Top 15 Tourist Places in Kerala

Kerala, located between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is a land of abundant natural beauty and cultural heritage. Ranked ninth on TIME magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places 2022” list, Kerala is a top travel destination and a national and internationally acclaimed destination. Kerala Tourism was recently awarded the “Responsible Tourism Global Award” at the World Travel Mart forum in London, UK. The state’s beauty transports visitors back in time, from its heritage sites to its backwaters.

Kerala is an all-season tourist paradise, rich in cultural heritage, flora, and fauna. The grandeur of its temple architecture invites visitors to immerse themselves in its beauty. Kerala’s pristine beaches, dense forests, and majestic mountains echo tales of tranquility and eternal joy. The state’s renowned cuisine invites travellers to savor its world-famous culinary delights. For those seeking a distinctive travel experience, Kerala tourism introduces Caravan Tourism, promising a comfortable journey with minimal human interaction. Kerala is ready to welcome those eager to connect deeply with the region’s spirit.

15 Best Tourist Places in Kerala

1. Munnar

Munnar, a town and hill station in Kerala’s Idukki district, is situated at 1,600 metres above sea level in the Western Ghats mountain range. Known as the “Kashmir of South India,” it is a popular honeymoon destination.

Tourist attractions:

• Echo Point
• Atukkad waterfalls
• Tea Gardens
• Eravikulam National Park
• Mattupetty dam

Things to do:

• Try Watersports at Mattupetty dam
• Camping And Trekking at Echo point
• Enjoy shikara ride at Kundala lake
• Tea estate tours at Kolukkumalai

Majorly famous for:

• Neelakurinji, a rare plant which flowers only once in twelve years.

2. Thekkady

Thekkady, a town in Idukki district, near Periyar National Park in Kerala, is known for its teak-derived name and experiences low temperatures from December-January and high temperatures from April-May.

Tourist attractions:

• Periyar National Park
• Mangala Devi Kannagi Temple
• Ramakkalmedu
• Pandikuzhi Road
• Chellarcovil

Things to do:

• Boating in the Periyar Lake
• Bamboo rafting programme takes place in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
• Shop Spices Off The Streets
• Trek To Magical Land Of Gavi

Majorly famous for:

• Herds of wild elephants, deer and bison that come down to drink in the Periyar lake.

3. Kozhikode

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a tier 2 city in Kerala, India, located along the Malabar Coast. With a corporation limit population of 609,224 and a metropolitan population of over 2 million, it is the second largest metropolitan area in Kerala and the 19th largest in India. Kozhikode was once known as the City of Spices and was ranked as the second-best city to live in in 2009.

Tourist attractions:

• Kappad beach
• Kozhikode beach
• Tali temple
• Kariyathumpara
• Sargaalaya

Things to do:

• Boating in the Kozhikode Backwaters
• Have Fun at the Lion’s Park
• Explore the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum
• Visit the Medieval Mishkal Mosque

Majorly famous for:

• Its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese.

4. Vagamon

Vagamon is a hill station and revenue village in Kerala, India, situated in Peerumedu Taluk, Meenachil Taluk, and Kanjirappally Taluk.

Tourist attractions:

• Thangalpara
• Murugan Hill
• Vagamon Meadows
• Kurisumala Ashram Cistercian Abbey

Things to do:

• Taking a trek to Murugan Mala
• Vagamon Lake- Boat Ride
• Visit Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary
• Explore Vagamon Meadows

Majorly famous for:

• Activities such as trekking, paragliding, mountaineering and rock climbing.

5. Kovalam

Kovalam, a coastal town in Kerala, features a striped lighthouse, palm-backed beaches, Vizhinjam Juma Masjid mosque, and Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium.

Tourist attractions:

• Lighthouse beach
• Kovalam beach
• Vellayani lake
• Samudra beach
• Neyyar dam

Things to do:

• Visit Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram
• Ayurvedic Massages to revive Your Mind And Body
• Visit Gramam village fair
• Houseboat ride

Majorly famous for:

• It is an internationally renowned beach with three adjacent crescent beaches.

6. Thiruvananthapuram(Trivandrum)

Thiruvananthapuram(formerly known as Trivandrum), the capital of Kerala, is known for its British colonial architecture and numerous art galleries. It is also home to the KuthiraMalika Palace, showcasing Travancore royal family collections.

Tourist attractions:

• Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple
• Poovar island
• Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
• Magic Planet
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse (Kovalam Lighthouse)

Things to do:

• Chalai Market – Local Shopping Fun
• Ayushmanbhava Ayurvedic Centre – Rejuvenate Yourself
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse – Enjoy The Cityscape
• Kanakakunnu Palace – Explore The Ancient Royal Life
• Samudra Beach – Relax And Rejuvenate

Majorly famous for:

• The backwaters of Poovar and Anchuthengu and its Western Ghats tracts of Ponmudi and the Agastya Mala.

7. Kochi

Kochi, a city in Kerala, India, has been a port since 1341, attracting Arab, Chinese, and European merchants. Its settlement, Fort Kochi, features tiled colonial bungalows and diverse worship houses. Cantilevered Chinese fishing nets are a characteristic feature of Kochi.

Tourist attractions:

• Kerala folklore museum
• Kerala Kathakali centre
• Cherai Beach
• Jew town

Things to do:

• Explore Jewish culture at Paradise synagogue
• Street shopping at princess Street
• History work at MattanCherry Palace
• See Chinese fishing nets at fishing villages

Majorly famous for:

• It is also known as the Queen of Arabian Sea and flaunts one of the finest natural harbours of the world.

8. Varkala

Varkala, a town in Kerala, is known for its Varkala Beach and Papanasam Beach, which are believed to have holy waters. Nearby, the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Sivagiri Mutt monument honour social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Tourist attractions:

• Sivagiri Mutt
• Varkala Beach
• Sree Janardanaawamy Temple
• Anjuthengu Fort

Things to do:

• Enjoy the gorgeous views of Arabian Sea at Kappil beach.
• Explore the local culture at Varkala culture centre.
• Witness various species of fishes at Varkala aquarium.

Majorly famous for:

• It is majorly famous for its natural springs which are said to have medicinal qualities.

9. Thrissur

Thrissur, a city in Kerala, is renowned for its sacred sites and vibrant festivals. Its center features the Vadakkumnathan Temple, the Our Lady of Dolours Basilica, Thiruvambady Temple, and Sakthan Thampuran Palace, which houses an archaeology museum.

Tourist attractions:

• Athirappilly waterfalls
• Vadakkunnathan temple
• Thiruvambadi Krishna shrine
• Chavakkad beach

Things to do:

• Seek peace in art at Kerala Kalamandalam.
• Malakkappara: Know About Tea Gardens & Vegetation
• Bible Tower: Feel Blissful And Calm

Majorly famous for:

• Thrissur is known as the cultural capital of Kerala, and the land of Poorams. It is known for its ancient temples, churches, and mosques.

10. Wayanad

Wayanad, a rural district in Kerala, features a lush, forested area with high altitude wildlife like Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards, and egrets, and the Edakkal Caves, containing Neolithic-era petroglyphs.

Tourist attractions:

• Sree Thirunelli Mahavishnu Kshetram
• Edakkal Caves
• Soochipara Waterfalls
• Lakkidi View Point
• Kanthanpara Waterfalls
• Kuruvadweep

Things to do:

• Jungle Safari in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Bamboo Rafting at Kuruva Island
• Boating in Pookode Lake
• Trek to Chembra Peak
• Jungle Trek in Kalladi Forest
• Tea Estate Tour

Majorly famous for:

• This area is famous for its large amount of camping and trekking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, caves, bird watching sites, flora, fauna and an overall plethora of magnificent sights.

11. Kollam

Kollam, a city on Kerala’s Malabar Coast, is a trade hub and known for its beaches. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum houses police force artifacts. Ashtamudi Lake leads to Kerala backwaters, and the 1902 Tangasseri Lighthouse offers ocean views.

Tourist attractions:

• Thangassery Light House
• Kollam Beach
• Thirumullavaram Beach
• Jatayu Earth’s Center
• Palaruvi Waterfalls

Things to do:

• Palaruvi Waterfalls: For Rejuvenation
• Ashtamudi Lake: For A Houseboat Trip
• Mayyanad: A Spiritual Place
• Kulathupuzha: For Weekend Getaway
• Jatayu’s Earth Centre: For Adventure

Majorly famous for:

• Kollam has been the centre of cashew industry in Kerala from the time of Portuguese in 16th c.

12. Bekal

Bekal is a small town in the Kasaragod district on the West coast of the state of Kerala, India.

Tourist attractions:

• Bekal Fort
• Bekal Beach
• Chandragiri Fort
• Kappil Beach
• Hosdurg Beach

Things to do:

• Experience Tranquillity at Nityanand Ashram Caves
• Walk Through The Glorious Past at Chandragiri Fort
• Witness The Glory & Grandeur Of Bekal’s Delight at Bekal fort

Majorly famous for:

• Bekal is famous for its serene beaches, temples and preserved forts.

13. Palakkad

Palakkad, a city in Kerala, is known for its 18th-century Palakkad Fort, Viswanatha Swamy Temple, and Ratholsavam chariot festival. The 15th-century Viswanatha Swamy Temple is located near the Kalpathy River, while Malampuzha boasts a recycled rock garden.

Tourist attractions:

• Palakkad Fort
• Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
• Seethargundu Viewpoint
• Sree Chinmaya Guruvayurappan Temple

Things to do:

• Parambikulam Dam – Bird Watcher’s Paradise
• Yakshi Statue – Stone-carved Sculpture
• Rock Garden – The Best Out Of Waste
• Chittur Kavu Devi Temple – Home To Goddess Bhadrakali

Majorly famous for:

• This beautiful district in Kerala is very famous for the Palakkad Fort, the Jain temple, the annual Ratholsavam and of course for the extremely beautiful green and lush Malampuzha gardens and dams.

14. Kannur

Kannur, a coastal city in Kerala, was an ancient trading port with significant contributions to the spice trade. Its 16th-century St. Angelo Fort and Arakkal Museum showcase Kerala’s Muslim royal family, while Payyambalam Beach offers palm-fringed sands.

Tourist attractions:

• St. Angelo Fort (Kannur Fort)
• Arakkal Museum Kannur
• Kannur Light House
• Muzhappilangad Drive In Beach
• Payyambalam Beach

Things to do:

• Visit the sparkling waterfalls: Alakapuri, Palchuram, Kudiyanmala, and Meenmutty are some of the famous Kannur falls.
• Watch a Theyyam performance. It is an intriguing and vibrant art form of Malabar which brings life to interesting local myths, folklores, and legends.
• Take a kayak ride on the clear waters of the Dharmadam beach.
• Take a tour of the countryside in the villages of Nileshwar.

Majorly famous for:

• Kannur is dubbed as the City of Looms and Lores, thanks to the flourishing handloom industry and folk art called Theyyam.

15. Alappuzha

Alappuzha, a city in Kerala, is known for houseboat cruises along the backwaters, featuring a 19th-century Alappuzha Lighthouse, the Mullakkal Temple, and the annual snake boat races at Punnamada Lake.

Tourist attractions:

• Alappuzha Beach
• Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Ambalapuzha
• Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple
• Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja

Things to do:

• Have Fun Time at Backwaters
• Explore the Royal Krishnapuram Palace
• Attend the Popular Snake Boat Festival
• Witness the Beautiful Sunset View at Pozhiyoram

Majorly famous for:

• Alappuzha, famous for its boat races, beaches, marine products, and coir industry.

Conclusion

Kerala, India’s top travel destination, has been recognized as an eco-tourism destination by TIME magazine and has been awarded the “Responsible Tourism Global Award” by the World Travel Mart forum in London. The state is known for its stunning beauty, from its heritage sites to its serene backwaters. Kerala is a paradise for travellers, welcoming them in all seasons. The state is rich in cultural heritage, flora, and fauna, and its temple architecture is a sight to behold.

The state is also known for its renowned cuisine, offering world-famous culinary delights. Kerala tourism introduces Caravan Tourism, offering a comfortable journey with minimal human interaction. The state is situated between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, offering abundant geographical and cultural diversity.

FAQs – Top 15 Tourist Places in Kerala

Q1: What is Kerala known for as a tourist destination?

Answer:

Kerala is known for its abundant natural beauty, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism experiences. It has been recognized by TIME magazine and awarded the “Responsible Tourism Global Award.”

Q2: What are some popular tourist attractions in Munnar, Kerala?

Answer:

Popular tourist attractions in Munnar include Echo Point, Atukkad waterfalls, Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, and Mattupetty dam.

Q3: What is the capital city of Kerala known for in terms of tourist attractions?

Answer:

Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), the capital of Kerala, is known for its British colonial architecture, art galleries, and backwaters of Poovar and Anchuthengu.

Q4: What are the distinctive features of Kochi, Kerala, as a tourist destination?

Answer:

Kochi is known for its historical significance as a port, colonial architecture, diverse worship houses, and the characteristic Chinese fishing nets.