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Kerala, one of the ten paradises of the world, offers a wide range of destinations for visitors to explore. With its amazing ecotourism initiatives, Kerala is one of the most exciting places to visit. From the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the verdant tea nurseries of Munnar, the tourist attractions here ensure memorable experiences catering to everyone’s taste. The tourist hotspots in Kerala offer an enthralling experience with lifelong memories. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top ten places to visit in Kerala in January.
Places To Visit In Kerala In January
Kerala’s long coastline and mesmerising scenic views attract tourists from around the world. Here are some of the most sought-after places for a Kerala trip in January:
1. Munnar
Photo: BroKholi94 / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar, with its tea, coffee, and spice plantations, is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Kerala in January. It is surrounded by magnificent views of mountains, valleys, lakes, and waterfalls and hence is perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can also try several adventure activities like ziplining, trekking, kayaking, and more amidst the tranquil vistas of Munnar. Situated at a confluence of three mountain streams, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, Munnar has a magnificent climate throughout the year.
Tourist Attractions: Anamudi Apex, Attukal Waterfalls, Pothamedu View Point, TATA Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Wonder Valley Adventure & Amusement Park, Kundala Lake, and more
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kochi
2. Alleppey
Photo: Mohit Jain / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Alleppey, popularly known as ‘Venice of the East’, is a city that boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and historical heritage. The yearly Nehru Trophy Boat Race at the Punnamda Lake is something that attracts multiple tourists. It is a picturesque coastal town with pristine beaches and scenic landscapes that make it an amazing destination for a vacation with family and friends. For adventure seekers, there are thrilling activities like hiking, kayaking, jet skiing, banana boat rides, etc.
Tourist Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal Island, Punnamda Lake, and more
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Kochi
Kochi is a port city which is also known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’ due to its natural harbour on the Arabian Sea coast and the fact that it was a centre for spice trade in old times. The spice markets of Kochi are what visitors love to explore on a trip to purchase high-quality spices. The awe-inspiring handicrafts and artefacts in Kochi are worth exploring as a tourist. Fort Kochi, the first European township of India, is a region with rich cultural heritage in Kerala that is a must-visit.
Tourist Attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Jew Street, etc.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Theme Parks In Kerala
4. Thekkady
Photo: Anil Xavier / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Thekkady is a small town that boasts a unique wildlife experience for tourists. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers looking for tourist attractions in Kerala in January. Thekkady is home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can explore diverse flora and fauna. It is an ideal spot for thrill seekers with adventure activities like jungle safaris, bamboo rafting, trekking, and rock climbing. From the peaceful Periyar Lake to the thick forest areas with elephants, tigers, and different bird species, Thekkady ensures an exceptional experience for someone visiting.
Tourist Attractions: Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Spice Gardens, etc.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
5. Wayanad
Photo: Rahul Ramesh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Wayanad, a rural district of Kerala, has a beautiful splendour and rich heritage that dates back to the bygone era. The Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are famous hotspots for an amazing experience. Wayanad, with its serene landscapes and plethora of scenic views, is another gem on the list of places to visit in Kerala in January. As a flourishing tourist spot, Wayanad offers a tranquil experience to visitors for a memorable vacation.
Tourist Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Waterfalls, and Soochipara Waterfalls
Best Time To Visit: October to May
Suggested Read: Munnar Adventure Parks
6. Kovalam
Famous for its bow-shaped shore with three adjacent beaches, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach, Kovalam attracts travellers every year. With its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and fun beach activities, Kovalam is one of the popular places to visit in Kerala in January. It is a great location for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The Juma Masjid mosque is famous for its stunning architecture and tranquil atmosphere which tourists admire the most.
Tourist Attractions: Juma Masjid mosque, Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach
Best Time To Visit: September to April
7. Varkala
Photo: Shalender Kumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Varkala, a small town in Kerala, is located 50 kilometres northwest of Thiruvananthapuram and has pristine beaches with a scenic backdrop of palm trees. The Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is considered a holy site where devotees come to wash away their sins. Tourists visit the 2000-year-old sacred Janardanaswamy Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu. The mausoleum of Sree Narayana Guru located on the top of a hill is a very famous historical monument of Kerala.
Tourist Attractions: Papanasam Beach, Janardanaswamy Temple, and Sree Narayana Guru’s tomb
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Meenvallam Waterfalls
8. Bekal
Bekal, a small town, is famous for the eminent Bekal Fort and is one of the must-visit Kerala’s tourist places in January. This fort is shaped like a giant keyhole and offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea from the observation towers. Bekal is famous for the 10-day Bekal International Beach Festival which is held in December and attracts tourists from all around the world. The picturesque and amusing views of the white-sand beaches make Bekal an enchanting destination for visitors.
Tourist Attractions: Bekal Beach, Nityanand Ashram Caves, Chandragiri Fort, Kappil Beach, The Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Valiyaparamba Backwaters
Best Time To Visit: October to Spring
9. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a village located on the backwaters of Kerala at the banks of Vembanad Lake. It is part of Kerala’s Kuttanad region which is known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary houses several species of birds like cuckoos and Siberian storks. Visitors can opt for a ride on a private houseboat through the lagoons and rivers for some rejuvenation amidst a peaceful environment. The Bay Island Driftwood Museum has a unique collection of wooden sculptures. The ancient Thazhathangady Mosque, located in the east of Kumarakom, is a famous holy shrine of the village.
Tourist Attractions: Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Craft Museum, Kumarakom Beach
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Suggested Read: Bay Island Driftwood Museum
10. Thrissur
Thrissur, the social capital of Kerala, is a vivacious city known for its rich history and distinctive festivals. The city is home to the notable Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Thiruvambady Temple. Thrissur Pooram, one of the most phenomenal temples in Kerala, holds a festival every year that attracts several visitors. The Sakthan Thampuran Palace has an archaeology museum that houses coins and bronze statues from the bygone era.
Tourist Attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thiruvambady Temple, and Sakthan Thampuran Palace
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” offers a myriad of places to visit in January. Visiting Kerala is a traveller’s dream due to its pleasant climate, mesmerising views, rich cultural heritage, bustling spice markets, and more. Plan a trip to Kerala with TripXL and experience its extraordinary magnificence. Each one of the places to visit in Kerala in January ensures that visitors have an unforgettable trip.
Cover Photo: Godson Bright / Pexels
