Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
God’s Own Country, Kerala, boasts several breathtaking tourist spots that draw visitors from all over the world. There are hamlets, backwaters, commercial cities, hill stations, and many more scenic places to visit in South Kerala. Many travellers from around the world visit Kerala, drawn by the state’s rich cultural legacy and top tourist destinations. In terms of attractiveness, most significant cities are different from Kerala. These are some of the most idyllic places to visit in South Kerala that are ideal for honeymoons, romantic retreats, and family vacations.
Top 20 Popular Places To Visit In South Kerala
From the alluring hills to the idyllic sandy golden beaches, South Kerala has much more to offer to its visitors. Here is the list of the most popular places to visit in South Kerala on a trip.
1. Alleppey
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
This South Kerala tourist places list is topped by Alleppey. The area’s serene scenery, houseboat rentals, and backwater adventures draw a lot of tourists. It’s the most well-liked location to explore some of Kerala’s unusual backwaters. It is not hyperbole to describe Alleppey as the Venice of the East, as Lord Curzon did. As one of the most known tourist places to visit in South Kerala, it features vast stretches of paddy fields, quaint chapels, intriguing fishing towns, and lakes brimming with water lilies.
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Alleppey
2. Munnar
Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar, a well-liked hill station in Kerala, is among the famous tourist places in South Kerala. Once the British summer capital, Munnar sightseeing draws visitors from all around the world. The hill station of Munnar, with its 80,000 kilometres of tea plantations, misty valleys, low-lying clouds, and equal parts of fragrant flora, has become a resort in Kerala. Munnar is Kerala’s most romantic location, with lovely bungalows, small homestays, and luxury hotels and resorts which makes it one of the most sought-after destinations in South Kerala
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Kumarakom
Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons
Located next to Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a peaceful little village with captivating scenery, consistently good weather, and diverse flora and wildlife. This makes it one of Kerala’s most charming and family-friendly tourist destinations. There are many activities available, including fishing, boating, cruising, and houseboat stays at Kumarakom. Enjoy the pleasing weather and soothing walks amidst the lush flora and fauna of the Jumarakom hill on a South Kerala trip.
Best Time To Visit: September to May
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kumarakom For A Memorable Vacation
4. Wayanad
Photo: RAJEEVrk246 / Wikimedia Commons
In Malayalam, Wayanad refers to the region with paddy fields. Wayanad is the greenest tourist attraction in Kerala. Wayanad tourism is accentuated by its godlike beauty, serene atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage and nature. In the end, the area is well known for its diversity of cultures, traditions, and native history. Wayanad is one of Kerala’s most alluring and refreshing attractions with some of the state’s most lush green foliage calling it home.
Best Time To Visit: October to May
5. Thekkady
Photo: Jigyasu / Wikimedia Commons
Thekkady is Kerala’s top forest tourism destination covered in dense forests and untamed vegetation. You may see nearly extinct species such as lion-tailed macaques, tigers, and sambars. There are also bison, boars, deer, lions, elephants, and great Indian tigers. One of Kerala’s most well-liked tourist spots. The Gavi Path, which connects Thekkady and Moozhiyar, is a well-liked hiking route in South India. Thekkady is hands down one of the best places to visit in South Kerala to explore the alluring beauty of the state.
Best Time To Visit: November to early May
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Thekkady
6. Kovalam Beach
Photo: Sathish kalathil / Wikimedia Commons
Home to the most romantic beaches in Kerala, Kovalam is well-known for its water sports and thrilling activities like parasailing, powerful messages, Ayurvedic treatments, and New Year’s celebrations. The beach is especially lively during New Year’s celebrations, drawing a varied throng from numerous regions and countries. This cultural mix adds to the area’s allure, resulting in a busy yet romantic ambience in which natural beauty coexists with bustling human activity.
Best Time To Visit: September to May
7. Kannur
Photo: Kidu (talk) / Wikimedia Commons
Kannur, formerly known as Cannanore is one of the iconic places to visit in South Kerala. Discover the allure of this lovely colonial town on Kerala’s northeastern coast, with its sun-kissed golden beaches surrounded by lush cashew farms, historic temples, magnificent monuments, and buildings in British and Dutch styles. Kannur offers a variety of attractions, including spiritual retreats, adventure-filled trekking expeditions, exhilarating adventures for children, and exquisite relaxing nature tours.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Ezhimala Beach, Fort St. Angelos, and Rajarajeshwara Temple
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Places To visit In Kannur
8. Idukki
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Idukki, one of Kerala’s top vacation spots, is the ideal setting if rest and renewal are your top priorities. Situated between lush hills and opulent forests, Idukki tourism destinations entice passionate travellers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts with their breathtaking natural atmosphere and attractions. Idukki is unquestionably a well-known tourist destination in Kerala, ideal for hikes, nature walks, and bird-watching. It is surrounded by fragrant tea estates and spice plantations.
Best Time To Visit: June to August & November to January
9. Kuttanad
Photo: Sourav Niyogi / Wikimedia Commons
Kuttanad, one of Kerala’s most picturesque locations to view and feel the rural countryside with its quaint villages, tranquil backwaters, rivers, and farms, is situated in the Alappuzha area. Furthermore, Kuttanad is the best location to witness Kerala’s renowned traditional Heritage Agricultural System, which features farmland surrounded by inland rivers and canals which makes it of of the soothing places to visit in South Kerala to experience the beauty of the lush countryside.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Popular Tourist Attractions: Punnamada Lake and Pampa River
Suggested Read: The Heart Shaped Lake In Kerala
10. Malappuram
Photo: Satya prakasham / Wikimedia Commons
Malappuram is an unusual but wonderful South Kerala tourist place. This area, which translates locally as “land atop hills,” is well-known for its vast teak plantations as well as its abundance of historical monuments, mosques, and historic temples. The Chaliyar, Kadalundi, and Bharathapuzha are three of the major rivers that meander through Malappuram, which means “the terrace atop hills.” The temples of Malappuram have an unrivalled rich cultural past.
Best Time To Visit: July to September
11. Ponmudi
Photo: Ingo Mehling / Wikimedia Commons
Ponmudi is the perfect hill location for you if you’re someone who loves trekking the mountains and wants to get lost in the verdant, mist-covered hills. With so much to see, this is one of Kerala’s well-known locations for hikers and trekkers as well! Poovar’s terrain is bizarre, with lots of small, winding roads. The tea gardens that encircle it enhance its allure which eventually turns into one of the most favoured places to visit in South Kerala.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Meenmutty Falls, Mankayam Waterfalls, and Ponmudi Rock
Best Time To Visit: All around the year
Suggested Read: Bеst Placеs To Visit In Ponmudi For An Idеal Trip
12. Guruvayur
Photo: Sree4707 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Thrissur District, Guruvayur is one of Kerala’s holiest sites. Due to its modest size, it is Kerala’s less well-known tourist destination, making it the perfect place to learn about the state’s Indigenous culture and home to the famous Guruvayur temple, Kalaripayattu and vast fields of coconut trees. One of the greatest destinations in Kerala for people looking to fully embrace their spirituality is Guruvyaur.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Guruvayur Sree Vishnu Temple, Mammiyoor Temple, and St. Thomas Church
Best Time To Visit: October to March
13. Ashtamudi
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves. / Wikimedia Commons
Because of its exquisite beauty, Ashtamudi is the most charming and exciting site to visit in Kollam, Kerala, drawing tourists from around the world. Typically, tourists flock here to take in the breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere of God’s Own Country. The picturesque city offers a plethora of well-liked tourist activities, such as the stunning Ashtamudi Lake, traditional fishing, and cashew processing. Because of this Ashtamudi is one of the most favoured tourist places to visit in South Kerala.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Thevally Palace, Alumkadavu Boat Building Yard, Ashtamudi Lake
Best Time To Visit: November to February,
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Ashtamudi Lake
14. Marari
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons
Beach enthusiasts can find bliss at Kerala’s Marari Beach in Alleppey. It is one of the most stunning beaches in the nation and one of National Geographic’s top five “Hammock Beaches.” You can take part in a variety of beach activities, sunbathe, or just spend some quiet time relaxing. The stunning sunset vista from the sandy white beaches is another reason for its popularity and fame among travellers from around the world.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Cherthala, The Dutch Palace, Thumpoly Beach,
Best Time To Visit: September to May
15. Kochi
Photo: Hans A. Rosbach / Wikimedia Commons
Kochi is considered to be one of the best tourist attractions in South Kerala and is also known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” this destination is highly recommended and has long been a top choice for tourists. It offers its guests the best of both worlds with a flawless fusion of regional flavours and contemporary concepts. A short drive from Kochi are the beaches, backwaters, and historic spice markets; these attractions are now included in the list of things to do and see in Kochi.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Fort Kochi, Vypeen Beach, Cherai Beach, Andhakaranzhi Beach, Chinese
Best Time To Visit: July to April
Suggested Read: Picturesque Places To Visit In Kochi For A Scenic Retreat
16. Thiruvananthapuram
Photo: Vishnu Prasad / Unsplash
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum, is one of the top tourist attractions in South Kerala. It is known for its rich history and vibrant cultural heritage, attracting visitors from all across the globe. Encapsulating sacred sites including the majestic Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, the Aazhimala Siva Temple, the Karikkakom Chamundi Devi Temple, and the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, this place is known for its spiritual serenity. Thiruvananthapuram also serves as a gateway to the neighbouring beach villages of Kovalam and Varkala.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
17. Kollam
Kollam, housing natural wonders and historical edifices, is one of the best places to visit in South Kerala. Abundant with placid backwaters and picturesque landscapes, Kollam is an ideal destination for both nature lovers and history aficionados. It is situated at a distance of 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and is home to the cashew-producing industry. From the towering Thangassery Lighthouse and scenic Kollam Beach to the iconic Jatayu Earth’s Centre and the tranquil Sasthamcotta Lake, there’s a lot to explore in this serene abode.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kollam For A Memorable Trip
18. Pathanamthitta
Photo: Prasanth Prakash / Wikimedia Commons
Steeped in spirituality and mysticism, Pathanamthitta allures visitors with its quaint beauty and spiritual charm. Pathanamthitta is an untouched jewel, with shimmering rivers, lofty mountain ranges, and sprawling coconut groves. It is blessed with several ancient temples, including Kaviyoor Rock Temple, Malayalapuzha Devi Temple, Sree Vallabha Temple, and more. It is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a spiritual retreat in the lap of nature. One of the top places for a South Kerala trip, Pathanamthitta is also known for its rich culture and metal mirror art, known as Aranmula Kannadi, practised in some of the oldest villages of the region.
Best Time To Visit: September to March
19. Kottayam
Kottayam, nestled on a hilltop and bordered by the Western Ghats, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Renowned for being the land of several publishing houses and print media, Kottayam is also called the ‘Akshara Nagari’, meaning ‘City of letters’. Here, you can explore the majestic Illikkal Kallu, offer your prayers at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, soak in the beauty of Marmala Waterfalls, wander through the emerald-green Ilaveezhapoonchira, and more. It is one of the best tourist places in South Kerala, offering an idyllic getaway.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kottayam For An Offbeat Experience
20. Varkala
Varkala, a coastal paradise, is one of the serene South Kerala tourist places. It offers a perfect blend of nature’s allure, spiritual charm, and cultural vibrancy. Overlooking the turquoise-blue waters, it creates a breathtaking backdrop to bask on the pristine beaches. Apart from beautiful beaches, Varkala is also decked with rustic hills, quiet lakes, ancient forts, towering lighthouses, natural fisheries and springs. The major highlight of Varkala is its yoga and Ayurveda scene, attracting wellness enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Enchanted with its diverse landscapes and rich heritage of Kerala. From the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey to the misty hills of Munnar and the vibrant beaches of Kovalam, all these places to visit in South Kerala have a unique charm which invites travellers to immerse themselves in its allure and create memories that last a lifetime. So, plan your trip with TripXL and explore the magic of this exotic place with ease.
Cover Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
