Best tourist places to visit in Kerala
Kerala never fails to amuse a nature lover. With its godly charm and vast expanses of lush green valleys, the state certainly validates the title it has received of being God's Own Country. There are spices plantations galore and rice paddies growing next to backwaters. Not to mention how the coasts are also clean and rich with an abundance of seafood. The cultural relevance adds more beauty to the cities in Kerala and is ideal for a great vacation. Wherever you go in Kerala, whatever you do, you would definitely have the time of your life! With that, here are 20 best places to visit in Kerala. We've also listed out some places to stay for you in Kerala! You can make your bookings via InterMiles!
Best tourist places to visit in Kerala
Popularly known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey with its plush backwaters bordered by rice paddies is easily one of the most famous places to visit in Kerala. The array of beauty that comes with palm trees, houseboats, shikara rides and water lilies is a sight to behold!
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
Places to stay: Treebo Tryst Palmyra Grand Suite, Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey, Zostel Alleppey, Bamboo Lagoon.
The literal translation of 'the land of paddy fields' in Malayalam, Wayanad is located in the north of Kerala. Waterfalls, fields of rice and other grains, small houses with thatched roofs and greenery everywhere is what you'll find in Wayanad. You can even indulge in trekking and other such activities.
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport at Calicut
Places to stay: The Woods Resorts Wayanad, Blue Ginger Wayanad, Lakkidi Village Resort.
Perched atop the gorgeous blue Arabian Sea is the most popular tourist attraction, Bekal Fort. Bekal, in general, is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. The place with its exotic vibe would leave you relaxed and happy.
Nearest Airport: Bajpe Airport
Places to stay: The Lalit Resort, Taj Bekal Resort, Malabar Oceanfront Resort and Spa, Kanan Beach Resorts
Kozhikode is one of the busiest cities in the state and one of the top places to visit in Kerala. The highlight of the place is that their spices market is a big hit among travellers! Right from the lip-smacking Malabari food to the aromatic melange of spices in the air, Kozhikode is a lovely tourist place in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport in Calicut
Places to stay: Sunrise Homestay, Treebo Casino Hotel, The Gateway Hotel Beach Road, The Raviz Resort, Woodies Bleisure Hotel.
Another top city in Kerala with one of the hippest scenes is Kochi. With a slew of quaint cafes to modern lifestyle, Kochi is also one of the important commercial centres of Kerala. From visiting the city's tourist attractions to resting in the beaches of Kochi, it is easily one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Places to stay: Le Meridien Kochi, Taj Malabar Resort and Spa Cochin, Kochi Marriott Hotel.
Talk about romance and a paradise for tea connoisseurs and Munnar is the hill station you'd want to head to in Kerala. The hill station is one of the top tourist places in Kerala and is especially known to be a perfect den for honeymooners and loved-up couples. The hill station with its tea plantations makes for a great vacation!
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
Places to stay: Chandy's Windy Woods, Devonshire Greens and camping in the forests.
One of the most adventurous things to do in Coorg is Wildlife safari, that should not be missed and forgotten. You will get to see all the wildlife animals in real. The rides begin early morning at 7 AM. All jeeps have tourists who will help you to see the animals from close. You must visit this place and experience the wildlife.
Want to delve in the beauty of the blue Arabian Sea? Well, you couldn't have asked for a bluer view of the sea! Varkala Beach in Kerala is one such exotic beach in the state that you'll definitely like. From its hippie culture to the solo backpacking scenes, Varkala is easily one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Places to stay: Zostel Varkala, Maadathil Cottages, BCanti Boutique Beach resort, Krishnatheeram Ayur Holy Beach Resorts.
Better known as the 'granary of Kerala', Palakkad is a gorgeous green expanse of land which is super beautiful. They have some really alluring locales ranging from tea plantations to paddy estates. Undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Kerala. Add it to your list already!
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport in Tamil Nadu
Places to stay: Misty Valley Hill Resorts, Hotel Indraprastha, Kairali Ayurvedic Health Resort.
Perfectly hidden in the Alappuzha district of Kerala is the quaint little hamlet called Marari. The place is decked with the best clean beach that is void of the tourist crowd. It is one of the top places in Kerala that you should visit. In fact, pick one of the resorts that overlook the Arabian Sea for some thrills.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Places to stay: Munroe Meadows, Abad Turtle Beach, Lake Canopy, Munroe Nest Homestay
As the capital of the state, Tiruvananthapuram is a very popular tourist spot in Kerala for you to visit. The city might be a commercial space that is unlike the rest of the state, but it does have some greenery for nature lovers such as the Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Anchuthengu Fort and more.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Places to stay: Treebo Trend Goodland Residency, Royal Heritage Hotel, Ambara Suites, The Travancore Heritage.
Harbouring some of the fabulous flora and fauna is the beautiful little haven called Thekkady. With its exotic wildlife, the place is one of the top tourist attractions to visit in Kerala. The place certainly does glorify the beauty and serenity of Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu
Places to stay: Thekkady Carmelia Haven Resort, Elephant Court Thekkady, Club Mahindra Thekkady, Poetree Sarovar Portico.
With its Colonial and Dutch-inspired streets and buildings, Kannur comes with an old-school charm that makes it one of the top places to visit in Kerala. The quaint and casual vibe of the city with its tourist attractions has often led it to be a very popular tourist place in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
Places to stay: Seaside Homestay Royal Omars, Hotel Blue Niles, Malgudi Holidays.
Perched right on top of the confluence of the lovely Ashtamud Lake and Kallada River is the cluster of small green islands called Munroe Island. The island is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala thanks to its alluring setting. The aesthetic beauty of Munroe Island is romantic and enchanting.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Places to stay: Munroe Island Lake Resort
Want to indulge in the vibrant festivities of the Malayali culture? Well, you can plan your trip to Kerala in time to attend the grandiose of the Thrissur Pooram Festival, which takes place between April and May. You can even witness the fabulous Onam celebrations in the city.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Places to stay: Kochi Marriott Hotel, Casino Hotels Ltd, Hotel Merlin International.
The rural bliss of Kerala can very well be witnessed in Kottayam. Located close to Cochin, the 'City of Letters' is striking when it comes to honing the cultural prowess of Kerala. You would have a great time here, and it is one of the places to visit in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Places to stay: Akkara Homestay, The Mana-Heritage stay, Kuttickatil Gardens Homestay, Thomman's farm stay.
Tranquillity, thy name is Vagamon! The quaint little hamlet nestled in the misty valleys with tea plantations around is a very interesting tourist place to visit in Kerala. August through May is considered to be a great time to visit Vagamon in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
Places to stay: The Kissing Mountains, Falcon Crest, Honeycomb by Astral Inn.
One of the most popular spiritual places in Kerala's Thrissur district is the town of Guruvayur. The place is famous for its Guruvayur Sree Vishnu Temple. In fact, it is a major tourist attraction and easily one of the best places for you to visit in Kerala.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Places to stay: Sterling Guruvayur, Srivar Hotels, Devaragam, Remanika Regency.
Adventure junkies who like activities such as trekking, bird watching, hiking, photography and more, must surely add Idukki in your list of places to visit in Kerala. The monsoon months are perfect for visiting the place and savouring the beautiful landscape.
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
Places to stay: Olivia Homestay, Green Spot Homestay, Meadows Pride Homestay.
Vembanad Lake's unmatched beauty is best viewed from Kumarakom, located right by its banks. The backwaters fringed with green paddies on all sides is a tourist place in Kerala that you must absolutely visit. You would be amazed by the serenity of the neighbourhood.
Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
Places to stay: Lakesong Resort, Royal Riviera Hotel, Kumarakom Lake Resort, Hotel Dubai, Taj Kumarakom Resort.
Located in proximity with Bekal, Kasargod is a fabulous getaway that you can opt for when travelling in Kerala. The quiet and relaxed atmosphere of Kasargod will ease your senses and leave you feeling rejuvenated! You get to witness the blue Arabian sea as well as the wayward Western ghats!
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Places to stay: OYO 24301 Century Park