Best Places To Visit In Kerala With Family For A Fun-Filled Vacation

Sail through the Kerala backwaters and spend the best time with your family and friends.

Kerala is South India’s most beautiful state with so many sightseeing options to soothe your eyes. Family tourists visiting Kerala can take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit some of the most breathtaking locations while also spending quality time with their loved ones. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala with family from tea gardens in Thekkady to stunning scenery and serene beaches. You can also take a chance to see the local animals in their natural habitat.

11 Best Places To Visit In Kerala With Family

From serene beaches to lush green landscapes here are some of the best places to visit in Kerala with your family.

1. Alleppey

Glide through the Alleppey backwaters, one of the places to visit in Kerala with family.

Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons

Alleppey is a popular tourist destination for backwater cruises. The charming town, one of Kerala’s top tourist destinations, is dotted with several amazing sites for human interest. It has a fantastic system of rivers, lakes, lagoons, and other features. The best lodging choice offered in this charming location is houseboats. Enjoy a romantic one-night trip in Alleppey’s traditional houseboat through its picturesque backwaters. Lord Curzon also referred to it as the Venice of the East. Kerala houseboats come outfitted with luxuries including connected bathrooms, spacious chambers, and onboard meals.

Major Tourist Attractions: Punnamada Lake, St. Andrews Church, and Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Alleppey

2. Cochin

Watch out the breathtaking skylines and other views of Kochi on your trip to Kerala.

Photo: Fsquares (The Ibrahims) / Wikipedia

One of the best places to visit in Kerala with family is Cochin. This is primarily because this tourist spot is referred to as the “Queen of Arabian Sea” by the general public. Known as Kerala’s industrial hub, the city is home to numerous historic forts, palaces, cathedrals, and excellent museums. It is also known as the Gateway to South India, a region well-known for its exceptionally tasty cuisine and spice farms. Over the ages, the city has been ruled by several civilizations. Thus, this place offers a stunning fusion of civilizations.

Major Tourist Attractions: Marine Drive, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Hill Palace, and Santa Cruz Basilica

3. Munnar

Witness the spectacular views at Munnar, one of the places to visit in Kerala with family.

Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons

Situated in the lush Western Ghats, Munnar is one of South India’s most breathtaking hill towns. Beautiful lakes, emerald green hill peaks, lush green tea gardens, dense forest areas, and uncommon fauna are among the area’s main draws. Numerous wildlife and adventure enthusiasts frequent the serene location on a regular basis. It is regarded as one of Kerala’s top destinations for leisurely getaways.

Major Tourist Attractions: Anamudi Peak, Kuthumkal Waterfalls, Echo Point, Observatory Hills, and Power House Waterfalls

Suggested Read: Top Incredible Places To Visit In Munnar On Your Next Southern Voyage

4. Kovalam

Relax at the serene beaches of Kovalam, one of the most serene spots in Kerala, India.

Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons

Kovalam, a small coastal town in Kerala, is a well-liked beach resort in the region. The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, is 16 km to the south of it. Kovalam literally translates as “grove of coconut trees.” The area is made up of several resorts and spa therapy facilities and has beaches lined with palm trees. The Maharaja of Travancore paid attention to the tourists in Kovalam. It is a Kerala tourism spot that you simply must see.

Major Tourist Attractions: Hawah Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Vellayani Lake, Halcyon Castle, and Kovalam Art Gallery

5. Kumarakom

Soothe your eyes with these mesmerising views at the Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom, Kerala.

Photo: Rison Thumboor / Wikimedia Commons

Kumarakom, a well-known backwater area in Kerala, is a charming village ideally located in the Kottayam district on the banks of Vembanad Lake. It is a tourist’s paradise because of the tranquil backwaters, mangrove trees, coconut palms, large paddy fields, calm lagoons, and an abundance of wildlife and vegetation. You can engage in sightseeing, canoeing, and fishing while visiting Kumarakom.

Major Tourist Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, and Chavara Bhavan

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kumarakom For A Memorable Vacation

6. Palakkad

Visit the unique attractions in Palakkad, one of the places to visit in Kerala with family.

Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons

Palakkad, also referred to as Palghat, is a well-liked Kerala tourist resort. It is known as the Granary of Kerala since it is said to be the state’s most fertile and heavily forested area. Because of the Palakkad Gap, which is located in the Western Ghats, it serves as the entrance to Kerala. Owing to its unspoiled atmosphere, the area has a lasting effect on all the visitors.

Major Tourist Attractions: The Malampuzha Dam, Pattambi Nercha, Kunchan Smarakam, and Kalpathy Temple

7. Thekkady

Witness the serene lakes of Thekkady, one of the places to visit in Kerala with family.

Photo: Jigyasu / Wikimedia Commons

One of Kerala’s most popular tourist spots is Thekkady. It is well-known for some of the most unique plantations of spices, coffee, and tea. Enjoy nature in its purest form when visiting Thekkady. You’ll see an endless view of verdant trees, chattering birds, lush hills, and an incredibly beautiful environment. The region is well-known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to tigers, Gaur and Nilgiri langurs, lion-tailed macaques, and herds of elephants. Thekkady is a significant trading hub that exports a variety of uncommon Indian spices.

Major Tourist Attractions: Periyar Lake and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Thekkady

8. Wayanad

Explore the natural wonders of the calm Wayanad on your next trip to Kerala, India.

Photo: Karkiabhijeet / Wikimedia Commons

Wayanad, a well-liked tourist destination in Kerala, India is located at a height of 2100 metres above sea level. The verdant foliage, mist-covered hills, and clean air of Wayanad will make your trip there one to remember. It is merely a heaven and a destination that visitors to Kerala simply must see. The tea and spice plantations that envelop the hill station provide the area with an air of mystique.

Major Tourist Attractions: The Banasura Dam, Lakkidi, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

9. Kozhikode

See the picturesque views at Kozhikode, one of the places to visit in Kerala with family.

Photo: Sidheeq / Wikimedia Commons

Kozhikode, formerly Calicut, is a tiny but vibrant city and one of Kerala’s top tourist destinations. It is the location of Vasco da Gama’s initial landing. Even if the city has maintained its culture and customs, one can nevertheless sense a Western influence in the air. Due to the ease with which commerce may be conducted here from other places, the location has drawn the attention of several different nations.

Major Tourist Attractions: Dolphin’s Point, Krishnan Menon Museum, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Ettumanoor Temple, and Thali Temple

Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Kozhikode

10. Kappad Beach

Kappad beach in Kerala is one of the most tranquil destinations to spend your time.

Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons

Visiting Kappad Beach in Kozhikode is one of the most beautiful beaches, and your soul with thank you. Its calm and tranquil atmosphere will surely make you feel relaxed away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can swim, go boating, sunbathe, relax or indulge in beach sports with your family and friends. One can also experience a serene houseboat while gazing at the sky along with witnessing the culture and history of the location.

Major Tourist Attractions: Vasco da Gama’s historic landing site, a commemorative monument, Fishing villages, rocky outcrops and Ayurvedic centers

11. Monroe Island

Beautiful backwaters from Monroe island, one of the places to visit in Kerala with family

Photo: Mohit Jain / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Monroe Island is a picturesque and tranquil inland group of islands located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River. These beautiful islands are ideal for the travellers seeking an immersive experience exploring Kerala’s backwaters. Munroe Island is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterised by a network of canals, lagoons, and water channels that crisscross the island. Dotted with coconut groves, paddy fields, and traditional Kerala houses, these islands are one of the most unique places to visit in Kerala with family.

Major Tourist Attractions: Serene backwater cruises, mangrove forests, canoe rides, birdwatching, and village life experiences

Suggested Read: Beautiful Islands In Kerala To Visit On Your Next Trip

12. Thrissur

Image of the popular Thrissur Pooram, with tourists wandering around

Photo: The.Radiance.Photography / Wikimedia Commons

Widely known as the “Cultural capital of Kerala” , Thrissur is known for its rich heritage and sacred sites. From the majestic Vadakkunnathan Temple to lively markets and art schools, Thrissur offers a soulful journey through Kerala’s rich past and festive spirit. It’s a place where culture dances in every street and heartbeat. As one of the best family tourist places in Kerala, Thrissur is home to Kerala Kalamandalam, a premier center for classical arts, and hosts numerous festivals, music concerts, and cultural fairs.

Major Tourist Attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram, Guruvayur Temple, Kerala Kalamandalam, Athirappilly Waterfalls

13. Vagamon

Majestic tea plantations of Vagamon, one of the renowned places to visit in Kerala with family

Photo: Nandhu Kumar / Pexels

Nestled in the western ghats of Kerala, Vagamon is a serene hill station draped in misty meadows, pine forests, and scenic tea plantations. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy paragliding, trekking, and rock climbing. Vagamon’s tranquil charm, spiritual spots like Kurisumala, and untouched landscapes make it a perfect escape from city chaos.The peaceful surroundings with cool and soft breeze blowing across the valley makes it one of the best tourist places in Kerala for families.

Major Tourist Attractions: Vagamon Pine Forest, Kurisumala Ashram, Vagamon Meadows, Thangalpara, Murugan Mala, Mooppanpara Viewpoint, and Vagamon Lake

Suggested Read: Tourist Places To Visit In Vagamon On Your Next Getaway

14. Trivandrum

A planetarium in Trivandrum, one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family

Photo: Vijayakumarblathur / Wikimedia Commons

Home to numerous historical landmarks, Trivandrum reflects Kerala’s rich and illustrious heritage. To the east and northeast, the district is adorned with verdant highlands of the Western Ghats, offering serene picnic spots in Kerala for families amidst lush greenery. With ancient temples like Sree Padmanabhaswamy, colonial architecture, and sun-kissed beaches, the elegant capital city of Kerala pulses with cultural depth and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the rich history of the region through these museums, which highlight everything from traditional art forms to the state’s colonial legacy.

Major Tourist Attractions: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kovalam Beach, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Shangumugham Beach, Poovar Island and Veli Tourist Village

15. Kottayam

Scenic view of the famous hill in Kottayam, covered with dense greenery

Photo: Kkraj08 / Wikimedia Commons

Nestled by the emerald backwaters and the mighty Western Ghats, Kottayam is epitomised by its stretches of vast greenery, paddy fields and huge rubber plantations. Kottayam has earned its epithet as the ‘Land of Letters’ due to its profound contributions to Malayalam literature and printing history. The famous tourist places to visit in Kottayam​ offer something for every traveller. From the rice paddies of Kuttanad to the beautiful Vembanad Lake, Kottayam offers a soulful slice of authentic Kerala life.

Major Tourist Attractions: Kumarakom Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Thazhathangady Juma Masjid, St. Mary’s Church, Poonjar Palace, and Elaveezhapoonchira

Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kottayam For Picturesque Hues Of Mountains

From the diverse landscapes to the richness of cultural heritage — the state offers a unique travelling experience with its best places to visit in Kerala with family. Starting with the serene backwaters of Alleppey, the lush green tea gardens at Munnar, and the vibrant traditions of this enchantingly captivating state. Plan a trip with TripXL and get ready for an adventure.

Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Kerala is from October to March in winter, with pleasant weather and ideal conditions for sightseeing in the region.
The stay on the houseboats is safe and comfortable at Alleppey, which has attached bathrooms and onboard meals. Most of the modern amenities are available on board.
Some of the places of interest in Munnar include Anamudi Peak, Kuthumkal Waterfalls, and Echo Point, which have lovely tea gardens.
Thekkady has the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary where elephants, tigers, Nilgiri langurs, and many other species roam free in their natural habitat
Kerala has a good connectivity network by roads and public transport across its tourist places. You can also hire a private cab for comparatively more comfortable and convenient travel.
Yes, children can enjoy boat rides in the backwaters, elephant rides in Thekkady, visiting zoos and aquariums in Thiruvananthapuram, and exploring tea museums in Munnar.
Families can enjoy Kathakali dance performances, traditional martial art shows like Kalaripayattu, local food festivals, and village tours.
Family-friendly options include homestays, eco-resorts, and houseboats that provide spacious rooms, child-friendly meals, and comfortable surroundings.

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