Places to visit in Kerala

God’s own country of backwaters and spice hills.

Capital ThiruvananthapuramPlaces in this guide 11

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Places to see

Alappuzha Backwaters

Alappuzha

Houseboat cruises through palm-lined canals and paddy fields.

Best time: Sep–Mar

Munnar

Idukki

Rolling tea gardens and Eravikulam National Park.

Best time: Sep–Mar

Fort Kochi

Ernakulam

Chinese fishing nets, colonial streets and the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.

Best time: Sep–Mar

Varkala

Thiruvananthapuram

Red laterite cliffs above a long beach.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Thekkady (Periyar)

Idukki

Boat safaris on Periyar lake and spice plantations.

Best time: Sep–Mar

Wayanad

Forested hills with Edakkal caves and Chembra peak.

Best time: Sep–Mar

Edakkal Caves

Wayanad

Rock shelters with Neolithic carvings high in the Wayanad hills.

Best time: Sep–May

Athirappilly Falls

Thrissur

Kerala's largest waterfall, set in rainforest on the Chalakudy river.

Best time: Jun–Jan

Bekal Fort

Kasaragod

Keyhole-shaped laterite fort jutting into the Arabian Sea.

Best time: Oct–Mar

Kumarakom

Kottayam

Backwater village on Vembanad lake with a bird sanctuary.

Best time: Sep–Mar

Guruvayur Temple

Thrissur

One of Kerala's most important Krishna temples.

Best time: All year

Food to try in Kerala

Sadya, Appam and stew, Kerala parotta, Banana chips.

Crafts and products

Kasavu saree, Spices.

Festivals

Thrissur Pooram, Thrissur: Apr–May. Caparisoned elephants, parasol displays and a huge percussion ensemble.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Alappuzha: Usually second Saturday of Aug. Snake boats with 100 rowers race on Punnamada lake.
Onam, Across Kerala: Aug–Sep. Kerala’s harvest festival: pookalam flower art, sadya and boat races.

Timings, permits and prices change. Check official sources before you travel.