30 Incredibly Best Places to Visit in Kerala - Travel Blog: Travel tips, tricks & more by Cleartrip (2024)

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3.Munnar

With about 80,000 miles of tea plantation, Munnar is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Blessed with lush greenery, the town is situated in the Western Ghats mountain range. Being a hill station, it is also preferred by most of the couples for their honeymoon.

• The best time to visit this place is from October to March.
• Located at a distance of 143 km, Kochi Airport is the nearest airport.
• Further, Aluva acts as the nearest railway station and it is located at a distance of 110 km from Munnar.

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4.Kovalam

The coastal town of Kovalam is among the top places to visit in Kerala. Kovalam is globally popular for its Ayurvedic massage and treatments along with sunbathing fests.

• Famous for its exquisite beaches, Kovalam celebrates New Year with pomp and show. It is to be noted that the city has an international appeal due to its culture.
• September to May is the best time to visit this place.
• Also, Trivandrum International Airport is 15 km away and Trivandrum has the nearest railway station.

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5.Kumarakom

Kumarakom, located near Vembanad Lake, is blessed with exotic flora and fauna. The small village has pleasant weather all year round. And, that is why it is regarded as one of the best tourist places in Kerala.

• Here, one gets opportunities to indulge in boating, cruising, houseboat stay, and fishing.
• The best time to visit this place is from September to May.
• Kochi Airport is 85 km away from Kumarakom, while Kottayam railway station is 16 km away.

6.Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. Among Kerala’s tourist places, Trivandrum is extremely popular. Besides rare therapeutic oils, the city offers rejuvenation therapies for mind, body, and soul.

• Watching the Kathakali performance at any of the art centers in the city is a must-do activity when in Trivandrum.
• The best time to visit Trivandrum is from September to May.
• The city is served by Trivandrum International Airport and Trivandrum Central railway station.

7.Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area near Thekkady in the districts of Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta.

• As an elephant and tiger reserve, the nature park hosts a wide variety of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna.
• The best time to visit is from November to early May.
• Madurai Airport is 136 km away and Kottayam Railway Station is 114 km away from the nature park.

8.Wayanad

Wayanad literally translates to the land of paddy fields in Malayalam. Popular for its rich greenery and tranquil atmosphere, Wayanad is considered as one of the best tourist places in Kerala for 3 days trip.

• The best time to visit Wayanad is from October to May.
• Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 95 km away, and Kozhikode railway station is 72 km away from Wayanad.

9.Varkala

Varkala, located on the seaside, is known for water sports activities like boat riding, surfing, parasailing, jetting and horse riding on the beach.

• With beautiful cliffs and sparkling greenery, Varkala features on the list of best places to see in Kerala.
• The best time to visit this place is from August to mid-May.
• The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, which is 53 km away. It is served by Varkala Sivagiri railway station.

10.Kozhikode

Kozhikode, a commercial center in Kerala, is also known for its rich culture, historical sites and educational institutions. As one of the best places to visit in Kerala, it also offers authentic Malabar food prepared with exotic spices.

• The city is famous for its Dum Biryani, Kallummakkaya, Chatti Pathiri and Dal Halwa.
• The best time to visit Kozhikode is from September to May.
• Karipur International Airport in Calicut is just 28 km away, and Kozhikode railway station can be opted by those planning to reach this place via train.

11.Eravikulam National Park

Located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala, Eravikulam National Park is spread across an area of 97 km2. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Idukki is often preferred for a 2 days trip to Kerala.

• The surrounding verdant hills let one release all the stress and tension.
• June to August and November to January are recommended for visiting this place.
• Kochi Airport is the nearest airport and Theni railway station rests at a distance of 60 km from Idukki.

12.Kollam

Kollam (formerly Quilon) is one of the 14 districts of the state of Kerala. Kollam is the capital of Kerala”s cashew industry.

• Plains, mountains, lakes, lagoons and backwaters, forests, farmland and rivers make up the topography of the district.
• The best time to visit Kollam is from November to early May.
• Trivandrum International Airport is just 66 km away from Kollam.

13.Vagamon

Vagamon features a fairy tale landscape with beautiful meadows, gardens and tea plantations. It is blessed with a calm atmosphere that is often missing from a city space.

• The best time to visit this place is early August to May.
• Kochi International Airport is 94 km away from Vagamon, and Kottayam railway station is 15 km away.

14.Thrissur

Thrissur is famous for Thrissur Pooram and Onam celebrations. It is a small and peaceful town that is also celebrated as the ‘cultural capital of Kerala.

• October to March is the best time to visit Thrissur. One can also visit this place during April and May to experience the grandeur of the Thrissur Pooram festival.
• Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport. And, Trichur has its own railway station that is well connected to all the major cities in India.

15.Kannur

Kannur, formerly known as Cannanore, is one of the best tourist places in Kerala. Kannur has golden beaches and luxuriant cashew plantations.

• The place is also an architecture buff’s delight. The place has a lot of ancient temples and splendid monuments.
• October to March is the ideal time to enjoy the cool weather here.
• Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport, and Kannur Main is the nearest railway station.

16.Vembanad

Vembanad (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is the longest lake in India, and the largest one in the state of Kerala.

• Spanning several districts in the state of Kerala, it is known as Vembanadu Lake in Kottayam, Punnamada Lake in Kuttanad and Kochi Lake in Kochi.
• The best time to visit this place is from November to early May.
• Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, and Ernakulam Junction in Kochi is the nearest railway station.

17.Athirappilly

Athirappilly is located in Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur district in Kerala. It rests at a distance of 70 km northeast of Kochi city.

• The area is considered to be a biodiversity hotspot.
• September to January is the best time to visit.
• Kochi Airport is the nearest airport, and Kochi serves as the nearest railway station.

18.Kottayam

Kottayam was also known as Cotym and Cottayam during the British rule. The city is one of the main centers of literature and hence, called Akshara Nagari or Land of Letters.

• It also holds religious significance as it houses Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.
• November to early May is the best time to visit this place.
• Notably, Cochin Airport is the nearest airport and Kottayam has the nearest railway station.

19.Palakkad

Palakkad is known for its extremely pleasing weather. Picturesque mountains, sparkling lakes and lush green forests grant it the status of best tourist places in Kerala for a honeymoon trip.

• The best time to visit this place is from November to March.
• Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport. And, it is served by Palakkad Junction and Palakkad Town railway stations.

20.Bekal

Bekal is one of the best tourist places to visit in Kerala. It has the best of Kerala’s sightseeing places like Bekal Fort.

• The ideal time to visit Bekal is from September to May.
• Bajpe Airport is the nearest at 72 km, while Kasaragod Railway Station is just 12 km from Bekal.

21.Ponmudi

If you love mountains, Ponmudi is the right place to be at! It is regarded as one of the best places to visit Kerala due to its mesmerizing scenery.

• Ideal for hikers and trekkers, Ponmudi gives the right challenges to those who are ready to face nature’s dare.
• Ponmudi can be visited at any time of the year.
• Trivandrum International Airport is 67 km away from Ponmudi. And, Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is located about 55 km away.

22.Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located 18 km north of Marayoor on SH 17 in the Idukki district of Kerala.

• It is one of 12 wildlife sanctuaries that fall under the protected areas of Kerala. Winter months are ideal to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Notably, Coimbatore Airport (115 km) and Kochi Airport (208 km) serve the tourists interested in visiting Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
• And, Pollachi and Alluva have the nearest railway stations.

23.Guruvayur

One of Kerala’s most spiritual places, Guruvayur is located in Thrissur district. Being a small town, this is one of the lesser known tourist places to visit in Kerala.

• Also, it is considered to be a perfect spot to get to know the local culture of Kerala.
• The best time to visit is from October to March.
• Cochin International Airport is located 87 km away, and Guruvayur has its own railway station.

24.Ernakulam

Ernakulam refers to the central, mainland portion of the city of Kochi in central Kerala, India. Kerala High Court, the office of the Kochi Municipal Corporation and the Cochin Stock Exchange are situated here.

• Not just this, it is regarded as one of the major financial and commercial hub of Kerala.
• The best time to visit Ernakulam is from October to March.
• Kochi airport is the nearest airport. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railway station

25.Poovar

Located in Trivandrum district of Kerala, Poovar makes one of the ideal places to visit in Kerala for those looking for a lovely tropical staycation.

• The best time to visit is from October to February.
• Trivandrum International Airport is located just 30 km away, and Thiruvananthapuram railway station is located 27 km away from Poovar.

26.Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary covers four ranges, namely Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty.

• The nature park houses Indian bison, elephants, deer and tigers, as well as rare varieties of birds, especially peafowl.
• Monsoon season is considered to be the best time to visit the sanctuary.
• Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode is at a distance of 125 km from the sanctuary. And, the nearest railway station from the wildlife sanctuary is Kozhikode.

27.Devikulam

Devikulam is a small hill station that rests at a distance of 5 km from Munnar in the Idukki district of the southern state of Kerala, India.

• Its name Devikulam is a conjunction of the words, Devi from the goddess Devi, and kulam, meaning pond. Legends have it that the goddess Sita bathed in the waters of beautiful Devikulam lake, which is now known as Sita Devi Lake.
• The best time to visit this place is the winters. Kochi Airport is the nearest airport. Also, Kochi and Kottayam are the nearest railway stations.

28.Kavvayi Backwaters Island

Kavvayi Backwaters Island or Kavvayi Kayal is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. It is regarded as the third largest backwater in the state that is formed at the confluence of River Kavvayi and its tributaries Kuppithodu, Konkol and Kuniyan.

• One can experience the real beauty of Kerala backwaters on a cruise in houseboats.
• October to March is the best time to visit this place.
• Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport, and Payyanur has the nearest railway station.

29.Malappuram

Malappuram, which literally translates to the land atop hills, is the most picturesque town of the state of Kerala. The place is quite famous for its teak plantations. Besides, it is host to many heritage temples, mosques and historic monuments.

• Among Kerala’s tourist places, Malappuram is the unique and offbeat place to visit.
• The best time to visit is from July to September and November to February.
• Angadippuram, which rests at a distance 16 km from Malappuram, is the closest railway station.

30.Munroe Islands

Munroe Islands stand tall at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and River Kallada. The islands showcase the true-blue scenic rural landscape of Kerala with thatched houses, coconut plantations, narrow canals, lagoons and mangrove forests.

• The place is also famous for Kallada Boat Race held in September every year.
• Munroe Islands are one of the most scenic places in Kerala that can be visited all year round.
• Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport, and Munroe Island is the nearest railway station.

Kerala is a dream destination for all nature lovers and enthusiasts. Whether it’s cruising along the backwaters or indulging in the globally renowned Ayurvedic massage, Kerala is the perfect option for a family vacation, quick getaway or honeymoon.

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