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Kerala is known as God’s Own Country, lies on the southwestern coast of India, and is a coastal state to behold. Popular for its lush green scenery, calm backwaters, sand beaches, tea plantations, and rich cultural legacy, Kerala is an abode for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture seekers. Whether you are seeking relaxation or adventure, you cannot find a better destination than Kerala for all classes of tourists. This Kerala travel guide will help you maximise your visit to Kerala by providing insights into the best attractions, places to stay, and where to dine.
Quick Details About Kerala
Elevation: 2,695m above sea
Where To Stay: Bamboo Dale Resort, Johns Villa
Where To Eat: Grand Pavilion, Paragon Restaurant
Best Time To Visit: October – March
Location Details
Photo: mehul.antani / Wikimedia Commons
Kerala is located on the southwestern coast of India bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west, Tamil Nadu on the south and east, and Karnataka on the north. The state is part of the Indian Peninsula and roughly in line with the coastline of 580 km. Kerala features a distinct topology in conjunction with beaches, backwaters, hill stations, and evergreen forests.
How To Reach Kerala
Photo: Votv007 / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode International Airport are the major airports in Kerala.. All the details are provided in this Kerala travel guide.
By Train: Major railway stations include Ernakulam Junction, Trivandrum Central, and Kozhikode. Trains connect Kerala with mainline trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.
By Road: Kerala is easy to reach by road. National highways connect the entire state with other parts of India, and frequent buses run from cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore.
By Sea: Several ports are also in place, such as Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, both linked to international and domestic sea routes while providing passenger services.
Top 5 Places To Visit In Kerala
Kerala is an amazing destination to plan for your trip that offers a unique charm. From exploring backwaters to lush hill stations, the five must-visit places listed in this Kerala travel guide promise unforgettable experiences.
1. Munnar
Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar, a beautiful hill station, is renowned for its lush green tea gardens and misty mountains along with a serene environment. It sits at an elevation of 1,600m and is a convenient place to escape the busy city. You will find magnificent stops like Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India. An adventurous day hike or shaded cycle ride will have many evaluating themselves on the hills. With its weather, beauty, and sprawling tea estates, Munnar deserves inclusion on the travel itinerary. Virgin terrain makes it a popular location among honeymoon couples.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Things To Do: Visit tea gardens, Explore the nearby dam
2. Alleppey
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Alappuzha, known as the Venice of the East, is well recognised for its picturesque backwaters, houseboat cruises, and scenic beauty. Riding like a dream on a local traditional houseboat, you will drift along the emerald waters of Vembanad Lake. The city showcases the magnificent annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. You may come upon enchanting beaches like Alappuzha and Marari lurking around the deck. You will get to glimpse local life through ancestral villages, coconut groves, and rice fields.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Things To Do: Go to Marari Beach, Houseboat stay
3. Kumarakom
Photo: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons
Lying on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is an enchanting little village known for backwater tourism and the bird sanctuary. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary attracts birdwatchers from all around the world, and since it is home to Siberian cranes, there are endless sightings to offer them. Houseboat cruises, canoeing, and fishing are common tourist activities here. These features together ensure Kumarakom is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Ayurvedic wellness treatments are also available here, which makes it even more of a peaceful getaway. This combination of natural beauty with cultural experience makes it a desirable choice.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Things To Do: Go on a houseboat cruise, Visit the bird sanctuary
4. Wayanad
Photo: Nitin Pai / Wikimedia Commons
Wayanad is a scenic hill station nestled in the rugged Western Ghats and is characterised by lush forests, spice plantations, and rich cultural history. The trekkers may also plan for the hike to the Chembra Peak or Edakkal Caves which are one of the ancient rock-cut caves. With its placid Pookode Lake and cascading waterfalls like Meenmutty, it is followed up with a fresh wonderful set of lovely attractions. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary will ensure you will see elephants and also other wildlife. With a pleasant climate, lush landscapes, and rich heritage, it is a veritable haven for nature and history lovers. Wayanad is also a haven for sustainable tourism and local tribal culture.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Things To Do: Spot animals, Visit nearby falls
5. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Photo: Pranchiyettan / Wikimedia Commons
It is known as the Niagara of India, Athirappilly falls among the largest waterfalls in Kerala, at about 80 feet in height. Surrounded by thick greenery, it is located in the Chalakudy River. This mighty cascade is most spectacular, especially during the monsoons. Adventure lovers can trek through the forests to go down to the pool at the base of the falls. Athirappilly is also a wildlife haven-the area is frequented by elephants, leopards, and rare birds. A visit to this place is a thrill with nature’s power blended with a quiet ambience in the lush landscape of Kerala.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Things To Do: Go to Edakkal Caves, enjoy the safari
Where To Stay
Photo: Saad Faruque / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kerala offers a wide variety of stays from luxury resorts and hotels to budget homestays and guesthouses. Several options cater to different preferences for tourists who visit destinations such as Kochi, Munnar, and Alappuzha. Luxury resorts along the backwaters or on hill slopes rule the place with breathtaking views and traditional experiences. In contrast, homestays allow an authentic cultural experience with local cuisine and community interaction. Depending on one’s budget and interests, stay in beach resorts, heritage hotels, houseboats, or eco-lodges.
Where To Eat
Photo: BHAVAPRIYA J U / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Food in Kerala is delicious and varied and made from rice, coconut, and spices. During your stay in a coastal town or hill station, you can dine at several restaurants that offer delectable local specialities including traditional Kerala sadya, appam with stew, Karimeen Pollichathu, and Malabar Biryani. Snacks like banana fritters, samosas, and vada are also widely eaten and loved, both at home and in restaurants across Kerala. Lots of cafes and restaurants offering South Indian, continental, and North Indian cuisine line the streets.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
You should plan your trips keeping some points in mind. Weather, and culture, are mentioned in this Kerala travel guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for all visiting tourists.
Average Cost Of The Trip
The average cost of a Kerala trip per person depends on the duration and type of travel. For a 5–7 day trip, it typically ranges between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, covering budget accommodation, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Costs may vary based on activities like houseboat stays, Ayurvedic treatments, and adventure tours. Planning during off-peak seasons can help reduce expenses, making the trip more affordable for travellers.
Tips For Travellers
- Kerala has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. In summer, the temperatures rise.
- Kerala is known to be culturally rich with diverse heritage. It will be wise to respect the local customs and traditions.
- The backwaters can be best explored on houseboats or cultural boats that portray the awesome life of natives.
- Kerala has lots of Wildlife Sanctuaries, making it an exotic place for eco-tourists and wildlife lovers.
Kerala certainly has a feast for every type of tourist, adventure lover, nature buff, history buff, and those coming to escape for relaxation. Right from the backwaters and lush green to unique cultural experiences, Kerala is indeed to be God’s Own Country. Whether you’re exploring the scenic hill stations, indulging in Ayurvedic therapies, or witnessing its rich festivals, a visit to Kerala promises a lifetime of memories. This Kerala travel guide will help you with all the information. Plan your next journey with TripXL during the best time so you can experience each and everything this beautiful state offers.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
