Rightly dubbed as “God’s Own Country”, the South Indian state of Kerala is undeniably among the best holiday destinations in India. From stunning beaches and serene backwaters to rich wildlife and ravishing hill stations, Kerala has something for every traveler. The state also boasts a rich cultural heritage and is home to innumerable festivals, culinary delights, and art & craft, some of which, like Kalaripayattu, are thousands of years old.
Kerala’s tourism thrives on its unparalleled natural beauty, where the Western Ghats adorn its surreal hill stations, and the Arabian Sea blesses it with a stunning coastline. Munnar, Varkala, Thekkady, Alleppey, Wayanad, and Kovalam are among the top Kerala tourist places, but beyond these, there’s an entire world waiting to be discovered.
Kerala is also home to stunning waterfalls. While Athirapally Falls is a top tourist place, the lesser-known waterfalls like Chunayammakkal and Ripples Falls add an element of surprise with a toy train ride and ziplining opportunities. The state is also a culture enthusiast’s heaven, as it is a hub of many ancient art & craft forms, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, mask-making, and mural painting. The 26-dish Kerala Sadya and coastal delights further enhance the Kerala tourism experience.
Another reason making Kerala a must-visit place is its spiritual destinations, including ancient temples, churches, and mosques. The Sabarimala Temple, Malayattoor Church, and Cheraman Juma Masjid are among the most popular religious sites in the state.
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Visiting “God’s own country” can be delightful in wide set of ways, since Kerala is a versatile land that has plethora of things to offer to all types of travellers. Some of the captivating aspects of visiting Kerala includes:
Holidays in Kerala have a potential to engrave a lifetime of memories to a visitor’s heart.
Like overall Kerala, Northern part of the state is too a blend of natural beauty, wildlife, mouth watery cuisine and rich culture.
Major Districts such as Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad and Kozhikode are among the major districts of North Kerala.
Popular Beaches are Bekal Beach, Chembirika and Kannur Beach. Rich Wildlife settings of northern Kerala include Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
Local delicacies of northern Kerala include Kadala Curry, Appam and Stew, Pathiri, Kerala Prawn curry and tsunami of other variations. Vibrant Traditional Festivals celebrated in the northern region are Onam, Vishu, Attukal Pongala, Theyyam and various others.
Apart from these aspects, places like Thiruvallam Backwatersm, Lakkidi Viewpoint, Ponmudi and Banasura Dam are few of the many top visiting places of North Kerala.
Thus, the northern division of Kerala is a home to iconic destinations, wildlife facilities, joyous occasions and festivals, culinary delight and surreal waterbodies.
Southern part of Kerala is a resourceful division comprising of aspects like Natural Beauty like costal landscapes and hill stations, Biodiversity that includes wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, Commercial cities, Culinary Excellence and Traditional wellness practices.
Major Districts such as Thiruvanthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam are among the major districts of North Kerala. Popular waterbodies and backwaters include beaches like Kovalam and Varkala beach, and rivers such as Ashtamudi and Kallada rivers.
Rich Biodiversity of southern Kerala include Periyar Tiger Reserve, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Peechi - Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, housing a wide variety of floral and faunal species.
Local delicacies of southern Kerala include Kerala Sadya, Thalassery Biriyani, Kadala Curry, Appam and Stew, Pathiri, and an array of other variations.
Major cities like Kumarakom, Kolam, Thekkady and Thiruvanthapuram boasts Ayurvedic Wellness Retreat facilities, Therapeutic Center, Hospital and resorts for rejuvenation of oneself via ancient and ayurvedic practices.
Characteristics like these make places like Kottayam, Kollam, Kannur, Calicut, Thiruvanthapuram and Pathanamthitta popular tourist destinations in South Kerala.
Western region of Kerala is a tapestry of a region that weaves together culture, tradition and nature beautifully. These characteristics are perfectly blended into some of the prime tourist attractions, Biodiversity, Commercial cities and Traditional Art forms.
Major Districts such as Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta are among the major districts of West Kerala.
Nature driven beauty of western Kerala comprises of lakes, hill stations, forests, wildlife settings, rivers, waterfalls, beaches and backwaters. For instance, Vembanad Lake, Chalakudy River, Dhoni Hills and Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, Varkala Beach, Marari Beach, Kumarakom backwaters, Athirappilly waterfalls, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary.
Western as well as overall Kerala’s rituals and cultural significance reflects through its traditional art forms that includes Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, Mayilpeeli, Thullal, Pilikali, Mohiniyattam and numerous other vibrant art forms that are a blend of dance, music and theatrical performances.
Art forms and natural beauty like these highlights western Kerala’s features like rich history, biodiversity, vibrant culture, artistic talents, rituals and rich vegetation of wildlife.
East Kerala is renowned for a couple of rich aspects in terms of vibrant natural beauty, cultural heritage, adventure, warm hospitality and deep-rooted traditional practices.
Popular places of eastern Kerala comprising natural beauty such as waterfalls, hill stations, rivers, wildlife settings and deep-cut valleys are Athirappilly falls, Meenmutty Falls, Munnar and Vagamon Hill station, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arripa Ecotourism Village, Chalakudy River, Attapadi Valley and Chaliyar Valley.
Places like these offer visitors a tranquil ambiance for relaxation as well as a diverse range of adventure activities and stunning landscaped vistas.
Ethnic and religious communities like Malayalis, Tamils, Hindus and Syrian Christians. Vibrant festivals such as Onam, Vishu, and Koodiyattam festival. And traditional art forms like Kathakali, Theyam and Chakyar Kothu which are a blend of dance, music and theatrical performances, all suggests the cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions of East Kerala.
Central Kerala is a hub of vibrant culture, history and natural beauty, renowned for its fascinating aspects like Diverse communities, joyous festivals, traditional art forms, pilgrimage sites, surreal landscaped vistas like backwaters, wildlife settings, culinary excellence and Ayurvedic Treatments.
Integral part of Kerala includes major districts like Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam and Kottayam. These popular places offer visitors an insight into the traditional livelihood of Central Kerala. From festivals that are celebrated with utter enthusiasm to striking landscapes, and from pilgrimage sites to art forms to diverse ethnic and religious communities.
Explore our top Kerala travel packages, combined with the Golden Triangle tourist circuit and other popular heritage sites in India.
Kerala, known as “God’s own country” is a southwestern state of India. This captivating destination is among the smallest states in terms of area that is sprawled over 38,863 square kilometres.
Kerala is a celebrated for its array of aspects like Regional, Communal and Traditional Diversity, Rich History, Healthy Biodiversity, Culinary Excellence, Warm Hospitality and Utter Natural Beauty.
Kerala has an estimate population of over 3.5 crore, having a unique culture and diverse religious and ethnic groups such as Hindus, Christians, Muslims, Jains, Sikhs, Scheduled Tribes and of course the Malayalis.
This remarkable state of South India is a paradise for foodies, sightseeing enthusiasts, and the ones looking for an insight into the culture and traditions. As Kerala is renowned for its culinary excellence, natural beauty comprises of landscapes as well as rich wildlife and various traditional artforms.
Backwaters including beaches such as Varkala, Marari and Kovalam beach, Kumarakom and Kottayam Lake, Ashtamudi and Kallada rivers.
Wildlife hotspots including Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary are all these spectacles of wildlife boast a wide variety of floral and faunal species that reflects a rich vegetation of wildlife.
Artforms including iconic dance forms like ‘Kathakali’ and ‘Theyyam’. As well as martial art called ‘Kalaripayattu’.
Culinary excellence that includes mouth watery food items like Kadala Curry, Appam and Stew, Pathiri, Kerala Prawn curry, Idiyappam with curry, Idli Sambhar and plethora of other variation in the menu.
No wonder that Kerala is called as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler.
Kerala has a rich history wrapped around it and can be traced back to ancient times. In holy books like Ramayana and Mahabharata, Kerala has a mention of being a land of legend called Parashurama.
Backwater Tourism of Kerala is widely captivating for comprising a network of beaches, canals, lakes, rivers and other serene wetland areas.
Beaches such as Kovalam, Varkala and Kappad are among the most notable ones not just in Kerala but in the entire nation. These beaches are as well the top visiting places in Kerala.
Lakes – Vembanand Lake being a part of Kottayam Backwaters, is such a tranquil lake having turquoise blue waters and is surrounded by villages. This particular lake along with others such as Ashtamudi Lake, Paravur Lake and Chilika Lake, really adds to the enhancement of Backwaters in Kerala for their unique qualities.
Canals – Kumarakom Backwaters is a home to a network of canals, lagoons and other waterways.
Apart from these attractions Islands, Lagoons, and waterfalls serves a beauteous display of natural beauty, serves tranquillity, birdwatching experience, boat rides fishing. Aspects like these increases the expectations for people considering to experience the backwater tourism in Kerala, as it is way more than just a tranquil escape from one’s mundane lives. From sightseeing utterly, beautiful backwaters to actually staying put in houseboats as a form of accommodation, and from doing activities like kayaking, fishing to indulging with village lifestyle and practices. Backwater Tourism can be a blend of refreshment-rejuvenation-relaxation.
Heritage Tourism in Kerala is known for its Religious, Historical and Cultural Diversity. Exploration of the heritage of Kerala can be through visiting Historical Sites and Temples, as well as getting acknowledged about the traditional artforms and cultural events/occasions.
Historical Sites – Kerala houses n-number of historical sites that are a blend of great ancient architecture, rich history and cultural influences. Iconic Sites such are Kochi Fort, Bekal Fort, Hill Palace Museum, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Krishnapuram Palace and numerous others are a reflection of the rich heritage.
Pilgrimage Sites – Sacred settings such as Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple and Chottanikkara Temple are all an example religious heritage that includes intriguing architecture, spiritual traditions, and other customs reflecting and adding to the diverse heritage tourism of Kerala. Spirituality is thereby a melting point for visitors and devotes option for Heritage Tourism in Kerala.
Widely celebrated Festivals such as Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, Attukal Pongala, Theyyam and Art forms which are a blend of dance, music and theatrical performances such as Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, Mayilpeeli, Thullal, Pilikali and Mohiniyattam, all reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala too.
So, the bottom line is, Heritage tourism of Kerala revolves around history, festivals, and spirituality, offering an insight into its historical and pilgrimage sites, art, festivals and culture.
Wildlife in Kerala houses National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries/Reserves that reflects healthy biodiversity, successful conservation of floral and faunal species.
Wildlife hotspots such as Periyar Tiger Reserve, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park are few of the numerous wildlife places to visit in Kerala.
These prime wildlife settings offer experiences like birdwatching, adventure activities like Jungle Safari. Apart from giving visitors a glimpse into the rich biodiversity, Wildlife tourism in Kerala also educates visitors about the need of the hour, that is wildlife conservation.
Thus, Wildlife Tourism in Kerala is a combination of adventure, education and tranquillity.
Festivals and cultural events are celebrated with great joy in throughout the year in Kerala making this state a popular choice for experiencing and leaning about festivities and overall culture via its tourism.
Few of many Festivals which reflects a blend of religiousness, vibrant traditions, local customs, deep rooted rituals and a display of music and dance are Onam, Vishu, Attukal Pongala, Makaravilakku, Thrissur Pooram and Kalapathy Ratholsavam.
Vishu is a huge festival not just in Kerala but overall South India, it marks the beginning of Malayalam New Year. Attukal Pongala is a female centric festival, where a large number of women come together to do rituals like cooking Pongala (a sweet). This festival is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy.
Makaravilakku is a festival which is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Usually celebrated on Makar Sakaranti, where majority of people come together at the Sabrimala Temple and do rituals. Thissur Pooram is anannual Hindu temple festival held at Vadakkunnathan temple, this yearly festival is a display of art, devotion and bringing people together irrespective of race, caste and religion.
Kalapathy Ratholsavam is also known as Kalpathi Chariot festival. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is a week-long festival that attracts visitors and devotees, the festival is followed by music, rituals and dance performances.
Festive occasions like these and culture comprising of traditional crafts, local cuisine and fascinating traditional art such as music, dance and theatrical performances captivate visitors and thus adds to the Tourism of Kerala big time.
Kerala is a beautiful landscaped realm renowned for its religious and spiritual diversity as well. The state is a home to numerous pilgrimage sites of various religions that includes Temples, Churches and Mosques.
Temples such as Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Guruvayoor Srikrishna Temple and Chottanikkara Temple are all dedicated to deities of Hinduism. These temples are among the popular tourist attractions in Kerala for attracting n-number of devotees as well as Hindu pilgrims.
Churches are St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church and Santa Cruz Basilica, renowned for religious and historical significance as well as striking architecture, attracting various tourists and Christian pilgrims.
Mosques such as Cheraman Juma Mosque and Palayam Juma Masjid are among the important pilgrimage centres for Muslim people.
Due to such religious significance and pilgrimage sites, Religious Tourism in Kerala is a prime choice for pilgrims and devotees.
Beaches are an integral part for visiting Kerala. Some of the most surreal beaches of the nation are sprawled in the state of Kerala, all are renowned for aspects like picturesque landscapes, serene backwaters, tranquil surroundings, seeking relaxation and breathtaking vistas.
Iconic Beaches such as Varkala Beach, Kovalam Beach, Marari Beach, Cherai Beach, Bekal Beach, Kappad Beach, Alleppey Beach are few among an array of others.
These places are basically a tranquil escape for people seeking relaxation and looking to immerse themselves in the calmness. For Adventure heads, water activities such as parasailing and surfing can also be done. Or if one is only looking to Retreat and Rejuvenating practices, many places by the beach provides ayurvedic treatments and therapies for overall cleansing of oneself.
Aspects like these make Beach Tourism of Kerala a prime attraction among visitors.
Yoga and Ayurveda Tourism of Keralaa is a significant choice among the ones looking for rejuvenating practices for improving mental and physical health and overall wellbeing.
In a nutshell, Ayurveda is an ancient Indian way of treating one’s mind, body and soul via natural and herbal remedies. There are many resorts and wellness centres in Keralaa that supports and offer Ayurvedic treatments.
Another significant healing practice for mind, body and soul is Yoga. And Kerala houses diverse Ashrams and Yoga Centres that offers Yoga as well as meditation classes.
In conclusion, Kerala offers a blend of healing practices such as Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda. An ideal choice for people looking for improving overall health and wellbeing.
“God’s Own Country” tag to Kerala can be described by the beauteous Hill stations that are nestled in the state.
Some of the Pristine Hill Stations of Kerala are Munnar, Thekkady, Idukki, Wayanand, Panmudi, Vithura, Vagamon and Lakkidi are few of significant hill stations of the state. All these Hill stations are renowned for its breathtaking vistas of the surroundings.
Captivating characteristics of these places being the best places to explore in entire Kerala includes serene ambiance, cool climate, housing lush forests, lakes, waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. These Hill Stations also offer adventure nuts an array of thrilling activities. Aspects like these makes Hill Station Tourism an ideal choice for visitors.
Tranquil Lakes and majestic Waterfalls are yet another quality of Kerala being called as “God’s Own Country’. Iconic lakes of Kerala include, Vembanand Lake, Ashtamudi Lake, Chilika Lake, Paravur Lake and Pookode Lake.
All of these lakes comprise of qualities of being surrounded by scenic beauty and having tranquil waters. Visitors can either bask in the serene ambiance or can-do activities like fishing, boat rides and birdwatching.
Majestic Waterfalls of Kerala are Athirappilly Falls, Soochipara falls and Palaruvi Falls. Waterfalls like these offer visitors stunning landscapes to sit and relax as well as offers trekking for adventure enthusiasts.
Thus, Lakes and Waterfall Tourism in Kerala is ideal for doing an array of activities amidst serene natural vistas.
Houseboat Tourism can be such a delightful experience of Kerala Tour. As houseboat tourism provides a blend of unique form of accommodations, culinary excellence, relaxation and nature activities.
Houseboat facilities are primarily available in locations like Alleppey backwaters, Kumarakom, Kollam, Cherai and Vypin Island.
Houseboating can really be an exciting choice of exploring Kerala for its popular points of interest that includes luxurious as well as traditional and budget friendly accommodations, local cuisines and activities like fishing and birdwatching.
Thus, Houseboating can be such a unique experience that holds a potential of giving oneself a memorable experience.
Read detailed information on popular tourist attractions in Kerala, organized by destination, to plan the best travel itinerary for your Kerala trip.
Kerala tourism offers a variety of activities that make holidays in Kerala a memorable lifetime adventure. Explore the top things to do for tourists in Kerala.
The best and ideal time largely depends on one’s expectations and purpose for visiting Kerala.
For instance, if one is anxious of the boiling temperatures and is looking to explore the state and is interested to do outdoor activities in comfortable climatic conditions, then visiting Kerala during winters can be an ideal time, that if from October to March.
If one wants to visit Hill stations, summer time couldn’t be better. April to May is the most preferable time for running away from the scorching heat of bustling cities to the Hills of Kerala.
Whereas, months from June to August are most preferable and are considered good for seeking ayurvedic treatments. Also, this time period brings variety of festivals that makes this time ideal for being a part of festivals like Nehru Trophy boat race, Onam, Vishu and various others.
Kerala is a conveniently accessible state by airways, roadways and railways. /p>
By Air: Kerala boasts international as well as domestic airbase, includes Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kochi International Airport and Kannur Airport. These airports operate international and domestic flights that has made reaching Kerala very easy from various parts of the world.
By Road: If one wants to enjoy the journey as much as the destination, then taking own conveyance or hiring a taxi that leads to Kerala via National and small highways can be quite an experience.
By Train: The railway network connects Kerala to all the major cities of India with cost-effective travel and comfortability being the key factors of opting for Train travel. Fascinatingly, there are more than 200 railway stations nestled in Kerala with Thiruvananthapuram being the central station.
As a coastal destination, the best time to visit Kerala is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable with less humidity.
The top tourist destinations in Kerala include Kovalam, Varkala, and Kozhikode for beaches, Alleppey and Kumarakom for Backwaters, Thekkady, Periyar, and Wayanad for wildlife, Munnar for hills, and Kochi and Trivandrum for Kerala's history and culture exploration.
Kerala is a diverse land with various features like backwaters, beaches, hill stations, Ayurvedic therapies, houseboat rides, and a rich history and culture.
A 7-10 day Kerala tour allows you to explore most of the major destinations in the state. A Kerala tour constricted to important places of a specific region only requires 3-5 days.
Alleppey (Alappuzha) and Kumarakom are the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala. You can enjoy boat rides, canoe rides, and luxury houseboat stays here.
Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, Bekal, and Cherai Beach are the places with the best beaches in Kerala.
Visit the following links to get more information on Kerala travel & tourism.
Kerala Tourism
