may explore the area by boat, visit the bird sanctuary, or simply relax at one of the numerous family-friendly resorts on the lake. The peaceful surroundings make it a great spot to relax with your loved ones.

Famous Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala is home to some of India’s most famous tourist places. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned tourist, these renowned destinations are must-sees.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple – A Spiritual Landmark

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the world’s richest temples and a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and is well-known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.

Sabarimala – A Sacred Pilgrimage

Sabarimala is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Kerala, attracting millions of visitors each year. The temple, located in the Western Ghats, is devoted to Lord Ayyappa and provides pilgrims with a unique trekking experience.

Kovalam – A Coastal Gem

Kovalam Beach, in Thiruvananthapuram, is one of Kerala’s most famous beaches. The crescent-shaped beach, with golden sand and clear water, is ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. It’s also an excellent spot to unwind and engage in Ayurvedic treatments.

Wayanad – A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Wayanad, with its lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries, is one of Kerala’s most popular destinations for environment enthusiasts. It is home to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the Edakkal Caves, and the Pookode Lake, all of which provide a combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Conclusion

Kerala is undoubtedly a land of unique experiences. Kerala has something for everyone, whether you want to relax by the backwaters, go on an adventure in the hills, or learn about local culture. From well-known attractions such as the Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Kovalam Beach to hidden jewels such as Wayanad and Athirappilly, Kerala never fails to captivate. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a longer stay, Kerala promises to give amazing experiences for all types of travelers. So, pack your bags and travel to this tropical paradise to see God’s Own Country in all of its magnificence!