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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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