Kerala Tourism is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and tranquil backwaters. Located in the southwestern part of India, Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” for its lush green landscapes, pristine beaches, serene hill stations, and abundant wildlife. Kerala Tourism Packages typically include a range of activities and destinations to suit various travelers. They often incorporate popular highlights such as backwater cruises, beach visits, wildlife safaris, hill station excursions, cultural performances, and Ayurvedic treatments.
Explore the top places to visit in Kerala with this article.
Cochin
Cochin, also known as Kochi, a port city located in the state of Kerala has been one of the primary gateways to the region for distant merchants and travellers since 1341, this city earned its sobriquet as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea” in an era gone by. The popularity of Cochin tour packages among various kinds of travellers cannot be denied as a trip to Cochin has a lot to offer for everyone. The city is one of the major port hubs of South India and has a trading history that dates back to at least 500 years. Apart from this, the city is also a prominent financial and industrial capital of Kerala.
One of the best things about Kochi is the fact that the city proudly boasts of the beautiful blend of the modern era and traditional culture, a fact that you will be able to witness for yourself with affordably priced online Cochin holiday packages available at Veena World. The city doesn’t lag when it comes to enchanting its visitors with the beauty of nature. Now, with cost-effective tour packages for Cochin, it has become easier for everyone to soak in the beautiful blend that the city has to offer to each and every person that plans their Cochin trip. On holidays in Kochi, you can see an influence from the likes from the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and of course, the British that directly or indirectly ruled the city in the gone-by decades. Apart from this, Kochi is also turning out to be a fast-growing and evolving software hub in the country. Adding to this, a trip to Kochi will also let you experience the beautiful backwaters of the city, the heritage monuments, and the mesmeric sandy beaches which make up for the picturesque setting of the city.
Major Tourist Attractions in Cochin: Santa Cruz Basilica, Hill Palace, Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi and Marine Drive
Munnar
Munnar, the exotic hill station, also known as the Ooty of Kerala is located in the naturally blessed Idukki district in the Southern Indian state of Kerala, at a height of 5,200 ft above sea level and once served as the summer retreat of the erstwhile British rulers.
The place got its name as the confluence of three streams – Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala – which have their origins from the nearby mountains, transpire in this little piece of heaven on earth.
As this popular resort town tops in the list of many who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, Munnar hotels also vary from resorts to smaller accommodations from which you can pick one according to your budget.
Those who plan on Munnar sightseeing can start with taking a stroll among any of the tea plantations in and around the hill station. The exotic sightseeing places in Munnar includes Mattupetty dam, Kundala lake, Echo-point, Munnar top station, Rajamalai, Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum and Marayoor forest. Munnar, Kerala, produces a plethora of fresh tea varities available in the market. Visit one of the tea manufacturing units here and you could learn the various steps involved in the process.
Watching Neelakurinji, the exotic flower which blooms in once in every 12 years, in its full bloom is one of the high points in Munnar tourism.
The above mentioned Neelakurinji, which last bloomed in 2006, covering the mist-clad hills of Munnar, including that of Eravikulam National Park, with enthralling carpets of blue is a mesmerizing spectacle. It is an ethereal experience which is a privilege to those who visit Munnar at the time. The flower usually blossoms from August to October every 12 years.
The most famous Munnar places to visit include Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Eco-Point, Devikulam Lake and Top Station.
Eravikulam National Park is one of the most famous of all the Munnar tourist places. The park, which houses many endangered flora and fauna, is also the home to the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr. The place is also famous for trekking, and its rare butterfly species. Anamudi – the highest peak in South India – is inside the national park.
Thekkady
Thekkady is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kerala. It is known for its tea, coffee , spice plantations and a wildlife sanctuary, and a thriving indigenous tribe population, Thekkady is a traveler’s delight. The Periyar Tiger Reserve here is the area’s main attraction. Most resorts and hotels center around the town of Kumily, a mere stone’s throw away from the reserve. Probably the only reserve in the world that allows tourists to camp and trek inside the forest area, the sanctuary does live up to its high expectations, with thrillingly well-beautifully curated activities. Float on reservoir waters on quaint bamboo rafts as you spot Malabar Hornbills gliding through the treetops. The reserve houses indigenous tribes who still feed off the produce of this forest, maintaining a symbiotic relationship. Erstwhile sandalwood smugglers and poachers have now turned protectors and guides of the jungle, and tales of their lives make for interesting night stories by the campfire. Elephant safaris, jeep, and boat ride as well give you a glimpse into a life otherwise unknown. Witness tribal culture at its best in their dances organized by the Forest Department. The hills around Thekkady sport sprawling spice plantations and tea gardens, some of which date back to the British era. Featured even on BBC’s Around the World in 80 Gardens, spice gardens here are well worth a visit as well.
Major Tourist Attractions in Thekkady: Major places to visit in Thekkady are Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Lake.
Alleppey
A great number of tourists visit Alleppey for enjoying backwater tours. Being among the best tourist places in Kerala, the picturesque town is studded with a number of wonderful places of human interests. It features an exceptional network of lakes, rivers, water lagoons and other attractions. Houseboats are the most excellent accommodation option available in this picturesque place. One can enjoy a one-night cruise on the traditional houseboat of the romantic backwaters of Alleppey. It was also described as the Venice of the East by Lord Curzon. Houseboats in Kerala are provided with amenities like well-equipped rooms, attached washrooms and on-board food.
Major Tourist Attractions in Alleppey: St. Andrews Church, Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple and Punnamada Lake. Boat Races are the popular attraction of Alleppey
Kovalam
Kovalam-this place needs no introduction. The pristine and Golden beaches, Poovar backwaters, Mangrove forests, hippy life, seafood is the beauty of this place.
We wanted a laid back holiday so we choose to stay a little away from the main place. We stayed at Chowara beach – An ideal Ayurvedic resort as we were more interested in some Ayurvedic sessions. Also, we heard that Chowara beach is a little secluded and not very common to locals and tourists. We reached at around 3 PM, checked into the hotel, and had an Ayurvedic meal. Yes, you heard me right! This resort offered some ayurvedic meals to detoxify. I was already in love with the food. After relaxing for some time, we head to Chowara beach which was 5 minutes walk from the resort. We took a long walk, admired the creation of nature, clicked some beautiful pictures, and came back to our resort for the dinner. This resort offered some outdoor sitting in the night for dinner. Enjoyed every bit of it.
On day two, we head for our Kovalam sightseeing which included some beautiful beaches like Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam beach, and Samudra beach, did some roadside shopping, and then head towards Trivandrum.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple was one of the first things on my list. I was mesmerized by the beauty of the architecture. After taking blessing from God, we head towards Napier Museum and Shangumugham beach. Spending some time on the beach, and enjoyed an authentic lunch we were back in the resort.
The resort’s staff was very kind and arranged our evening tea at the beach. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset with our cup of tea in our hands. An absolutely unforgettable moment of my life.
On our third day, we were all ready to visit Poovar backwaters. It took us around one hour to reach this place. From there, we booked a private speed boat which took approx 3500/-. Poovar is an estuary, surrounded by small canals that take you to the golden beach, the cleanest beach of Kerala. Also, Poovar is quite famous among wildlife photographers. You will get some amazing pictures of birds.
Not to miss is the floating restaurants to have some mouth-watering food (little pricy). Our boat driver stopped at various places, the experience of drinking coconut water from a floating shop was unusual. We reached Golden beach after one hour of the boat ride. Golden Beach is definitely for those who are seeking rest, relaxation, uncrowded stretch of sand. A delight to the eyes is seeing salty water of the Arabian Sea meets the freshwater of the Neyyar river, thus forming a small estuary near the beach. The green and blue shades of water surrounded by palm trees was a vision to hold.
Kovalam trip is always close to my heart because this was our first beach trip in India. I was never a fan of beaches, mountains have always been my priority. But Kovalam has definitely changed my perception.
Major Tourist Attractions in Kovalam: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Vellayani Lake, Halcyon Castle and Kovalam Art Gallery are the major tourist places to visit in Kovalam.
Kumarakom
This famous backwater destination of Kerala – Kumarakom is a pleasant village preferably sited on the banks of Vembanad Lake in Kottayam district. The relaxing climate, coconut palms, mangrove trees, extensive paddy farms and lagoons, serene backwaters and rich fauna and flora make it a paradise for the travelers. On your trip to Kumarakom, you can enjoy activities like sightseeing, canoeing and fishing.
Major Tourist Attractions in Kumarakom: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal, Bay Island Driftwood Museum and Chavara Bhavan are the major tourist places in Kumarakom.
Wayanad
Wayanad is the best place to walk at the pace of nature. The sunshine, rainfalls, and beauty of this place will take you one step closer to mother earth. This green heaven is settled between the hills of Western Ghats and shares the borders with wildlife sanctuaries- Mudumalai and Bandipur. A visit to Wayanad rekindles the soul through the cloud kissing mountain that brings good tidings, the visual treat of sun rays kissing the trees, the caressing gentle breeze, and coolness of forests. Besides, the history, culture, greenery, and climate of this beautiful landscape is hypnotizing as well.
Wayanad sightseeing is always special and unique. It has a vast area of land perfect for the wildlife to roam around in their natural habitat. Wayanad has many attractions and places to see within and nearby. Known for its rich heritage and tradition, Wayanad is also blessed with well-protected habitats for human beings and wildlife too.
Kannur
The land of looms and lores, Kannur, known as Cannanore during the rule of the British, is a culturally and historically significant district of Kerala. Located along the Malabar coast, it greets you with inspiring scenes and scents, historic monuments, the lovely breeze from the Arabian Sea, ageless folk arts, handlooms and more. An ancient sea port, Kannur is blessed with lush vegetation courtesy the Western Ghats and a rich culture because of its age-old trade relations with various civilisations with the Greeks, Arabs and Romans. The impressions from its colonial past and even that of neighbouring Mysore are evident throughout Kannur even today.
An idyllic town with beaches, forts, shrines and museums such as Payyambalam beach, Thalassery fort, St. Angelo’s Church, Arakkal Museum, Madai Mosque and many such exemplify the sum and substance of this district. The story of Kannur is incomplete without a mention of its own ritualistic art form Theyyam. Kannur is also a foodie’s paradise with the richness of Moplah cuisine sure to steal hearts. Visit Kannur for remnants of Kerala’s past that make the state so endearing today.
Varkala
Varkala is all about sun rays, sea-waves, and sunset. A magically beautiful beach town, Varkala is perfect for a weekend getaway as she welcomes tourists with her towering cliffs and serene Papanasam beach.
The endless sightseeing opportunities of this city provide tourists ample reason to rest and relax. The most prominent attraction in Varkala is the cliff which is a natural formation of sandstones. These cliffs decorate the seashore making the beach spectacular and perfect for water sports like sunbathing, swimming, watersports, etc.
Marayoor – Abode of Nature
Located 42 kilometers north of Munnar in Munnar-Udumalpet road, Marayoor is the only place in Kerala with a natural sandalwood forest It is also replete with beautiful green landscapes, lofty hills, and beautiful rivers. There are a few spectacular waterfalls in the Marayoor that will take your breath away. One of the greatest attractions in Marayoor is the trekking trip through its unique landscape.
The tourist destination is also famous for the ancient monuments. Human settlements in Marayoor started back in the Stone Age. There are many pieces of evidence to prove that the history of the place dates back to 10,000 BC. The place has many remnants of the human inhabitation in the form of Muniyara (Dolmens), rock paintings in Attala, Kovilkadu, and Manala.
The following are the major tourist attractions in Marayoor:
Marayoor Sandalwood Forest, Thoovanam Waterfalls,Muniyara, Rock Paintings in Marayoor.
Kozhikode
Earlier known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a small yet an eventful city and one of the best tourist places of Kerala. It is the place where Vasco da Gama landed first of all. In the air of the city, you can experience a western influence despite it has preserved its culture and traditions. The place has been a center of attraction for a number of countries as business can be easily done here from different regions. This is the reason; this city was long dominated by different foreign powers and acquired unique cultural mixture.
Major Tourist Attractions in Kozhikode: Major tourist places to visit in Kozhikode are Dolphin’s Point, Ettumanoor Temple, Krishnan Menon Museum, Pazhassi Raja Museum and Thali Temple.
Thrissur
The cultural capital of Kerala, the Poorams or temple festivals in Thrissur draw in thousands of people every single year as these carnivals encapsulate every single part of Kerala’s rich heritage. These are a hotbed of folk art performances and heritage tours that will give you an in depth look into some of the grandest traditions of the State. From majestic elephants to colourful pulikali processions to the world renowned Thrissur Pooram, there is always a festive atmosphere in the air. The district is also the abode of several cultural centres like Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and the Sangeetha Nataka Academy. Thrissur is a place one must visit at least once in their lifetime. The people, swaying with the beats of the chenda, shall help you understand the true heart and spirit of Kerala.
