Last Updated : Oct 30, 2025  |   Author : Tanya Parsad   |   View Count : 776   |   Read Time : 6 min

Discover the Best Travel Destinations in Kerala for Your Next Rejuvenating Trip

I've always been drawn to places that feel like they're holding secrets, and Kerala is definitely one of them. After visiting this southwestern state multiple times over the years, I can say it's earned its nickname "God's Own Country" for good reason. But what impresses me most is how Kerala has built up its luxury tourism infrastructure without sacrificing authenticity. 
For today’s blog, I'm going to share the travel destinations in Kerala that have left the biggest impression on me during my own experiences here. The places I’m covering might seem worlds apart in terms of landscapes & atmosphere, but it's not just variety for the sake of it– each place has its own personality.

What are the best travel destinations in Kerala for first-time visitors?

A: Kerala’s diverse experiences range from Alleppey's iconic backwaters & luxury houseboats to Munnar's misty tea plantations and Kochi's multicultural heritage. The state's top destinations include the Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady, cultural sites in Trivandrum, and the untouched tribal heritage of Wayanad

Table of Contents
1. When is the Best Time to Explore Travel Destinations in Kerala?
2. Alleppey
3. Kochi
4. Munnar
5. Thekkady
6. Trivandrum
7. Wayanad
8. FAQs

When is the Best Time to Explore Travel Destinations in Kerala?

We always recommend the October through March window to our guests. The temperatures hover around a comfortable 23-32°C, which means you can actually walk around without feeling the heat. Summer months (April to May) are intense, and I highly recommend skipping this period. Monsoon, however, can be incredible if you’re flexible with your outdoor plans. The backwaters replenish and the lush green areas come to life with the rains.

TL;DR: Visit Kerala between October-March for comfortable temperatures (23-32°C) and consider the monsoon season if you're flexible with outdoor plans.

Alleppey

Now, Alleppey is where most people start when they think about Kerala travelling places. The backwaters & those postcard-perfect images of palm trees on either side of those canals? That's Alleppey! But one thing I can promise you– pictures don't do it justice. Houseboat stays are the signature experience here, and the deluxe & private cruise options have become incredibly impressive with time. 

The first time I stepped onto one, I wasn't expecting much. Then there was this moment, around sunset on my first day, when I realized I haven't heard a car horn in hours. That explained the appeal of a relaxing Kerala Backwaters tour. What most guidebooks don't tell you is that Alleppey's beach is actually worth visiting too. I stumbled upon it almost by accident during my first trip and found myself returning every evening. The sunsets are spectacular, but more importantly, it's where locals come to relax after work. 

Accessibility: About a 2-hour drive from Cochin International Airport, and most of the luxury travel agencies will arrange airport pickup. The drive itself is pretty scenic & an immersive journey in itself once you get out of the city traffic.

Reserve your luxury houseboat tour

Kochi

Kochi feels like several cities layered on top of each other, which makes sense when you consider how many different cultures have called it home. We're talking about a port that's been welcoming traders from around the world for over 500 years. The result is a destination that feels both exotic and surprisingly familiar to international visitors. Fort Kochi is where you'll spend most of your time, and it's quite an outdoor museum that people actually live and work in.

You might turn down a street lined with Portuguese colonial buildings and end up at a Chinese fishing net, then find yourself browsing spices that have been traded here since before Columbus was born. The Jewish Quarter in Mattancherry is where I always end up spending more time than planned. The synagogue is beautiful, sure, but it's the surrounding artsy streets that fascinate me. And speaking of art - if you can time your visit with the Kochi-Muziris Biennale months, do it!

Accessibility: This is probably the easiest place to get to in this state– If you're flying into India specifically for Kerala travel destinations, the Cochin International Airport is where you'll land.

Munnar

My relationship with Munnar may have started with altitude sickness, but it ended with complete infatuation. You're going from tropical to alpine, from sea level to 5,000 feet, from palm trees to tea bushes as far as you can see. The drive up alone is worth the trip - you're climbing steadily through increasingly dramatic landscapes, and by the time you reach town, you're breathing mountain air that actually feels refreshing. 

Tea is obviously the main story here. These aren't just pretty green hills you're looking at - they're working plantations where people have been growing tea for over 150 years. Just walking through the estates early in the morning when the mist is still clinging to the hillsides made me fall in love with this place. Adventure-wise, you can trek to Anamudi Peak if you're feeling energetic - it's the highest point in South India. Eravikulam National Park is worth visiting for the Nilgiri tahr alone, these endangered mountain goats that look like they're posing for National Geographic.

Accessibility: The drive from Kochi takes about 4 hours through increasingly mountainous terrain. No direct flights, but the journey is part of the experience.

Plan Your Munnar Guided Tea Plantation Tour

Thekkady

Thekkady surprised me because it's not just about the wildlife sanctuary, though Periyar Reserve is undeniably the main draw as well as an attractive Kerala Tourist spot. What I didn't expect was how much I'd enjoy the spice plantations and the small-town atmosphere. The plantations here feel more authentic than what you'll find in more touristy areas. Most of them let you buy spices directly, and the prices are usually much better than what you'd pay in the tourist markets.

The boat trips on Periyar Lake are hit or miss for animal sightings, I'll be honest. Sometimes you see elephants bathing, sometimes you don't see much more than beautiful scenery & a few nilgais. But the lake itself, created by a dam in 1895, is gorgeous regardless; the surrounding dense forest comes right down to the water's edge. The luxury stays here complement nature with their eco-friendly concepts.

Accessibility: About three hours by road from Kochi, and the drive through this aromatic garden region is no less than a destination in itself.

TL;DR: Beyond Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary's boat safaris, Thekkady features authentic spice plantations & eco-friendly luxury accommodations.

Trivandrum

Trivandrum (officially Thiruvananthapuram) is often treated as just a transit point, which I think is a mistake. Yes, it's the capital and has the administrative feel that comes with that role, but it's got character that really rewards spending time here. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the obvious highlight - one of the richest temples in the world, with treasure discoveries that made international news. But I'm equally drawn to the everyday spiritual life of the city– small temples tucked between modern buildings & early morning prayers echoing through neighborhoods.

The city’s museums, including Napier’s or the State Government one, are a must-visit for art lovers & history enthusiasts. Kovalam beach is technically separate but close enough to be part of any Trivandrum experience. The Taj Green Cove Resort has my heart– I highly recommend spending a few days to a week here to rejuvenate with their exceptional Ayurvedic spa. The Leela Kovalam stands out if you want full beach resort luxury.

Accessibility: Trivandrum is a major international airport itself and is connected via excellent road networks throughout Kerala. 

Wayanad

Wayanad I’d say is Kerala's best-kept secret. This mountainous district in the north offers a completely different & less-polished experience from the state's more famous destinations. The tribal heritage here adds depth that you won't find in more touristy parts of Kerala. The Wayanad Heritage Museum tells stories of indigenous communities that have lived in these hills for centuries. Some villages still maintain traditional ways of life, and it’s a sight to behold.

Coffee plantation tours here are fascinating, especially if you've never seen how coffee actually grows. The plants thrive in forest-like conditions under natural canopy, creating environments that support way more wildlife than you'd expect. I participated in harvesting during my last visit, and now I understand why good coffee costs what it does. Another must-visit is the Banasura Sagar Dam– it creates the largest earth dam in India & a reservoir that's spectacular during and just after monsoon season.

Accessibility: About three hours by road from Calicut airport. The mountain roads are scenic but winding.

Talk to Our Expert

FAQs

1. What's the best way to plan a Kerala itinerary covering multiple destinations?
From my experience, I'd recommend focusing on 3-4 destinations rather than trying to see everything. Kerala's charm comes from slowing down and actually experiencing places rather than rushing through them. A good first-timer itinerary can include 2-3 days in Kochi, then a peaceful day floating through Alleppey's backwaters, followed by 2 days in either Munnar (if you love misty tea plantations like I do) or Periyar if you're more drawn to spice gardens and wildlife.

2. Is Kerala safe for solo travelers, particularly women?
I've met plenty of solo female travelers in Kerala who felt comfortable there. The state has high literacy rates and generally progressive attitudes compared to some other parts of India. That said, normal travel precautions apply, such as avoiding isolated areas after dark. The tourism infrastructure is well-developed, so finding help or information is never difficult.

3. What should I pack for my Kerala journey?
Kerala's humidity taught me real quick that lightweight, breathable fabrics are absolutely essential - cotton is your best friend there! If you're visiting hill stations like Munnar or Wayanad, pack layers including a light jacket for evenings. I've learned to always pack rain gear no matter what season I'm visiting, since those sudden tropical showers can catch you completely off guard. Strong sunscreen is essential - the sun here is intense even when it doesn't feel hot.