Kerala is one of the most celebrated travel destinations in India, popularly known as Gods Own Country. From misty hills and green plantations to peaceful backwaters, golden beaches, and rich cultural heritage, Kerala offers something for every traveler. Whether you are planning a short getaway, a honeymoon, or a family vacation, this guide covers the best tourist places in Kerala with detailed itineraries and travel tips.
We will cover major destinations including Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kollam, Kovalam, Trivandrum, and Wayanad, along with insights into Kerala food, festivals, shopping, and Ayurveda.
Why Visit Kerala
Kerala is unique because it combines natural diversity with cultural depth. You can experience tea gardens in the hills, houseboat rides in the backwaters, yoga and Ayurveda in beach resorts, and historic towns filled with colonial charm. Unlike many destinations, Kerala can be explored both in luxury and on a budget.
Key reasons to visit:
- Natural beauty of the Western Ghats, backwaters, and Arabian Sea coast
- Rich cultural traditions including Kathakali dance and temple festivals
- Delicious food ranging from vegetarian feasts to seafood curries
- Eco friendly tourism and Ayurveda wellness retreats
- Safe and tourist friendly environment
Major Tourist Places in Kerala with Itineraries
Cochin The Gateway to Kerala
Cochin, or Kochi, is often the entry point for travelers. It is a vibrant mix of history, art, and modern lifestyle.
What to See
- Fort Kochi with Chinese fishing nets and Portuguese buildings
- Mattancherry Palace with murals depicting Hindu mythology
- Jew Town and Paradesi Synagogue
- Marine Drive for evening walks
- Cultural shows at Kerala Kathakali Centre
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Fort Kochi and Jew Town. Walk along the seaside promenade and watch the fishing nets at sunset.
Day 2: Visit Mattancherry Palace, the synagogue, and enjoy a Kathakali performance. Shop for spices and handicrafts in local markets.
Munnar The Queen of Hill Stations
Munnar is a hill station known for its tea plantations and cool weather.
What to See
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam and Echo Point
- Top Station
- Attukal Waterfalls
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Cochin to Munnar. Stop at Cheeyappara waterfalls on the way. Explore tea gardens in the evening.
Day 2: Visit Eravikulam National Park and Top Station.
Day 3: Explore Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and waterfalls before moving to Thekkady.
Thekkady Wildlife and Spice Country
Thekkady is home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
What to See
- Periyar Lake boat safari
- Spice plantation tours
- Bamboo rafting and jungle trekking
- Kalaripayattu martial arts show
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Thekkady and take an evening spice plantation tour.
Day 2: Morning boat safari in Periyar Lake. Afternoon trekking or bamboo rafting. Evening cultural show.
Alleppey The Venice of the East
Alleppey is famous for houseboats and backwaters.
What to See
- Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake
- Alleppey Beach
- Snake Boat Races (seasonal)
- Ayurvedic spas
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Board a houseboat in the afternoon, enjoy meals and stay overnight.
Day 2: Morning backwater views, then explore Alleppey town and beach.
Kumarakom The Peaceful Backwaters
Kumarakom is quieter than Alleppey but equally beautiful.
What to See
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Sunset views over Vembanad Lake
- Village life experiences
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Visit bird sanctuary and enjoy resort activities.
Day 2: Take a canoe ride in the backwaters and interact with villagers.
Kollam The Gateway to Backwaters
Kollam is known for Ashtamudi Lake and history.
What to See
- Houseboat rides on Ashtamudi Lake
- Kollam Beach and lighthouse
- Palaruvi Waterfalls
- Paravur Backwaters
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Backwater cruise.
Day 2: Visit beach and lighthouse, explore waterfalls.
Kovalam The Beach Town
Kovalam is the most popular beach destination in Kerala.
What to See
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawa Beach and Samudra Beach
- Ayurveda and yoga centers
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Spend the day at Lighthouse Beach, enjoy water sports.
Day 2: Visit nearby villages, indulge in Ayurveda treatments, and relax at sunset.
Trivandrum The Capital City
Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram is both a cultural and administrative center.
What to See
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Napier Museum
- Kovalam Beach nearby
- Veli Tourist Village
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Visit Padmanabhaswamy Temple and museum.
Day 2: Half day at Kovalam or Veli Tourist Village.
Wayanad Land of Forests and Hills
Wayanad is ideal for eco tourism.
What to See
- Edakkal Caves
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls
- Pookode Lake
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Explore caves and waterfalls.
Day 2: Visit dam, lake, and sanctuary.
Food in Kerala
Kerala cuisine is rich in flavors, spices, and variety.
- Traditional Sadhya served on banana leaves during festivals
- Kerala Parotta with spicy beef curry
- Karimeen Pollichathu pearl spot fish wrapped in banana leaves
- Malabar Biryani
- Appam with stew
- Banana chips and jackfruit chips
Food differs across regions – coastal towns are seafood rich, while hill areas serve spiced meat and vegetarian dishes.
Festivals of Kerala
Kerala is famous for vibrant festivals.
- Onam harvest festival with snake boat races and flower carpets
- Vishu new year festival in April
- Thrissur Pooram with decorated elephants and fireworks
- Theyyam ritual dance in northern Kerala
- Christmas celebrations in Cochin and other cities
Shopping in Kerala
Travelers can buy:
- Kerala sarees and handloom textiles
- Spices like cardamom, pepper, cinnamon
- Wooden handicrafts and coir products
- Tea and coffee from Munnar and Wayanad
- Kathakali masks and souvenirs
Ayurveda and Wellness
Kerala is the global hub for Ayurveda. Resorts and spas offer authentic treatments.
- Panchakarma detox therapies
- Ayurveda massages with herbal oils
- Yoga and meditation retreats
- Wellness resorts in Kovalam, Kumarakom, and Wayanad
FAQs About Kerala Tourism
What is the best time to visit Kerala
September to March is ideal for cool and pleasant weather. Monsoon season June to August is best for Ayurveda treatments.
Is Kerala safe for families and women travelers
Yes Kerala is considered one of the safest states for tourists with good infrastructure.
Is Kerala expensive for tourists
Kerala can be done on all budgets. Houseboats and luxury resorts are costly but there are budget homestays and hotels everywhere.
How many days are enough for Kerala
7 to 10 days are enough to cover major destinations like Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kovalam.
Which are the best places for honeymoon in Kerala
Munnar, Alleppey houseboats, Kumarakom resorts, and Kovalam beaches are perfect for honeymooners.
Conclusion
Kerala offers one of the most complete tourism experiences in India. From historic towns like Cochin to the misty tea plantations of Munnar, the wildlife of Thekkady, the houseboats of Alleppey and Kumarakom, the beaches of Kovalam, the cultural depth of Trivandrum, and the forests of Wayanad, Kerala is a journey through nature, culture, and tradition.
Every traveler finds something unique in Gods Own Country. Whether you love food, festivals, beaches, or wellness, Kerala will leave you with unforgettable memories.
