Many of us know that Kerala is fondly referred to as “God’s Own Country”. This is why when it comes to a relaxing vacation, we start thinking about Kerala Tourist Places. I should say that Kerala is a paradise for tourists seeking cultural richness, pristine beaches, serene backwaters and lush greenery. Located on the southwestern coast of our country, this state provides a wide choice of experiences that meet the needs of different types of tourists. Whether it is an adventure exploration, tranquil getaway or spiritual exploration, Kerala tour packages offer options to choose from. The purpose of this blog is to help you know about the best 100 places to visit in Kerala.
Kerala Tourism – An Introduction
Kerala, as you know, is praised for its wellness retreats, unique traditions and scenic beauty. With its wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, backwater, beaches, houseboats and ayurveda centres, the state offers an ideal combination of culture and nature. Its vibrant festivals, rolling hills and extensive network of beaches and backwaters make Kerala, a top destination for tourists. Kerala tourism attracts not only visitors from across India but also from across the world.
You are here to know about the best tourist places in Kerala. Now, it is equally important to know the best time to visit Kerala. The months between October and March are ideal for exploring tourist places in Kerala. When you plan your Kerala trip in these months, you can expect perfect and pleasant weather for sightseeing.
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Top 100 Kerala Tourist Places
As mentioned earlier, Kerala offers different types of places to explore. You can choose a Kerala tour plan based on your interests. For instance, you can find beaches and backwaters in Kerala. Similarly, the state houses hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, nature reserves, scenic spots, waterfalls and many historical and cultural attractions.
I am here to share a few lists of Kerala tourist places under different categories. Based on your interest, you can choose a few best spots that are located close to each other during your weekend Kerala exploration.
Category-wise List of Top 100 Tourist Places in Kerala
Waterfalls & Scenic Spots
- Anamudi Peak: This hill holds the pride of being the highest peak in South India. This spot is ideal for trekkers.
- Nadukani: If you are looking for mesmerizing views, you will love this peak.
- Pandikuzhi: This is an attractive picnic spot near Thekkady.
- Maniyar Waterfalls: This is a lesser-known waterfall but its stunning views make it a worthy visit.
- Kumbhavurtty Waterfalls: This is a tranquil retreat near Kollam.
- Valara Waterfalls: This waterfall is surrounded by lush forests
- Kuthumkal Falls: This is a scenic waterfall near Munnar
- Kanthanpara Waterfalls: You should not miss out on this spot during your Wayanad Visit.
- Arippara Waterfalls: This is a hidden gem in Kozhikode
- Perunthenaruvi Falls: This waterfall is popular for its panoramic views.
- Attukad Waterfalls: Situated near Munnar, this spot is ideal for photography.
- Lakkam Waterfalls: This scenic spot is located near Marayoor in Kerala.
- Cheeyappara Waterfalls: You can cover this attraction during your visit to Munnar.
- Keezharkuthu Falls: How about visiting a waterfall with rainbow views? Then, you should head to this waterfall.
- Thommankuthu Waterfalls: You can visit this waterfall during your Idukki exploration in Kerala.
- Palaruvi Waterfalls: This stunning waterfall looks like a steam of milk falling from the sky, thereby getting the name Palaruvi.
- Soochipara Waterfalls: If you are looking for a perfect spot to trek and picnic in Wayanad, you can visit Soochipara.
- Meenmutty Waterfalls: Again, this is a spectacular waterfall in Wayanad.
- Vazhachal Waterfalls: This waterfall known for its natural beauty is located near the most popular Athirapilly Waterfalls.
- Athirapilly Waterfalls: You can understand the beauty of this waterfall from the fact that it is also called Niagara of India.
Among these tourist places in Kerala, you will find Athirapilly waterfalls in many Kerala tour packages. In Kerala Tourism, a few historical and cultural attractions also have gained immense popularity. Here are the names of 20 such attractions you can consider visiting:
Historical & Cultural Attractions in Kerala
- Kannur Fort: A historical fort with attractive sea views
- Cheraman Juma Masjid: This is the oldest mosque in India that demands your visit
- Vellayani Lake Temple: You can find this unique temple standing on a lakeside
- Kasargod Temples: Kasargod in Kerala is the home to many temples. You will marvel at the ancient architecture.
- Palakkad Fort: This historical fort is preserved well
- Muziris Heritage: You can explore cultural sites and trade routes by visiting this place.
- Pazhassi Raja Museum is a historical heritage medium located in Kozhikode
- Trikkakara Temple, popular for its Onam festival association
- Francis Church: This is one of the oldest European churches in India.
- Fort Kochi is a combination of modern art and colonial history
- Aranmula is popular for its metal mirrors and snake boat races
- Kuthiramalika Palace is a traditional palace in Thiruvananthapuram
- Edakkal Caves: This spot has prehistoric rock carvings. These caves are located in Wayanad.
- Hill Palace Museum: Located in Kochi, this is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala.
- The Jewish Synagogue located in Kochi is a historical gem in Jew Town
- In Thrissur, you can visit the ancient Vadakkumnathan Temple.
- Attend the Thrissur Pooram Festival, which is denoted as the festival of festivals in Kerala.
- Bekal Fort is again a historical site in Kerala, where you can get stunning sea views.
- Mattancherry Palace is otherwise called Dutch Palace and it is located in Kochi
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a majestic temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
You should know about the best time to visit Kerala when visiting any place in Kerela. This is important when you visit wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves. The reason is that only when visiting at the right season and time, you can get a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitat. Kerala is the home to many wildlife sanctuaries and natural reserves as well. Here are a few names:
Wildlife Sanctuaries and Nature Reserves
- Chembra Peak is popular for its trekking trails and heart-shaped lake
- Meenmutty Waterfalls are located within the dense forest of Wayanad
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its lush forests and elephant population.
- Mathikettan Shola National Park is a biodiversity hotspot near Munnar.
- Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary offers jeep safaris in Wayanad.
- Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is popular for migratory birds and estuary views
- Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is popular for tribal culture and rare plants.
- Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is ideal for birdwatching and trekking experience
- Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful retreat in Kannur
- Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary surrounded by picturesque lakes and forests is another key attraction for nature and wildlife enthusiasts in Kerala.
- Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is known not only for its wildlife but also for its scenic beauty.
- Silent Valley National Park will provide you with unforgettable rainforest experiences.
- I should say that Kamarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds. If you love watching birds in their natural habitat, you should plan your visit to this place.
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its boating and lion-tailed macaques.
- Eravikulam National Park is popular as the home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
- Thattakad Bird Sanctuary is again a paradise for birdwatchers.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its lush green landscapes and herds of elephants
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is popular for its rare flora and fauna.
- Parambikulum Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary will let you spot tigers and elephants in their natural habitat
If you are more into hill stations, then I suggest you know about the following tourist places in Kerala:
Hill Stations
You might have heard that you cannot miss out on a hill station visit during your Kerala trip. Here are the best hill stations in the state that will let you achieve a natural escape:
- Pothamedu is a scenic hill station near Munnar popular for its tea plantations.
- Elaveezhapoonchira is a scenic spot known for camping and trekking.
- Ramakkalmedu is a place, where you can get an excellent panoramic view of the Western Ghats.
- Silent Valley National Park apart from housing a national park also is a hill station. I should say that it is a biodiversity hotspot.
- Malampuzha Hills is ideal for picnics and nature walks
- Attappadi is popular for its attractive landscapes and tribal culture
- Lakkidi is a rainforest getaway in Wayanad
- Kalpetta is a hill station with pleasant climatic conditions in Wayanad.
- Chithirapuram is a peaceful hill station located near Munnar.
- Vythiri is a serene escape in Wayanad with eco-resorts
- Meenmutty Heights has scenic trekking spots and viewpoints and it is located in Wayanad
- Nelliyampathy is a lesser-explored destination popular for its coffee plantations.
- Gavi is a hidden ecosystem that can satiate trekking enthusiasts to a great extent.
- Peeramade is a popular hill station popular for its waterfalls and spice plantations
- Idukki District in Kerala is popular for its scenic hills, which attract adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
- Ponmudi is a destination that offers scenic trekking opportunities. Its lush green landscapes will help you get a relaxing escape.
- Vagamom is a serene hill station with rolling meadows
- Thekkady is the home to spice plantations and most importantly Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Wayanad is popular for its caves, waterfalls and lush forests
- Munnar is popular for its Eravikulum National Park and tea plantations.
Beaches and Backwaters
You cannot miss out on visiting beaches and backwaters during your Kerala tour. You can learn about the best beaches and backwaters in the state here:
- Pathiramanal Island is accessible by boat and is the best spot for backwater enthusiasts and bird watchers.
- Thottada Beach: is not very popular but it is a stunning beach located in Kannur in Kerala.
- Kanwatheertha Beach is an attractive lagoon and peaceful setting located in Kasargod in Kerala.
- Alumkaavu: I should say that this is the entry point for houseboat journeys in Kerala
- Thiruvambady Beach is a serene and calm beach in Varkala.
- Chavakkad Beach is popular for its floating bridge and speed boat rides.
- Kappil Beach is a secluded beach located near Varaka. It offers tranquillity.
- Valiyaparamba Backwaters is ideal for houseboat cruises and kayaking
- Ashtamudi Lake is ideal for houseboat stays and backwaters
- Munroe Island is popular for its serene village life and canal cruises
- Payyambalam Beach is a pristine beach in Kannur. It is popular for its picturesque views
- Cherai Beach is yet another beach destination in Kerala popular for dolphin spotting and swimming.
- Poovar Island is a hidden gem for peaceful backwater cruises
- Bekal Beach is popular for its scenic coastline and Bekal Fort
- Marari Beach is a peaceful retreat with palm-fringed shores and golden sands.
- Kovalam is popular for its luxury resorts and crescent-shaped beach
- Varkala is a popular beach destination in Kerala that attracts tourists from across the world. It is popular for its stunning cliffs and Ayurvedic treatments.
- Kochi is a combination of modernity and historic sites that include Marine Drive and Fort Kochi.
- Kumarokom is known for its luxurious backwater resorts and bird watching.
- Alleppey is popular for its serene backwaters and houseboats.
Conclusion
In short, from serene backwaters to lush green hills, Kerala tourist places are plenty in number. The state offers different experiences that cater to different kinds of travellers. With different tour packages offered by tour operators, you can choose an appropriate package based on your interests. Even from Kerala Tourism, which is the official website of the Department of Tourism, you can plan your trip to Kerala. Choose the best time to visit Kerala between October and March so that you can participate in vibrant festivals with pleasant climatic conditions. So, get ready for an unforgettable experience in Kerala!
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