Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala | Best Holidays Tours

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala is one of India’s most diverse holiday destinations, offering hill stations, backwaters, beaches, wildlife, heritage cities and peaceful countryside within relatively short distances.

Whether you are planning a family holiday, honeymoon, weekend getaway or longer Kerala trip, these are 10 of the best places to visit in Kerala.

1. Munnar

Munnar is one of Kerala’s most popular hill stations, known for its tea plantations, mist-covered hills and cool climate.

Popular experiences include:

• Tea gardens

• Scenic viewpoints

• Waterfalls

• Eravikulam National Park

• Nature drives

Munnar is especially popular with couples, honeymooners and families looking for a relaxing mountain holiday.

2. Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is famous for Kerala’s backwaters.

A houseboat journey through canals, lakes and village landscapes is one of the most recognised Kerala travel experiences.

Alleppey is ideal for:

• Couples

• Families

• Honeymooners

• Relaxed holidays

Travellers who do not want an overnight houseboat stay can also choose shorter backwater cruises.

3. Thekkady

Thekkady is a good choice for travellers interested in nature, wildlife and spice plantations.

The Periyar region is known for forest landscapes and outdoor experiences.

Popular activities can include:

• Boating

• Nature walks

• Spice plantation visits

• Wildlife-related experiences

• Scenic drives

It is commonly combined with Munnar in Kerala itineraries.

4. Wayanad

Wayanad offers green hills, forests, waterfalls and quieter countryside.

It is popular with travellers who prefer nature-focused holidays and road trips.

Highlights include:

• Waterfalls

• Viewpoints

• Caves

• Forest areas

• Plantation stays

Wayanad is particularly suitable for families, couples and small groups looking for a peaceful escape.

5. Kochi

Kochi combines modern city life with heritage, food, waterfront areas and cultural attractions.

Fort Kochi is especially popular for:

• Colonial architecture

• Heritage streets

• Chinese fishing nets

• Cafés

• Art and cultural spaces

Kochi is also a practical starting point for trips to Munnar, Alleppey and other parts of central Kerala.

6. Kovalam

Kovalam is one of Kerala’s best-known beach destinations.

It is suitable for travellers who want:

• Beach time

• Resorts

• Relaxed evenings

• Couple holidays

• Short coastal stays

Kovalam can easily be combined with Thiruvananthapuram sightseeing.

7. Varkala

Varkala stands out for its dramatic cliffside setting overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The destination is known for:

• Beaches

• Cliff-top cafés

• Sunset views

• Relaxed atmosphere

• Boutique stays

It is particularly popular with couples, solo travellers and visitors looking for a slower beach holiday.

8. Kumarakom

Kumarakom offers a quieter backwater experience near Vembanad Lake.

It is a good alternative to busier backwater destinations and works well for travellers interested in resorts, lake views and relaxed stays.

Kumarakom is ideal for:

• Couples

• Families

• Luxury stays

• Slow travel

9. Vagamon

Vagamon is a peaceful hill destination known for rolling green landscapes and cooler weather.

Compared with some of Kerala’s better-known hill stations, Vagamon can feel quieter and less commercial.

It suits travellers looking for:

• Scenic road trips

• Nature

• Hill stays

• Short weekend breaks

• Couple getaways

10. Athirappilly

Athirappilly is famous for its large waterfall and surrounding forest scenery.

It is a popular day trip or short-stay destination, especially for travellers visiting Kochi or central Kerala.

The area is best suited for nature lovers, photographers and families looking for scenic experiences.

Which Kerala Destination Should You Choose?

Choose Munnar or Vagamon for hills and cooler weather.

Choose Alleppey or Kumarakom for backwaters.

Choose Kovalam or Varkala for beaches.

Choose Thekkady or Wayanad for nature and wildlife.

Choose Kochi for heritage, food and city experiences.

Choose Athirappilly for waterfalls and scenic landscapes.

How Many Days Are Enough for Kerala?

For a short Kerala trip, 4–5 days is enough to combine two or three destinations.

For example:

Munnar + Thekkady + Alleppey

or

Kochi + Munnar + Alleppey

For a more relaxed trip covering several regions, 7–10 days is more comfortable.

Customise Your Kerala Holiday

A Kerala itinerary can be planned according to your travel dates, number of days, preferred destinations, hotel category and budget. You can combine hill stations, backwaters and beaches, plan a family-friendly route, or create a more relaxed honeymoon itinerary with fewer destinations and longer stays.v

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