Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala for Every Kind of Traveler

Kerala, also referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a place with thriving cultures, an abundance of greenery, and tranquil backwaters. Located in the southern part of India, this tropical paradise is famous for its natural beauty, Ayurveda, spice plantations, hill stations, and traditional houseboats. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, nature lover, culture enthusiast, or someone seeking peace and relaxation, Kerala offers something for everyone.

In this blog, let’s explore the top 10 must-visit places in Kerala, ideal for every kind of traveler.

1. Munnar – The Queen of Hill Stations

Perfect for: Nature lovers, honeymooners, and photographers

Blanketed with tea gardens, mist-covered hills, and tranquil valleys, it’s a perfect escape from the chaos of city life. Don’t miss attractions like Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, and Tea Museum.

Activities to try:

• Stay at a tea estate
  
  
• Go trekking or cycling
  
  
• Try homemade chocolates and local tea
  
  

2. Alleppey (Alappuzha) – The Backwater Paradise

Perfect for: Couples, slow travelers, and culture lovers

Famous for its houseboat cruises, Alleppey is known as the “Venice of the East.” Cruising through the palm-fringed canals and lagoons while enjoying a traditional Kerala meal on a kettuvallam (houseboat) is a once-in-a-lifetime exper ience.

Top experiences:

• Houseboat stay on Vembanad Lake
  
  
• Visit Alappuzha Beach and lighthouse
  
  
• Explore Kuttanad’s paddy fields and local village life
  
  

3. Kochi – A Cultural Melting Pot

Perfect for: History buffs, foodies, and urban explorers

Kochi (or Cochin) is a fascinating blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial influences. The city’s vibrant art scene, heritage structures, and spice markets attract tourists from all over the world.

Must-see attractions:

• Fort Kochi and Chinese fishing nets
  
  
• Jewish Synagogue and Mattancherry Palace
  
  
• Kerala Folklore Museum and art cafés
  
  

Bonus tip: Watch a Kathakali performance or attend the Kochi-Muziris Biennale if visiting during the season.

4. Thekkady – Home to Wildlife Adventures

Perfect for: Wildlife lovers, families, and nature photographers

Thekkady is where Kerala’s wild heart beats. It houses Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants, bison, tigers, and more. This region is a great base for eco-tourism and spice plantation tours.

Things to do:

• Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake
  
  
• Spice plantation visit
  
  
• Nature walks and elephant safaris
  
  

Stay Tip: Choose an eco-lodge or jungle resort for the complete experience.

5. Wayanad – Nature’s Unspoiled Treasure

Perfect for: Adventure seekers, trekkers, and offbeat travelers

It’s a great destination for people who enjoy trekking and exploring less commercialized parts of Kerala.

Top attractions:

• Edakkal Caves with prehistoric carvings
  
  
• Banasura Sagar Dam – India’s largest earthen dam
  
  
• Meenmutty and Soochipara Waterfalls
  
  

Don’t miss: Chembra Peak trek and the heart-shaped lake at the top.

6. Kumarakom – A Birdwatcher’s Haven

Perfect for: Bird lovers, peace seekers, and solo travelers

A quaint village on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is peaceful and scenic. It’s less crowded than Alleppey and ideal for those seeking a quiet backwater experience.

Highlights:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (spot migratory birds like Siberian cranes)
  
  
• Ayurvedic massages and lakefront resorts
  
  
• Canoe rides through narrow canals
  
  

7. Varkala – Cliffs, Beaches & Healing Waters

Perfect for: Backpackers, solo travelers, and yoga lovers

Varkala offers a unique beach experience with dramatic red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Papanasam Beach is considered sacred, and many visit to cleanse their sins in the natural springs.

Best experiences:

• Sunset from the cliff promenade
  
  
• Ayurvedic spas and yoga retreats
  
  
• Paragliding and beachside cafes
  
  

Fun Fact: Varkala is a great alternative to Goa for beach-loving budget travelers.

8. Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) – Kerala’s Capital Charm

Perfect for: Culture lovers, pilgrims, and history seekers

It’s home to one of the richest temples in the world – Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Top things to explore:

• Napier Museum and Kuthiramalika Palace
  
  
• Kovalam Beach (just 15 km away)
  
  
• Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
  
  

Note: Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the sanctum of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, but its exterior is still worth a visit.

9. Athirapally – The Niagara of India

Perfect for: Couples, families, and film lovers

Located in Thrissur district, Athirapally Waterfalls is the largest waterfall in Kerala. Surrounded by lush forest, it offers breathtaking views and has been featured in many Indian films.

Things to enjoy:

• Scenic hike to the base of the waterfall
  
  
• Nearby Vazhachal Falls and Charpa Falls
  
  
• Watch out for hornbills and butterflies in the nearby forests
  
  

Tip: Visit during or just after the monsoon for the most dramatic flow.

10. Bekal – Forts and Beach Serenity

Perfect for: History lovers and offbeat travelers

Read More:

Experience the Magic of Kerala Backwaters on a Houseboat

Situated in northern Kerala, Bekal is home to the iconic Bekal Fort, which offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. It’s peaceful, clean, and ideal for those looking to escape the touristy hustle.

Things to see:

• Sunset at Bekal Beach
  
  
• Explore Bekal Fort (great for photography)
  
  
• Relax at luxury resorts like The LaLiT or Taj Bekal
  
  

Conclusion

Kerala’s diverse landscapes and experiences make it a dream destination for all types of travelers. Whether you want to sip tea in the hills of Munnar, float through backwaters in Alleppey, or listen to waves crash beneath Varkala’s cliffs, Kerala offers a blend of serenity, adventure, and culture.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, “God’s Own Country” always has something new to offer.

Quick Travel Tips:

• Best time to visit: October to March (Pleasant climate); Monsoon (June–September) is ideal for Ayurveda treatments and waterfall lovers.
  
  
• How to get around: Hire a cab for convenience or use local buses and auto-rickshaws for budget travel.
  
  
• Language: Malayalam is the official language, but English and Hindi are widely understood.