Top 10 Destinations in Kerala (2025): Full Travel Guide, Where to Stay & Must-Do Experiences
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Looking for an adventurous trip or a break from all the chaos of your life? Imagine riding through the roads lined with lush green hills, with a hint of spice in the air, and watching a sunset over the backwaters, surrounded by coconut groves.
Whether you are a tourist exploring Kerala for the first time or a regular traveller visiting God’s own Country, the charm and cultural heritage of Kerala will always attract you.
Are you all set to take off and enjoy everything that Kerala has to offer you? This ultimate guide will take you through a scenic drive around the best travel destinations in Kerala and provide tips to ensure that you have the best trip.
Best Time to Travel to Kerala
Exploring the best travel destinations in Kerala would be more fun if the timings are right. On this note, the best time to travel to Kerala is from October to February, when the climate is cool and the humidity is low, making it the perfect time for sightseeing. This time is perfect for trekking, lying alongside the beach, and other outdoor and adventurous activities.
In case you want to explore the spiritual side of Kerala, visit during the monsoon months of June to September, when Ayurvedic therapies would be more effective. While it could be difficult to explore hills during the monsoon season, the payoff includes better deals and fewer tourists.
Modes of Transport in Kerala
Getting around Kerala is fun, and there are various modes of transport to reach the best tour destinations in Kerala to suit everyone’s travel and budget.
By Air
Kerala has three major airports, Kochi International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport, and Calicut International Airport-well-connected to all the major domestic and international airports. There is no doubt that it is the quickest way to reach Kerala, but it requires onward transport to reach coastal cities and hilly areas.
By Train
Indian Railways is well connected to all the major destinations of the state, including Varkala, Kochi, Trivandrum, Munnar, Wayanad, and others. It is one of the most affordable ways to reach Kerala and offers scenic beauty on the route.
By Road
If you are looking for more flexibility and convenience, you can opt for private cabs or your vehicles. Kerala’s roads are well-maintained; however, some parts of the hilly areas are narrow and are only suitable for daytime travel. The Vyttila Mobility Hub in Kochi is an intermodal transport hub ideal for seamless transitions between buses, metro, and ferries.
Top 10 Travel Destinations in Kerala
Index | City |
|---|---|
1 | Munnar |
2 | Wayanad |
3 | Kovalam |
4 | Varkala |
5 | Alleppey |
6 | Ponmudi |
7 | Kumarakom |
8 | Kochi |
9 | Athirappily |
10 | Thekkady |
Munnar
In the list of top 10 destinations in Kerala, Munnar stands tall with mist-covered mountains in the lap of the Western Ghats. This is one of the most beautiful hill stations, known for its tea plantations, rolling hills, greenery, and clean mountain air. Whether you watch the sunrise from the top of the mountains or explore the beautiful tea gardens, Munnar promises to give you a beautiful experience that you will cherish forever.
Wayanad
With a blend of tropical, long forests, waterfalls, beautiful surroundings, wildlife sanctuaries, and caves, Wayanad is a gem of Kerala. It is one of the best travel destinations in Kerala, especially for those who seek adventure, are looking to take a break from the digital world.
Kovalam
When it comes to watching the sunrise over the ocean, Kovalam is the destination you should head to. Imagine the blue backwaters, coconut groves, and crescent-shaped beaches; Kovalam has everything to offer to a beach person.
Whether you watch a sunset in the lighthouse or get yourself involved in a full-body massage, Kovalam promises to offer you a break and relaxation.
Varkala
Varkala, effortlessly, stands out among the best coastal towns of Kerala with its aesthetic beach cliff. A heaven for solo travellers and backpackers, Varkala is a blend of aesthetic cafes on the cliff, yoga retreats, and sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
Alleppey
Popularly known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is one of the best travel destinations in Kerala for those who are craving the calm of backwaters and a glimpse of village life. A night in the traditional houseboat is is must-experience for all the tourists.
Ponmudi
A true hidden gem among the top 10 destinations in Kerala, Ponmudi is a serene hill station near Trivandrum that offers sweeping views, winding roads, and a climate refreshingly cooler than the plains. Ideal for nature lovers, bikers, and offbeat explorers, Ponmudi’s untouched landscapes and quiet trails make it one of the most underrated yet beautiful destinations in Kerala.
Kumarakom
Quieter and more laid-back than its sibling Alleppey, Kumarakom is a dreamlike village located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It’s one of the best honeymoon destinations in Kerala, thanks to its privacy, scenic charm, and luxury resorts surrounded by water. What sets Kumarakom apart as a travel destination in Kerala is its bird sanctuary, where migratory species arrive every year, and its emphasis on slow travel: canoe rides, fishing, village walks, and spa sessions.
Kochi
Kochi, the harbour city of Kerala, is known for its rich diversity and colonial heritage with Portuguese churches, Dutch mansions, Chinese fishing nets, and spice bazaars all coexisting in Fort Kochi. However, Kochi is way more than this. It is also about contemporary art and waterfall stools. Whether you are attending an art performance or caffe-hopping in the town, Kochi offers a heritage and modern charm.
Athirappily
Often called the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly is one of the most photogenic and popular destinations in Kerala. This awe-inspiring waterfall plunges from a height of 80 feet and is surrounded by thick forests, making it a favorite among filmmakers and nature photographers. While it’s often overlooked in mainstream travel lists, Athirappilly deserves a spot in any serious itinerary for its raw, cinematic beauty.
Thekkady
How can we not mention Thekkady when we are talking about beautiful destinations in Kerala? The city is a perfect mix of adventure, spice-scented air, and ecology. With its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady is a place where you can find elephants and wild boars. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spice plantations and Ayurvedic heritage for a memorable experience.
Where to Stay in Kerala
With such diverse travel destinations in Kerala, choosing where to stay depends entirely on your vibe: adventure, relaxation, romance, culture, or wellness. Whether you’re looking for tea estate luxury, jungle cabins, or beach huts, Kerala offers a rich variety of accommodations that suit every budget and travel style.
Stay by Experience:
For Hill Station Lovers:
Stay in tea estate resorts in Munnar like Tea County or Windermere Estate. Budget travelers can choose cozy hillside hostels like Zostel Munnar or plantation homestays with organic meals and local stories.For Backwater Bliss:
Alleppey and Kumarakom offer everything from houseboats with candlelight dinners to lake-facing resorts. Couples might enjoy Xandari Riverscapes or Coconut Lagoon, while backpackers can opt for homestays in canalside villages.For Beach Escapes:
Head to Kovalam or Varkala for sea-facing cottages. Wellness seekers can book Ayurvedic retreats like Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, while surf lovers will enjoy cliffside hostels like Soul & Surf in Varkala.For Forest & Wildlife:
In Wayanad or Thekkady, stay in eco-resorts, treehouses, or jungle lodges. Consider Vythiri Village, Jungle Retreat, or Cardamom County for a mix of nature and comfort.For City & Culture:
In Kochi, heritage hotels like Brunton Boatyard and Dutch Bungalow blend colonial architecture with luxury. Fort Kochi also offers trendy boutique stays with access to cafés and galleries.
Must-Do Activities in Kerala
Kerala isn’t just about beautiful places; it’s about what you do there. From backwater cruising to hill trekking, the state offers a packed experience map for travelers who crave variety. Here are the must-do activities in Kerala that belong on your 2025 checklist:
1. Houseboat Cruise on Vembanad Lake
Float through coconut groves, tiny village canals, and green paddy fields. You’ll sleep under the stars and wake to birdsong.
2. Trekking in Munnar & Wayanad
Climb to viewpoints like Top Station or Meesapulimala in Munnar, or hit jungle trails in Wayanad near Edakkal Caves and Chembra Peak.
3. Safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)
Take a boat cruise where you might spot elephants, bison, wild boars, and even a tiger if you’re lucky.
4. Ayurvedic Spa Retreats
Opt for a full Panchakarma cleanse or a simple massage in Kovalam, Kumarakom, or Varkala, especially during monsoon season.
5. Watch a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu Show
These performances of classical dance and martial arts are unique to Kerala and best seen in Kochi, Thekkady, or cultural centers.
6. Surfing & Cliff Walks in Varkala
Varkala isn’t just chill, it’s thrilling. Hit the waves in the morning and spend your evening at breezy cliff cafés.
7. Canoeing in Kumarakom
For a more intimate backwater experience, skip the houseboat and go for a hand-rowed canoe ride guided by locals.
8. Village Cycling Tours
Cycle through palm-lined trails in Alleppey, Thekkady, or Kalpetta, passing schools, temples, and real-life village stories.
Mix and match these based on your itinerary length and destination mix. These activities truly bring alive the meaning of “experience over sightseeing.”
What to Eat in Kerala
Food in Kerala isn’t just a meal, it’s a cultural experience. Spiced with coconut, tempered with curry leaves, and often served on a banana leaf, Kerala cuisine is both comforting and complex. Whether you’re dining at a beach shack in Varkala or enjoying a thali in Munnar, here are the must-try food items in Kerala that define the state’s rich culinary heritage.
Signature Dishes You Can’t Miss:
Kerala Sadya: A vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf, usually during festivals or weddings. It includes rice, sambar, avial, thoran, olan, pachadi, pappadam, and payasam. Try it in Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram.
Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaf, and grilled. A specialty in Alleppey and Kumarakom.
Appam with Stew: Fermented rice pancakes paired with coconut-based vegetable or chicken stew, a breakfast classic.
Puttu & Kadala Curry: Steamed rice cake cylinders served with spicy black chickpeas. Simple, hearty, and found across Kerala.
Malabar Biryani: A fragrant, slightly sweet biryani from the northern Malabar region. Try it in Wayanad or Kozhikode.
Final Thoughts
Kerala is more than a destination; it’s a journey through lush landscapes, rich culture, soulful food, and quiet moments of wonder. Whether you’re watching the sunrise in Munnar, cruising the backwaters of Alleppey, or catching a sunset on Varkala’s cliffs, each stop offers something unique.
This guide to the top 10 destinations in Kerala is designed to help you travel smarter, deeper, and more meaningfully with tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to stay safe.
Whether you're planning a quick escape or a slow, immersive experience, let Kerala welcome you with open arms. Pack light, plan well, and allow the spirit of God’s Own Country to leave its mark on your soul.
