Top 10 tourist places in Kerala

Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is a state in south India that offers a variety of attractions for tourists. From the serene backwaters to the lush hill stations, from the exotic wildlife to the rich culture, Kerala has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top 10 tourist places in Kerala, how to reach them, and the best time to visit them.

1.Munnar:

Munnar is a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats, famous for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains. Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and photographers. Some of the popular attractions in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Tea Museum, and Anamudi Peak.

How to reach: Munnar is well connected by road with Kochi, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Kochi and Munnar is about 130 km and it takes around 4 hours by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Munnar is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is green. The summer months of April and May are also good for sightseeing, but it can get hot and humid. The monsoon months of June to August are not recommended as it can rain heavily and cause landslides.

2. Alleppey:

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is the hub of the famous backwaters of Kerala. Alleppey is renowned for its houseboat cruises, which offer a unique way to experience the rural life and scenic beauty of Kerala. Alleppey is also known for its beaches, temples, churches, and festivals.

How to reach: Alleppey is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Kochi, which is about 85 km away. The nearest railway station is Alleppey itself, which is well connected with major cities in India. There are also frequent buses and taxis available from Kochi and other nearby towns.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Alleppey is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. This is also the peak season for houseboat cruises and other activities. The summer months of March to May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the backwaters if you don’t mind the heat. The monsoon months of June to October are not ideal as it can rain heavily and affect the water level and visibility.

3. Kochi:

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a cosmopolitan city that blends history, culture, and modernity. Kochi is a major port city that has been influenced by various civilizations such as Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Chinese, and Jews. Kochi has many attractions such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Chinese Fishing Nets, St. Francis Church, Marine Drive, Bolgatty Palace, and Lulu Mall.

How to reach: Kochi is well connected by air, rail, and road with the rest of India and abroad. Kochi has an international airport that operates flights from many domestic and international destinations. Kochi also has two railway stations - Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town - that connect with major cities in India. Kochi has a good network of roads that link with nearby towns and cities.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kochi is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The summer months of April and May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the beaches and shopping malls. The monsoon months of June to September are not recommended as it can rain heavily and cause flooding.

4. Wayanad:

Wayanad is a district in the northern part of Kerala that boasts of rich biodiversity and natural beauty. Wayanad is home to many wildlife sanctuaries, waterfalls, caves, plantations, lakes, and hills. Wayanad is a perfect destination for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers. Some of the popular attractions in Wayanad are Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Falls, Kuruva Island, and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach: Wayanad is well connected by road with Kozhikode, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Kozhikode and Wayanad is about 85 km and it takes around 3 hours by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Wayanad is from October to May, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months of March to May are also good for sightseeing, but it can get hot and dry. The monsoon months of June to September are not advisable as it can rain heavily and cause landslides.

5. Thekkady:

Thekkady is a town in the Idukki district of Kerala that is famous for its wildlife sanctuary, Periyar National Park. Thekkady is a haven for wildlife lovers, as it offers a chance to see elephants, tigers, deer, bison, and many other animals and birds in their natural habitat. Thekkady also offers activities such as boating, bamboo rafting, trekking, and spice plantation tours.

How to reach: Thekkady is well connected by road with Kochi, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Kochi and Thekkady is about 160 km and it takes around 4 hours by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Thekkady is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife sightings are high. The summer months of April and May are also good for wildlife viewing, but it can get hot and humid. The monsoon months of June to August are not recommended as it can rain heavily and affect the park activities.

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6. Kovalam:

Kovalam is a beach town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala that is known for its three crescent-shaped beaches - Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Kovalam is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, ayurvedic massages, and yoga. Kovalam also has many resorts, restaurants, cafes, and shops that cater to the needs of the tourists.

How to reach: Kovalam is easily accessible by road from Thiruvananthapuram, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam is about 15 km and it takes around 30 minutes by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kovalam is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. The summer months of April and May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the beach activities if you don’t mind the heat. The monsoon months of June to September are not ideal as it can rain heavily and cause high waves.

7. Kumarakom:

Kumarakom is a village on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the Kottayam district of Kerala that is famous for its backwater tourism. Kumarakom offers a serene and relaxing experience of staying in houseboats, enjoying the lake views, birdwatching, fishing, and boating. Kumarakom also has a bird sanctuary that attracts many migratory birds such as herons, egrets, kingfishers, and cuckoos.

How to reach: Kumarakom is well connected by road with Kochi, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Kochi and Kumarakom is about 50 km and it takes around 2 hours by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kumarakom is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. This is also the peak season for houseboat cruises and birdwatching. The summer months of March to May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the backwaters if you don’t mind the heat. The monsoon months of June to October are not advisable as it can rain heavily and affect the water level and visibility.

8. Varkala:

Varkala is a coastal town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala that is known for its cliffs that overlook the Arabian Sea. Varkala is a popular destination for beach lovers, as it offers a clean and secluded beach with clear water and white sand. Varkala also has many attractions such as Janardhana Swamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt, Anjengo Fort, Varkala Aquarium, and Papanasam Beach.

How to reach: Varkala is well connected by road with Thiruvananthapuram, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Varkala is about 40 km and it takes around an hour by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Varkala is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for beach activities. The summer months of April to May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the sea breeze and water sports. The monsoon months of June to September are not recommended as it can rain heavily and cause erosion and landslides.

9. Bekal:

Bekal is a town in the Kasaragod district of Kerala that is famous for its fort, which is the largest and best-preserved in the state. Bekal Fort is a 17th-century structure that offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscape. Bekal also has a beautiful beach, a park, a temple, and a mosque.

How to reach: Bekal is well connected by road with Mangalore, which is the nearest airport and railway station. The distance between Mangalore and Bekal is about 60 km and it takes around 2 hours by car or bus.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Bekal is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the fort and beach are less crowded. The summer months of April and May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the sea breeze and the historical monuments. The monsoon months of June to September are not advisable as it can rain heavily and affect the fort activities.

10. Kozhikode:

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the Malabar region of Kerala that is known for its trade, culture, and cuisine. Kozhikode was once the capital of the Zamorin dynasty, which had a flourishing trade with Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Kozhikode has many attractions such as Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, Beypore Port, Thusharagiri Falls, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, and Mananchira Square.

How to reach: Kozhikode is well connected by air, rail, and road with the rest of India and abroad. Kozhikode has an international airport that operates flights from many domestic and international destinations. Kozhikode also has a railway station that connects with major cities in India. Kozhikode has a good network of roads that link with nearby towns and cities.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kozhikode is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The summer months of April and May are hot and humid, but you can still enjoy the beaches and shopping markets. The monsoon months of June to September are not recommended as it can rain heavily and cause flooding.

These are the top 10 tourist places in Kerala that you should not miss if you are planning a trip to this beautiful state. Kerala has many more places to offer, such as Guruvayur, Thrissur, Idukki, Kannur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Pathanamthitta. You can also explore the unique places to visit in Kerala, such as Silent Valley National Park, Marari Beach, Nelliyampathy Hills, and Athirapally Falls.

We hope this article has given you some useful information on the places to visit in Kerala with family or friends. You can also check out some pictures of these tourist places in Kerala on our website. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading and happy travelling! 

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