Kerala might look small on the map, but you quickly realise it is impossible to see everything in just one holiday. That is the main challenge for most visitors. There are so many tourist places in Kerala pulling you in different directions. Tea hills in the east and backwaters in the centre, to beaches in the south and Theyyam culture up north will all be competing for your time. With only a few days, it is tough to fit them all in. This guide helps by listing the 13 best places to visit in Kerala, grouped by the type of holiday you want, be it hills, water, culture, or food. This way, you can plan a route that makes sense instead of crisscrossing the state. You will find local tips, honest advice about timing, and a clear idea of who each place is best for. That is the goal.
Which Hill and Nature Escapes Belong on Your Kerala List?
If you’re looking for cool air, tea-covered hills, and forests, these are the places to visit in Kerala that are worth heading to. Most of them are in the Western Ghats, just a few hours away from the coast.
Munnar
This attraction leads the list of top places to visit in Kerala. Munnar is all about rolling tea plantations, misty mornings, and some of the best views of the Western Ghats. Here, you can visit Eravikulam National Park, where the endangered Nilgiri tahr often grazes near visitors, and see Anamudi, the highest peak in South India. For 2026, there is a special treat: although the famous Eravikulam Neelakurinji bloom is expected around 2030, another group of Neelakurinji flowers is blooming in different Munnar grasslands this year, with the best views expected in September and October.
- Best for: Couples, first-timers, anyone who loves cool weather.
- Don't miss Eravikulam National Park, which you can reach by the official park bus, as private vehicles are not allowed inside.
- Good to know: The park closes for a few weeks from February to March during the tahr calving season.
Thekkady and Periyar
Kerala’s wildlife heart lies in the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the lake created by the old Mullaperiyar Dam. The main attraction is a boat safari on the lake, where you might spot elephants, gaur, sambar, and otters coming to drink. The nearby hills are known for cardamom and pepper, making a spice plantation walk a great addition to your visit.
- Best for: Wildlife lovers, families, slow nature days.
- Don't miss: The Periyar Lake boat cruise is especially beautiful in the early morning.
- Good to know: Boat tickets often sell out, so it’s best to book in advance through the Periyar Tiger Reserve or KTDC official websites.
Wayanad
Wayanad is surrounded by greenery, with highlights such as the 6,000-year-old rock carvings at Edakkal Caves, the expansive Banasura Sagar dam, and the heart-shaped lake on Chembra Peak. It’s one of the unique places to visit in Kerala and a great spot for those who prefer forests to crowds.
- Best for: Nature walks, history buffs, offbeat travellers.
- Don't miss: Visit Edakkal Caves to see the ancient petroglyphs.
- Good to know: Some areas of Wayanad experienced serious landslides in 2024 and again in July 2026. Most main tourist spots are open as usual, but it’s best to avoid the high hills during the peak monsoon and check local advisories before your holiday.
Vagamon
This peaceful hill retreat has pine forests, tea plantations, and wide green meadows that almost feel European. Unlike Munnar, it remains pleasantly uncrowded, making it perfect for relaxed walks and paragliding over the valleys.
- Best for: Peace-seekers, photographers, a slow weekend.
- Don't miss: The rolling meadows at sunrise.
- Good to know: Facilities are limited here, so plan your meals and accommodation in advance.
Athirappilly Falls
This is Kerala's largest waterfall, an 80-foot cascade on the Chalakudy River that many call the Niagara of South India. It has appeared in many Indian films, such as Bahubali, and the scenic drive through the forest to get there is part of the fun.
- Best for: Day-visitors from Kochi, families, photographers.
- Don't miss: The upper viewpoint, where you can take in the full width of the falls.
- Good to know: Entry costs about ₹50 for Indian adults and also includes nearby Vazhachal. For your safety, do not enter the water or go beyond the barricades.
Tribe Travel Tip: Choose one hill station as your base for each holiday. Munnar and Thekkady work well together, but Wayanad and Vagamon are best enjoyed separately at a relaxed pace instead of trying to fit them into the same holiday.
Where Are Kerala's Best Backwaters and Beaches?
Kerala is famous for its water attractions. Here, you can enjoy the well-known backwaters and coastline, along with some lovely places to visit in South Kerala.
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Kerala is often called the "Venice of the East" for its beautiful backwaters, where houseboats glide past paddy fields in Kuttanad, which lies below sea level. If you visit in August, you can see the Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake. This event has 100-foot snake boats and hundreds of rowers, making it a spectacular sight. The 2026 race will take place on 22 August.
- Best for: Couples, first-time backwater visitors.
- Don't miss: An overnight stay on a houseboat and try fresh Karimeen, also known as pearl spot fish.
- Good to know: Most overnight boats anchor in the evening, so the best times to enjoy the scenery are in the morning and at sunset.
Kumarakom
This spot on the eastern shore of Vembanad, Kerala’s largest lake, offers a peaceful and lush version of the backwaters. The bird sanctuary is home to over 180 species, and migratory birds arrive from November to February. It’s gentle, relaxed, and comfortable, making it one of the easiest places to visit in Kerala with family.
- Best for: Families, birdwatchers, wellness stays.
- Don't miss: An early-morning boat ride through the sanctuary.
- Good to know: Migratory birds are most active in winter, so visit at dawn for the best chance to see them.
Varkala
Varkala stands out in Kerala for its red laterite cliffs that drop down to the sea. Cafes and yoga spots line the cliff top, while the sacred Papanasam Beach below is known for waters believed to wash away sins. The Janardanaswamy Temple, about 2,000 years old, and the Sivagiri Mutt bring a spiritual touch.
- Best for: Couples, solo travellers, wellness seekers.
- Don't miss: The sunset views from the North Cliff.
- Good to know: The cliff is known for its laid-back cafe scene, and swimming is safest when the sea is calm.
Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam
Kerala’s capital sits at the southern tip of the state and is home to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is said to be the richest temple in the world. Here, Lord Vishnu is shown resting on the serpent Anantha. Not far from the city, Kovalam’s Lighthouse Beach is a popular spot for visitors. These two places are great starting points for exploring the best tourist places in Kerala in the south. The capital is one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family because of its diverse yet calm nature.
- Best for: Culture with a beach add-on, first-time visitors.
- Don't miss: Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the lighthouse at Kovalam.
- Good to know: The temple requires traditional dress: mundu for men, and saree or set-mundu for women. Only Hindu devotees are allowed to enter.
Which Places Show Kerala's Culture, History and Food?
Kerala is known not just for its beautiful scenery but also for its people, spice-trade history, and delicious food. These places to visit in Kerala are where you can experience the region’s stories, flavours, and local crafts firsthand.
Fort Kochi
This is the most fascinating part of Ernakulam district and one of the top places to visit in Ernakulam, Kerala. You’ll find traces of Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Jewish, and Chinese history here. Look for the Chinese fishing nets along the shore, St Francis Church (built in 1503, where Vasco da Gama was first buried), the spice-filled streets of Jew Town, and Mattancherry Palace. The area is also known as Kerala’s art capital because of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
- Best for: History lovers, foodies, wandering on foot.
- Don't miss: Watching the fishing nets at sunset and taking a walk through the spice market.
- Good to know: If you visit on a weekday, it’s usually quieter and you’ll get better photos.
Kozhikode (Calicut)
This city was named India's first UNESCO City of Literature in 2023 and is often called the food capital of the state. Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad here in 1498. You can try Malabar biryani made with fragrant Kaima rice and taste the famous Kozhikode halwa on Sweet Meat Street.
- Best for: Food lovers, history and culture seekers.
- Don't miss: Try Malabar biryani, halwa, and visit the uru wooden shipyards in Beypore.
- Good to know: Beypore has a centuries-old boat-building tradition that is well worth visiting for an afternoon.
Kannur
Kannur in the northern side is one of the best places to visit in Kerala if you are looking for something authentic. This region is known for Theyyam, a sacred ritual art with fire, drums, and colourful costumes performed in village temples for the local community, not just for tourists. You will also find Muzhappilangad here, which is Asia's longest drive-in beach.
- Best for: Culture seekers, offbeat travellers, families.
- Don't miss: Experience a Theyyam ritual and take a drive along Muzhappilangad beach.
- Good to know: Theyyam season usually runs from October to May, but the Parassinikkadavu temple hosts rituals almost every day year-round.
Bekal
Bekal Fort, the largest in Kerala, sits in Kasaragod. This keyhole-shaped fort covers 40 acres, with the Arabian Sea on three sides. Built around 1650, it is a protected monument and has appeared in several films. The nearby Nileshwar backwaters offer a peaceful end to a trip through northern Kerala.
- Best for: History lovers, quiet coastal days.
- Don't miss: The sunset from the observation tower.
- Good to know: The sea can get rough during the monsoon season, so it’s best to visit between October and March.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Kerala?
When you visit Kerala can make all the difference to your holiday. Here’s the straightforward truth.
Season | Months | What it suits |
Winter (peak) | October to February | The best all-rounder. Cool, dry, ideal for backwaters, beaches and sightseeing. Munnar and Wayanad are among the places to visit in Kerala in December. |
Summer | March to May | The coast gets warm, but the hills remain comfortable. Munnar, Wayanad, and Vagamon are the best places to visit in Kerala in May. If you love wildlife, April is a great time for Periyar. |
Monsoon | June to September | Kerala is lush, green, and peaceful during this time, making it perfect for Ayurveda treatments. Instead of visiting the high hills when it rains heavily, wander the lowlands and watch the lively boat races. |
If you are thinking about the places to visit in Kerala in April, the best options are the hills and wildlife. For a beach or backwater holiday, plan your holiday during the winter months.
How to Make the Most of Your Kerala Holiday
Many people make the mistake of treating Kerala like a checklist. But the best experiences here are slow and relaxed, like drifting on a houseboat in the morning, hearing a Theyyam drum in a temple courtyard, eating Malabar biryani with your hands, or watching tea fields fade into the mist. If you pick just one or two regions and take your time, you will discover a side of Kerala that a hurried holiday can never show you. This is where some guidance can really help. At Holiday Tribe, we create Kerala itineraries tailored to your travel style. Let us know if you prefer the hills, backwaters, culture, or a mix of all three. We take care of your stays, transfers, and experiences so you can focus on enjoying your holiday. Kerala truly welcomes all kinds of travellers, and choosing the right route can make your visit even better.
