12 Places To Visit In Kerala In October For An Unforgettable Experience

There’s not just one but many reasons for Kerala to have earned the nickname of ‘God’s Own Country’. October is an excellent time to explore Kerala’s natural beauty, and rich culture. From the emerald green hills to serene backwaters, the different landscapes of this state, provide you with an array of experiences across diverse journeys. In this article, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Kerala in October.

12 Places To Visit In Kerala In October

Here is a list of some of the best places to visit in Kerala in October for a fun-filled vacation.

1. Munnar

Munnar, known for its green views, is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in October.

Photo: Vivek Kumar / Unsplash

Among the popular places to explore in Kerala in October, the first choice is Munnar, located at Idukki. It is widely known for its picturesque tea plantations. This tourist spot has remained the highlight of the vast tea plantations, winding roads, and tropical mist. It is also known for a wide range of trekking and climbing adventures. The popular tourist destinations include Eravikulam National Park, Echo Point, Attukal Waterfalls, Kundala Dam Lake, and Pothamedu View Point.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Railway Station (140 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (125 km)

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala

2. Alleppey

Cruise through the scenic backwaters of Alleppey studded with lush green palm trees.

Photo: Swastik Arora / Pexels

One of the top places that see a top footfall of tourists in Kerala is Alleppey. It is blessed with an idyllic ambience courtesy of symmetrical backwaters and houseboat rides. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, a vibrant festival held here, attracts a wide range of tourists. Being one of the best places to visit in October, Alleppey helps you discover Kerala’s natural beauty, vibrant history and a wide range of outdoor activities. Some of the popular tourist hotspots are St. Andrews Church, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Punnamada Lake, and cruising through the placid backwaters in a houseboat.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (85 km)

3. Kochi

Kochi, a quintessential spot is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in October.

Photo: Arjun MJ / Unsplash

Also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi features a vibrant culture and rich heritage. Most of its attractions include arrays of colonial buildings, spice plantations, and architectural marvels. Kochi epitomises a beauty pegged on a blend of history and culture, making it one of the most sought-after places to visit in Kerala. The famous tourist attractions here are The Historical Fort of Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Kerala Folklore Museum, Hill Palace Museum, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple, and the Kerala Kathakali Centre.

Best Time To Visit: September to February
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (25km)

Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala

4. Thekkady

Periyar National Park, Thekkady is one of the top places to visit in Kerala in October.

Photo: b s / Pexels

Thekkady, located in the Idukki district of Kerala, serves as a haven for nature and adventure lovers. Among the best places to go in Kerala in October, Thekkady stands out as a must-visit destination. You can spot a wide variety of animals and migratory birds at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a boat ride through the Periyar Lake that offers unique wildlife viewing. Cultural experiences include visiting Mangala Devi Temple, witnessing Kateli dance and KalariPayattu martial arts. Elephant safaris, spice plantation tours, and bamboo rafting on the Periyar River are some of the best things to do in Thekkady.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station (114km)
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (140km)
Best Experience: Boat cruises, Elephant safaris

5. Wayanad

One of the best places to visit in Kerala in October is Wayanad to relish scenic vistas.

Photo: Maitheli Maitra / Unsplash

Among the top places to visit in Kerala in October, Wayanad, located in Kerala’s Western Ghats, with its lush green woods, is no less than a paradise. Chembra Peak’s heart-shaped lake and panoramas attract hikers during Kerala tourism. Some of the popular tourist attractions here include Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Edakkal Caves, Thirunelli Temple, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala View Point, Edakkal Cave petroglyphs and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Calicut Railway Station (90km)
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (65km)
Best Experience: Trekking at Chembra Peak, exploring Edakkal Caves, sighting wildlife at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Kerala

6. Kovalam

Kovalam, a tropical jewel, is one of the best places to visit in Kerala in October.

Photo: Dream Holidays / Unsplash

Located in Kerala, Kovalam is renowned for its vibrant culture and beautiful golden sand beaches. Visit the Janardhana Swamy Temple, a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu to seek spiritual solace. It displays an exuberance of traditions through traditional dance performances and local festivals as part of Kovalam’s cultural calendar. The popular tourist attractions here are Kovalam Beach, Janardhana Swami Temple, Varkala Cliff Walk, cultural programs, and local festivals.

Best Time To Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Central Railway Station (30km)
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (65 km)

7. Varkala

Varkala, a quaint abode, is one of the best hotspots to visit in Kerala in October.

Photo: Anand S / Unsplash

Varkala is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Kerala with natural beauty and rich culture. A famous ancient temple that adds spiritual and cultural value to this town is the Janardhana Swamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Once you step into this place, you are bound to enjoy shows such as folk dances and feast on delicious local food. Its geologic attractions comprise the Varkala Cave with carvings on it. Varkala Beach, Janardhana Swami Temple, and Varkala Cliff Walk — an ideal route for hiking are some of the famous spots here.

Best Time To Visit: October and February
Nearest Railway Station:
Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (3 km)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (50 km)
Best Experience: Sunbathing at Varkala Beach, water surfing in the Arabian Sea, trekking on Varkala Cliff Walk

Suggested Read: Jungle Safari In Kerala

8. Kumarakom

A glimpse of a houseboat cruising through the serene backwaters of Kumarakom, Kerala.

Photo: Purushothama Reddy M / Unsplash

Kumarakom is one of the ideal spots for tourists, characterised by backwaters, green woods as well as a widely stretched wildlife habitat. Visitors can enjoy stays in traditional houseboats or dugout canoes here. These are in its labyrinthine network comprising a system of canals, lakes, and rivers. Popular tourist spots include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Vembanad Lake, and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.

Best Time To Visit: September to March
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station (16 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (85 km)

9. Bekal

An aerial view of Bekal decked with azure waters, palm trees, and the famous Bekal Fort.

Photo: Brian Scott / Unsplash

Bekal is a beautiful beach town in the ‘God’s Own Land,’ Kerala. It is widely known for its historical importance alongside many other natural factors. Among them, the most essential factor is the 17th-century architectural identity, the Bekal Fort embracing the Arabian Sea. Among the many places to visit in Kerala in October, Bekal is a place with an amalgamation of natural beauty, historical importance, and richness of culture. Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Backwaters of Valiyaparamba, Ananthapura Lake Temple, and Chandragiri Fort are some of the best places to visit in Bekal.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Kasargod Railway Station (13km)
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport (60km)
Best Experience: Boat rides, rafting, kayaking, cultural tours to historic temples, churches, and mosques

Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kerala

10. Guruvayur

A view of the famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple with a lot of devotees.

Photo: Susmitanair / Wikimedia Commons

Guruvayur serves as one of the most important religious places in Kerala. It is decked with beautiful temples and many important cultural heritages all around. Lord Krishna’s famous temple, Guruvayur Temple is also situated here, adding holiness to Kerala tourist places. The Guruvayur Museum holds the history and rich culture of this place. Boat rides can be enjoyed at the serene Guruvayur Lake. Guruvayur Temple, Punnathur, and Kotta Elephant Sanctuary are some of the best places to visit in Guruvayur.

Best Time To Visit: November to February
Nearest Railway Station: Thrissur Railway Station (30 km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (100 km)
Best Experience: Exploring wildlife sanctuary, shopping from local markets, and enjoying traditional dance performances in the cultural centres

11. Kollam

Kollam, a quaint abode is filled with verdant grasslands, historic marvels, and more.

Photo: !ME / Unsplash

Known for its peaceful backwaters and the huge Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam has been one of the major trading ports since ancient times. Remnants of old Chinese fishing nets are still used in Kollam. In terms of the cuisine available, the city offers delicious seafood for tourists. From centuries-old temples to churches, the city also boasts many cultural attractions including Ashtamudi Lake, Palaruvi Falls, Kollam Beach, Thevally Palace, Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Park, and Jatayu Earth’s Centre.

Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (65km)
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 days

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In Kerala

12. Trivandrum

Trivandrum, the charm of Kerala, is decked with historic wonders and wildlife sanctuaries.

Photo: Govind Krishnan / Unsplash

Trivandrum’s historical and cultural richness is widely reflected in the various museums, temples, and monuments recounting the history of the place. The natural beauty of this city is another reason it happens to be one of the most popular tourist places in Kerala. From beaches to lakes and wildlife sanctuaries to a plenitude of outdoor activities — the place is coupled with picture-postcard scenes. Some of the popular tourist attractions here include Poovar Island, Kovalam Beach, Akkulam Lake, Veli Tourist Village, Shanghumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Kerala Science and Technology Museum, Napier Museum, and Kuthiramalika Palace Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Best Time to Visit: October and March
Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Central Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days

Kerala, widely known for its diversity and rich heritage, offers a vibrant cultural experience. It has long been one of the most beautiful natural places characterised by vibrant traditions. Get ready to witness the charm of this tropical gem by exploring the best places to visit in Kerala in October. Plan your trip with TripXL to get great deals and enjoy a hassle-free vacation.

Cover Photo: Godson Bright / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

The ideal time to visit Kerala is during the winter season from October to February when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing.
Popular festivals celebrated in Kerala are Onam, Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, and the Snake Boat Races (Vallam Kali).
Some of the most common hotels in Kerala that are highly rated include The Leela Kovalam Beach Resort, Zuri Kumarakom Spa & Resort, Marine Drive, Ernakulam, Gateway Hotel, and Taj Malabar Resort & Spa.
Kerala is famous for its backwaters and green landscapes, tea and spice plantations, Ayurvedic treatments, wildlife sanctuaries, and rich cultural heritage like Kathakali dance and Kalaripayattu martial art.
Alleppey is famous for its serene backwaters. Staying on a houseboat and cruising through the backwaters is an enthralling experience that you should try in Alleppey.

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