Introduction
Kerala is the type of place where every journey is unique. In one moment, you may find yourself surrounded by tea plantations shrouded in mist, the next day gliding through serene backwaters, and at the end of your vacation enjoying the sunset along the Arabian Sea coast. Kerala offers travelers an array of sights ranging from lush landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries to old-world towns, tropical beaches and much more.
If this is your time visiting Kerala you might find it hard to decide where to go. There are many wonderful places to see, each with its own charm. This guide will help by sharing some of the best places to visit in Kerala. It also includes a Kerala Trip Itinerary that lets you experience the best parts of the state without feeling rushed.
No matter if you are travelling with family, friends or just your partner this Kerala Travel Guide will give you ideas. It tells you where to go, what to do and how to plan your trip so everything runs smoothly and you get the most out of your holiday.
7 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Kerala has something for almost all kinds of tourists. Below are some Kerala travel destinations that offer a great combination of nature, culture, relaxation, adventure, and unique experiences in the destination.
1. Munnar – A Paradise of Tea Gardens
Munnar is one of the most sought after hill stations in Kerala and one of the best starting points for your journey. It is located in the Western Ghats and is surrounded by picturesque tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls, and pleasant climate.
For travellers looking for Munnar tourist places to visit Munnar attractions such as Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam Echo Point, Kundala Lake and the tea estates are among the best. I think a visit to a tea museum can also give you a look at the history and production of Kerala's famous tea.
Munnar is especially appealing to couples and families who want an escape from busy cities. I find Munnar especially appealing to couples and families who want an escape from busy cities. Nature lovers can enjoy drives and short walks while adventure lovers can explore trekking opportunities in the surrounding hills near Munnar.
If you want to add a hill station to your Kerala holiday Munnar deserves a place, near the top of your list.
2. Thekkady – Wildlife, Forests and Adventure
Thekkady is perfect for tourists looking to explore the natural side of Kerala. It has Periyar National Park and is famous for its forests, wildlife, spice plantations, and adventure sports.
Among the popular Thekkady tourist places and experiences are Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantation, and nature trails. Activities that you could engage in would depend on availability and local rules and could be boat trips, bamboo rafting, trekking, or forest walks.
Thekkady is also the best place to explore the spice cultivation of Kerala. Plantations of various aromatic spices such as cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon can be found here.
As compared to the serene ambiance of Munnar, Thekkady adds a touch of adventure to your tour and serves as the best option for your next stop.
3. Alleppey – Experience Kerala's Famous Backwaters
Alleppey, which is also known as Alappuzha, is known as the epitome of Kerala’s backwaters. It is the experience of a cruise around the peaceful network of canals, lakes, and rivers that forms one of the main travel experiences of the state.
On a houseboat you can relax and watch the world go by without any rush. The water is still. The air is fresh. And around you coconut palms stretch high paddy fields and roll gently. Small villages sit quietly along the banks. People go about their lives. Fishing, cooking, talking. And you get to see it all from the water.
This experience works well for couples looking for romance. There’s something about sharing a quiet evening on the water with the sky turning pink and the lights of the villages reflecting on the surface. Families and groups can enjoy it too. You can choose how long to stay. An hour on a day cruise or a full night under the stars.
For many who visit, the time spent on the backwaters of Alleppey becomes one of the unforgettable parts of their trip to Kerala. It’s not a sight to see. It’s a feeling you carry with you.
4. Kochi – History, Culture and Coastal Charm
Kochi is one of the most interesting cities in Kerala and a good starting point to know about the history and culture of the region. Kochi has developed over centuries of maritime activities.
Fort Kochi is very famous for its rich history. Visitors can visit colonial streets, arts places, cafes, churches, and also see Chinese fishing nets. Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town should be visited if one is interested in history.
Kochi will work well at either the beginning or the end of your trip depending on its connectivity. It provides a change from the hill stations and backwaters of Kerala.
Kochi will surely be a good option for those who like to see and eat at the same time.
5. Wayanad – Green Landscapes and Nature
For those interested in forests, mountains, falls, and activities, Wayanad may also become an attractive option for your family travel holiday in India. The northern part of Kerala provides a relatively calm environment as opposed to other destinations in this state.
Among the popular Wayanad tourist places are Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Banasura Sagar Dam, and viewpoints in the midst of the green landscape. Wayanad is also famous for plantations and animals.
This area would definitely suit tourists that want to be closer to nature. Families can visit different sights leisurely, while adventure lovers can seek for trekking and other activities.
Since Wayanad is located in the northern part of Kerala, this place may fit for a longer itinerary better than Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey.
6. Varkala – Cliffs, Beaches and Beautiful Sunsets
Varkala gives a beach experience because of its dramatic cliffs that look out over the Arabian Sea. Varkala has a vibe and many travellers go there for a mix of beach time, scenic sights, cafes and local culture.
Varkala Beach is the draw. The cliffs offer places to watch the sunset. The Janardhana Swamy Temple is also a spot in Varkala.
Varkala is especially attractive to solo travellers and couples. Families can also enjoy Varkala if they plan a place.
If you want must‑visit places in Kerala that feel calm and beachy, Varkala should be on your list.
7. Vagamon – A Quiet Hill Station
Vagamon is another hill station in the state of Kerala, suitable for those tourists who wish to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
This destination has green meadows, pine forests, hills, and good weather. Nature lovers and photographers will surely love this place because it provides plenty of natural attractions and beautiful spots to visit.
While searching for Vagamon tourist places, you will come across many scenic spots which can be explored over one to two days.
Vagamon can be your best option if you are looking for a peaceful hill station.
How to Choose the Best Kerala Destinations for Your Trip
Your choice of destination will be influenced by your preferred holiday.
For families, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi will give you a nice blend of sightseeing and activities. If you want to know the best places to visit in Kerala with family, it will be advisable that you choose those destinations that make your travel short and do not involve moving from one hotel to another every day.
In case you are a couple looking for suitable holiday destinations, you can consider Munnar, Alleppey, Varkala, and Kumarakom destinations.
Nature enthusiasts may like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, and Vagamon destinations, while beach enthusiasts may consider Kovalam and Varkala destinations.
The important thing is that you do not need to visit all destinations. You need to plan the visit to these destinations in such a way that it allows enough time for enjoying these destinations.
Kerala Itinerary for 5 Days
In case you have less time, here is a Kerala trip plan for five days based on some of the best experiences in the state.
Day 1: Travel from Kochi to Munnar
Arrive at Kochi and head towards Munnar. If possible, make some stops at scenic points or waterfalls en route to Munnar.
Rest and unwind in the cool ambience of Munnar for the rest of the day.
Day 2: Spend a Day in Munnar
Devote your second day at Munnar. Visit any number of places like the tea plantation, viewpoints, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point etc.
It is recommended that you do not try visiting all the places at one stretch.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady
Travel from Munnar to Thekkady. After checking in, explore the local area or visit a spice plantation.
If your schedule allows, enjoy a nature activity or spend a relaxing evening surrounded by the forest landscape.
Day 4: Thekkady to Alleppey
Take your journey to Alleppey to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala. You can either opt for the cruise in houseboats or stay at the backwaters and enjoy them through boating.
Day 5: Alleppey to Kochi
Have an easy day and take a return journey to Kochi. If you have enough time in hand, explore Fort Kochi, purchase some souvenirs or have one last Kerala cuisine.
This is an itinerary that will give you a good insight into Kerala without crowding too much into your holiday itinerary.
A Comfortable Kerala Travel Itinerary for 7 Days
When you have one week at hand, you may take your time traveling and include more activities.
Day 1: Arrive in Kochi and explore Fort Kochi
Day 2: Kochi to Munnar
Day 3: Explore Munnar
Day 4: Munnar to Thekkady
Day 5: Thekkady to Alleppey
Day 6: Alleppey backwater experience
Day 7: Return to Kochi and depart
This Kerala itinerary proves itself ideal for newcomers due to the combination of all famous landscapes of Kerala including cities and heritage, mountains, forests, and backwaters.
When you have extra time, you may prolong your trip to Wayanad, Varkala, Kovalam, Kumarakom, or any other destination but not speed up your journey by visiting too many destinations.
Best Time to Visit Kerala
The best time to visit in Kerala depends on your interests.
October to March is usually a preferred time for sightseeing because the weather is quite favorable to visiting many destinations. This period is also affordable for family tour holidays, sightseeing trips, and various other activities.
Rainy seasons bring about lots of rain showers but make Kerala green and fresh. This is suitable for those travellers who like Ayurvedic treatments, tranquil vacations, and lush green environment.
The summers might be quite hot especially in the coastal areas but places such as Munnar and Wayanad can still provide a nice vacation spot.
It would be wise to find out the weather conditions of the particular places before traveling.
Kerala Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Not only must a Kerala travel guide cover all the tourist attractions in the area, but a few well thought out tips will help make your holiday a lot easier as well.
Schedule according to travel time: Though the state appears small on a map, traveling around the hilly roads of Kerala may take up much more time.
Do not overload your schedule: It will be much better to visit two or three places properly rather than rushing around to six places.
Pick your hotel according to your itinerary: Staying near your points of interest will save you a lot of time spent traveling.
Have a taste of the local cuisine: The local cuisine in Kerala is an integral part of the holiday. Try appam, puttu, vegetable preparations in the style of Kerala, and seafood where applicable.
Pack comfortable clothes: Light clothes are handy when you travel to the coastal area and light jackets will come in handy in the hills.
Respect local culture: Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites and follow local guidelines at temples and other cultural attractions.
Make bookings ahead of time: There are many highly popular attractions that require booking in advance.
Explore Kerala with Dolfeen Cabs & Tourism
If you are thinking about Kerala holidays from Rajkot, organizing your trip in advance makes life much simpler. As your trusted Kerala holiday planner, Dolfeen Cabs & Tourism provides assistance in organizing your Kerala trip by helping you select the best destinations and arranging reliable cab services for sightseeing and transfer in Kerala.
We at Dolfeen Cabs & Tourism are an experienced tour operator in Rajkot who understands that every traveler expects different things from their holidays. While families expect an easy holiday package with comfortable traveling, couples may wish to spend some extra days in Munnar, Alleppey or even on Kerala's wonderful coast. We will assist you in creating a Kerala holiday package which will match your traveling preferences.
From organizing a 5-day Kerala package including Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey to creating longer routes including Wayanad, Kochi, Varkala, or Kovalam, Dolfeen Cabs & Tourism will make your journey easier and more convenient.
If you need a trusted tour operator from Rajkot to assist you in organizing your next Kerala holidays, Dolfeen Cabs & Tourism will make your journey unforgettable and pleasant in God's Own Country.
Conclusion
Kerala cannot be merely considered as a place which should be ticked off a list. It is an amalgamation of various kinds of experience which form a wonderful holiday. Right from the tea hills of Munnar and the jungle resorts of Thekkady to the backwaters of Alleppey and the beaches of Varkala, every destination holds a unique flavor.
The best places in Kerala finally depend upon one’s travel pattern, time duration and interest factors. While families will definitely have to consider the ideal balance of Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey, a couple will definitely think of including the other destinations like Varkala and Kumarakom. A person who has enough time in hand can think of Wayanad, Vagamon or even Bekal.
It is better not to pack in too many things into a holiday but rather concentrate on those destinations which fit in nicely and help you enjoy your experiences.
FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit in Kerala for first-time visitors?
Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi are excellent choices for first-time visitors because they offer a mix of hills, wildlife, backwaters, culture, and sightseeing.
2. How many days are enough for a Kerala trip?
Five to seven days are enough for a first Kerala trip covering major destinations such as Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kochi. Longer trips allow you to explore places like Wayanad or Varkala.
3. Which is better for a family trip, Munnar or Thekkady?
Both are good choices. Munnar is ideal for scenic sightseeing and relaxing in the hills, while Thekkady is better suited to families interested in wildlife and nature-based activities.
4. Is Kerala good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Varkala are popular choices for couples because they offer scenic landscapes, peaceful stays, backwater experiences, and romantic settings.
5. What is the best way to explore Kerala?
A combination of private transfers, local sightseeing, and carefully selected stays works well for most travellers. A planned route also helps reduce unnecessary travel between destinations.
