24 Best Places to Visit in Kerala

Mattupetty Dam is a scenic reservoir surrounded by forest-covered hills and tea plantations. Located a short drive from Munnar, it is among the most accessible tourist places in Kerala for families and travellers who want to combine sightseeing with outdoor activities.

The calm lake is particularly beautiful when the surrounding hills are reflected in the water. Visitors can enjoy boating, take photographs and explore the surrounding viewpoints. The area is also known for its Indo-Swiss livestock project, making it an interesting stop on a broader Munnar sightseeing circuit.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹40 per person; boating costs extra.
• Timing: Generally 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Mattupetty, around 13 km from Munnar.

Munnar's rolling tea plantations are among the most iconic landscapes in Kerala and are an essential addition to any list of places to visit in Kerala. Spread across the hills of the Western Ghats, the plantations create sweeping green patterns that change with the light and weather. The cool mountain climate makes Munnar particularly appealing to travellers looking for a break from India's warmer cities.

A visit to the tea gardens is about more than taking photographs. Travellers can learn about tea cultivation, visit tea factories and museums, sample freshly produced tea and walk through plantation trails. The scenery becomes especially atmospheric when mist settles over the hills. For many travellers, these plantations are among the best places to visit in Kerala for peaceful scenery and a relaxed mountain holiday.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Usually ₹50 to ₹200 depending on the tea museum, plantation or guided experience.
• Timing: Generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, depending on the attraction.
• Location: Munnar, Idukki district.

Eravikulam National Park is one of the most important natural attractions in Munnar and one of the top places to visit in Kerala for wildlife and mountain scenery. The park is famous for the endangered Nilgiri tahr and its high-altitude grasslands, shola forests and spectacular views of the Western Ghats.

The Rajamalai region is the part accessible to tourists, with official vehicles taking visitors towards the permitted sightseeing zone. The park is also associated with the blooming of the Neelakurinji flower, which appears periodically across the hills. Kerala Tourism notes that access to the park is restricted during the Nilgiri tahr breeding season, generally around February and March.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹200 for Indian adults and ₹500 for foreign visitors; rates can change.
• Timing: Generally 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; the park may close seasonally.
• Location: Rajamalai, near Munnar, Idukki district.

Echo Point is one of the most popular scenic stops on the route towards Top Station. Surrounded by green hills and a calm lake, the attraction gets its name from the natural echo that can be heard when voices travel across the landscape.

The viewpoint is particularly enjoyable for travellers who want a short nature stop rather than a demanding activity. You can walk along the lakeside, enjoy the mountain scenery and take photographs of the surrounding tea-covered slopes. Kerala Tourism also highlights Echo Point as a scenic stop associated with the route to Top Station.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹30 to ₹50 per person.
• Timing: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Near Munnar, Idukki district.

Top Station is one of the highest accessible viewpoints around Munnar and offers sweeping views of the Western Ghats. On clear days, the valleys seem to stretch endlessly into the distance, while misty mornings create a completely different atmosphere.

The destination is particularly popular with photographers and couples because of its dramatic mountain scenery. The winding drive through tea plantations is part of the experience, with several viewpoints along the way. If you are compiling places to see in Kerala for a scenic road trip, Top Station deserves a place on the list.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Usually ₹20 to ₹50 per person, depending on the access point.
• Timing: Generally 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Location: Near Munnar, Idukki district.

The Alleppey backwaters are perhaps the most recognisable of all the famous places to visit in Kerala. A network of canals, lagoons, lakes and rivers winds through villages and paddy fields, creating a landscape that is distinctly different from Kerala's hill stations.

The best way to experience the backwaters is on a houseboat. Traditional kettuvallams have been converted into comfortable floating accommodation where travellers can enjoy meals, watch village life and spend the night surrounded by water. Even a short daytime cruise can provide a memorable introduction to Kerala's waterways.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Backwater access is generally free; houseboat cruises usually start from around ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 for a basic private day cruise and can be significantly higher for overnight stays.
• Timing: Day cruises generally operate from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Alappuzha district.

Vembanad Lake is Kerala's largest lake and forms the heart of the state's famous backwater network. Stretching across several districts, it offers an enormous landscape of waterways, villages, coconut palms and traditional boats.

Visitors can experience the lake through houseboat cruises, canoe rides or smaller country boats. The calm waters are particularly beautiful around sunrise and sunset. Vembanad is also associated with the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race, making it one of the best tourist places in Kerala for travellers interested in both nature and local culture.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: No standard entry fee; boating and houseboat activities are charged separately.
• Timing: Best explored between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
• Location: Alappuzha and Kottayam districts.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful destination located along the banks of Vembanad Lake. Spread across a wetland environment, the sanctuary attracts numerous resident and migratory birds, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Kerala with family.

Walking trails allow visitors to explore the sanctuary on foot, while boat rides offer another way to observe birds along the waterways. Early mornings are particularly rewarding for birdwatching because the temperatures are pleasant and bird activity is higher.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹100 per Indian adult; boat rides cost extra.
• Timing: Generally 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Location: Kumarakom, Kottayam district.

Fort Kochi is one of Kerala's most culturally distinctive destinations and among the top places to visit in Kerala for history, architecture and food. The neighbourhood reflects centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish and Indian influences, visible in its streets, churches, colonial buildings and trading history.

The area is best explored on foot. Visitors can walk around the heritage streets, admire the Chinese fishing nets, visit historic churches and museums, browse art spaces and enjoy cafés serving local and international cuisine. Fort Kochi also offers a more urban experience compared with Kerala's hill stations and backwaters.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: General heritage-area sightseeing is free; individual attractions may charge ₹10 to ₹100 or more.
• Timing: Open throughout the day; individual attractions have separate timings.
• Location: Kochi, Ernakulam district.

The Chinese fishing nets, locally known as Cheena vala, are one of the most recognisable symbols of Fort Kochi. These enormous fixed fishing structures line the waterfront and are believed to have been introduced to the region centuries ago through trade connections with China.

The nets are still used by local fishermen, making the waterfront a living part of Kochi's heritage rather than simply a historical attraction. Sunset is one of the most popular times to visit because the nets create striking silhouettes against the Arabian Sea.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: No entry fee for viewing the fishing nets from the waterfront.
• Timing: Best visited around sunrise or sunset; generally accessible throughout the day.
• Location: Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district.

Varkala is famous for its dramatic laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea, with a long beach stretching below. The combination of cliffs, sea views, cafés and a relaxed atmosphere has made it one of the best places to visit in Kerala for travellers looking for a coastal escape.

The cliffside is lined with shops, restaurants, cafés and small resorts, while the beach below offers opportunities for swimming when conditions are safe. Varkala is also an important pilgrimage destination because of the nearby Janardhana Swamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt. Kerala Tourism lists the beach, cliffs, mineral springs and Sivagiri among the destination's major attractions.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Free entry for the beach and cliff area.
• Timing: Open throughout the day; swimming should only be done when conditions are safe.
• Location: Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district.

Jatayu Earth's Center is a large tourism and adventure destination built around the legendary figure of Jatayu from the Ramayana. The attraction features a massive sculpture of Jatayu positioned on a hilltop, along with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors can reach the hilltop using a cable car or explore the wider complex and its adventure activities. The destination combines mythology, art, architecture and outdoor recreation, making it one of the more distinctive tourist places in Kerala.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹600 per person for the main access package; activity and cable car inclusions can vary.
• Timing: Generally 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Location: Chadayamangalam, Kollam district.

Athirappilly Falls is Kerala's largest waterfall and one of the state's most spectacular natural attractions. Water rushes over a rocky cliff surrounded by dense forest, creating a dramatic landscape that has also appeared in several Indian films.

The viewpoint provides a broad view of the falls, while trails lead visitors closer to the lower sections. The waterfall is especially powerful during and after the monsoon, although heavy rainfall can affect access and trekking conditions. For travellers building a list of places to see in Kerala, Athirappilly is difficult to overlook.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹50 per Indian adult; rates for children and foreign visitors may differ.
• Timing: Generally 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Location: Athirappilly, Thrissur district.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Kerala's best-known wildlife destinations and an excellent choice for travellers who want to experience forests, lakes and wildlife on the same trip. Located around Thekkady, the sanctuary is centred around the Periyar Lake and is known for elephants, birds and a variety of other wildlife.

Boat cruises are one of the most popular ways to explore the reserve, while guided nature walks, bamboo rafting and other eco-tourism programmes offer more immersive experiences. Because activities are regulated, advance booking is useful during busy travel periods.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹50 to ₹500 depending on the visitor category and activity; boating and eco-tourism activities cost extra.
• Timing: Wildlife activities generally begin early in the morning and continue through the afternoon.
• Location: Thekkady, Idukki district.

Periyar Lake is located within the Periyar Tiger Reserve and is surrounded by dense forest. The lake was formed after the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam and has become an important part of the area's wildlife tourism experience.

Boat cruises allow visitors to explore the water while looking for elephants, birds and other animals along the forest edges. The experience is particularly atmospheric in the early morning when mist often hangs above the water. It is one of the places to visit in Kerala for couples who enjoy peaceful nature experiences as well as families interested in wildlife.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Included in or charged alongside the selected boating package; boat tickets generally start from around ₹200 to ₹500 depending on category.
• Timing: Boat cruises operate at scheduled times, usually from morning to late afternoon.
• Location: Thekkady, Idukki district

Banasura Sagar Dam is one of the most scenic attractions in Wayanad. Surrounded by green mountains and small islands, the reservoir creates a beautiful landscape that changes dramatically with the weather.

The destination is popular for boating and scenic photography, while the surrounding hills provide opportunities for short walks and adventure activities. The calm waters and mountain backdrop make it particularly appealing to families and couples. It is one of the best places to visit in Kerala if you want a combination of nature and recreation.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹40 to ₹50 per person; boating charges are additional.
• Timing: Generally 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Location: Padinjarathara, Wayanad district.

Soochipara Waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is a spectacular three-tiered waterfall in Wayanad. Surrounded by dense forests, the waterfall drops through rocky terrain and creates natural pools at the lower levels.

Reaching the waterfall involves a walk through the forest, making the journey part of the experience. The area is popular for trekking, photography and nature exploration, while swimming may be possible when local conditions permit. Kerala Tourism describes Soochipara as a three-tiered waterfall of around 200 metres surrounded by lush forests.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹50 per person.
• Timing: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Near Kalpetta, Wayanad district.

Edakkal Caves are among the most fascinating historical attractions in Wayanad. Rather than being a conventional cave system, the attraction consists of a large rock formation containing ancient carvings and inscriptions believed to date back thousands of years.

Reaching the caves requires a climb, but the surrounding views make the journey worthwhile. Inside, visitors can see prehistoric petroglyphs depicting human and animal forms, geometric symbols and other markings. For history enthusiasts, Edakkal Caves are among the famous places to visit in Kerala.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹50 per person, with additional charges for transport or camera use where applicable.
• Timing: Generally 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Location: Ambukuthi Hills, Wayanad district.

Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala, rising dramatically beside the Arabian Sea in Kasaragod. Its distinctive keyhole shape, massive laterite walls, observation towers and sea-facing location make it one of the most visually impressive places to visit in Kerala.

The fort covers a large area and offers panoramic views of the coastline. Visitors can walk along the ramparts, explore the water tank and tunnels and watch the waves crashing against the shore. Kerala Tourism describes the fort as a 17th-century coastal fort spread across around 40 acres and notes its keyhole design and panoramic sea views.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹25 per Indian adult; fees for children and foreign visitors may differ.
• Timing: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Location: Bekal, Kasaragod district.

Located beside the historic fort, Bekal Beach is a peaceful stretch of coastline with golden sand, palm trees and views of the Arabian Sea. It is an ideal place to slow down after exploring the fort and enjoy Kerala's northern coastline.

The beach is particularly attractive around sunset when the fort and sea create a striking backdrop. Unlike some busier beaches in Kerala, Bekal often feels quieter and more relaxed. Kerala Tourism highlights its tranquil atmosphere and its views of Bekal Fort.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Free entry
• Timing: Open throughout the day; sunset is particularly scenic.
• Location: Bekal, Kasaragod district.

Kovalam is one of Kerala's most famous beach destinations and has long attracted travellers looking for sun, sea and wellness experiences. The coastline is divided into several beach stretches, with Lighthouse Beach being the best-known.

Visitors can relax by the sea, explore the lighthouse area, enjoy Ayurvedic treatments or try water-based activities when conditions permit. The combination of beach scenery and wellness experiences makes Kovalam one of the best tourist places in Kerala for a laid-back coastal holiday.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Free entry for the beach; Lighthouse entry is charged separately.
• Timing: Beach accessible throughout the day; lighthouse timings vary.
• Location: Thiruvananthapuram district.

Guruvayur Temple is one of Kerala's most important pilgrimage destinations and is dedicated to Lord Krishna worshipped in the form of Guruvayurappan. The temple attracts large numbers of devotees throughout the year and has a deep connection with Kerala's religious and cultural traditions.

Visitors should follow the temple's dress code and entry rules, which can differ from ordinary tourist attractions. Even for travellers interested in culture rather than pilgrimage, Guruvayur offers an opportunity to understand an important part of Kerala's spiritual heritage.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: No general entry fee for devotees; special services and offerings have separate charges.
• Timing: Multiple daily darshan sessions; timings can change during festivals and special occasions.
• Location: Guruvayur, Thrissur district.

Silent Valley National Park is one of the most remarkable offbeat places to visit in Kerala for travellers interested in untouched forests and biodiversity. Located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the park protects one of the remaining stretches of tropical evergreen forest in the Western Ghats.

Unlike conventional sightseeing destinations, Silent Valley is about experiencing a protected natural environment. Guided visits and designated routes allow travellers to explore the landscape while minimising disturbance to wildlife. The area is particularly appealing to birdwatchers, photographers and serious nature enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹50 to ₹100 for basic entry, with vehicle and guided-tour charges additional.
• Timing: Generally around 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM for entry and regulated visits.
• Location: Palakkad district.

Meenmutty Waterfalls is a spectacular multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by the forests of Wayanad. Reaching the waterfall involves a trek through uneven terrain, making it more suitable for travellers who are comfortable with outdoor walking.

The waterfall becomes particularly powerful during the monsoon, while the surrounding forest remains lush throughout much of the year. Because access requires more effort than many of Kerala's easily accessible attractions, Meenmutty is a good choice for travellers seeking offbeat places to visit in Kerala.

Highlights:

• Entry Fee: Approximately ₹30 to ₹50 per person; guide or trekking charges may apply.
• Timing: Generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, subject to weather conditions.
• Location: Wayanad district.