Kerala, located in the southwestern region of India, is a perfect vacation destination with its serene backwaters, lush green hills, and beautiful beaches.
Kerala is home to some of India’s most beautiful travel destinations, including Munnar, Wayanad, Alleppey, Kochi, Thekkady, Kovalam, and Varkala. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, honeymoon, or nature getaway, these destinations offer a perfect blend of scenic beauty, culture, wildlife, and adventure.
Munnar
Why Visit Munnar?
Munnar, a spectacular hill station in the Western Ghats, is famous for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic beauty and is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Dash to Munnar if you have had enough city life and crave a peaceful and serene environment. The other tourist attractions at Munnar are its natural beauty, adventure activities, pleasant climate, and rich cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
- Eravikulam National Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Echo Point
- Top Station
- Tea Museum
- Attukad Waterfalls
Best Time to Visit
October to March for pleasant weather and sightseeing.
Ideal For
Families, honeymoon couples, nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Recommended Duration
2–3 days.
Alleppey
Why Visit Athirapally?
Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters, traditional houseboats, picturesque canals, and beautiful beaches. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Kerala’s tranquil waterways and local village life.
Say backwaters and Alleppey, the “Venice of the East” is what comes to mind. Instead of the gondola, you have a houseboat to ride along the backwaters and enjoy the serene beauty of the region. Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, and Andhakaranazhi Beach are the most famous.
The other attractions that make Alleppey the best place in Kerala are the beaches, culture, food, and festivals.
Top Attractions
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Houseboat Cruises
- Alappuzha Beach
- Marari Beach
- Pathiramanal Island
Best Time to Visit
October to February.
Ideal For
Couples, families, honeymooners, and leisure travelers.
Recommended Duration
1–2 days.
Kochi
Why Visit Kochi?
Kochi is a vibrant city located on the Arabian Sea coast. Its rich cultural history is visible at Fort Kochi in the Chinese Fishing Nets and Jewish Synagogue.
Koch is a fantastic holiday destination in Kerala for 2023 also because of its beautiful beaches, backwaters, delicious food, and shopping options. Whether you are a history buff, a beach and food lover, or a shopaholic, Kochi has something to offer everyone.
Top Attractions
- Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Mattancherry Palace
- Jew Town
- Marine Drive
- Kerala Folklore Museum
Best Time to Visit
October to February.
Ideal For
History lovers, food enthusiasts, families, and culture seekers.
Recommended Duration
2 days.
Wayanad
Why Visit Wayanad?
Wayanad, a beautiful hill station in northeastern Kerala, is a must-visit in Kerala in 2023. It has natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, adventure activities, and a pleasant climate.
There are some of the best resorts in Wayanad for a family to the luxury resorts in Wayanad. However, Raindrops Resort is one of the top-rated plantation resorts in Wayanad, offering family-friendly accommodation surrounded by nature., suitable for nature lovers of all categories.
The resort offers various types of accommodation, such as cottages, rooms, and suites. It also has a swimming pool, a restaurant, and several indoor and outdoor activities for kids.
Top Attractions
- Edakkal Caves
- Soochipara Falls
- Chembra Peak
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Kuruvadweep
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit
October to May.
Ideal For
Families, couples, adventure enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and nature lovers.
Recommended Duration
2–3 days.
Kovalam
Why Visit Kovalam?
Kovalam is a spectacular beach town in Thiruvananthapuram famous for its crescent-shaped beaches, Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach and water sports activities.
The other tourist attractions are Kovalam Art Gallery, the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, the Halcyon Castle, and the Vellayani Lake. Kanyakumari, the Padmanabhapuram Palace, and Poovar Island are also in the vicinity.
The Ayurvedic treatments, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife make it an ideal destination to relax, rejuvenate and indulge in adventure sports.
Top Attractions
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawa Beach
- Samudra Beach
- Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
- Vellayani Lake
Best Time to Visit
September to March.
Ideal For
Beach lovers, honeymoon couples, families, and wellness travelers.
Recommended Duration
2 days.
Varkala
Why Visit Varkala?
Varkala is a small town in Thiruvananthapuram. It is famous for its beautiful beaches, especially Varkala Beach, a long stretch of golden sand dotted with cliffs and coconut trees. The beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is excellent for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Varkala qualifies as one of the best places in Kerala in 2023 for its Ayurvedic treatments, temples, and delicious local food like fish curry, prawn fry, and appam with stew.
Top Attractions
- Varkala Beach
- Varkala Cliff
- Janardanaswamy Temple
- Sivagiri Mutt
- Kappil Beach
Best Time to Visit
October to March.
Ideal For
Couples, solo travelers, beach lovers, and wellness seekers.
Recommended Duration
2 days.
Thekkady
Why Visit Thekkady?
Thekkady offers a range of adventure activities, such as bamboo rafting, trekking, and rock climbing. You can also try border hiking, a unique activity that takes you through dense forests and across streams.
Thekkady will be one of the best tourist destinations in Kerala in 2023 for those who want to explore Kerala’s natural beauty and cultural diversity, spice plantations, culture, and irresistible Thrissur cuisine.
Top Attractions
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Periyar Lake
- Spice Plantations
- Bamboo Rafting
- Elephant Junction
Best Time to Visit
October to February.
Ideal For
Adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, families, and photographers.
Recommended Duration
2 days.
Athirapally
Why Visit Athirapally?
Athirapally in, Thrissur has a rich cultural heritage. You can visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Cheraman Juma Masjid, the oldest mosque in India.
Athirapally is also one of the best destinations in Kerala for 2023 because of its spectacular waterfalls.
Top Attractions
- Athirapally Waterfalls
- Vazhachal Waterfalls
- Charpa Falls
- Sholayar Dam
Best Time to Visit
September to January.
Ideal For
Nature lovers, families, photographers, and couples.
Recommended Duration
1 day.
Kumarakom
Why Visit Kumarakom?
Kumarakom is home to several indigenous communities, such as the fisherfolk, toddy tappers, and coir workers. You can visit their villages to learn about their culture and way of life.
Kumarakom offers unique houseboat stays where you can spend a night or more on a traditional Kettuvallam boat, a floating hotel. You can enjoy scenic views, traditional food, and personalised service on the houseboat.
Top Attractions
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Vembanad Lake
- Houseboat Cruises
- Pathiramanal Island
Best Time to Visit
October to February.
Ideal For
Families, couples, birdwatchers, and leisure travelers.
Recommended Duration
2 days.
Bekal
Why Visit Bekal?
Bekal, a small town in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, is excellent for a day trip. It is famous for its Bekal Fort, beaches, and its proximity to the Valiyaparamba backwaters. The backwaters have a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes.
Top Attractions
- Bekal Fort
- Bekal Beach
- Valiyaparamba Backwaters
- Kappil Beach
Best Time to Visit
October to March.
Ideal For
Families, history enthusiasts, beach lovers, and photographers.
Recommended Duration
1–2 days.
Comparison Table: Best Places to Visit in Kerala
| Destination | Best For | Top Attractions | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munnar | Nature lovers, honeymooners | Eravikulam National Park, Tea Gardens, Mattupetty Dam | 2–3 Days |
| Alleppey | Backwaters, couples, families | Houseboats, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach | 1–2 Days |
| Kochi | History, culture, shopping | Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Marine Drive | 2 Days |
| Wayanad | Families, nature, adventure | Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Soochipara Falls | 2–3 Days |
| Kovalam | Beach holidays | Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach | 2 Days |
| Varkala | Couples, solo travellers | Varkala Cliff, Varkala Beach | 2 Days |
| Thekkady | Wildlife, adventure | Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Plantations | 2 Days |
| Athirapally | Waterfalls, photography | Athirapally Falls, Vazhachal Falls | 1 Day |
| Kumarakom | Relaxation, birdwatching | Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake | 2 Days |
| Bekal | Heritage, beaches | Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach | 1–2 Days |
Best Time to Visit Kerala
Kerala is a year-round destination, but the ideal time to visit depends on the type of vacation you are planning.
October to February (Winter) – Best for Sightseeing
The weather is cool and pleasant, making it the perfect time to explore hill stations, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and backwaters. This is also the peak tourist season.
Best destinations:
- Munnar
- Wayanad
- Alleppey
- Kochi
- Kumarakom
- Thekkady
March to May (Summer) – Best for Hill Stations
While coastal areas can be warm, hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad remain pleasant and are ideal for a refreshing escape.
Best destinations:
- Munnar
- Wayanad
- Thekkady
June to September (Monsoon) – Best for Nature & Ayurveda
Kerala transforms into a lush green paradise during the monsoon. This season is ideal for nature lovers, waterfalls, and traditional Ayurvedic wellness treatments.
Best destinations:
- Athirapally
- Wayanad
- Munnar
- Thekkady
Conclusion
Kerala is a destination that truly has something for everyone, from misty hill stations and serene backwaters to pristine beaches and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or your partner, these destinations promise an unforgettable getaway.
If Wayanad is on your itinerary, make your stay even more memorable at Raindrops Resort. Surrounded by coffee plantations and scenic landscapes, it offers the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and warm hospitality.
Book your stay today and experience the best of Wayanad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best place to visit in Kerala?
The best place to visit in Kerala depends on your travel preferences. Munnar is ideal for scenic hill stations, Alleppey is famous for houseboat cruises, Kochi offers rich cultural heritage, while Wayanad is perfect for nature, wildlife, and adventure enthusiasts.
What is the best time to visit Kerala?
The best time to visit Kerala is from October to February, when the weather is cool and comfortable for sightseeing, beach holidays, wildlife safaris, and backwater cruises. The monsoon season (June to September) is ideal for enjoying lush landscapes and Ayurvedic treatments.
Which place in Kerala is best for families?
Wayanad is one of the best destinations for families because it offers a mix of nature, wildlife, waterfalls, plantation stays, and family-friendly activities. Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Munnar are also excellent choices for a relaxing family vacation.
Is Wayanad worth visiting?
Yes, Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most popular hill destinations. It is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, trekking trails, caves, and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re travelling with family, friends, or as a couple, Wayanad offers a memorable blend of nature and adventure.
Which destination is best for honeymoon couples?
Kerala has several romantic destinations for honeymoon couples. Munnar is famous for its misty hills and tea plantations, Alleppey offers unforgettable houseboat experiences, Varkala features scenic cliffside beaches, and Wayanad provides secluded plantation stays surrounded by lush greenery.