Top 5 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala , known as Gods Own Country has some of the best tourist destinations in India for any kind of holiday. It is the land of coconuts, backwaters, elephants and the land of rich cultures and traditions, and has been one of the most sought after places by travelers from all around the world.

List of best places to visit in Kerala

1. Munnar – Hill Station Famous for the Tea Gardens and Greenery

Munnar is the most popular hill station in South India and the best tourist place in Kerala to visit for 2 days. It has a unique views of verdant mountain slopes which are covered with about 80,000 miles of green tea farms like organic bedding over mountains which offer views of low-flying clouds and misty valleys. Munnar is usually cold and relaxed and gives you a incredible sensation, with the dense spray around you in the center of the organic tea farms. Munnar was once the summer season of the erstwhile English and English settlers found that the elevation, slope and alignment of the hills were particularly designed for the farming of tea. The modern end result is the lavish organic mountains decorated by tea gardens which is the sight to look out for in modern Munnar. There are also lot of waterfalls and hiking routes in Munnar for the adventure seeking guests. With its drowsy little bungalows, bungalows, old play areas and tea factories, Munnar is one of those unique hill stations in India with an old world colonial feel to the area.

2. Alleppey – Unique Backwater Destination in Kerala

Alleppey is well known for the backwater trips on houseboats and always comes on top among the best destinations to visit in Kerala with friends and check out in Kerala, simply because it is a exclusive encounter that you cannot get anywhere else on the globe. Alleppey was described as the one of the locations known as ‘Venice of the East’ by Lord Curzon. A houseboat vacation along the natural backwaters in Alleppey provides a chance to observe landscapes attractions like lavish paddy areas below the water levels, small chapels, fishing with netting, ducks in water, water lilies etc, sure to remain etched in your mind forever and this is among the best places to visit in Kerala in October to December.

3. Kumarakom – Little hamlet with exotic scenery famous for houseboats

If you have craved to stay in a small village in Kerala for enjoying the backwaters, sipping on tender coconut water, tasting some authentic Kerala food and experiencing the warmth of fresh air, Kumarakom is the place you should be in when you travel to Kerala. Situated near the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a sleepy little hamlet with exotic scenery and rare flora and fauna which is one of the best tourist spots in Kerala to visit during monsoon as well. The place offers boating, house boat cruising, fishing and sightseeing. Canals, waterways and lakes decorated with lilies and lined with coconut groves, green paddy fields and mangrove forests will be quite tempting for any visitor to have a stress relieving vacation. Kumarakom is situated near to Ayemenem town where the popular book The God of Small Things was set is the most awesome position in Kerala (arguably) providing you the most delightful Kerala food. Sailing through the relaxed wealthy waters of Kumarakom in an experience in Kerala in itself. Spread across 14 acres, the sanctuary accommodates varieties of birds including teal, wild duck, egrets, herons, cuckoo, waterfowl, darters and also migratory birds. The place offers boat trip around the islands giving you a breathtaking experience of watching the birds and the nature’s beauty. The sanctuary is open for public daily from 6AM to 6PM.Checkout our post on Kumarakom Village and the houseboat experience in Kumarakom.

4. Wayanad – Land of Paddy Fields and Greenery

To know the greener side of Kerala, one must visit Wayanad which translates to the land of paddy fields in Local language Malayalam. It won’t be irrelevant to call it the ‘Green Paradise’ if you are planning for a sightseeing in Kerala. Calm and quiet, enriched with scenic beauty, tradition and wildlife, Wayanad is a blend of nature and heaven together and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during summer. Wayanad is also famous for the richness it holds in the tribal heritage and agricultural abundance. Observing the lifestyle of over fifty tribes dwelling in this region will be a mind-blowing experience. The place is least populated when compared to other districts in Kerala, but the exoticness and landscape make it a must visit destination in the God’s own country. Wayanad all together has many exotic locations in and around the district like edakkal caves, banasura sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Santuary, Lakkidi, Tusharagiri Waterfalls, Kalpetta, and Sentinel Rockfalls. Wayanad is a popular trekking destination in Monsoons and is a must visit destination in Kerala in July and August for adventure tourism enthusiasts. in Checkout an article on Wayanad Tourism and an experience in the hills of Northern Wayanad.

5. Thekkady- Best Wild Life Sanctuary in Kerala

Periyar Wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady is a popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The forest is situated on the banks of the lake, Periyar. Of the 777 sq kms of area, 360 sq km has been taken up bythe thick evergreen forest. Thekkady’s scenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years. Probably the best position in Kerala to see wildlife while doing a boat trip trip in Thekkady lake. From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian tiger to leopards, boars, bisons, deers etc Thekkady has it all that a wild life sanctuary has. The tourism department provides going up the right into the middle of the jungles either on feet or on top of elephants. If you want some more awesome adventure,you can take the path from Moozhiyar to Thekkadi via Gavi spinning through the thickest wooded miles of Kerala. Elephants are a common sight in Thekkady and boating is the favortie past time for most tourist who visits Thekkady. Checkout Thekkady Boat Timings and Things to do in Thekkady Tourism .