What makes Kerala’s tourist places special compared to other Indian states?
Kerala is one of the few Indian states where you can drive from Arabian Sea beaches to Western Ghats hill stations and wildlife reserves in a single day, with backwaters, waterfalls, and historic towns in between.
For travellers, that translates into real choice: you can design a chill beach-and-backwater honeymoon, a hill-station-and-trek escape, a wildlife-heavy family holiday, or a culture-and-food trail across temple towns, all within one compact state.
Quick facts: What should you know before shortlisting tourist places in Kerala?
| Topic | Snapshot for planners |
|---|---|
| Best overall season | December–February for pleasant weather across hills, backwaters and beaches. |
| Good shoulder months | October–November and March for good weather with fewer crowds and often better value. |
| Monsoon appeal | June–September for lush hills, waterfalls and Ayurveda; heavy rain and rough seas can disrupt outdoor plans. |
| Main gateways | Kochi (COK), Thiruvananthapuram (TRV), Kozhikode/Calicut (CCJ), Kannur (CNN). |
| Iconic experiences | Alleppey & Kumarakom backwaters, tea slopes of Munnar, Periyar wildlife, Kovalam and Varkala beaches, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu shows. |
| Ideal first-time trip length | 6–8 days for a balanced hills + backwaters + 1 beach/city circuit; 9–10 days if including wildlife or extra offbeat stops. |
| Great for | Couples, families, seniors, birders, soft-adventure travellers. |
How have we grouped the best tourist places in Kerala in this guide?
Instead of a long, flat list, this guide groups tourist places in Kerala into six travel-style categories. That makes it easier to answer “where should I go for my style of holiday?” rather than “which 25 names should I memorise?”
- Classic first-timer circuit – the big names most people start with.
- Hill stations & soft adventure – cooler, greener escapes with viewpoints, treks and waterfalls.
- Beaches & coastal getaways – from lively to cliffy to nearly-empty stretches.
- Backwaters & lake destinations – quieter waterways beyond the main Alleppey circuit.
- Offbeat eco & village escapes – where mass tourism hasn’t fully arrived.
- Cities & cultural hubs – temples, museums, food, and festivals.
Which classic tourist places in Kerala are perfect for first-time visitors?
These six destinations form the backbone of most 6–8 day Kerala itineraries. If it’s your first or second trip, start your shortlist here.
- Munnar
- Alleppey (Alappuzha)
- Kochi (Cochin)
- Thekkady
- Kovalam
- Kumarakom
1. Munnar
Munnar is Kerala’s signature hill station, with layered tea gardens, cool air, and viewpoints over low-lying clouds. It’s an easy sell for couples, families and photographers, and almost every major Kerala package includes it.
Vibe: Misty, green, cooler than the plains; relaxed rather than hyper-commercial.
Best for: Couples, families, photographers, soft trekkers.
Top experiences: Tea estate views and walks, Eravikulam National Park, sunrise/sunset viewpoints, and tea museum visits.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights at a tea estate resort or a plantation homestay.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport (110 km); Aluva or Ernakulam Junction as main railheads.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey is the houseboat capital of Kerala and the image most people have of “Kerala backwaters”. Vast lakes, narrow canals, coconut trees and paddy fields all meet here.
Vibe: Bustling backwater hub; busy canals near town, but peaceful once you’re out in the villages.
Best for: First-timers, honeymooners, families, and anyone who wants the iconic houseboat night.
Top experiences: Overnight houseboat on Vembanad Lake, sunset canoe rides, Alappuzha Beach and lighthouse, and village walks along paddy bunds.
Ideal stay: 1 night on a houseboat + 1 night in a backwater resort or homestay.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport (80 km); Alappuzha Railway Station in town.
3. Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi is Kerala’s main international gateway and blends colonial-era streets, waterfront promenades, art cafés and malls better than any other city in the state. It’s a natural starting or ending point for most routes.
Vibe: Laid-back port city; heritage core in Fort Kochi, modern conveniences in Ernakulam.
Best for: Culture lovers, foodies, first-time visitors, stopovers before or after circuits.
Top experiences: Fort Kochi heritage walk, Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town, Kathakali/Kalaripayattu performances, Marine Drive sunset cruise.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights; base in Fort Kochi for character or on Marine Drive for views.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport (35 km); Ernakulam Junction/Ernakulam Town stations.
4. Thekkady
Thekkady is the wildlife and spice-plantation leg of most Kerala tours, centred on Periyar Tiger Reserve. Even if you don’t spot big cats, the forested lake setting and elephant sightings make it worthwhile.
Vibe: Forest town; cool evenings, plenty of nature lodges and spice shops.
Best for: Families, nature lovers, birders, soft-adventure travellers.
Top experiences: Boat rides or guided walks in Periyar, jeep safaris, spice plantation tours, and Kalaripayattu/Kathakali shows in town.
Ideal stay: 2 nights to mix wildlife and village experiences.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi or Madurai airports (both 3–4 hrs by road); Kottayam is a common railhead.
5. Kovalam
Yes. Kovalam may no longer be the undiscovered hippie spot of the 70s. Still, it remains one of Kerala’s most accessible and family-friendly beach bases, with a string of three main beaches and solid resort infrastructure.
Vibe: Developed, compact beach town with plenty of mid-range and upscale stays, cafés, and Ayurveda centres.
Best for: Families, couples wanting resort comfort, and seniors wanting easy access to the sea.
Top experiences: Lighthouse Beach for views, gentle swimming when seas are calm, and short drives to Poovar and Trivandrum city.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights, especially at the end of a trip.
Nearest airport/rail: Thiruvananthapuram Airport (15 km); Trivandrum Central station.
6. Kumarakom
Kumarakom sits on another stretch of Vembanad Lake, quieter than Alleppey’s canals, with birdlife, upscale backwater resorts and a slower pace. It’s ideal if you like lake views more than busy waterways.
Vibe: Quiet, lake-facing; more of a resort/villa feel than a town.
Best for: Honeymooners, birders, wellness seekers, and repeat visitors who want fewer crowds than Alleppey.
Top experiences: Sunset cruises, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, village canoeing, and stay-in-resort days with Ayurveda.
Ideal stay: 2 nights, especially after a busier circuit.
Nearest airport / rail: Kochi Airport (~78 km); Kottayam station (16 km).
Which hill stations and soft-adventure tourist places in Kerala should you visit?
If you’ve done Munnar or want more time in the hills, these destinations give you green views, light treks and quieter roads. They work especially well for road trips and repeat visits.
7. Wayanad
Wayanad is a plateau ringed by hills in North Kerala, with forests, plantations, lakes and caves. It feels less touristy than Munnar and links well with Karnataka (Mysore/Coorg).
Vibe: Forest meets farmland; scattered homestays, resorts and eco-lodges.
Best for: Families, couples, road-trippers, soft trekkers.
Top experiences: Edakkal Caves, viewpoints like Lakkidi, waterfalls like Soochipara, wildlife reserves, ziplining and light treks.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights.
Nearest airport/rail: Calicut Airport (90–100 km); Kozhikode station.
8. Vagamon
Vagamon has rolling meadows, pine forests and tea gardens, with a cooler, almost “European” feel when the mist rolls in. It’s still lighter on mass tourism than Munnar.
Vibe: Quiet, green, with meadows and viewpoints instead of a big town.
Best for: Couples, photographers, bikers/road-trippers.
Top experiences: Vagamon meadows, pine forest, seasonal paragliding, and offbeat homestays in the hills.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights, usually as an add-on.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi or Trivandrum airports (both 3–4 hrs by road); Kottayam is the usual railhead.
9. Ponmudi
Thiruvananthapuram’s local hill station, Ponmudi is reachable in a few hours’ drive, with winding ghats and cloud-kissed viewpoints – excellent if you’re using Trivandrum as a base.
Vibe: Narrow hill road, viewpoints, homestays and small resorts; not as developed as Munnar.
Best for: Short drives, couples, photography, and trips to Trivandrum.
Top experiences: Hairpin-bend drive, viewpoints, walks through tea and spice estates, and small treks.
Ideal stay: 1 night (or even a long day trip).
Nearest airport/rail: Thiruvananthapuram Airport and station.
10. Idukki
Idukki is a district of dams, deep valleys and high ranges, including the famous Idukki Arch Dam and lush hillscapes that feel wilder than typical resort hills.
Vibe: More raw and spread out; think dams, valleys, plantations, and forest outposts.
Best for: Repeat visitors, photographers, road-trippers.
Top experiences: Idukki Arch Dam viewpoints, forest drives, lesser-known viewpoints and villages.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights in a hill or forest homestay.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport; Kottayam is the common railhead.
Which beach and coastal tourist places in Kerala are best for sunsets and sea views?
Kerala’s coast runs along the entire state, but four areas are particularly worth planning a stay around. Each gives a different kind of beach holiday.
11. Varkala
Varkala stands out because the main beach sits below a line of red laterite cliffs, not directly beside the road. The cliffs host cafés, yoga shalas and boutiques, while the shore stays relatively relaxed.
Vibe: Young, indie, café-heavy; more international than Kovalam.
Best for: Couples, friends, solo travellers, digital nomads.
Top experiences: Sunset from cliff cafés, walks along the cliff-top path, beach time when seas are safe, and side trips to Anjengo Fort and backwater day cruises.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights.
Nearest airport/rail: Trivandrum Airport (45 km); Varkala station.
12. Marari (Mararikulam)
Marari is a low-key fishing-village beach with coconut groves, boutique resorts and very little built-up town right on the sand. It’s excellent if you want a quiet finish near the backwaters.
Vibe: Understated, resort-led; long beach, no big nightlife.
Best for: Honeymooners, slow travellers, and families seeking calm.
Top experiences: Beach walks, cycling through village lanes, coir-making and fishing-village experiences, and short drives to Alleppey/Kumarakom.
Ideal stay: 2–4 nights at the end of a trip.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport; Alappuzha or Cherthala stations.
13. Bekal
Bekal, in North Kerala’s Kasaragod district, combines a massive sea-facing fort, long beaches, and upscale resorts, making it a strong pick if you want something different from the south’s beaches.
Vibe: Fort + quiet beaches; more resort than town in the immediate area.
Best for: Couples, families, and heritage-and-beach combo seekers.
Top experiences: Exploring Bekal Fort with ocean views, beach sunsets, nearby backwater and village tours.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights.
Nearest airport/rail: Mangalore Airport is closer than most Kerala airports; Kasaragod or Kanhangad stations.
14. Kannur belt (Muzhappilangad & Thottada)
Around Kannur, you get drive-in beaches (Muzhappilangad), empty coves (Thottada), Theyyam rituals and historic forts – far less crowded than Kovalam or Varkala.
Vibe: Local, low-rise, culturally rich coastal belt.
Best for: Offbeat beach-lovers, culture nerds, and photographers.
Top experiences: Driving on Muzhappilangad Beach, sunsets at Thottada, visiting St. Angelo Fort, and catching Theyyam performances in season.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights.
Nearest airport/rail: Kannur Airport (CNN); Kannur station.
Which backwater and lake destinations in Kerala are ideal for slow travel?
Beyond Alleppey and Kumarakom, these four places offer backwaters with fewer boats and more local life. They’re perfect if you want to linger.
15. Kollam & Ashtamudi Lake
Kollam sits by Ashtamudi Lake, a vast palm-fringed water body that feels less touristy than Alleppey but still has good resorts and houseboats.
Vibe: Port city with quieter backwater pockets.
Best for: Slow travellers, birders, and people avoiding crowds.
Top experiences: Lake cruises, homestay stays, coir industry visits, and heritage walks in town.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights.
Nearest airport/rail: Trivandrum or Kochi airports; Kollam station.
16. Poovar
Poovar sits where river, lake, backwaters and sea meet, with floating cottages and boat-access-only resorts giving it a Maldivian feel at Indian prices.
Vibe: Resort cluster on sheltered backwaters and sandbar; romantic and relaxed.
Best for: Couples, short luxury breaks, and families wanting a self-contained resort.
Top experiences: Boat rides through mangroves, sandbar beach when conditions allow, Ayurveda and spa days.
Ideal stay: 2–3 nights.
Nearest airport/rail: Thiruvananthapuram Airport and station.
17. Munroe Island
Munroe Island, near Kollam, is a cluster of islets and narrow canals with homestays and canoe tours that feel closer to local life than big houseboats.
Vibe: Very quiet; village homestay rather than resort.
Best for: Offbeat travellers, birders, and budget-to-midrange slow travellers.
Top experiences: Sunrise/sunset canoe tours, walking through village lanes, and watching toddy tapping and coir-making.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights in a homestay.
Nearest airport/rail: Trivandrum/Kochi airports; Kollam station, then local train or cab.
18. Kuttanad
Kuttanad is Kerala’s “rice bowl”, a below-sea-level backwater region of paddy fields, canals and dykes. It’s less about big houseboats and more about staying in or near a village and watching the farming rhythm.
Vibe: Rural, ultra-picturesque; canals plus bright-green paddy fields.
Best for: Photographers, culture-curious travellers, and repeat Kerala visitors.
Top experiences: Canoe rides through narrow canals, village stays, and watching or photographing harvest if in season.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights, often as an extension from Alleppey/Kumarakom.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport; Alappuzha or Changanassery stations.
Which offbeat tourist places in Kerala are worth going beyond the usual circuit?
If you’ve ticked off the classics, these places justify going a bit further or slower. Expect simpler infrastructure and more nature.
19. Kumbalangi
Kumbalangi is a model tourism village near Kochi, known for its Chinese fishing nets, mangroves and responsible tourism experiences.
Vibe: Authentic fishing village; homestays over hotels.
Best for: Culture and responsible tourism fans, families with older kids.
Top experiences: Try operating Chinese fishing nets, go on canoe rides, visit farms and shell-craft workshops, and enjoy local meals in homestays.
Ideal stay: 1–2 nights, often combined with Fort Kochi.
Nearest airport/rail: Kochi Airport; Ernakulam stations.