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Kerala, also called God’s Own Country, is classified as a tourism hotspot in the southern part of the peninsula. Breathtaking places to plan a picnic are serene backwaters, luxuriant moving hills, staggering beaches, and beautiful waterfalls. The assorted land, rich culture, and delicious cuisine of the state make this a perfect picnic holiday destination. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway or adventure, Kerala’s picnic places ensure an unforgettable experience with their abundant natural beauty and lavish hospitality.
14 Picnic Places In Kerala
Let’s look at the top picnic places to visit in Kerala, each providing a distinct perspective on the town’s rich cultural and natural legacy.
1. Athirappilly Waterfalls
Photo: Pranchiyettan / Wikimedia Commons
Athirappilly Waterfalls, in Thrissur, is one of the best picnic places in Kerala. It’s a great natural wonder and is called the “Niagara of India.” From an 80-foot fall, this majestic water body presents a scintillating view among the green, dense forests. The sound of water, with the misty aura, makes it an alluring place best suited for picnics and nature lovers. Thousands of people from all over the country troop into this tourist destination in Kerala to witness its beauty and experience the thrilling exposure in Kerala.
Major Attractions: 80-foot high waterfall, surrounding forests, nearby Vazhachal Falls.
Best Time To Visit: June to September (monsoon season for maximum water flow).
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 70 km away.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Athirapally For A Serene Experience
2. Varkala Beach
Photo: Devender Goyal / Wikimedia Commons
Varkala Beach, situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, is a picturesque coastal paradise known for its stunning cliff-side views and golden sandy shores. The beach is flanked by towering red laterite cliffs, offering a unique landscape rarely found elsewhere in Kerala. The serene atmosphere, coupled with the rhythmic sounds of waves, makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and picnics. This popular destination in Kerala attracts both local and international tourists seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquillity.
Major Attractions: Cliff-top promenade, golden beach, Papanasam beach (believed to have holy waters).
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 45 km away.
3. Munnar
Munnar, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats, is renowned for its vast expanse of tea plantations and misty mountains. This verdant paradise offers a cool retreat from the tropical heat and presents numerous spots perfect for picnics amidst nature. The rolling hills covered in a carpet of green tea leaves create a mesmerising backdrop for outdoor activities and relaxation. This gem is a favourite picnic place in Kerala among nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway.
Major Attractions: Tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam.
Best Time To Visit: September to May.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 110 km away.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Munnar On Your Next Southern Voyage
4. Alappuzha Backwaters
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
The backwaters of Alappuzha, often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” offer a unique picnic experience in Kerala on traditional houseboats. This intricate network of lagoons, lakes, and canals provides a serene setting for a day out on the water. Cruising through the tranquil waters, surrounded by lush paddy fields and coconut groves, offers a glimpse into Kerala’s rural life. This must-visit destination in Kerala promises a memorable picnic experience unlike any other.
Major Attractions: Houseboat cruises, Vembanad Lake, traditional village life.
Best Time To Visit: August to May.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 85 km away.
5. Wayanad
Photo: Shagil Kannur / Wikimedia Commons
Wayanad, a lush green paradise in northern Kerala, is known for its rich biodiversity, misty mountains, and ancient caves. This rural district offers numerous picnic spots amidst its pristine forests and sprawling spice plantations. From serene lakes to towering peaks, Wayanad presents a diverse range of natural attractions perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This ecological hotspot of Kerala provides an ideal setting for picnics and nature exploration.
Major Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit: October to May.
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ), approximately 95 km away.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Wayanad For A Fun Trip
6. Kovalam Beach
Photo: subashnikon / Shutterstock
Kovalam, a renowned beach destination near Thiruvananthapuram, is famous for its crescent-shaped beaches and iconic lighthouse. The palm-fringed shores and calm waters make it an ideal spot for beachside picnics and relaxation. The area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, catering to various preferences. This popular coastal retreat in Kerala attracts both sun-seekers and those looking for a peaceful day by the sea.
Major Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach.
Best Time To Visit: September to March.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 15 km away.
7. Silent Valley National Park
Photo: kv naushad / Shutterstock
Silent Valley National Park, located in the Palakkad district, is a biodiversity hotspot and one of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rainforests. This pristine ecosystem offers a unique picnic experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s tranquil environment, rich flora and fauna, and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. This ecological treasure of Kerala provides a glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity.
Major Attractions: Rich flora and fauna, Kunthi River, ancient tribal settlements.
Best Time To Visit: December to April.
Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ), approximately 100 km away.
Suggested Read: Anamudi Shola National Park
8. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. This small yet significant sanctuary offers picnic spots amidst lush greenery and serene waterscapes. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, bird watching, and peaceful walks through nature trails. This ornithological paradise is one of the most attractive picnic places in Kerala in the company of various local and migratory birds.
Major Attractions: Wide variety of birds, Vembanad Lake, and mangrove forests.
Best Time To Visit: November to March.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 85 km away.
9. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, also known as Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, is a birdwatcher’s paradise located in the Ernakulam district. This compact sanctuary offers numerous spots for picnics amidst its dense forests and along the banks of the Periyar River. The diverse avian fauna and tranquil environment make it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful day out. This ornithological hotspot in Kerala promises a unique picnic experience surrounded by the melodies of various bird species.
Major Attractions: Over 250 bird species, Periyar River, tropical forests.
Best Time To Visit: October to March.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK), approximately 45 km away.
Suggested Read: Popular Places To Visit Near Ernakulam In Kerala
10. Ponmudi
Photo: Thabo Gladston / Unsplash
Ponmudi, a serene hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. The mist-covered hills, winding roads, and panoramic views make it an ideal destination for picnics and outdoor activities. From trekking trails to scenic viewpoints, Ponmudi provides numerous spots for a memorable day out in nature. This hidden gem of Kerala tourism is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat away from the crowds.
Major Attractions: Mist-covered hills, Golden Valley, tea and rubber plantations.
Best Time To Visit: November to May.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), approximately 60 km away.
11. Poovar Island
Photo: Bliss Vallabhassery / Wikimedia Commons
Poovar Island, often dubbed Kerala’s hidden gem, sits at the southern tip of Thiruvananthapuram district where the Neyyar River meets the Arabian Sea. Forming golden-sand beaches, calm backwaters and dense mangrove forests, this island is accessible only by boat from Poovar village. This secluded island invites families to picnic beneath swaying palms, explore winding mangrove trails and glide along tranquil backwaters on boat cruises. Local shacks serve fresh coconut water and snacks by the ferry jetty. With free entry and simple refreshment stalls at the boat landing, Poovar Island offers an affordable, serene retreat from the city bustle.
Major Attractions: Serene backwaters meeting golden beaches and the Arabian Sea
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Poovar
12. Vagamon
Photo: Shristi Sheryasi / Wikimedia Commons
Vagamon, perched at around 1,100 metres in Idukki district about 100 kilometres east of Kochi, is often called the “Scotland of Asia” for its misty hills, green meadows and tall pine groves. This hill station makes an ideal picnic spot. You can spread a mat on the rolling Vagamon Meadows, wander through whispering pine forests or hire a paddle boat to drift across the calm Vagamon Lake. Scattered tea bushes and gentle trails offer shaded nooks, while roadside stalls serve piping hot tea and local snacks against a backdrop of cloud-topped peaks.
Major Attractions: Rolling meadows, pine forests, and misty hillscapes
13. Eravikulam National Park
Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons
Eravikulam National Park, perched at around 2,000 metres near Munnar, is a picnic haven surrounded by rolling shola grasslands and misty evergreen forests. Here you can lay out a picnic mat beside the Rajamala boardwalk, watch endangered Nilgiri Tahr grazing on hillsides and stroll short trails through wildflower meadows. A small kiosk at the park gate serves hot tea and local snacks to keep you fuelled as you explore. With Munnar town only 10 km away, free parking at the entrance and cool, crisp air year-round, Eravikulam makes a refreshing escape for families and nature lovers alike.
Major Attractions: The endangered Nilgiri Tahr and blooming Neelakurinji
Suggested Read: Periyar National Park
14. Idukki
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Idukki, cradled among Kerala’s Western Ghats, is famed for its twin dams and the shimmering reservoir that makes a perfect picnic backdrop. Towering parishes of Kuravan and Kurathi hills flank the concrete marvel, while misty slopes of spice plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. At Hill View Park, just two kilometres from the dam, manicured gardens and a natural pond invite paddle-boat rides, while children’s play areas and a herbal nursery offer restful diversions. Nearby viewpoints look out over emerald forests and the tranquil water, making it easy to find a quiet spot for laid-back lunches.
Major Attractions: Scenic arch dam, dense forests, and panoramic hill views
Kerala’s diverse landscapes offer a plethora of picturesque locations perfect for memorable picnics. From the thunderous Athirappilly Waterfalls to the serene backwaters of Alappuzha, each destination promises a unique experience amidst nature’s bounty. These ten Kerala picnic places showcase the best of Kerala’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity, catering to various interests and preferences. Let TripXL be your guide to discovering these enchanting picnic spots and more.
Cover Photo: Philip Liju / Unsplash
