Best Places to Visit in Kerala: Top Destinations & Experiences
Vanika Singh
Kerala, tucked into India’s southwestern coast, is a state of backwaters, tea-covered hills, spice plantations, and quiet beach towns. From misty highlands to palm-fringed lagoons, this guide to the best places to visit in Kerala covers the destinations that make “God’s Own Country” one of India’s most rewarding trips, along with a sample week-long route and practical tips for planning your visit.
A Quick Overview of Kerala’s Regions
Kerala is roughly divided into three belts: the highlands (Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad), the backwaters (Alleppey, Kumarakom), and the coast (Kochi, Kovalam, Varkala). Most travelers combine all three, since distances between them are manageable by road. This mix of hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, and coastal towns is what keeps Kerala among the most visited tourist places in Kerala for both domestic and international travelers.
Top Places to Visit in Kerala
1. Munnar
Set at over 1,600 meters in the Western Ghats, Munnar is Kerala’s best-known hill station, wrapped in rolling tea plantations and cool mountain air.
Highlights & key things to do:
Any proper Munnar travel guide will point you toward the Tea Museum to learn how the plantations came to define the region, and Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Among the top things to do in Munnar are visiting Mattupetty Dam, trekking through Top Station for valley views, and walking through the tea gardens at sunrise before the mist clears.
Recommended time: 2–3 days.
2. Thekkady
Bordering Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is Kerala’s spice country, where cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations line the hillsides.
Highlights & key things to do :
A good Thekkady travel guide typically starts with a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where elephants and occasionally tigers can be spotted from the water. Visit a working spice plantation for a guided walking tour, or catch a traditional Kathakali dance performance in the evening.
Recommended time: 2 days.
3. Alleppey and the Backwaters
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the heart of Kerala’s backwater network — a maze of canals, lagoons, and lakes lined with coconut palms.
Highlights & key things to do:
Spend a night on a traditional houseboat, drifting past paddy fields and small villages. Visit Alleppey Beach at sunset, or take a shorter canoe ride through the narrower canals for a quieter, more local perspective on backwater life.
Recommended time: 1–2 days (an overnight houseboat stay is ideal).
4. Kochi (Cochin)
A port city with centuries of trading history, Kochi blends Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences with a modern arts and culture scene.
Highlights & key things to do:
Walk through Fort Kochi to see the iconic Chinese fishing nets, then explore Mattancherry Palace and the nearby Jew Town. If you’re visiting during the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the city’s contemporary art scene is worth building extra time around.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
5. Wayanad
Kerala’s least crowded hill district, Wayanad is known for dense forests, waterfalls, and ancient caves, making it a favorite for travelers looking to get off the standard tourist trail.
Highlights & key things to do:
Visit Edakkal Caves to see Neolithic-era rock carvings, or hike to Chembra Peak for its heart-shaped lake. Wildlife enthusiasts can head to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to spot elephants and deer.
Recommended time: 2 days.
6. Kovalam
One of Kerala’s original beach destinations, Kovalam is known for its crescent-shaped beaches and a lighthouse that has become a local landmark.
Highlights & key things to do:
Relax at Lighthouse Beach or Hawah Beach, both backed by a row of cafes and seaside shacks. Try an Ayurvedic massage at one of the many wellness centers here, a Kerala specialty that pairs naturally with a beach stay.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
7. Kumarakom
Set on the edge of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quieter, more upscale alternative to Alleppey for experiencing the backwaters.
Highlights & key things to do:
Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, especially rewarding for birdwatchers between November and February. Take a slower backwater cruise here than in Alleppey, or simply relax at a lakeside resort.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
8. Varkala
Varkala combines Kerala’s beach and cliffside scenery in one spot, with a row of cafes and shops built along a dramatic red-laterite cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Highlights & key things to do :
Walk along Varkala Cliff at sunset, then head down to Papanasam Beach, believed to have purifying properties in Hindu tradition. It’s a more laid-back alternative to Kovalam, popular with longer-stay travelers.
Recommended time: 1–2 days.
A 7-Day Kerala Itinerary
For travelers following a complete Kerala travel guide, this 7-day Kerala itinerary covers the highlands, backwaters, and coast without excessive backtracking:
- Day 1–2: Arrive in Kochi, explore Fort Kochi and Mattancherry.
- Day 3–4: Drive to Munnar for tea plantations and Eravikulam National Park.
- Day 5: Travel to Thekkady for a Periyar boat safari and spice plantation tour.
- Day 6: Head to Alleppey for an overnight houseboat stay on the backwaters.
- Day 7: Continue to Kovalam or Varkala for a final beach day before departure.
Travelers with extra time can swap in Wayanad or Kumarakom, or extend the coastal leg by a day or two.
Travel Tips for Kerala
- Best time to visit: September to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant across most of the state.
- Monsoon season: June to August brings heavy rain, though it’s also when Kerala’s landscapes are at their greenest — popular for Ayurvedic treatments, which are considered most effective during this period.
- Getting around: Hire a car with a driver for hill-to-coast travel; train and bus networks connect major towns but are slower for multi-stop trips.
- Backwaters booking: Reserve houseboats a few days in advance during peak season (December–January).
- Packing: Light cottons for the coast, a light jacket for evenings in Munnar and Wayanad.
Planning Your Kerala Experience
Kerala’s rangefrom Munnar’s tea hills to Alleppey’s quiet canals to Varkala’s clifftop cafes is what makes it a trip worth taking slowly. Pick two or three regions from this guide rather than rushing through all of them, and build in enough time to actually sit still on a houseboat deck or a beach at sunset. Once you’ve chosen your destinations, explore Kerala experiences and activities and book the ones that fit your itinerary, especially if you’re travelling during the peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tourist places in Kerala for first-time visitors?
Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi together cover Kerala’s highlands, backwaters, and coastal culture, making them a solid starting point for first-time visitors.
What are the top places to visit in Kerala for a short trip?
For 3–4 days, pair Kochi with either Munnar or Alleppey to balance travel time with sightseeing.
Is 7 days enough to see Kerala?
Yes — a week is enough to cover the highlands, backwaters, and one coastal stop without feeling rushed, as outlined in the itinerary above.
What is Kerala best known for?
Kerala is best known for its backwaters, tea and spice plantations, Ayurvedic wellness traditions, and coastal beach towns.