Unveiling the Best Tourist Spots in God’s Own Country, Kerala
They call it God’s Own Country and as soon as you step into Kerala you understand why That is the reason why Kerala is fondly referred to as “God’s own country” and is a spectacular combination of best tourist spots in Kerala like verdant backwaters, golden sandy beaches, almost heavenly hill stations, and a rich array of cultural practices . This hidden gem of India’s southwest is bursting with easy-going charm, adventure, and relaxation. No matter the kind of traveler you are, you are bound to have a one of a kind experience.
So, in this guide, we will start from the dreamy Eden like tea gardens of Munnar to the elegance of houseboats in Alleppey, then the royal grace of Thiruvananthapuram to the untouched nature of Wayanad. I will provide you with all the information you need to explore the best tourist spots in Kerala.
Why Kerala is Called God’s Own Country
God’s Own Country is more than a slogan. You could literally be soaking in salty Arabian Sea breezes in the morning, and by afternoon you’re up in the misty green folds of the Western Ghats. Culture-wise, Kerala’s not just about sipping coconut water on a hammock. Go catch a Kathakali show—those dancers? Faces painted like it’s a superhero origin story. Or treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage and pretend you’re royalty for an hour.
The old temples? Super historical, super mysterious, and dripping with stories. Of course, people rave about undoubtedly well-known Alleppey’s backwaters, but Kerala isn’t just watery postcards—it’s got lush forests too, the kind where you half-expect a tiger to photobomb your selfie.
Top 7 Best Tourist Spots in Kerala
1. Munnar – The Tea Garden Paradise
Munnar is Kerala’s crown jewel — a hill station where rolling tea plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. If you’re into rolling tea gardens, foggy mornings that make your coffee taste better, and waterfalls that sound like white noise for your soul, this is your one of the best tourist spots in kerala. Attukal Falls is a must-see, trust me.
Top places to visit in Munnar:
- Eravikulam National Park – let’s go hiking and see rare animals” type. Famous Nilgiri Tahr and rolling grasslands.
- Mattupetty Dam – A scenic picnic spot with boating facilities perfect for lazy aftrenoons.
- Anamudi Peak – South India’s tallest peak, perfect for trekking, the views are nuts.
- Attukad Waterfalls – Water crashing down, jungle vibes all around. Pretty much nature showing off.
- Tea Museum – Munnar’s whole tea story, plus you get to sip the good stuff.
Perfect season to visit: September-May
Well suited for: Honeymooners, folks with the fancy cameras, and nature lovers who want break from city noise.
2. Alleppey – The Venice of the East
This place is basically the poster child for lazy backwater cruises and those houseboats that make you feel like royalty. You’re gliding past swaying palm trees and ridiculously green rice paddies, maybe clutching a coconut like it’s a trophy. One of the best tourist spots in Kerala to feel it is during August, when the Nehru Trophy Boat Race kicks in—Olympic-level rowing.
Top places to visit in Alleppey:
- The backwaters – Seriously, just get on a houseboat. Pure magic.
- Alappuzha Beach – Sand, sun, and a pier that’s seen some stuff.
- Krishnapuram Palace – Old-school Kerala vibes, murals, the whole deal.
- Punnamada Lake – Where the boat race action happens.
Perfect season to visit: November-February. Not boiling, not drenched.
Ideal for: Families, couples trying to be all romantic, culture geeks.
3. Kochi – Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Kochi one of those places that just refuses to chill in one era. You’ve got Dutch, Portuguese, and British ghosts hanging around. If you land up in Fort Kochi, you’re basically time-traveling. Cobbled streets, crumbling bungalows, and that salty whiff off the sea, They’re basically Kochi’s Eiffel Tower.
Top places to visit in Kochi:
- Fort Kochi – Colonial buildings, cute cafes, random street art.
- Mattancherry Palace – History nerds, assemble.
- Paradesi Synagogue – Still running after all these centuries.
- Kerala Folklore Museum – Old-school Kerala, under one roof.
Perfect season to visit: October-March. cooler weather, less sweat, more chill.
Well suited for: anyone who geeks out over history, art lovers, and culture enthusiasts
4. Kannur – The Land of Looms and Lores
This place just another best tourist spots in Kerala—it’s where tradition and quirkiness crash into each other and make something pretty wild. If you’re into handlooms. If you haven’t seen a Theyyam performance? It’s like the gods themselves decided to throw a rave.
Top places to visit in Kannur:
- St. Angelo Fort – Picture a 16th-century Portuguese fort just chilling by the sea, probably judging you for not knowing enough history.
- Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach – Asia’s longest drive-in beach, perfect for a coastal drive, blast your playlist, windows down.
- Payyambalam Beach – If you want to actually chill out and sunsets.
- Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple – Famous for Theyyam rituals and unique rituals.
Best time to visit: Easy—October – May. That’s when the weather’s your friend.
Ideal for: people who like to explore culture with a side of adventure
5. Thekkady – Wildlife and Spice Capital
Thekkady—this place is a jackpot for anyone even remotely into wild stuff. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is Thekkady’s real showstopper, where you can pictures out a glimpse of elephants, tigers, and exotic birds. Don’t miss the spice plantations tour, you’ll wander through green rows of cardamom, pepper, and get whiffs of cinnamon, all that good stuff growing.
Top places to visit in Thekkady:
- Periyar Lake – Peaceful boat cruises, plus a real chance to spot animals.
- Mullaperiyar Dam – Laid-back vibes,Super chill spot, surrounded by misty hills.
- Chellarkovil Viewpoint – Offers killer view over the plains and waterfalls.
- Mangala Devi Temple – Old temple, cool trek, and some serious adventure vibes.
Perfect season to visit: September-April. That’s when the weather is actually on your side.
Ideal for: Those who are Wildlife lovers and adventure seekers, Thekkady is their playground.
6. Kumarakom – Backwater Bliss
Kumarakom just hits different. You roll in thinking, lakeside vibes, everything’s calm, almost suspiciously chill on Vembanad Lake. Birdwatchers lose their minds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The whole “floating luxury hotel” vibe, the houseboats here are next-level. Couples, honeymooners, or just anyone looking for peace.
Top places to visit in Kumarakom:
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls – A charming picnic spot. The sound of the water is basically therapy.
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum – Showcases unique driftwood art that’ll make you go.
- Thazhathangady Juma Masjid – One of the oldest mosques in India with killer woodwork. Real historical vibes.
Best time to visit: September-March.
Ideal for: Birdwatchers and couples
7. Kovalam – The Beach Paradise
Kovalam is Kerala’s most famous diva of beaches, offering those classic crescent-shaped sandy shores looks like someone copied them straight from travel magazine, and perfect waves for surfing. Lighthouse Beach basically chill central. The Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium is pretty wild—think fish that look like they belong in a Pixar movie.
Top places to visit in Kovalam:
- Hawa Beach – Known for its gentle waters and total relaxing vibe.
- Samudra Beach – Peaceful, less crowded beach ideal for solitude seekers.
- Halcyon Castle – A heritage structure with colonial charm.
- Kovalam Art Gallery – a mix of traditional stuff and some more modern artworks.
Perfect season to visit: September-March. Unless you’re into monsoon mud wrestling
Perfect for: Beach junkies, wellness freaks, or anyone who needs a break from real life.
Also Read: Top 5 Family Travel Destinations in India for an Unforgettable Holiday
8. Kozhikode – Flavors of Malabar
This city is a foodie’s soulmate. Malabar biryani here? It’ll make you question every other biryani you’ve ever eaten. Then there’s banana chips so crisp they could start a fan club, and seafood that tastes like someone’s been guarding spice secrets for centuries. And hey, it’s not all about the food—this place is also one of the best tourist spots in Kerala.
Top places to visit in Kozhikode:
- Kozhikode Beach –Show up for sunset, stay for chaat and corn. The vibe’s unbeatable.
- Mananchira Square –Chill park, ancient pond, surprisingly photogenic.
- Beypore – Old-school shipbuilding still going strong. Also, fresh fish. Super local.
- Thikkoti Light House – Climb up, get smacked in the face with epic sea views.
Perfect time to visit: October-March. unless you love sweating buckets.
Well suited for: Perfect for anyone obsessed with food or who gets jazzed about a bit of history.
9. Thiruvananthapuram – The Cultural Capital
Kerala’s capital city and honestly, it’s like old-school tradition got hit with a sprinkle of city hustle. Here’s you got, the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, loaded both in gold and straight-up history. Also visit Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach, and nearby Poovar Island. Its heritage meets high-rises.
Top places to visit in Thiruvananthapuram:
- Beypore – Known for centuries-old shipbuilding yards and serene beaches, which are next-level peaceful.
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls – A trekking hotspot with scenic cascades, here are totally worth the sweat.
- Sargaalaya Crafts Village – For all things handmade and uniquely Kerala’s traditional handicrafts.
- Tali Shiva Temple – A centuries-old temple known for its intricate architecture alone is wild.
Best season to visit: October-March, Summer’s just a sweaty mess.
Suited for: Culture and heritage lover
10. Wayanad – Nature’s Hidden Gem
Wayanad’s lush forests, misty hills, and wild waterfalls make it the best tourist spot in Kerala. Trekker? Nature nut? You’ll feel right at home.
Top places to visit in Wayanad:
- Edakkal Caves – Ancient rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic age, Indiana Jones vibes.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – Elephants just strolling around, tigers doing their thing, birds everywhere.
- Chembra Peak – Hike up for that heart-shaped lake and trekking trails.
- Meenmutty Waterfalls –Getting here’s a trek, a spectacular three-level waterfall accessible.
Perfect season to visit: October-May
Well suited for: Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, if you crave for mud.
Tips for Planning Your Kerala Trip
- Don’t wait till the very last minute to book your stay, the coolest places get scooped faster than you think during peak season (Dec–Jan).
- When you’re in Kerala, try the real stuff—appam, puttu, fish curry. Way better than you expect.
- Sure, the hill stations, beaches, and backwaters are part of the best tourist spots in Kerala, Mix things up for a trip that actually feels alive.
- And yeah, hire a local guide—they’ll slip you into the side streets and secret corners.
Conclusion
Kerala isn’t just a place you visit. It’s an experience you breathe in. From the misty hills of Munnar to the calm, postcard-perfect backwaters of Alleppey. From the golden beaches in Kovalam to the deep, green forests of Wayanad — this state wears its crown as best tourist spots in Kerala, with ease.
Planning a holiday? Then Kerala is already calling. At Pack Ur Bagss, we craft travel packages that aren’t just tours — they’re a blend of stunning sights, cultural whispers, and food that will make you want to stay forever. Extraordinary? Oh yes. And then some.
📌 Ready to explore God’s Own Country? Let us plan your dream visit to best tourist spots in Kerala.
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