Tourist Places in Kerala

Kerala is also referred to as God's own country, and it is a surreal destination where morning brings in the magic and mist. The beauty of Kerala appeals to everyone, and its backwaters hold everyone captive with their alluring silence. Kerala is also called as Spice Capital of India.

Kerala is situated at the southern tip of India, surrounded by Tamil Nadu in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west. Thiruvananthpuram is Kerala's state capital. Kerala is well known for its health infrastructure and literacy rate. Let us explore Kerala and its beauty:

1. Alleppey

It is also called as Backwater Capital of India or sometimes Venice of the East. It is popular for its bountiful beauty and silent backwater. The place is located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It is one of Kerala's highest sought tourist and most loved backwater destinations. Travelers must visit this paradise and experience a houseboat cruise and stay, ayurvedic therapies, and village walks.

• Suitable time to visit the place: Year-round destinations
• Nearest Railway attraction: Allepey Railway Station
• Climate:
  • Monsoon (July- September)
  • Summer (April – June)
  • Winter (October- Mid March)

Favorite tourist attractions

• St. Mary Rorane Church
• Ambalapuzha Temple
• Mannarshala Temple
• Karumadikuttan Statue
• Alley Beach
• Marari Beach
• Arthunkal Church
• Krishnapuram Palace
• Kuttanad Backwaters

2. Wayanad

Wayanad ranks top in the places to visit Kerala. Wayanad is situated in the lap of the Western Ghats. Wayanad is at 700-2,100m, and the magnificent hill station has all fantasy, unforgettable moments, untouched nature, and merriment. You may call it the most famous hill station in Kerala. Waynad has pristine and lush green forests, which have been there since 3,000 years ago.

• Nearest Railway Station: Nilambur Railway Station (92km/3 hrs)
• Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (98km)
• Weather:
  • Monsoon (June- September)
  • Winter: (December- February)
  • Summer (March-May)

Common Tourist Destination:

• Chain Tree
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kanthanpara Waterfalls
• Banasura Sagar Dam
• Chembra Peak
• SulthanBthery
• Edakkal Caves
• Pookode Lake
• Kanthanpara Waterfalls
• Soochipara Falls
• Sentinel Rock Falls

3. Cochin

Sometimes it is also called Kochi, and the place is a perfect mixture of modern ideas and cultural values. It is also known by another name, "Queen of the Arabian Sea". Cochin is a port city that has a rich history. It was the melting point of numerous traditions and cultures. Cochin adopted all the western and progressive ideas and established itself as a one of India's most advanced metropolitian cities. Due to its nearness to the sea, it has always been an attractive point in the early history of India.

• Nearest Airport: Kochi International Airport
• Nearest Railway Station: Kochi Railway Junction
• Weather: Monsoon (October- February)
  • Winter (July- September)
  • Summer (March- June)

Common Tourist Point:

• Vasco Da Gama Square
• Shri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara
• Jewish Synagogue
• St. Francis Church
• Cherai Beach
• Vypeen Island
• Fort Kochi
• Vypeen Beach
• Basillica of Santa Cruz
• Lulu Mall (Largest Mall in India)
• Kodannad Elephant Training Centre
• Hill Palace Museum
• Edappally Museum
• Thrikkara Temple
• Chinese Fishing
• Kanjiramattam Masjid

4. Munnar

It is another hill station situated in the lap of the young and cheerful western ghats. The place needs no introduction, and it is located at 1,600m above sea level. The place is all about picturesque mountains, rolling hills, lofty clouds, and a soothing ambiance. People get mesmerized by seeing the lush green forests and tea plantations.

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (125km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (128km/4 hrs)
• Weather: Monsoon (June –September)
  • Winter (December-February)
  • Summer (March-May)
• Best time to visit Kerala: Year-round Destination

Common Tourist Attraction point

• Tata Tea Museum
• Blossom Park
• Eravikulam National Park
• Mattupetty Dam
• Chithirapuram
• Rajamala
• Indo Swiss Dairy Farm
• Pothamedu View Point
• Lite Pi Church
• Cheeyapara Waterfalls
• Lock Hart Gap

5. Kumarakom

It is another favorite backwater destination for tourists. The place is present near Kottayam City. It is situated on Vembanad Lake and is full of canals. It is home to birds like Siberian Storks and cuckoos. This is the best place to visit Kerala during your holidays. Here you can see breezy rice fields, evergreen coconut groves, and sprawling Vembanad Lake. Houseboat and backwater cruises are the most doable things in Kumarakom.

• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (128km/4 hours)
• Nearest Airport: Cochin internationl Airport
• Climate: Monsoon (June-September)
  • Summer (March-May)
  • Winter (December-February)
• Suitable time to Visit: September (Monsoon End) to March (Winter End)

Common Tourist Attractions:

• Top Station
• Lite of PI Church
• Tata Tea Museum
• Eravikulam National Park
• Pothamedu View Point
• Indo Swiss Dairy Farm
• Cheeyapara Waterfalls
• Lock Hart Gap
• Rajamala
• Attukal Waterfalls
• Blossom Park
• Mattupetty Dam
• Marayoor Dolmens
• ViewPoint

6. Kovalam

If you are fond of beaches, the Kovalam is the best place to visit in Kerala. It is quite better than Goa in terms of beaches. It is a popular beach destination among tourists. The area is present along the coastline of the Arabian Sea and is a major tourist attraction in Kerala. It is 16 km far away from the Thiruvananthpuram, Kerala State's capital. Tourists get involved in fun-filled activities around the beach. It gives a soothing experience to the tourists.

• Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Railway Station (13km)
• Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (16km)
• Weather: Monsoon (July-September)
  • Winter (November- February)
  • Summer (March- June)
• Favorable period to visit: September (Monsoon End) to March ( Beginning of Summer)

Major Tourist Attractions Points

• Kovalam Beach
• Lighthouse Beach
• Vellayani Lake
• Neyyar Dam
• Kovalam Art Gallery
• Artificial Coral Reef
• Napier Art Museum
• Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple
• Karamana River
• Aruvikkara Dam
• Samudra Beach
• Hawah Beach
• Halcyon Castle
• Kovalam Art Gallery
• Valiyathura Pier

7. Thekkady

Thekkady is famous among wildlife lovers as it is home to many wildlife species, and it is a natural abode for endangered species. It is the evergreen abode of Kerala. The place is strategically located and well connected to the tourists. It is a major holiday tourist destination among tourists, and if you love nature, you should not miss this place.
Periyar National Park is situated in Thekkady, and it is most popular among environment lovers as it is home to many wildlife and bird species.

• Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (140KM)
• Kochi International Airport (265KM)
• Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station (107km/3hr)
• Weather: Monsoon (June- September)
  • Winter (October-February)
  • Summer (March-May)
• Suitable time to Visit: October to February (Winter)

Common Tourist Attractions

• Periyar National Park
• Spring Valley MOUNTAIN
• GAVI
• Mangala Devi Temple
• Cardamom Hills
• Periyar Lake
• Grampa
• Kumily

8. Kollam

It is a port city in God's own country, and it is very much appealing and charming in its beauty. Kollam is the most enticing tourist destination in God's own country. If you want to get a feel of the local and indigenous traditions and cultures of the backwater capital of India, you must travel to the Kollam. Kollam is known for its agriculture, cashew processing, tourism, and fishing. Being a port city, it holds some prominence among the tourists and visitors. Those who are fond of beaches can enjoy Thirumullavaram beach, Kollam Beach and Tangasseri Beach.

• Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (51km)
• Kochi International Airport (129km)
• Nearest Railway station: Kollam Railway station
• Weather: Summer (March-May)
  • Winter (October- February)
  • Monsoon (June- September)

Common Tourist Attractions:

• Kollam Beach
• Deer Park
• Kottarakkarakathakali
• Picnic Village
• Neendakara Port
• Munore Island
• Dutch Quilon
• Rameshwara Temple
• Palaruvi Waterfalls
• Thevalli Palace
• Mayyanad
• British Residency
• Asthamudi Lake
• Punalur
• Thenmala

9. Vagamon

It is the most scenic hill station, and it is situated in the Idukki District of Kerala. It is one of the most explored tourist destinations among travelers. It is popular for its pleasant weather conditions and salubrious beauty, and much more. It attracts tourists who are fond of adventurous sports activities, and they gather in large numbers to experience the adventurous sports activity. The place is popular for trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, rockclimbing, and much more.

• Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station( 64km/2hrs)
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (75KM)
• Climate: Monsoon (July- September)
  • Winter (October-March)
  • Summer (March- June)
• Suitable time to visit Vagamon: Year-Round Destination

Most Common attractions:

• Kuttikanam Palace
• Mangla Devi Temple
• Pine Hills
• Parumthumpara Point
• Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary
• Murinjupuzha Water Falls
• Idukki Arch Dam
• Pattumalai Church
• Kurisumala
• Peermade

10. Kozhikode

People also call this city a "City of Species", "City of Sculptures," and "City of Truth". But this phrase becomes short of describing the essence and aura of the Kozhikode. It is also known as a Calicut. It is located on the Malabar Coast. It is one of the diverse and most enjoyable places to visit in Kerala. The city has a great historical heritage and has played a key role in shaping the economy of that time. It attracted both the British and Dutch in the modern period.

• Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (28km)
• Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station
• Climate: Monsoon (July- September)
  • Winter (October- March)
  • Summer (April- May)
• Suitable Time to Visit: July to April

Major Tourist Attractions:

• Krishna Menon Museum
• Peruvannamuzhi Dam
• Lion’s Park
• Thusharagiri Falls
• Beypore Beach
• Kozhippara Falls
• Kalipoyika
• Mananchira Square
• Kozhikode Beach

11. Asthamudi

Asthamudi is situated in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is located near the magnificent Asthamudi Lake. It was a bustling trade center in history, and it attracted tourists to its place. Tourism from different corners of the globe visit the place and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. The place has a lot to offer, from coir manufacturing, cashew processing, traditional fishing, and much more.

• Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Junction (15KM/ 1HR)
• Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (71km)
• Weather: Monsoon (June- September)
  • Winter: (November- February)
  • Summer (March-May)
• Suitable time to visit: November to February (Winter)

Common Tourist spot:

• Monroe Island
• Trevally Palace
• Asthamudi Lake
• Trevally Palace

12. Bekal

It is situated in the Kasargod district of Kerala. Bekal is the combination of the mesmerizing lush green field and the powerful Arabian Sea on the other side. The loactions holds significant historical prominence. The presence magnificent Bekal Fort proves the beauty of the place. It has a pleasant climate and greenery throughout the period. If you need a soothing but joyous experience, then Bekal is a suitable place for you.

• Nearest Railway Station: Kanhagad Railway Station (14km), Kasargod Railway Station (12km)
• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (71km)
• Weather: Monsoon (June- September)
  • Summer (March- June)
  • Winter (December- February)
• Suitable time to visit: October to March

Common Tourist Spot:

• Malik Dinar Mosque
• Mallikarjuna Temple
• Bekal Hole Aqua Park
• Bekar Fort
• Pallikere Beach
• Nileswaram Cultural Centre
• Kappil Beach
• Hosdurg Beach
• Valiyaparamba Backwaters

13. Guruvayur

It is the home to the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, and it is the 4th largest Hindu temple in India. Guruvayur had many legends, and some of them suggest that Lord Krishna had chosen this temple town. Devotees come to the place in massive numbers and visit on a daily basis. Guruvayur is known for its charm and appealing nature, and it has become the venue ground for a festival like ChembaiSangeethoisavam and Guruvayur Ekadasi. It is one of the most sought tourist destinations among seclusion lovers.

• Nearest Railway Station: Guruvayur Junction
• Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport
• Weather: Winter (October- February)
  • Summer ( March- May)
  • Monsoon ( June- September)
• Suitable time to visit: winter ( October- February)

Common Tourist Point:

• Institute of Mural Paintings
• Parthasarathy Temple
• Guruvayur Temple
• Guruvayur Elephant Camp
• Palayur Church
• Mammiyur Mahadevan Temple
• Guruvayaur Elephant Camp

14. Idukki

Idukki is the gem situated in the lap of powerful Western Ghats. It takes pride in saying that it is a pristine and evergreen district of Kerala. Idukki has a different charm and lush green vegetation, which act as a magnet for tourist.
Idukki has captivating sanctuaries, high peaks, for example, Anaimudi, and house to some of the amazing marvels; and also has an exotic spice garden. The reader must note that some of the amazing holiday destinations like Ramakkalmedu, Vagamon, Munnar, Thekkady, and Marayur are present in this district.

• Nearest Railway Station: Theni Junction (83KM)
• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (98km)
• Weather: Monsoon ( June- September)
  • Winter ( November- February)

Common Tourist Point

• Periyar Nation Park
• Periayar Lake
• Idukki Arch Dam