Kerala, also known as the “God’s Own Country”, is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. During summer, Kerala becomes a popular tourist destination due to its serene backwaters, vast lush forests, and many historical places. it provides tourists an opportunity to escape the scorching heat of the summer and enjoy the scenic views of this tropical paradise with their friends and families. So let’s set up a journey to explore some refreshing places to visit in summer in Kerala!
10 Refreshing Places to Visit in Kerala in Summer
There are numerous places to visit in Kerala. So let us explore some of the popular Kerala tourist places in summer.
1. Munnar
Munnar, the most popular destination among places to visit in summer in Kerala, is one of the scenic hill stations in the state of Kerala. It has rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and a pleasant climate making it a haven for nature lovers. Popular tourist Activities include trekking and camping to seeing tea plantations. The tea plantations of Munnar date back to the 19th century when the British established the first tea gardens in the location. Today, Munnar’s Tea gardens represent the town’s last vestige as one of the greatest places for growing tea.
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Popular Tourist Destinations: Eravikulam National Park, Attukal Waterfalls, Kundala Dam Lake and Pothamedu View Point.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Munnar For Couples
2. Wayanad
Photo: Karkiabhijeet / Wikipedia
Wayanad, a serene panoramic district in Kerala, is covered with lush green forests, gently slopping hills, and laced with serenity. Among the list of places to visit in summer in Kerala, Wayanad is a must-visit! One can visit the Edakkal Caves, trek to Chembra Peak, and spot wildlife at the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Chembra Peak is the highest point in Wayanad district. famous for trekking, and the negligent ones are sure to get some gorgeous views of the landscape from atop.
Closest Railway Station: Calicut Railway Station
Closest Airport: Calicut International Airport
Popular Tourist Destinations: Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, Edakkal Caves, Thirunelli Temple, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala View Point.
Things to Experience: Trekking at Chembra Peak, exploring Edakkal Caves, sighting wildlife at Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Thekkady
Thekkady is located in the Idukki district of Kerala. It serves as a haven for nature and adventure lovers. Among the places to visit in summer in Kerala, Thekkady stands out as a must-visit destination. Thekkady, lying on the border of the 2 states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, hosts the Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Activities related to this area are boat rides, elephant-looking, and other flora and fauna sports, inclusive of bamboo rafting and adventure hiking.
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Places of Tourist Attraction: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, boat cruising through Periyar Lake, elephant safaris, spice plantations, and bamboo rafting on the Periyar River.
Best Experience: Boat Cruises, Elephant Safaris
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
4. Bekal
Photo: Adilakv / Wikimedia Commons
Situated in Kerala, Bekal is a coastal town with the grand Bekal Fort with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and land around. Interestingly, the Bekal Fort presents one of the well-preserved military architectures of the region, with imposing walls, bastions, and moats. It is considered one of the most famous tourist spots at present. The place offers an idea about the affluent history of Kerala, particularly related to that region due to its strategic position on sea routes. It is among the historical places to visit in summer in Kerala.
Nearest Railway Station: Kasargod Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Top Tourist Attraction: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Backwaters of Valiyaparamba, Ananthapura Lake Temple, and Chandragiri Fort.
Top Experience: Bekal Fort, golden sand beach, scenic boat cruise, rafting, kayaking in backwater lagoons, culture, historic temples/churches/mosques with brilliant architecture
5. Varkala
Photo: Devender Goyal / Wikipedia
Varkala is a beautiful coastal town in Kerala, famous for its red cliffs and spotless beaches. It is a popular getaway for all yoga lovers since most of the certified yoga centres are situated right on the cliff. One can also visit the 2nd-century AD Janardhana Swamy Temple, which is situated nearby.
Nearest Railway Station: Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Top Tourist Attractions: Varkala Beach—golden sand, Janardhana Swami Temple, Varkala Cliff Walk—route ideal for hiking, many cultural events, and local festivals.
Top Experience: Sunbathing at Varkala Beach, water surfing in the Arabian Sea, trekking on Varkala Cliff Walk and experiencing the culture of the locales in towns.
Suggested Read: Pampanal Waterfalls
6. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a beautiful village in Kerala, situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake. Its popular attractions are tranquil backwaters, sprawling green rice fields and tall cocoa trees. Kumarakom Craft Museum has a variety of representative traditional arts and crafts that are abundant in the region. For visitors, they also arrange rides on traditional houseboats or dugout canoes, in its labyrinthine network comprising a system of canals, lakes, and rivers.
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Top Attraction: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Vembanad Lake, and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple.
Top Experiences: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls must climb up to get to the top, boat riding in Vembanad Lake, and peace from the backwaters of Kumarakom.
7. Kovalam
Photo: mehul.antani / Wikipedia
Kovalam is among some of the beautiful beach destinations in Kerala. It boasts three crescent-shaped beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Therefore it become very famous in recent times from the sea enthusiasts who get to indulge in a whole lot of water sports and activities. Moreover, Kovalam would be a display of the exuberance of traditions through traditional dance performances and local festivals as part of Kovalam’s cultural calendar. Thus it is among the places to visit in summer in Kerala.
Closest Railway Station: Trivandrum Central Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Popular Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Janardhana Swami Temple, Varkala Cliff Walk, and lots of cultural programs and local festivals.
Suggested Read: Njandirukki Waterfalls
8. Alleppey
Photo: Augustus Binu / Wikipedia
Alleppey is popularly known as the “Venice of the East”. This town is famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. One can enjoy a leisurely cruise through the canals in the lush green landscape, interspersed with traditional villages. Other main highlights of this town include Alleppey Beach and the Alappuzha Lighthouse. Alleppey has become one of the places to visit in summer in Kerala where there are many beautiful lakes, beaches, a lot of history, and many outdoor activities.
Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (85 km)
Popular Tourist Destinations: Backwaters, Houseboats, St. Andrews Church, Chettikulangara Bhagavathy Temple, Punnamada Lake.
9. Vagamon
Photo: Robert Harding Video / shutterstock
Vagamon is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala and is an excellent destination for summer trips. Vagamon offers a pleasant and refreshing respite from the sweltering heat of the plains with mild temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. Tourists can indulge in activities as varied as trekking, hiking, camping, and paragliding. They also get to tour the region’s serene waterfalls to spiritual retreats like ashrams and houses of ancient Indian wisdom and culture.
Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Railway Station (45km)
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (85km)
Tourist Attractions: Pattumala Church, Vagamon Meadows, Pine Valley. Vagamon Pine Forest,
Top Experiences: Activities like trekking, long walks through the beautiful pine forests and meadows, spotting elephants and tigers in the Uluppuni Forest Area, and paragliding from Suicide Point.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Munnar In May
10. Ponmudi
Photo: Arunelectra / Wikipedia
One of the most beautiful hill stations in the Western Ghats of Kerala is Ponmudi, which is famous for its pleasant weather conditions and serene landscapes. Other than sightseeing, activities that can be carried out are trekking and bird watching. It is an ideal summer destination in Kerala. With its serene atmosphere and natural beauty nestled in the hills, Ponmudi finds its place among the top places to visit in summer in Kerala for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Nearest Railway Station: Trivandrum Railway Station (65 km)
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (60 km).
Tourist Attractions: Golden Valley, Meesapulimala, Ponmudi Dam and Reservoir, Ponmudi Tea Plantations, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Top Experiences: Trekking, hiking, bird watching, Ayurvedic treatment, camping, and exploring the tea plantations
That’s all on the list of top places to visit in summer in Kerala. Lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and a most pleasant climate—this is what makes Kerala an absolute summer oasis. From the misty hills of Munnar to the silent backwaters of Alleppey, this southern state abounds with a diverse palette of refreshing destinations to scan. With TripXL take your Kerala summer getaway today and experience that perfect blend of natural wonders.
Cover Photo: Sivavkm / Wikipedia