Kerala is one of the best tourist destinations in India. This state is full of lush greenery, scenic valleys, stunning backwaters, beautiful beaches, and serene locations. The culture, cuisines, and heritage too is something that we all should explore once in our lifetime. So if you have selected Kerala as your next destination for upcoming holidays then you have made the right choice. There is lots to see and even more to do here. Kerala has something for every age group which makes it a perfect destination to explore!
But if you are going to kerala for the first time then you might feel overwhelmed planning the trip. There are hundreds of places to see in Kerala which might not be covered in one tour. Which is why you need to select the places that you will love to visit and explore in Kerala. So here we are listing some of the best places to visit in Kerala, have a look!
1. Kochi/Cochin
Kochi is known as the Gateway of South India and it is one of the most popular destinations of Kerala. It is a beautiful city dotted with some historical monuments, churches, palaces, and some museums. She is also called the Queen of Arabian Sea because of her rich heritage. This city will give you a glimpse of Kerala’s cultural significance and delicious cuisines. You will also get to explore some spice plantations.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Santa Cruz Basilica, Kochi Fort, Marine Drive
2. Alleppey
Alleppey is known as the Venice of East due to its beautiful backwaters. If you want to experience the backwaters at its most beautiful form then this place is for you. You can do a shikara ride or rent a houseboat to see the pristine views of backwaters and palm trees.
The house boats come with all amenities included that will make your experience comfortable and luxurious. You will also get to experience some of the best food here packed with the local ingredients and age old recipes.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Punnamada Lake, St. Andrew’s Church, beaches, etc.
3. Munnar
Munnar is a popular hill station in south Indian and also one of the most visited destinations. Located in the beautiful western ghats, Munnar features some of the most scenic views. It is surrounded by lush greenery and there is a soft mist in the morning. You can see several tea plantations along with some spices being grown. There is a soft scent of tea and spices in the air too.
Tourists also like to engage in adventurous activities such as wildlife spotting, paragliding, and hiking. You can also spend your time here sightseeing the natural beauty of the place.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Power House Waterfall, Kuthumkal Waterfall, Anamudi peak, Echo Point, and much more.
4. Thekkady
If you love to spend your time in the heart of nature then Thekkady might be your favorite location in Kerala. This place has lush greenery everywhere which includes some tea and coffee plantations and spice plantations. You will get to see the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary that hosts hundreds of animals including tigers, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, elephants, and much more.
You would love to explore the stunningly beautiful landscapes here!
5. Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram has a lot to offer to its visitors. The place is filled with colonial architecture as the Britishers loved to spend time here. There are lots of amazing monuments to see as well as art galleries.
The city is known for its beautiful locations and serenity. Here, you can find a perfect blend of tradition and modernity in the architecture and amenities.
6. Kannur
If you love beaches and seashores then Kannur should be your next stop in Kerala. The place has some of the beautiful beaches dotted with palm trees, some lush green fields, and coconut trees scattered around the city and along the shoreline. It is located far from the city which makes it a perfect spot to relax from the hustle and noises of the city.
7. Kozhikode
Kozhikode is one of the most interesting cities to explore in Kerala. The city has been a center of attractions for tourists for exploration and business for a long time in history. This place does have a significant influence from western culture but some tradition and culture is still preserved beautifully here. There are lots of beautiful temples, museums, and local art and craft to see and explore.
8. Varkala
Varkala is gaining popularity as a backpacker town among tourists across the country. It has immensely beautiful beaches as it’s a coastal town. It also features unique palm covered red cliffs which adds an interesting charm to the place. The beaches are quite pretty and popular here. There are also tons of amazing and fun activities to do here.
The place is also packed with some presiding temples that have beautiful significance on the local culture.
9. Thrissur
If you truly want to express the culture of Kerala then you must visit Thrissur! This place is called the cultural capital of Kerala and rightfully so. There are so many cultural events that take place that just makes the trip truly worth it. You will also explore some of the rich traditions, culture, and heritage of Kerala. The town is pretty beautiful and has lots of amazing sites to explore.
10. Kollam
Last but not the least, Kollam is another interesting destination in Kerala that you must visit. Here, the place has beautiful beaches, serene landscapes, and interesting architecture. Just like Alleppey, here too you can explore the backwaters via a houseboat or shikara rides. The Palaruvi waterfall is also a beautiful spot here to chill. There are some ruins of forts and palaces that says a lot about the history of Kerala!
Conclusion
So these are some of the popular destinations to visit in Kerala. This list is made up of some generic locations and some hidden gems so you can make the best out of your Kerala trip. That will be all for now and we hope you have a great time in Kerala!
