What is the important tourist places in Kerala?

Important Tourist Places in Kerala: A Complete Travel Guide

Introduction

Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country”, is one of the most beautiful states in India and a dream destination for travelers worldwide. Nestled in the southern part of India, Kerala is blessed with lush greenery, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. From the calming houseboat rides in Alleppey to the tea plantations of Munnar, from the pristine beaches of Kovalam to the wildlife safaris in Wayanad, Kerala offers something for every traveler.

Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, cultural enthusiast, or simply someone looking to relax, Kerala has a wide range of tourist places to explore. In this blog post, we will cover the most important tourist places in Kerala that you must visit on your next trip.

1. Munnar – The Paradise of Tea Plantations

Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations in Kerala, located in the Idukki district. It is known for its rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and pleasant climate. Munnar attracts thousands of honeymooners, families, and nature lovers every year.

Top Attractions in Munnar:

  • Tea Gardens & Tata Tea Museum – Learn about tea-making and enjoy the scenic plantations.

  • Eravikulam National Park – Famous for the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.

  • Mattupetty Dam – A beautiful picnic spot with boating facilities.

  • Anamudi Peak – The highest peak in South India, ideal for trekking.

Best Time to Visit: September to March.

2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) – Venice of the East

Alleppey is world-famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Staying in a traditional houseboat while floating through palm-fringed canals is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is also known for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race held annually in August.

Top Attractions in Alleppey:

  • Alleppey Backwaters – Take a houseboat ride for a unique experience.

  • Alleppey Beach – A peaceful spot with an old lighthouse.

  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Paradise for bird watchers.

Best Time to Visit: November to February.

3. Kochi (Cochin) – The Queen of the Arabian Sea

Kochi is a vibrant city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. It is also the cultural hub of Kerala, offering a mix of colonial architecture, local markets, and coastal beauty.

Top Attractions in Kochi:

  • Fort Kochi – Explore Chinese fishing nets, colonial buildings, and art cafés.

  • Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – A museum showcasing Kerala’s royal heritage.

  • Jew Town & Synagogue – Famous for antique shops and spices.

  • Marine Drive – A popular hangout spot.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

4. Wayanad – Nature and Adventure

Wayanad is a green paradise located in the Western Ghats. It is an ideal place for trekking, wildlife spotting, and experiencing Kerala’s tribal culture.

Top Attractions in Wayanad:

  • Edakkal Caves – Ancient rock carvings dating back thousands of years.

  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Home to elephants, tigers, and leopards.

  • Soochipara Waterfalls – A scenic waterfall for adventure seekers.

  • Banasura Sagar Dam – The largest earthen dam in India.

Best Time to Visit: October to May.

5. Thekkady – Home of Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Thekkady is one of the best places in Kerala for wildlife lovers. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for elephants and offers boat safaris in Periyar Lake.

Top Attractions in Thekkady:

  • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary – Spot elephants, bison, and exotic birds.

  • Spice Plantations – Kerala is famous for spices like cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.

  • Bamboo Rafting & Trekking – A unique adventure experience.

Best Time to Visit: September to April.

6. Kovalam – The Beach Paradise

Kovalam is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala. With golden sands, palm-fringed shores, and Ayurveda resorts, Kovalam is a must-visit for beach lovers.

Top Attractions in Kovalam:

  • Lighthouse Beach – Known for its iconic lighthouse and water sports.

  • Hawah Beach – A peaceful and less crowded option.

  • Vellayani Lake – Perfect for sunset views.

Best Time to Visit: November to February.

7. Varkala – The Cliffside Beach

Varkala is a unique seaside town famous for its cliffside beach. Unlike other beaches in Kerala, Varkala Beach is surrounded by high cliffs with shops and cafes overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Top Attractions in Varkala:

  • Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) – Known for natural springs and relaxing vibes.

  • Janardanaswamy Temple – An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

  • Sivagiri Mutt – A pilgrimage center founded by Sree Narayana Guru.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

8. Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) – Cultural Capital of Kerala

Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, is a mix of ancient tradition and modernity. It is home to historic temples, palaces, and museums.

Top Attractions in Trivandrum:

  • Padmanabhaswamy Temple – One of the richest temples in the world.

  • Napier Museum – Famous for Kerala-style architecture and artifacts.

  • Shankumugham Beach – A beautiful sunset spot.

Best Time to Visit: October to February.

9. Bekal – Famous for Historic Forts and Beaches

Bekal is known for its Bekal Fort, which offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. It is a peaceful destination with fewer crowds, making it perfect for relaxation.

Top Attractions in Bekal:

  • Bekal Fort – The largest fort in Kerala.

  • Bekal Beach – A calm beach ideal for evening walks.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

10. Athirappilly Waterfalls – The Niagara of India

Athirappilly is the largest waterfall in Kerala, located in Thrissur district. Surrounded by lush forests, it has been featured in many Indian movies.

Top Attractions in Athirappilly:

  • Athirappilly Waterfalls – A breathtaking 80-feet high waterfall.

  • Vazhachal Waterfalls – Located nearby, equally stunning.

Best Time to Visit: June to September (monsoon season).

11. Kumarakom – Backwater Bliss

Kumarakom is another famous backwater destination, located near Vembanad Lake. It is a peaceful retreat ideal for houseboat stays and bird watching.

Top Attractions in Kumarakom:

  • Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Spot migratory birds like Siberian Storks.

  • Vembanad Lake – Largest lake in Kerala, ideal for boating.

  • Ayurvedic Resorts – Perfect for rejuvenation.

Best Time to Visit: September to March.

12. Ponmudi – Offbeat Hill Station

Ponmudi is a lesser-known hill station near Trivandrum. It is famous for trekking trails, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

Top Attractions in Ponmudi:

  • Golden Valley – A beautiful valley with streams and rivers.

  • Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary – Great for trekking and wildlife spotting.

Best Time to Visit: November to March.

13. Silent Valley National Park – Untouched Wilderness

Silent Valley is one of the most pristine national parks in India, located in the Nilgiri Hills. It is rich in biodiversity and untouched by commercialization.

Top Attractions in Silent Valley:

  • Rainforests – Home to rare flora and fauna.

  • Trekking Trails – Ideal for adventure lovers.

Best Time to Visit: December to April.

14. Poovar Island – Hidden Backwater Gem

Poovar Island is a unique tourist spot where the backwaters meet the sea. It offers houseboat cruises, floating cottages, and golden beaches.

Best Time to Visit: November to March.

Travel Tips for Kerala

  1. Best Time to Visit Kerala: November to March (winter season) is ideal for sightseeing and backwaters, while June to September (monsoon) is perfect for nature lovers.

  2. Getting Around: Use a mix of taxis, auto-rickshaws, buses, and ferries for local transport.

  3. Cuisine to Try: Don’t miss Kerala Sadya, Appam with Stew, Karimeen Pollichathu, and Kerala-style seafood.

  4. What to Pack: Light cotton clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes.

  5. Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples.

Conclusion

Kerala is truly a paradise that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. From serene backwaters to majestic waterfalls, from misty hill stations to sun-kissed beaches, Kerala has everything a traveler could dream of.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, family vacation, solo trip, or adventure tour, the important tourist places in Kerala listed above will make your journey unforgettable.

So, pack your bags and get ready to explore God’s Own Country – a destination that will stay in your heart forever.

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