Kerala’s like a love letter from nature—lush coconut groves, tranquil backwaters, and hills draped in tea plantations. It’s where you can drift on a houseboat one day, trek to a waterfall the next, and still have time to devour a sadya on a banana leaf. I’ve cruised Alappuzha’s canals, danced at Thrissur’s temple festivals, and sipped toddy in Kochi’s spice markets, and trust me, this state’s got a soul that sings. From Varkala’s cliffside beaches to Thekkady’s wild jungles, here’s my take on the top 10 places to visit in Kerala, packed with attractions, food, culture, and tips to make your trip feel like a proper adventure.

 

Why Explore Kerala?

Kerala, dubbed “God’s Own Country,” is South India’s tropical paradise, blending natural beauty with a rich cultural tapestry. It’s the land of Ayurveda, Kathakali dance, and spicy coconut curries. Whether you’re gliding through Kumarakom’s backwaters, spotting elephants in Periyar, or savouring appam with stew, Kerala offers experiences that are serene, vibrant, and deeply authentic. Ready to dive in? Here are the top 10 destinations you can’t miss!

 

1. Alappuzha (Alleppey): The Backwater Haven

What’s the Vibe?

Alappuzha is Kerala’s backwater capital, with palm-fringed canals, houseboats, and serene villages. It’s tranquil, romantic, and the heart of Kerala’s waterways.

Things to Do

Cruise the Vembanad Lake on a houseboat, visit Alappuzha Beach, or explore Marari Beach for a quieter vibe. The Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race (August) is a thrilling spectacle.

Food Nearby

Harbour Restaurant serves karimeen fry (pearl spot fish) and prawn curry. Try appam with stew at Cassia or payasam at Thaff Delicacy. Local stalls offer puttu.

Culture

Alappuzha’s Onam (August-September) features boat races and pookalam (flower carpets). Locals share backwater fishing tales—ask about the houseboat lifestyle!

 

2. Munnar: The Tea Garden Retreat

What’s the Vibe?

Munnar, nestled in the Western Ghats, is a misty hill station with rolling tea estates, waterfalls, and crisp air. It’s serene, green, and perfect for nature lovers.

Things to Do

Visit Eravikulam National Park for Nilgiri tahr, explore Attukal Waterfalls, or tour the Tata Tea Museum. Trek to Anamudi Peak or stroll through Mattupetty Dam’s meadows.

Food Nearby

Sree Mahaveer serves idiyappam with egg curry. Try parotta with beef fry at Rapsy Restaurant or chakka jam (jackfruit) at Saravana Bhavan. Tea Tales Café offers filter coffee.

Culture

Munnar’s Flower Show (May) showcases vibrant blooms. Locals are proud of tea estate life—chat about the colonial tea trade’s legacy!

 

3. Kochi (Cochin): The Coastal Melting Pot

What’s the Vibe?

Kochi, a historic port city, blends colonial forts, Chinese fishing nets, and vibrant spice markets. Fort Kochi’s artsy vibe and Mattancherry’s heritage make it a cultural hub.

Things to Do

Watch sunset at Fort Kochi Beach, visit Mattancherry Palace’s murals, or explore Jew Town’s synagogues. St. Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica add colonial charm.

Food Nearby

Kashi Art Café serves fish moilee and banana fritters. Try meen pollichathu at Fusion Bay or parippu vada at Dhe Puttu. Anand Stall offers toddy and kappa.

Culture

Kochi’s Biennale (December-March, biennial) showcases global art. Locals share tales of Vasco da Gama—ask about Fort Kochi’s Portuguese roots!

 

4. Wayanad: The Green Escape

What’s the Vibe?

Wayanad, in the Western Ghats, is a lush paradise with forests, waterfalls, and tribal villages. It’s wild, offbeat, and ideal for adventure seekers.

Things to Do

Trek to Chembra Peak, visit Edakkal Caves’ ancient petroglyphs, or explore Soochipara Falls. Banasura Sagar Dam and Pookode Lake offer boating and scenic views.

Food Nearby

Wayanad Silverwoods serves meen curry and ney pathiri. Try bamboo rice at Jubilee Restaurant or payasam at ClayHut. Local stalls offer Malabar parotta.

Culture

Wayanad’s Thirunelli Festival (February) features tribal rituals. Locals share Kurichya tribe stories—ask about their archery traditions!

 

5. Thekkady (Periyar): The Wildlife Sanctuary

What’s the Vibe?

Thekkady, home to Periyar National Park, is a biodiversity hotspot with elephants, tigers, and spice gardens. It’s adventurous, aromatic, and a nature lover’s dream.

Things to Do

Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, trek in the national park, or tour a spice plantation. Bamboo rafting and Gavi’s eco-tourism add thrills. Visit Kumily’s markets for cardamom.

Food Nearby

Spice Village serves appam with mutton stew. Try kappa with fish curry at Periyar Café or chakka jam at Ambadi. Chrissie’s offers parotta and beef fry.

Culture

Thekkady’s Pongal (January) brings harvest feasts. Locals share spice trade stories—chat about Periyar’s elephant herds!

 

6. Varkala: The Cliffside Beach

What’s the Vibe?

Varkala is a bohemian beach town with dramatic cliffs, golden sands, and spiritual springs. It’s laid-back, scenic, and a quieter alternative to Kovalam.

Things to Do

Relax at Varkala Beach, visit Janardhana Swamy Temple, or soak in Kappil Beach’s calm. Try surfing or yoga at Soul & Surf. Sivagiri Mutt adds spiritual depth.

Food Nearby

Trattorias serve prawn masala and wood-fired pizza. Try meen pollichathu at Café del Mar or palappam at God’s Own Country Kitchen. Beach shacks offer toddy.

Culture

Varkala’s Arattu Festival (March) features temple processions. Locals share cliffside fishing tales—ask about the beach’s sacred springs!

 

7. Thrissur: The Cultural Capital

What’s the Vibe?

Thrissur, Kerala’s cultural heart, is famous for Thrissur Pooram and ancient temples. It’s vibrant, spiritual, and a hub for traditional arts like Kathakali.

Things to Do

Visit Vadakkunnathan Temple, watch Pooram (April-May) at Thekkinkadu Maidan, or explore Guruvayur Temple. Shakthan Thampuran Palace and Kerala Kalamandalam add history and art.

Food Nearby

Pathans Hotel serves Malabar biryani and fish curry. Try sadya at Bharath Hotel or ada pradhaman at Navya Bake Shop. Lulu’s offers parippu vada.

Culture

Thrissur’s Pooram is a dazzling elephant-and-drum spectacle. Locals are proud of Kathakali—ask about Kalamandalam’s training!

 

8. Kumarakom: The Backwater Village

What’s the Vibe?

Kumarakom, on Vembanad Lake, is a serene backwater village with bird sanctuaries and luxury resorts. It’s peaceful, lush, and perfect for slow travel.

Things to Do

Cruise the backwaters, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for migratory birds, or relax at Pathiramanal Island. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall and Bay Island Driftwood Museum are nearby gems.

Food Nearby

Lakesong Resort serves karimeen pollichathu and sadya. Try kappa with meen curry at Tharavadu or payasam at Coconut Lagoon. Local stalls offer puttu.

Culture

Kumarakom’s Onam brings vallamkali (boat races). Locals share bird migration stories—ask about the sanctuary’s Siberian cranes!

 

9. Kovalam: The Beach Resort

What’s the Vibe?

Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram, is a lively beach destination with crescent shores, lighthouses, and Ayurvedic spas. It’s touristy, vibrant, and great for families.

Things to Do

Relax at Lighthouse Beach, visit Vizhinjam Lighthouse, or explore Hawa Beach. Try Ayurveda at Somatheeram or surf at Grove Beach. Samudra Beach is quieter.

Food Nearby

Fusion serves prawn masala and fish moilee. Try appam with stew at Suprabhatam or parippu vada at Lonely Planet Café. Bait offers lobster curry.

Culture

Kovalam’s Vishu (April) features vishukkani displays. Locals share fishing village tales—ask about the lighthouse’s history!

 

10. Kozhikode (Calicut): The Historic Port

What’s the Vibe?

Kozhikode, a coastal city, is steeped in spice trade history with beaches, mosques, and a legendary biryani scene. It’s laid-back, flavorful, and culturally rich.

Things to Do

Visit Kappad Beach (Vasco da Gama’s landing spot), stroll Kozhikode Beach, or explore Mishkal Mosque. Mananchira Square and Beypore’s shipbuilding yards add heritage.

Food Nearby

Paragon serves malabar biryani and mussel fry. Try pathiri with chicken curry at Zain’s or halwa at Bombay Hotel. Salkara offers banana fritters.

Culture

Kozhikode’s Malabar Mahotsavam (January) showcases Mappila music. Locals share spice port stories—ask about Beypore’s uruvu ships!

 

Kerala’s Culture: A Tropical Tapestry

Kerala’s culture is a vibrant blend of Hindu, Muslim, and Christian traditions, spiced with coastal and tribal flair. Onam (August-September) is a 10-day harvest festival with sadya feasts and thiruvathira dances. Thrissur Pooram (April-May) dazzles with caparisoned elephants, and Vishu (April) brings prosperity rituals. Kathakali and Mohiniyattam performances mesmerise, while Mappila songs add coastal soul. Locals are warm, often sharing tales of spice traders or backwater life over toddy. Shop for kasavu sarees, coir mats, or spice kits in Kochi’s Broadway Market.

 

Food Highlights in Kerala

Kerala’s cuisine is a coconut-infused, spicy delight with coastal and Malabar influences. Must-try dishes:

  • Karimeen Fry: Pearl spot fish, best at Harbour Restaurant.
  • Appam with Stew: Rice pancake with coconut stew, try at Cassia.
  • Malabar Biryani: Fragrant rice with meat, iconic at Paragon.
  • Pandi Curry: Coorg pork curry, found at Coorg Cuisine.
  • Payasam: Rice pudding, a staple at Thaff Delicacy.

Street food includes parippu vada (lentil fritters), banana fritters, and pathiri (rice flatbread). For upscale dining, The Rice Boat in Kochi blends Kerala and global flavours. Sip toddy or sulaimani (spiced tea) for a local buzz.

 

Travel Tips for Exploring Kerala

Here’s how to make your Kerala trip seamless:

  • Best Time to Visit: November to March for pleasant weather (20-32°C). Avoid summers (April-May, up to 38°C). Monsoons (June-September) are lush for Munnar and backwaters but wet for beaches.
  • Getting There: Fly into Cochin, Trivandrum, or Calicut airports. Ernakulam and Trivandrum Railway Stations connect to Chennai (8-12 hours). Buses from Bengaluru or Coimbatore take 6-10 hours.
  • Getting Around: KSRTC buses (₹50-200) and trains cover major towns. Auto-rickshaws (₹30-100) or Uber in Kochi work for short trips. Rent a car for Wayanad or Thekkady. Houseboats in Alappuzha cost ₹6,000-15,000/night.
  • Where to Stay: Budget stays in Kochi (Fort House), mid-range in Munnar (Tea County), or luxury in Kumarakom (Taj Kumarakom). Homestays in Wayanad offer tribal vibes.
  • Packing Tips: Pack light cotton for summers, warm layers for Munnar winters, and flip-flops for beaches. Carry an umbrella, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.
  • Safety Tips: Book houseboats and safaris (e.g., Periyar) in advance. Bargain politely at markets. Respect temple customs (remove shoes, cover shoulders).

 

Start Your Kerala Adventure!

Kerala’s a tropical dream where backwaters meet mountains, and every meal’s a celebration. Whether you’re cruising Alappuzha’s canals, trekking in Wayanad, or savouring karimeen fry in Kochi, this state will steal your heart. So, pack your bags, grab some payasam, and dive into Kerala’s magic!

Which Kerala spots are on your radar? Drop your plans in the comments, and check our other guides for more travel inspo!