Kerala is one of the highly rated places to visit in South India. But, if you’re a curious traveller, you would definitely wonder about any offbeat seasonal places in Kerala. There are many such places to visit in Kerala in September, from pristine beaches to picturesque mountain views, temples reflecting the rich heritage of Kerala and parks comprising diverse wildlife, all coming together in one place. So get ready to take upon this outworldly adventure to god’s own country this fall.
14 Best Places To Visit In Kerala In September
Explore this list of 14 best places to visit in Kerala in September to make your next fall trip a worthy adventure:
1. Edakkal Caves
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Edakkal Caves near Wayanad are one of Kerala’s top offbeat destinations. These caves, located in the stunning Western Ghats, feature 8,000-year-old carvings. The caves are actually rock shelters identical to the Bhimbetka shelters in Madhya Pradesh, and they include the only stone Age engravings in South India, dating back to 6,000 BC. The journey from the base to the cliff follows rocky trails that eventually lead to a spectacular outlook.
Best Time To Visit: Any time of the year
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala
2. Kappil Beach
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
In Kappil, the road winds down from the coast on one side to the picturesque backwaters filled with coconut trees on the other. This tourist spot is one of Kerala’s least-explored destinations, and is frequently eclipsed by Varkala, a local attraction. Long parts of the pristine beach, which affords some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Arabian Sea, are uninhabited. On the other side lies Edava Narayana Lake, which is home to some of the best birds.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
3. Gavi, Periyar
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
Gavi is a spectacular forested area within the Periyar Tiger Reserve that surrounds the gorgeous Gavi Lake. The lake’s quiet waters are crystal pure and mirror the rich green hues of the dense forest surrounding it. The forest is home to over 260 kinds of birds and is overflowing with animals. Bison, elephants, lion-tailed macaques, and Malabar giant squirrels can all be found in the area. It is a nature lover’s paradise and remains one of Kerala’s best-untouched sites.
Best Time To Visit: August to March
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In South Kerala
4. Vagamon
Photo: Shristi Shreyasi / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for more secluded hill stations then Vagamon is the ideal place for you. Located in Idukki, it is often also renowned as the ‘Scotland of Asia’. The name refers to the verdant meadows and lush forest high up in the hills ideal for paragliding. Untouched by the commercialization of the nearby town, Munnar, Vagamon still offers a tranquil experience to visitors. Around the Vagamon hills one can boat, explore the pine forests
Best Time To Visit: February and March
5. Ashtamudi Lake
Photo: Raviz Hotels and Resorts / Wikimedia Commons
Everyone is familiar with the Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters, but the Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam, Kerala, is located further away. This is one of the best places for Kerala trip in September, with a bird sanctuary and eight rivers flowing from the Ashtamudi Lake. One of the most essential things to do in Kerala is boating, especially with traditional Kerala boats. These provide a magnificent experience and increased relaxation.
Best Time To Visit: August and October
Suggested Read: Jungle Safari In Kerala
6. Nelliyampathy
Photo: Dr. Chinchu. C / Wikimedia Commons
Nelliyampathy, near Palakkad, is one of Kerala’s most popular tourist attractions. The cloud-covered summits, which range in height from 467 to 1572 metres, are breathtaking. The drive to Nelliyampathy is spectacular, with vistas offering picturesque views. Those interested in bio-farming might stop along the way to have a closer look at the farms and enormous tea estates. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also famous for their orange farming. The forests are home to over 200 bird species and 90 butterfly species.
Best Time To Visit: September to February
7. Vembanad
Photo: Vyachelslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
One of the must-visits on Kerala’s September tourist places list is the Vembanad Lake, located in Kumarakom. Vembanad’s algae-rich emerald waters are as pure as they get, a pristine spot in God’s own nation. It is the largest source of surface water in India, as well as the country’s longest lake.A saltwater barrier separates the lake into freshwater and brackishwater areas, preventing seawater incursion.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kerala
8. Kollengode Palace
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
One of the few locations that truly captures the natural beauty of Kollengode village is Kollengode Palace, which is situated in Palakkad, Kerala. Situated on the southeast side of Kollengode, it is a striking building that holds an extensive collection of murals from all over Kerala. The village’s blacksmith (Kollen) community is the source of the name. Numerous temples, megaliths, manuscripts written on dry palm leaves, and artefacts from the Wayanad and Thrissur forests are housed in this museum.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
9. Thiruvallam Backwaters
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thiruvallam Backwaters is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala in September . Its tranquil setting is widely known for its canoe trips. The Parashuram temple draws a large crowd of visitors who come to pay their respects to Kerala’s illustrious founder. The Killi and Karamana rivers merge here before flowing into the Arabian Sea. The Veli Lagoon is famous for its thrilling water sports. In addition, the Akkulam Boat Club provides boating tours on Akkulam Lake.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Suggested Read: Water Parks In Kerala
10. Marine Drive
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
The Marine Drive in Kochi is a stunning promenade. Being one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Kerala in September, it boasts a stunning view of Kochi Harbour and the backwaters. It is great for afternoons spent watching the sunset and enjoying the calm wind. The boulevard begins at the High Court Junction and extends to the Rajendra Maidan.There is also a wide range of shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants, cafés, and groceries along the way.
Best Time To Visit: September and March
11. Soochipara
Photo: M. arunprasad / Wikimedia Commons
Soochipara waterfall exemplifies responsible tourism; the entire region is plastic-free, so you won’t see any stray water bottles or wrappers while enjoying the waterfalls.Taking upon the aspects of sustainability and ecotourism, Soochipara has gained popularity. Being one of the places to visit in Kerala, it is nestled in a picturesque valley near Wayanad. To reach the thunderous falls, you must first descend a difficult path through dense woodland.
Best Time To Visit: December to May
Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala
12. Thiruvalathoor Sri Rama Temple
Photo: RajeshUnuppally / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thiruvalathoor Sri Rama Temple is one of the oldest tourist spots located in Palakkad, Kerala. This temple’s stone sculptures and beautiful woodwork entice visitors and tourists. Here forefathers believed that this wall was built by God’s armies. This temple is devoted to Lord Rama, a manifestation of Vishnu. This tourist destination is well-known as the region’s most prominent pilgrimage site. Thiruvalathoor Sri Rama Temple is widely known for its colourful festivals and celebrations.
Best Time To Visit: December to May
13. Silent Valley National Park
Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons
The Silent Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the Nilgiri Hills. Being one of the best places to visit in Kerala, it is home to the endangered lion-tailed macaque, as well as 138 bird species, 730 insect varieties, and 34 animal species. It was officially declared a national park in 1984 and inaugurated in 1985. With its diverse wildlife, the park is a haven for wildlife and vegetation enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
14. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kochi is one of Kerala’s best tourist places in September. Thattekad, named after the late pioneering ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, is a natural sanctuary. It has 25 square kilometres of lush forests, wetlands, and rivers, and is home to hundreds of bird species and a diverse range of butterflies. The list is constantly growing as new birds are added each year. So explore with a tour guide to get the best bird-watching experience.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Kerala, often known as “God’s Own Country,” offers more than just its popular tourist spots. From the historical depths of Edakkal Caves to the tranquil backwaters of Thiruvallam and the biodiversity-rich landscapes of Silent Valley National Park. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking solace away from the bustling city life, these places to visit Kerala in September make it ideal. So plan your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons