Most Visited Tourist Destinations in Kerala
Kerala, often called "God’s Own Country," is one of India's most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning backwaters, lush hill stations, vibrant culture, and serene beaches. Here are the top 10 most visited tourist places in Kerala:
1. Munnar – The Tea Garden Paradise
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Tea plantations, misty hills, waterfalls, and wildlife.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr & Neelakurinji Flowers)
✔️ Mattupetty Dam & Lake (Boating & Picnic Spot)
✔️ Top Station (Panoramic Valley Views)
✔️ Tea Museum (Learn about Kerala’s tea heritage)
Best Time to Visit: September – May
2. Alleppey – The Venice of the East
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Backwaters, houseboats, and canals.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Vembanad Lake (Kerala’s largest lake)
✔️ Houseboat Cruises (Luxury stay on backwaters)
✔️ Alappuzha Beach (Famous for its 137-year-old pier)
✔️ Nehru Trophy Boat Race (August)
Best Time to Visit: October – March
3. Kochi – The Queen of the Arabian Sea
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Colonial heritage, backwaters, and modern city life.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Fort Kochi (Portuguese & Dutch architecture)
✔️ Chinese Fishing Nets (Iconic landmark of Kerala)
✔️ Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace & Kerala Murals)
✔️ Jew Town & Synagogue (Historic Jewish settlement)
✔️ Marine Drive (Scenic waterfront walk)
Best Time to Visit: October – March
4. Wayanad – The Land of Paddy Fields & Wildlife
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Wildlife, waterfalls, and trekking.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Edakkal Caves (Prehistoric rock carvings)
✔️ Chembra Peak (Heart-shaped lake & trekking)
✔️ Banasura Sagar Dam (Boating & nature walks)
✔️ Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Home to elephants & tigers)
Best Time to Visit: October – May
5. Kovalam – Kerala’s Best Beach Destination
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Crescent-shaped beaches, Ayurvedic resorts, and water sports.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Lighthouse Beach (Most popular beach in Kerala)
✔️ Hawah Beach (Best for swimming & relaxation)
✔️ Samudra Beach (Less crowded & serene)
✔️ Ayurvedic Wellness Centers (Authentic Kerala Ayurveda)
Best Time to Visit: September – March
6. Thekkady – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Elephants, wildlife safaris, and spice plantations.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Periyar Lake (Boat Safari & Bamboo Rafting)
✔️ Periyar Tiger Reserve (Spot tigers & elephants)
✔️ Murikkady (Tea & spice plantation visits)
✔️ Elephant Camps (Up-close elephant experiences)
Best Time to Visit: September – April
7. Varkala – Cliffside Beach Paradise
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Cliffside beaches, spirituality, and adventure.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach – Sacred for Hindus)
✔️ Janardanaswamy Temple (Ancient Hindu Temple)
✔️ Sivagiri Mutt (Pilgrimage site of Guru Narayana)
✔️ Ayurvedic Healing Centers (Traditional Kerala Ayurveda)
Best Time to Visit: October – March
8. Kumarakom – A Backwater Bliss
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Houseboat cruises and birdwatching.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (Home to migratory birds)
✔️ Vembanad Lake (Sunset boat cruises)
✔️ Pathiramanal Island (Hidden backwater gem)
✔️ Luxury Houseboats (Stay amid the serene backwaters)
Best Time to Visit: September – March
9. Thrissur – The Cultural Capital of Kerala
Why Visit?
- Famous for: Festivals, temples, and traditional arts.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Vadakkunnathan Temple (Shiva Temple with Mural Paintings)
✔️ Athirappilly Waterfalls (Kerala’s largest waterfall)
✔️ Guruvayur Temple (One of India’s most important Krishna temples)
✔️ Thrissur Pooram Festival (Grandest temple festival of Kerala – April/May)
Best Time to Visit: October – March (Thrissur Pooram: April/May)
10. Bekal – Historic Fort & Beach Destination
Why Visit?
- Famous for: The largest fort in Kerala & pristine beaches.
- Top Attractions:
✔️ Bekal Fort (Scenic fort overlooking the Arabian Sea)
✔️ Bekal Beach (Perfect for evening walks & sunset views)
✔️ Kappil Beach (Less crowded & peaceful)
✔️ Chandragiri Fort (Historic fort on the riverside)
Best Time to Visit: October – March
