Have you ever dreamed of taking a trip that combined cuisine, culture, and nature? If so, you should travel to Kerala, India's "God's Own State," for an experience of a lifetime.
Kerala is a state in southwest India that, within a few hours of one another, offers sun-kissed beaches, tranquil backwaters, misty mountains, and fiery curries. There are many tourist places in Kerala, including Alleppey, Thekkady, Munnar and many more, where lush greenery, diverse landscapes, and rich heritage live in perfect harmony. So, whether your goals are trekking, temple hopping, wildlife viewing, or simply enjoying a cup of chai while taking in the scenery of the mountains, Kerala will therefore not let you down.
Here we have listed the 12 best tourist places in Kerala to help you decide where to go and what not to miss.
1. Munnar
Munnar, a stunning hill station in Kerala's Idukki district, is truly a veritable green paradise. Surrounded by endless tea gardens, hills, and misty weather, it is one of the best tourist places in Kerala, especially for nature lovers and couples.
You can explore Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and take scenic drives through some key landmarks, including Mattupetty, Echo Point, and Top Station. Also, if you are curious about how tea became part of this region’s identity, do not forget to visit the Munnar Tea Museum to know colonial tea history.
Attukad and Lakkam Waterfalls are a must-see if you want to add more adventure to your trip to Kerala.
Important Note: The Neelakurinji bloom in Munnar only happens once every 12 years, which last bloomed in 2018, and the next one is expected to happen again around 2030. These bluish-purple flowers cover the Western Ghats from August to October, especially around Eravikulam National Park and the nearby Anamudi and Rajamalai trails.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a scenic town located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, along the Arabian Sea Coast. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Kerala, which is best known for its backwaters and charming houseboats.
Here, you can enjoy cruising through palm-fringed canals while watching village life go by is an unforgettable experience. You can spend a night on a houseboat with freshly prepared Kerala meals, like karimeen pollichathu and appam with stew, which is a must-try. Also, do not miss a walk along Alappuzha Beach, especially during sunset.
If you are visiting in August, try to catch the thrilling Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a major cultural event in Alleppey, Kerala.
3. Thekkady
Located in the Idukki district, Kerala, Thekkady stands out among the top tourist places in Kerala for its natural beauty and immersive experiences.
It is home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and see wild elephants, bison, and exotic birds. You can also go on guided jungle treks and bamboo rafting, which are both exciting things to do if you want something more adventurous.
Thekkady is also known for its fragrant spice farms, such as Abraham's Spice Garden, where you can learn about Kerala's spice culture by taking a guided farm tour. Besides, you can witness colourful local traditions and rituals during Chakkulathukavu Pongala, which occurs in Vrischikam (late November to early December).
4. Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most vibrant tourist places in Kerala, where you can find tradition meets modern charm. It was once a major port of ancient India for the spice trade, and now, it is full of history, art, and coastal vibes.
You can explore Fort Kochi here, which is known for its Chinese fishing nets, colonial buildings, and cute art cafes. Also, do not forget to go to Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, and synagogues that have been around for hundreds of years to get a sense of the city's multicultural history.
Every two years, Kochi hosts the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, which runs from December to April of the following year. It is the largest contemporary art festival in India and attracts artists from all over the world.
5. Varkala
Varkala should be on your list of places to visit if you want a beach that is quiet, beautiful, and not too crowded. It is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Kerala, and it is in the Thiruvananthapuram district. It is known for its steep cliffs that look out over the Arabian Sea.
You can swim at Papanasam Beach, which is thought to have spiritual cleansing powers, or you can go to the nearby Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is very old. You can also do yoga in the morning and then go to the cliffside cafés at night to eat fresh seafood.
Every December, Varkala has the Sivagiri Mutt pilgrimage, which will give your trip a cultural touch.
6. Wayanad
Wayanad, located in the northeastern part of Kerala, is one of those tourist places in Kerala that still feels untouched and peaceful. It is completely surrounded by forested hills and cool weather, which is perfect for nature lovers and slow travellers.
You can hike up to the Edakkal Caves, which are famous for their prehistoric rock carvings, or you can go to the beautiful Soochipara and Meenmutty Waterfalls for a cool swim. Banasura Sagar Dam is a beautiful place to go boating and have picnics with your family. you can book your tour package for wayanad with planyourtour.
Wayanad is also full of tribal culture and local traditions, which are often shown off during festivals like Vishu and Onam. Also, don't forget to try the local food, like bamboo rice, fish curry, and pazham pori (banana fritters).
7. Kumarakom
Located on the bank of Vembanad Lake in the Kottayam district of Kerala, Kumarakom is one of the most serene tourist places in Kerala. If you are looking for a perfect escape in nature, do not forget to include this place in your tour plan.
The top tourist attraction in Kumarakom, Kerala, is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is home to migratory birds like Siberian cranes, herons, and egrets—especially between November and February.
You can enjoy a quiet houseboat cruise, take a canoe ride through the narrow canals, or explore Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls nearby. The local food is rich and fresh, with specialities like karimeen (pearl spot fish), prawn curry, and toddy. You can also enjoy the cultural festivals like Onam and Thiruvathira here, which are celebrated with traditional music and dance.
8. Kovalam
If you are looking for a quick beach getaway near Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Kerala. Just 16 km from the city, this coastal town is known for its crescent-shaped beaches, calm waters, and laid-back vibe. Here, you can visit Lighthouse Beach to enjoy the panoramic views, or relax at Hawa and Samudra Beach if you prefer quieter spots.
Kovalam is also a hub for Ayurvedic therapies, beachfront yoga sessions, and water sports like parasailing and surfing. If you are planning for Kerala trip between January and February, do not miss the Nishagandhi Dance Festival here, where classical dance and music performances light up the evenings.
9. Thrissur
Located in central Kerala, Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala and offers a complete cultural experience like nowhere else in this state. The city is rich in tradition, classical art, and religious heritage, making it one of the most vibrant tourist places in Kerala.
You can visit the iconic Vadakkunnathan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness its classic Kerala-style architecture. Thrissur is home to many museums, art galleries, and beautiful old churches.
The main highlight of the city is the Thrissur Pooram, held in April or May, where you can glimpse a stunning festival with decorated elephants, chenda melam (drum performances), and grand fireworks. Also, do not forget to try local cuisine in Thrissur, especially Vellayappam, the Kerala-style pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and coconut.
10. Bekal
Bekal, located in the Kasaragod district of northern Kerala, is one of the more peaceful and offbeat tourist places in Kerala. Here, you can visit the Bekal Fort, a 17th-century coastal fort which offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, perfect for photo lovers and history buffs.
Right next to it, you can also visit Bekal Beach, clean and uncrowded, ideal for long walks and beautiful sunsets. Do not forget to explore nearby Kappil Beach and backwaters, where the Arabian Sea meets the Kavvayi River.
Bekal is not big on crowds, but it is a perfect tourist attraction in Kerala for couples or anyone wanting a quiet escape.
11. Kannur
Located in North Kerala, Kannur is a coastal town known for its blend of history, culture, and quiet beaches—making it one of the underrated tourist attractions in Kerala. It is home to the magnificent St. Angelo Fort, which was built by the Portuguese, offering sea views and photo ops.
Also, if you are into culture, do not miss the intense and colourful Theyyam performances, a ritual art form unique to this region, usually held between October and May.
Kannur also boasts serene spots like Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach and Payyambalam Beach. Foodies will love the spicy Malabar cuisine, with dishes like pathiri, chicken curry, and seafood specials. With fewer crowds and a slower pace, Kannur is perfect for travellers who want a coastal escape with local flavour and deep cultural roots.
12. Ponmudi
Nestled in the Western Ghats, approximately 55 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi is one of the most peaceful and scenic hill stations in Kerala. Though lesser known, it is fast gaining attention as one of the best tourist places in Kerala for those who crave cool weather, green hills, and quiet moments at weekends.
Here, you can enjoy short treks, nature walks, and even spot wildlife in the nearby Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a great place for birdwatching and photography too. Try to visit during Ponmudi in monsoon or winter to get the most refreshing experience in nature.
FAQs
Which are the most visited tourist places in Kerala?
Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Thekkady, and Wayanad are among the most visited tourist places in Kerala, known for their unique mix of nature, culture, and experiences.
Which is the best tourist place in Kerala for a 1-day trip?
Alleppey is a great one-day trip destination—perfect for a houseboat cruise, village views, and authentic Kerala meals, all within a few hours.
What is Kerala famous for?
Kerala is famous for its backwaters, Ayurveda, lush greenery, spices, classical dance forms like Kathakali, and vibrant festivals like Onam and Thrissur Pooram.
What are the traditional foods in Kerala?
Traditional Kerala foods include appam with stew, Kerala sadya, puttu and kadala curry, fish molee, and Malabar biryani—flavorful and rich in coconut and spices.
