If there is paradise on Earth, it’s in Kerala. Its beauty has earned it the popular title – God’s Own Country. Undoubtedly, Kerala is blessed by the heavenly beauty of the mist-covered hill-stations, scenic backwaters, sun-kissed beaches, lush wildlife sanctuaries, charming hamlets, and more.
Stretched along the Arabian Sea on the Malabar Coast and the Western Ghats, Kerala is absolute heaven, especially for travellers. The state has some beautiful destinations where you can create some of the best memories of your lives.
As it is quite difficult to explore the blissful beauty in one holiday to Kerala, here is a list of the most popular tourist places that you must include in your Kerala trip itinerary.
Must Visit Places to Visit in Kerala
Alleppey
Alleppey is known for the famous backwaters and manifolds the charm of Kerala tour packages. Its striking similarity with Venice makes it known as ‘Venice of the East’. Houseboats cruise on the scenic waters, fringed with lush palms, coconut groves, and scenic villages impart an exceptional experience.
Experience bliss like never before with an overnight stay on the houseboat and enjoy Ayurveda massages.
- Alappuzha Beach
- Krishnapuram Palace
- Marari Beach
- Revi Karunakaran Museum
- Punnamada Lake
- Pathiramanal Island
- Kalloorkad St. Mary’s Basilica Church
- Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha.
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport (53 km)
- Nearest railway station: Alleppey Railway Station.
Munnar
Next on our list of the must-visit tourist places in Kerala is Munnar. One of the most beautiful hill stations in India is tucked at 6000 feet. The town enjoys pleasant weather all through the year.
Known as the ‘tea paradise’ Munnar has about 80,000 miles of tea plantations established in the late 19th century. Misty mountains that are home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr, scenic waterfalls, and thrilling trekking trails add to the pleasure of exploring Munnar.
Places to Visit in Munnar
- Tea gardens
- TATA Tea Museum
- Attukad Waterfalls
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls
- Blossom Park
- Pothamedu View Point
- Top Station
- Marayoor Dolmens
- Mattupetty Dam
- Kundala Lake
- Lockhart Gap
- Anamudi
- Eravikulam National Park
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport (143 km)
- Nearest railway station: Aluva Railway Station (110 km)
Kovalam
Kerala’s beach getaway Kovalam is one of the unmissable places to visit in Kerala. Pleasant weather, lovely beach, soft sands, and tall coconut trees add more charm to the beach haven.
Sunbath or try out water sports like parasailing, snorkelling, etc. Do not miss out on getting some Ayurvedic massages and savour delicious cuisine, especially seafood.
Places to Visit in Kovalam
- The Lighthouse
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawah Beach
- Samudra Beach
- Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
- Halcyon Castle
- Akkulam Lake
- Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor
- Kovalam Jama Masjid
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (15 km)
- Nearest railway station: Trivandrum Railway Station (14 km)
Kochi
Fondly known as “The Queen of the Arabian”, Kochi is one of the top tourist attractions in Kerala. The harbour city has a history, heritage, and multi-ethnic culture along with some amazing facilities for travellers.
Museums, palaces, synagogues, Hindu temples, churches, art galleries, and beaches command your visit. Mouthwatering cuisine, shopping, folk performances, and more are the must-try delights.
Places to Visit in Kochi
- Chinese fishing nets during sunset or sunrise
- Mattancherry Palace
- Paradesi Synagogue
- Francis Church
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Hill Palace
- Marine Drive
- Indo-Portuguese Museum
- Bolgatty Palace
- Willingdon Island
- Kochi Backwaters
- Museum of Kerala History
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport (15 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (13 km)
Thekkady (Periyar Tiger Reserve)
Amidst the lush greenery of Western Ghats, Thekkady is one of the best sightseeing places in Kerala. Its main attraction is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – the ideal getaway for a wildlife adventure.
This is a Tiger Reserve that is inhabited by almost 35 species of animals and 265 species of birds. The most-spotted wild animals include elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs, etc. Explore the wilderness with boat safari on Periyar Lake, elephant rides, jungle patrol, bamboo rafting, jungle camp, border hiking, etc.
In addition to wildlife safaris, Thekkady offers the chance to explore fragrant spice plantations.
Places to Visit in Thekkady
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Periyar Lake
- Kadathanadan Kalari Center
- Kumily
- Mullaperiyar Dam
- Mudra Cultural Center
- Chellarkovil
- Vandanmedu
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport (95 km)
- Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station (114 km)
Wayanad
Another paradisiacal place in Kerala – Wayanad features on the list of the best places to explore on a trip to Kerala. A favourite among visitors, the hill town is known for an incredible treehouse stay.
Wayanad has plenty of tree lodgings that are preferred for a unique stay amidst nature. The Western Ghats offers scenic trails, charming tribal hamlets, and many experiences to cherish.
- Edakkal caves
- Banasura Sagar dam
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Thirunelli Temple
- Lakkidi View Point
- Puliyarmala Jain Temple
- Kuruvadweep
- Padinjarathara Dam
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport (95 km)
- Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station (72 km)
Kumarakom
The beautiful backwater town of Kumarakom is another gem in God’s Own Country. Counted among the best of sightseeing places in Kerala, the quiet little hamlet offers an intimate experience of exploring the backwaters on houseboats.
Much more relaxed and fun to explore the town is home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a haven for the feathery species including migratory ones.
Places to Visit in Kumarakom
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Vembanad Lake
- Aruvikkuzhi waterfall
- Juma Masjid
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum
- Pathiramanal Island
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Kochi Airport (85 km).
- Nearest railway station: Kottayam Railway Station (16 km)
Kozhikode
Kozhikode is a beautiful city set on the Malabar Coast. We have it on our list of the best places for a memorable holiday in Kerala, owing to its beaches that offer not just breathtaking beauty but also a connection to an interesting history.
It is here that the great explorer Vasco Da Gama first landed in India. From churches, temples, and historical monuments to sanctuaries and waterfalls; there is much to explore.
Places to Visit in Kozhikode
- Kappad Beach
- Kozhikode Beach
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls
- Sargaalaya
- Payyoli Beach
- Kozhippara Falls
- Matri Dei Cathedral
How to Reach
- Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport (28 km).
- Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station.
Historical Monuments in Kerala
Kerala is also dotted with many fascinating historical monuments that speak of the rich historical saga writ on the sands of time. Thus Kerala turns out to be a fond destination even for the history lovers. To know about the top-rated historical monuments of Kerala:
Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace, or Dutch Palace, located in Kochi is one such monument that holds tremendous relevance in the historical context. This monument of yesteryears has a rather complicated past. The Dutch and the Portuguese are both attributed for the construction and eventual restoration and beautification of the building respectively. The murals inscribed on the walls of the grab all attention, and surpass the rest of the details on the ceilings, doors, or elsewhere in the building. The place is also a hub of ancient paintings. It has been standing tall since 1555 AD. It is a two storey building of which both the floors are connected by a flight of stairs. It also houses a small temple within.
St Angelo Fort
Don Francesco de Almeida facilitated the construction of this ancient for in the year 1505. It is located at close proximity from Kannur. One can have a jaw dropping view from the fort, at the marvel of an island and a bay which surround the fort. The fort has stood the test of time when there were several attacks and invasions that were hurled upon it. It also saw several changes in the rulers who gained its ownership at different points in history. The monument depicts several styles of Portuguese and European styles of architecture.
Krishnapuram Palace
The visit in Kerala is certainly incomplete without paying a visit to this ancient palace. One of the biggest examples of Kerala style of architecture is represented in this mighty piece of excellence. It is situated near Alappuzha in around 1700. It is protected monument that sufficiently exhibits tremendous rich and authentic Keralite design and architecture. The building overlooks in front of it, a pond which in itself is a rarity. This palace is an asset to the beautiful place of Kayamkulam and was built in the 18th century. The place houses several mural paintings and also has a museum that displays the artefacts of an era long gone by.
Bishop’s House, Fort Kochi
Situated in Fort Kochi, there stands an abode of beauty. Originally built as a residence for the Portuguese Governor, this piece of architecture is a head turner. The building shows off a Gothic style of design and the splendour of it is further accentuated by the presence of a garden, spread widely before it. The Indo-Portuguese museum close to the Bishop’s House is also a rich source of historical monuments and articles that speak of a rich past.
Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Fort is also known as Palakkad Fort. This fort, like many other monuments and buildings in India is a perfect blend of Indian and European styles of architecture. The fort is believed to have been built for King Hyder Ali. Needless to say, this fort, like many others has seen several blatant fights of the power houses in the long history that India has to her credit. The place is gorgeous with a huge field in its vicinity, and the impeccable style in which it has been built. The fort is also popularly known as Tipu’s Fort.
Thus, once you have been to Kerala, no other place seems to match its heavenly beauty. Perfect for family vacations, romantic getaways, or relaxing breaks, these top tourist places in Kerala will make your vacation cherished and you would want to visit God’s Own Country time and again.
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