Kerala is a small but beautiful state in the south of India. People call it God’s Own Country because it is full of natural beauty. It has everything a traveler wants—tall green mountains, peaceful backwaters, and golden beaches. The weather is mostly warm and tropical, so it is green all year round. Whether you like trekking in the mist, relaxing on a boat, or walking through history, Kerala has a place for you. In this blog, we will look at the best places to see in Kerala. This guide is simple and will help you plan your perfect trip to this peaceful paradise.
1. Munnar
- Climate: Cool and pleasant. Avg Temp: 10°C – 25°C.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March.
- Things to Explore: Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, and Echo Point.
- Height from Sea Level: About 1,600 meters.
Munnar is the most famous hill station in Kerala. It is known for its huge, green tea gardens that look like a soft carpet on the hills. The air here is very fresh and cool, which makes it a great escape from the heat of the cities. You can walk through the tea estates, visit the tea museum to see how tea is made, and enjoy the beautiful misty views. Munnar is also home to the Eravikulam National Park, where you can see a rare mountain goat called the Nilgiri Tahr. It is a very romantic and peaceful place for everyone.To help you explore further, we have curated a list of the top attractions and hidden gems in Munnar that you should include in your trip.
2. Alleppey
- Climate: Warm and humid.Avg Temp: 23°C – 33°C.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Things to Explore: Houseboat cruise, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, and Shikara rides.
- Height from Sea Level: About 1 to 2 meters (below sea level in some areas).
Alleppey, also called Alappuzha, is famous for its backwaters. It is a land of beautiful canals, lagoons, and lakes. The best thing to do here is to stay in a houseboat. These are traditional boats made of wood and bamboo that float slowly through the water. As you sail, you can see green paddy fields and local people living their simple lives on the banks. It is very quiet and relaxing. Alleppey also has a nice beach where you can watch the sunset. It is truly the best place to enjoy the water and nature together.
3. Thekkady
- Climate: Refreshing and moderate. Avg Temp: 15°C – 25°C.
- Best Time to Visit: October to February.
- Things to Explore: Periyar Lake boat safari, Elephant camp, Spice plantation tours, and Bamboo rafting.
- Height from Sea Level: About 700 to 900 meters.
Thekkady is the place to go if you love animals and nature. It is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You can take a boat ride on the lake and see wild elephants, deer, and many birds. Thekkady is also very famous for its spice gardens. You can walk through gardens of pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and coffee to see how they grow. The smell of fresh spices is everywhere in the air. It is a great place for trekking and learning about nature. The weather stays nice and cool because of the thick forest.
4. Athirappilly Waterfalls
- Climate: Tropical and humid. Avg Temp: 25°C – 32°C.
- Best Time to Visit: June to September (to see the full flow) or October to January.
- Things to Explore: The main waterfall, Vazhachal Falls nearby, and forest trekking.
- Height from Sea Level: About 150 meters.
Athirappilly is the biggest and most beautiful waterfall in Kerala. Many people call it the “Niagara of India” because it is so wide and powerful. The water falls from a height of 80 feet into a deep forest. During the rainy season, the waterfall looks amazing and creates a lot of mist. You can walk down a path to reach the bottom of the falls and feel the water spray on your face. It is surrounded by green jungle where you can spot many birds like the Great Hornbill. It is a perfect spot for photography.
5. Vagamon
- Climate: Very pleasant and cool. Avg Temp: 10°C – 23°C.
- Best Time to Visit: March to May or October to March.
- Things to Explore: Pine Forests, Vagamon Meadows, Paragliding, and Kurisumala Ashram.
- Height from Sea Level: About 1,100 meters.
Vagamon is a quiet and less crowded hill station. It is famous for its beautiful green meadows, pine forests, and misty valleys. It feels very different from other places because it is so calm and untouched. The rolling green hills look like something from a movie. It is a popular spot for adventure lovers who enjoy trekking and paragliding. There are three famous hills here Thangal Para, Murugan Mala, and Kurisumala which are important for different religions. If you want to spend some time in total peace away from the crowd, Vagamon is the best choice.
6. Varkala
- Climate: Coastal and warm. Avg Temp: 24°C – 32°C.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March.
- Things to Explore: Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, Janardanaswamy Temple, and Kappil Lake.
- Height from Sea Level: About 15 to 30 meters (at the cliff).
Varkala is a unique beach town in South Kerala. What makes it special is the huge red cliff that stands right next to the Arabian Sea. There are many small shops and cafes on top of the cliff where you can sit and look at the blue ocean. Varkala Beach is also called Papanasam Beach because people believe the water can wash away sins. It is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and practicing yoga. The vibe here is very relaxed and friendly, making it a favorite spot for travelers from all over the world.
7. Munroe Island
- Climate: Tropical and calm. Avg Temp: 25°C – 32°C.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February.
- Things to Explore: Canal cruise by canoe, village walks, and sunset views.
- Height from Sea Level: About 1 to 3 meters.
Munroe Island is a group of small islands located in the backwaters near Kollam. It is a very quiet place where you can see the real village life of Kerala. The best way to see the island is by taking a small wooden canoe through the narrow canals. You will pass under low bridges and see coconut trees leaning over the water. You can watch people making coir from coconut husks or catching fish. It is a very slow and peaceful experience. The sunset here is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see in Kerala.
8. Bekal
- Climate: Warm and breezy. Avg Temp: 25°C – 33°C.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Things to Explore: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach Park, and Valiyaparamba Backwaters.
- Height from Sea Level: Sea level (0 to 10 meters).
Bekal is a beautiful town in North Kerala known for its giant fort and clean beaches. The Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala and is shaped like a keyhole. It stands right on the edge of the sea, and the waves crash against its thick walls. Walking on the fort walls gives you a great view of the ocean. The beach near the fort is very clean and quiet compared to other beaches. It is a perfect place for those who love history and want to enjoy the sea without too much noise or crowds.
9.Malarikkal Tourism
- Climate: Warm and tropical.
- Best Time to Visit: August to October (Best seen in the early morning at 6:30 AM).
- Things to Explore: Traditional canoe rides through the lilies and local village views.
- Height from Sea Level: Near sea level.
Malarikkal is a seasonal wonder that has recently become a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. During the blooming season, hundreds of acres of paddy fields are covered in thousands of pink water lilies. To see this spectacle, you must wake up early; at sunrise, the fields look like a sea of pink. It is a simple, rustic village experience that feels like stepping into a painting.
10.Wayanad
- Climate: Refreshingly cool and humid. Avg Temp: 18°C – 32°C.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May for trekking and wildlife.
- Things to Explore: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Height from Sea Level: 700 to 2,100 meters.
Wayanad is the land of mountains and ancient secrets. It is a high plateau nestled in the Western Ghats, famous for its prehistoric caves, sprawling spice plantations, and dense forests. Imagine trekking up to the Edakkal Caves to see rock carvings that are thousands of years old, or standing at the edge of the Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s largest earthen dam, as the mist rolls off the surrounding hills. It is a destination for those who love adventure and the deep, quiet mystery of the woods.