In the extreme south-west of the Indian subcontinent, Kerala, "God's own country" as its inhabitants call it, unfurls its splendid landscapes ofmyriad canals and lagoons, superb beaches and tropical forests. In addition to its exuberant natural beauty, Kerala is also home to a unique cultural heritage: a delicious gastronomy, unique traditions such as theyyam and kathakali... A trip to Kerala is an opportunity to discover an India far removed from clichés. Here, the tourist infrastructure is well-developed: you can criss-cross the land and water, sometimes aboard a houseboat, rocked by the eddies of the backwaters, sometimes in the berths of a train as ancient as it is magnificent, heading for cosmopolitan Fort Cochin. And what about the tea plantations of Munnar, running endlessly towards the horizon, not forgetting the cliffs of Varkala or the beach of Kovalam... In this article, we invite you to discover the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Kerala.
1. Kochi, one of South India's most fascinating cities
Formerly known as Cochin, Kochi is one of South India's most fascinating cities, a veritable kaleidoscope of Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Christian, Muslim, Jewish and, of course, Malabar influences. The Fort Cochin district retains a romantic charm, with old colonial mansions converted into hotels, decrepit spice warehouses still in use, Portuguese churches, antique shops and trendy cafés. It's a city full of atmosphere, where it's good to stroll around and hard to tear yourself away from. You'll also have the opportunity to discover the famous Chinese fishing nets, true emblems of the city, and to attend a performance of kathakali, the traditional dance theater of Kerala.
Good to know: Plan to spend at least two full days in Kochi, one of the most beautiful places to visit in South India. We recommend that you book this wonderful tour of Kochi by tuk tuk: a unique experience!
2. See tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala
Located in the state of Kerala, at an altitude of around 1,600 meters, Munnar is a mountain resort renowned for its vast tea plantations, lush green hills and breathtaking scenery. A visit to the tea plantations is one of Munnar's must-do activities. You can walk through the tea fields, watch the pluckers in action and learn about the various stages of tea production. Many plantations also offer tea tastings. Munnar is also an excellent starting point for trekking, particularly in Eravikulam National Park, home to a large population of Nilgiri tahrs, an endangered species of wild goat.
What to book: Enjoy a guided tea plantation walk that takes you on a tour of the Lockhart tea factory and learns about its history by booking here.
Did you know? Kerala is one of the 15 destinations to visit in 2025 according to Petit Futé
3. Kozhikode and its delicious halwas
Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is the second largest city in the state after Kochi. The city has a rich history: it was the capital under the Zamorin dynasty, and its port was the most important on the coast. It was here that Vasco da Gama landed on May 18, 1498, on the beach of the fishing village of Kappad, some 15 km from Calicut. Subsequently, the Dutch, British and French arrived in Kerala, with the British gaining sovereignty over the region. Numerous temples, mosques and churches bear witness to the city's rich and diverse past, including the Tali Shiva temple and the Varakkal temple. Kozhikode is also famous for its halwas, the delicious cakessold in the town's many patisseries, notably on S.M. Street.
Read more: Top 20 must-try Indian culinary specialities
4. Sunbathing on Kovalam beach
Located 16 km south of Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is one of India's most famous beaches. It is actually made up of three successive crescent-shaped beaches. This sheltered natural bay was once a tropical paradise with azure-blue waters and magnificent stretches of green palm trees, before becoming an overcrowded resort in high season. The authenticity of the place has been somewhat lost today, but it remains a restful stopover for those who travel extensively in India. There's plenty to do here: bathing, swimming, ayurvedic treatments and massages, yoga and meditation.
Read also: What to do and see in Karnakata? The 13 must-sees
5. The Varkala cliff, a must-see in Kerala
For Indians, Varkala is famous for its 2,000-year-old Janardhanaswamy temple and the Sivagiri Mutt pilgrimage site. But for foreign visitors, it's above all its magnificent beaches and bohemian ambience that make it famous. Varkala Beach, along the spectacular cliff, is the place to be. This cliff, lined with numerous establishments, is the emblematic image of Varkala. It's not uncommon tospot dolphins from your restaurant table, while enjoying grilled fish and freshly caught seafood. The beaches, Papanasam Beach to the south and Black Beach to the north, stretch around the cliff. Papanasam Beach is more popular with Indian tourists and families, while Black Beach, with its black sand, attracts more foreign youth.
Worth knowing: Further north, around 7 km from the town, lies the superb Kappil Beach.
6. Houseboat trips in Alappuzha
Formerly known as Alleppey, Alappuzha is one of Kerala's most breathtaking backwaters(a network of canals and lagoons stretching over 900 kilometers). Bathed by the Arabian Sea and surrounded by numerous canals and bridges, this small town is also famous for its annual Nehru Trophy regattas. Situated to the west of the Arabian Sea and criss-crossed by a vast network of freshwater lakes, lagoons and rivers, Alappuzha offers exceptional natural beauty. Its proximity to the sea has given it a unique place in Kerala's maritime history. Today, this backwaters tourist center, renowned for its houseboat rides (traditional converted rice boats), beaches, seafood and coconut industry, attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists every year.
To book : go here to book your day cruise in Aleppey's backwaters.
What you need to know if you'd like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary in Kerala, we recommend you request your free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
7. Discover traditional rural Kerala in Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a small village on the shores of Lake Vembanad. Numerous resorts are scattered here, offering visitors relaxation, cruises and Ayurvedic treatments. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kumarakom is a great place to discover traditional rural Kerala, exploring the villages along the canals and inland. It's the ideal place to take a boat or houseboat trip on the backwaters, amid mangroves, rice fields and coconut plantations. Kumarakom is also renowned for its its Bird Sanctuarya bird sanctuary located on a peninsula jutting out into Lake Vembanad. This labyrinth of canals and small lagoons is a paradise for shrimps, crabs, ducks, herons and even Siberian storks.
Read more: Discover South India and the Backwaters
8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most beautiful places in Kerala
Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful places in Kerala. Wild herds have adopted Lake Periyar as their favorite place to frolic in the water, where many elephants bathe and swim. Other inhabitants of Periyar include leopards, wild dogs, deer, Nilgiri langurs, sambars, porcupines, squirrels, gaurs (Indian bison), wild boar and bears. According to the latest reports, around 40 tigers live in the region. Around 260 bird species also inhabit Periyar, including cormorants, ibises, grey herons, woodpigeons, kingfishers, thrushes and numerous blue-winged parakeets.
Good to know: March and April are the driest months of the year, when the animals spend most of their time near the lake. For the visit, you can choose between a walk accompanied by a park guide (English-speaking) or a boat trip on the lake.
Read more: 10 magnificent endangered animals to see on your travels
9. See elephants at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wayanad district attracts many travelers, mainly to visit the splendid Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, comprising 13 protected forests where wild animals and tribal populations cohabit. Here you'll come across fallow deer, sambar, monkeys, elephants, numerous bird species, reptiles and, if you're very lucky, maybe even a tiger. Altitudes range from 650 to 1,158 metres, making this sanctuary a unique and magical place, suspended between heaven and earth. The park's 354 km² are divided into two distinct zones: Tholpetty to the north, bordering Karnataka, and Muthanga to the east, bordering Tamil Nadu. Depending on your point of departure, you can choose from three anchor points to visit the sanctuary: the town of Mananthavady to the west, Kalpetta to the south and Sultan Bathery to the east.
Good to know: Jeep tours follow fixed routes to protect wildlife, which reduces the chances of spotting wild animals but keeps the beauty of the forest intact.
10. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala
The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, making it one of India's most pleasant state capitals. Venture into the maze of lanes, away from the hustle and bustle of M.G. Road, to discover traditional Kerala. Traditional Kerala architecture blends here with Victorian influences, and numerous religious buildings, such as temples, churches and mosques, dot the city. Although many travelers see Trivandrum as a gateway to the seaside resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, the city is well worth exploring for its rich historical and cultural heritage. It is now internationally famous for being home to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, where a veritable treasure trove was discovered in the summer of 2011.
Read also: What to do in North India? 19 places to visit
11. What to do in Kerala Visit Kottayam
Kottayam is a unique region, bordered by the Western Ghats to the east, Lake Vembanad and the rice paddies of Kuttanadu to the west. Its vast swamps, lush rice paddies, mountains, large rubber plantationsand fully literate population have earned it the title of "land of letters, latex and lakes". Although the town itself has no particular appeal and serves mainly as a transit point, it is an ideal starting point for a backwaters cruise aboard a houseboat. Kottayam is also a good base for exploring destinations such as Peermede, Munnar, Idukki, Thekkady, Ernakulam and the "temple town" of Madurai.
Read more: What to do and see in India The 22 most beautiful places to see
12. Kollam, famous for its ancient history
Kollam is a town in Kerala famous for its ancient history. Indeed, it was once a renowned international trading center, frequented by Phoenicians, Persians, Romans, Arabs and Chinese. Famous travelers such as Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta described Kollam as a major trading center. Capital of a powerful kingdom called Venad, Kollam reached its apogee in the 9th century. Today, Kollam is one of the main industrial and commercial centers of Kerala, as well asa major hub of the cashew nut industry. For most tourists, Kollam is first and foremost the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. However, the town and its surroundings are well worth a few days' visit to discover their rich heritage.
13. Taste Kerala's typical culinary specialties
Kerala's culinary specialties are marked by the generous use of spices, coconuts and seafood. Must-try dishes include "Appam", a fermented rice pancake often served with fish or vegetable curry, and"Puttu", a steamed rice cake served with bananas or meat. The "Kerala Sadhya", a traditional vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, is another signature dish, featuring rice, various curries, pickles and desserts such as "Payasam". Seafood lovers won't want to miss "Karimeen Pollichathu", a marinated fish cooked in a banana leaf, or "Fish Moilee", a coconut fish curry.
14. What to do in Kerala Ayurvedic treatments
One of the must-do experiences in Kerala is to treat yourself to an Ayurvedic treatment in one of the region's finest establishments. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medicine dating back over 5,000 years, is deeply rooted in Kerala's culture. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance body, mind and soul through massages, herbal treatments and personalized diets. You can opt for an Abhyanga massage, which uses warm oils to detoxify and revitalize the body, or for a Shirodhara treatment, where warm oil is poured over the forehead to soothe the mind. Kerala's Ayurvedic centers, often nestled in peaceful natural environments, offer a unique holistic experience.
Read more: A wellness trip to Asia or India?
15. Attend a kathakali show
Among the most fascinating cultural experiences to be had in Kerala, attending a kathakali show is a must. Kathakali, traditional dance theater, isa unique art form that combines dance, theater, music and literature. The performers, dressed in elaborate costumes and intricate make-up, recount ancient epics and legends through precise, expressive movements.
We recommend this center in Kochi, for example, which offers daily Kathakali performances starting at 5pm with the actors' make-up session, followed by the hour-long show at 6pm. The beautifully wood-panelled hall, with its small balcony, is the ideal setting for these performances. In addition to the shows, the center also offers dance, singing and music classes.
When is the best time to visit Kerala?
Kerala's climate, which is tropical in nature, shows little variation. There are two main seasons: the dry season, which peaks in April and May, and the wet season. The south-west monsoon arrives on the coast in early June and spreads rapidly to Maharashtra, covering the whole country by mid-July. Temperatures in Kerala fluctuate year-round between 25 and 30°C.
The period from October to March is generally considered the best time to visit Kerala. The climate is pleasant, with mild temperatures and low humidity. This is the dry season, ideal for exploring the beaches, backwaters and hills of Munnar. Festivals and cultural events are also plentiful during this period.
Tip from Petit Futé: Take advantage of a discount by booking your travel insurancehere , and leave with peace of mind! Don't forget to apply for your visa right here to prepare for your trip.
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