Known as “God’s own Country,” Kerala is a tropical paradise in Southern India with swaying palm trees and wide sandy beaches. Tourists from around the world are drawn to this enchanting coastal state. Nestled along the Western Ghats and stretching to the Arabian Sea, Kerala offers a stunning blend of lush green landscapes and serene beaches.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful backwaters, majestic hill stations, diverse wildlife, and cascading waterfalls. The state also boasts lush greenery, traditional Ayurvedic spas, eco-friendly tourism, vibrant art forms, and rich cultural heritage. The warmth of its people, delicious cuisine, and unique charm make Kerala truly special. Choosing one of the various Kerala Tour Packages allows travelers to experience all these wonders.

Kerala’s rich culture and traditions, along with its diverse population, have made it one of India’s top tourist destinations. In 2012, National Geographic’s Traveler magazine named Kerala one of the ten paradises of the world. Since the 1990s, Ayurvedic tourism has gained popularity, with private agencies working alongside the Tourism Department to promote this holistic health practice. The state’s eco-friendly initiatives include mountaineering, trekking, and bird-watching programs in the Western Ghats, offering a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

A Brief About Kerala

Muzhappilangad in Kannur is Kerala’s only drive-in beach and stretches across five kilometers of sand. In 2016, the BBC named it one of the top six drive-in beaches in the world.

Idukki Dam, located in Idukki, is the world’s second arch dam and Asia’s first.

Kerala is home to several major beaches, including those at Kovalam, Varkala, Kozhikode, Alleppey (Alappuzha), Fort Kochi, Cherai, Payyambalam, Kappad, Muzhappilangad, and Bekal.

Popular Hill Stations

Ponmudi, Wayanad, Wagamon, Munnar, Peermade, Ramakkalmedu, Paithalmala in Kannur district, and Nelliampathi are some of Kerala’s beautiful hill stations. Munnar, at 4,500 feet above sea level, is famous for its tea plantations and diverse flora and fauna.

Kerala’s ecotourism spots include 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks. The most popular ones are Periyar Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, and Silent Valley National Park.

The Kerala backwaters are a vast network of 41 interlocking rivers, lakes, and canals, centered around Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Punnamada. Punnamada hosts the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race in August, and Pathiramanal is a small island in Muhamma worth visiting.

Nearby heritage sites include Padmanabhapuram Palace and Mattancherry Palace. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is the wealthiest place of worship in the world, with assets estimated at Rs 1.2 trillion (US $28 billion) in 2019. 

Top Destinations to Visit in Kerala

Alleppey– House Boat & Backwaters

The beautiful backwaters in Alleppey, surrounded by green paddy fields and palm trees, make it the top backwater destination in Kerala. Staying on a traditional houseboat can be the highlight of your trip, offering a relaxing cruise along the canals while experiencing the charm of Kerala’s backwaters.

As you drift along, you can explore local villages and watch villagers go about their daily routines. If you’re planning a honeymoon, make sure to include a visit to Alleppey in your Kerala Trip Packages.

For a beach holiday beyond the backwaters, visit the nearby Alappuzha Beach. The beach’s lighthouse is a popular spot for tourists. Adding to Alleppey’s appeal is the traditional Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, held on Punnamada Lake every August.

Best Time to Visit Alleppey

All-year-round:

Summer (April – May),

Winter (September – February/ March),

Monsoon (June – September Mid)

Tea Gardens In Munnar

Munnar, the most popular hill station in Kerala, is located in the Idukki district. Once the summer capital of the British, Munnar is now renowned for its lush tea plantations and the tea museum. Enjoy the endless green valleys and wake up to the refreshing smell of tea leaves during your stay at a tea estate in Munnar.

Munnar is also a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. You can spot elephants and the endangered mountain goat, Nilgiri tahr, at Anamudi Peak. Elephant Lake is another popular spot in Munnar where you might see herds of tuskers in their natural habitat.

If you’re lucky, you might even wake up to elephants strolling through the tea plantations. For those seeking picturesque places to visit in Kerala, make sure Munnar is included in your Kerala tour packages.

Best Time to Visit Munnar

Summer: March to May,

Winter: September to February 

Thekkady – Elephants, Kathakali And Martial Arts

Thekkady is one of the best forest tourist spots in Kerala, home to wildlife like elephants, bison, deer, Nilgiri langurs, and tigers. You can often spot animals, birds, and reptiles while cruising along the lake in a tourist boat. Adding a visit to Thekkady to your Kerala trip package is a great choice.

It’s also a good idea to bring binoculars to spot unusual wildlife. The lush greenery of the forest and the calm water have a soothing effect.

Periyar National Park, a tiger and elephant reserve, is part of Thekkady. You can go on a jungle jeep safari, trek along the Tiger Trail, try bamboo rafting, join camps, or even take midnight safaris for more adventure.

Best Time To Visit Thekkady

Monsoon: June to September,

Winter: October to February

Wayanad – Paddy Fields & Pristine Forests

 

Wayanad is known for its picturesque paddy fields and the unique heart-shaped lake

 

Wayanad, a pleasant hill station, is one of those locations in Kerala that you can visit throughout the year. Known as the “land of paddy fields,” Wayanad offers a lush landscape dotted with rice paddies, betel nut trees, coffee plantations, and bamboo forests. Including a visit to Wayanad in your Kerala Holiday packages is a must for family trips.

Adding to its charm, Wayanad is home to caves with rock and wall carvings from the Neolithic and Mesolithic ages, making it one of the most fascinating tourist spots in Kerala. It’s also a great place for wildlife enthusiasts, especially for spotting wild elephants. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is one of the top forest destinations in Kerala.

Best Time To Visit Wayanad

All-year round

Kumarakom

Nestled on the Vembanad beach, Kumarakom is one of the most charming places in Kerala. Its natural scenic beauty, diverse bird and animal life, and stunning backwater views make it well worth a visit. In this beautiful city, you can explore bird sanctuaries or rejuvenate with a refreshing Ayurvedic massage.

Best time to visit: September to March

Best places to visit: Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom backwaters, Pathiramanal, Jatayu Rock, Thazhathangadi Valiapalli, Kottayam, and Bay Island Driftwood.

Things to explore: Houseboat rides, snorkelling, water polo, massaging sessions at spas, and bird watching.

 

Kovalam

 

Kovalam, a popular tourist spot in Kerala, is known for its coconut trees and rocky terrain. This small town is nestled along the Arabian Sea coast. For quality time with your family, visit Kovalam Beach, a haven for beach lovers and a great place to enjoy water sports.

Best time to visit: November to February.

Best places to visit: The best places to visit are Hawa Beach, Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and Padmanabhaswami Temple. It would help if you also experience some massage at its spa.

Things to explore: Water sports, watching the sunset view from the Lighthouse, eating delicious seafood, and relaxing at a spa.

How to reach: 

By Train: Trivandrum Station

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport

By Road: Book a cab, taxi, and auto to reach Kovalam

 

Cochin

Also known as ‘Kochi’, this vibrant city in Kerala is a popular stop for most tourists, thanks to its international airport. Don’t just pass through—take time to explore this beautiful city, often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea. The sea creates a crown-like effect, making the city look as majestic as a queen. Kochi is a blend of modernity and scenic beauty, captivating visitors with its unique charm.

THINGS TO DO IN KOCHI:

Willingdon Island

Chinese Fishing Nets

Kochi Fort

Marine Drive

Mattancherry Palace

Indo -Portugese Museum

Mararikulam Beach

Mararikulam Beach, located in Kerala, India, is a hidden gem known for its serene beauty and pristine sands. This tranquil beach offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with swaying palm trees, gentle waves, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring nearby fishing villages. The beach is also perfect for experiencing Ayurvedic treatments and yoga retreats.

Best Time To Visit Mararikulam Beach
The best time to visit Mararikulam Beach is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for beach activities.