Discover 50 travel destinations across 7 regions of Kerala.
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Punnamada / Finishing Point, Alappuzha
An interconnected maze of palm-fringed canals, emerald rivers, and mirror-still lagoons where traditional converted rice barges (kettuvallams) glide past village settlements and water lily fields. The scenic host of the celebrated annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Punnamada Lake.
Kollam district
Named for its eight prominent channels ('Ashta' meaning eight, 'Mudi' meaning branches), this sprawling palm-fringed palm-shaped estuary is a designated Ramsar wetland and the southern gateway to Kerala's celebrated houseboat cruises. Famous for canoe village tours and Munroe Island canals.
Chalakudy taluk, Thrissur district
Affectionately hailed as the 'Niagara of India', this majestic 80-foot-tall and 330-foot-wide waterfall cascades dramatically over three rocky tiers on the Chalakudy River. Surrounded by lush rainforests of the Western Ghats, it is one of the most cinematic waterfalls in Asia.
Padinjarathara, Wayanad district
The largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, constructed across the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River. A group of scenic small islands dot the reservoir waters against the majestic backdrop of the Banasura Hills, with speedboating and zipline rides.
Bekal, Kasaragod district
The largest and most impeccably preserved fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 coastal acres. Built in dark laterite stone in the shape of a keyhole by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650, its massive battlements, observation tower, and water tank jut right into the roaring Arabian Sea waves.
Chellarkovil, near Anakkara, Idukki district
A sleepy border village atop the Western Ghats ridge featuring a stunning panoramic watchtower and eco-balcony overlooking the coconut plains and vegetable farms of neighbouring Tamil Nadu, and cascading seasonal waterfalls that vanish into the valley.
Near Meppadi, Wayanad district
The highest peak in Wayanad district, towering at 6,890 feet (2,100 m) above sea level. An exhilarating guided forest trek passes through rolling tea estates and mist-covered grasslands to reach 'Hridaya Saras', a naturally formed heart-shaped lake that never dries up.
Vypin Island, Kochi, Ernakulam district
A picturesque 10-kilometre-long golden sand beach on the northern tip of Vypin Island, uniquely bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and tranquil palm-fringed backwaters on the other. Safe for swimming with frequent sightings of playful dolphins.
Ambukuthi Mala, Nenmeni, near Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad
Not technically caves but a massive cleft rock shelter on Ambukuthi Mala where a giant boulder is wedged between two rock faces. Houses remarkable Neolithic rock engravings (petroglyphs) dating between 6,000 BCE and 1,000 BCE depicting human figures, animals, symbols, and ancient wheeled carts.
Rajamalai, Munnar, Idukki district
Kerala's premier national park along the crest of the Western Ghats, sheltering the largest surviving wild population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat). Home to rolling shola grasslands, mountain streams, and South India's highest peak, Anamudi (2,695 m).
Fort Kochi, Ernakulam district
The historic maritime heart of Kochi where massive cantilevered Chinese fishing nets (Cheena Vala) frame the entrance to the harbour. Walking through the narrow streets reveals Portuguese-era St. Francis Church (Vasco da Gama's original burial place) and breezy coastal promenades.
Hidden Gem
Gavi, Pathanamthitta district (accessible via Kumily/Thekkady)
A pristine, remote forest haven in the Ranni reserve forest, made famous by Alistair International as one of the leading eco-tourism projects in India. Renowned for dense tropical evergreen woods, two quiet forest reservoirs, endangered lion-tailed macaques, and cardamom plantations.
Guruvayur, Thrissur district
One of India's most venerated Krishna shrines, affectionately known as 'Bhuloka Vaikuntha' (the abode of Lord Vishnu on earth). Devotees arrive from around the world for morning darshan. The temple also manages Punnathur Kota (Anakkotta), a unique palace sanctuary housing over 40 majestic temple elephants.
Tripunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam district
The largest archaeological museum in Kerala and the erstwhile imperial administrative seat of the Maharaja of Kochi. Built in 1865 across 54 acres of terraced gardens, the palace complex comprises 49 buildings housing royal crowns, palanquins, weaponry, and rare stone sculptures.
Vazhathope, Idukki district
A stunning double-curvature parabolic arch dam standing 554 feet tall between two granite hills named Kuravan and Kurathi over the Periyar River. One of the highest arch dams in Asia, surrounded by rugged wildlife forests and serene backwaters.
Jatayu Nature Park Road, Chadayamangalam, Kollam border
Home to the world's largest functional bird sculpture, perched 1,000 feet above sea level on a rocky hill. The monumental 200-foot-long sculpture honours the mythical demi-god Jatayu who fought to save Sita, and is reachable via a scenic state-of-the-art cable car ropeway.
Kappad, Kozhikode district
The historic beach where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first set foot on Indian soil on May 20, 1498, changing world trade history. Features a historic stone monument, rocky headland with a cliffside temple, landscaped sea-walk, and Blue Flag certified clean waters.
Kottakudi / Munnar border, Idukki district
Perched at nearly 7,900 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai is the highest organic tea plantation in the world. Accessible only by rugged 4x4 Jeep trail, it offers awe-inspiring sunrise cloud inversions, crisp mountain air, and a traditional 1930s Orthodox tea factory tour.
Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram district
Kerala's most famous coastal destination, comprising three adjacent crescent beaches separated by rocky headlands. The southernmost Lighthouse Beach is renowned for its 35-metre-tall striped stone lighthouse offering sweeping panoramic views over the turquoise Arabian Sea and palm groves.
Oachira Road, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district
An exquisite 18th-century palace built by Travancore ruler Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma in the classic Kerala architectural style, featuring gabled roofs, dormer windows, and narrow corridors. Housing Kerala's largest single preserved mural, the historic 49-square-foot 'Gajendra Moksham'.
Kavanattinkara, Kumarakom, Kottayam district
Spread over 14 lush acres on the eastern shore of Vembanad Lake, this renowned bird sanctuary is a favourite haunt for ornithologists. It shelters resident birds like waterfowl, cormorants, egrets, and darters, as well as migratory visitors including Siberian cranes.
Hidden Gem
Kumbalangi, Ernakulam district, Kerala
India's first designated model eco-tourism village, located on a small island ringed by backwaters and mangroves south of Kochi. Renowned for traditional Chinese fishing nets, coir weaving, crab farming, and rare nighttime bioluminescence ('Kavaru') in the brackish lagoons at dusk.
Hidden Gem
Mananthavady, Wayanad district
A protected 950-acre delta comprising an archipelago of densely wooded, uninhabited islands on the Kabini River. Fringed by bamboo bridges, pristine stream walks, and native evergreen flora, it is accessed via unique eco-friendly bamboo raft crossings.
Malampuzha, Palakkad district
The largest reservoir in Kerala, built across the Malampuzha River framed against the rugged Western Ghats hills. The extensive grounds feature landscaped Japanese gardens, dancing fountains, Kerala's first passenger passenger ropeway, and the famous colossal Yakshi sculpture crafted by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.
Hidden Gem
Deep inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki border
An ancient 1,000-year-old stone temple built by the early Chera dynasty atop a 4,300-foot forested ridge inside Periyar Tiger Reserve. Dedicated to Kannagi, the legendary heroine of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, surrounded by wild elephant trails and mist.
Hidden Gem
Marine Drive, Kochi, Ernakulam district, Kerala
Affectionately called the 'Green Lung of Kochi', this compact 2.74-hectare mangrove sanctuary in the heart of the city shelters a tidal lagoon, dense mangrove species, migratory waterbirds, and large colonies of Malabar flying foxes right behind the Kerala High Court building.
Mararikulam North, Alappuzha district
A peaceful, pristine fishing village beach fringed by endless groves of swaying coconut palms and soft golden sands. Renowned for its tranquil, uncrowded atmosphere, authentic fishermen pulling in nets at dawn, and serene Arabian Sea sunsets.
Hidden Gem
Marayoor, Idukki district
A unique rain-shadow valley renowned as the only natural sandalwood forest in Kerala. Scattered across the granite hillsides stand ancient Megalithic dolmens (Muniyara) and stone cists built by prehistoric humans dating back over 3,000 years, surrounded by sugarcane jaggery farms.
Shanmugham Road, Ernakulam, Kochi
A picturesque, tree-shaded waterfront promenade facing the backwaters of Kochi harbour. Featuring the iconic Rainbow Bridge and Chinese Fishing Net Bridge, it is a bustling gathering spot for evening breezes, street food, and harbor sightseeing boat rides.
Mattancherry, Kochi
A Portuguese-built palace gifted to the Raja of Kochi in 1555 and later renovated by the Dutch, renowned worldwide for its vibrant 17th-century Hindu mythological murals depicting the Ramayana. Just steps away sits historic Jew Town and the 1568 Paradesi Synagogue.
Mattupetty, Munnar, Idukki district
A concrete gravity storage dam nestled at 5,600 feet, surrounded by mist-draped tea hills and tranquil lake waters where wild elephants occasionally gather to drink. The nearby Echo Point offers a scenic natural acoustic phenomenon along the reservoir edge.
Muzhappilangad, Kannur district
Asia's longest drive-in beach, stretching 4 kilometres of firmly packed golden sand along which cars and motorbikes can safely drive right beside the breaking waves. Featuring dramatic black rock formations that protect the cove from rough ocean currents.
Palakkad town centre, Palakkad district
A remarkably preserved 18th-century square granite fortress built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore to guard the strategic Palakkad Gap through the Western Ghats. Surrounded by an intact, wide water moat, massive granite bastions, and sprawling green landscaped lawns with an ancient Hanuman temple inside.
Hidden Gem
Muhamma, Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha district
A small, uninhabited 10-acre island isolated in the middle of Vembanad Lake whose name translates to 'Sands of Midnight'. A protected sanctuary accessible only by boat, it is home to over 90 species of local birds and rare medicinal plants.
Thekkady, Kumily, Idukki district
One of India's premier tiger and elephant reserves, established around an 1895 artificial lake in the Cardamom Hills. The highlight is a silent two-hour boat safari across Periyar Lake offering sightings of wild elephants, bison (gaur), sambar deer, and otters on the shoreline.
Hidden Gem
Ponmudi, Nedumangad taluk, Thiruvananthapuram district
A serene, mist-cloaked hill retreat nestled at 3,600 feet in the southern Western Ghats. Reached via a winding road with 22 scenic hairpin bends, it features cool mountain breezes, rolling tea estates, orchids, and trekking trails through shola forest valleys.
Vythiri, Wayanad district
A charming natural freshwater lake situated at an altitude of 770 metres in the Western Ghats, uniquely shaped like India's geographical map. Surrounded by evergreen tropical forests and mist-clad hills, featuring blue water lilies, pedal boats, a freshwater aquarium, and a scenic perimeter walkway.
Hidden Gem
Panathady, Kasaragod district
Known as the 'Ooty of Kerala', Ranipuram sits at 2,460 feet in the Kasaragod Western Ghats. A scenic 2.5-km trek through dense evergreen shola forests and rolling montane grasslands leads to a dramatic rounded rocky summit offering views over Coorg in Karnataka.
Ranni taluk, Pathanamthitta district
One of the largest annual pilgrimages in the world, drawing an estimated 40 to 50 million devotees annually during Mandala-Makaravilakku. Perched atop a hill surrounded by 18 sacred mountains inside Periyar Tiger Reserve, pilgrims observe a 41-day vratham and trek through dense forests from Pamba.
Chembukkavu, Thrissur
Reconstructed in 1795 in the unique Dutch-Kerala architectural style by King Rama Varma (popularly called Shakthan Thampuran), the modern architect of Thrissur. Features thick granite walls, spacious high-ceilinged rooms, an archaeological museum, and historic megalithic sarcophagi on display.
Thalikulam, Nattika, Thrissur district
A beautifully landscaped public coastal park and golden sand beach on the Arabian Sea, meaning 'Love Shore'. Winner of Kerala Tourism's cleanest beach award, featuring lush lawns, children's play areas, beachside promenades, and scenic sunset views.
Vellarimala, near Meppadi, Wayanad district
A spectacular three-tiered waterfall cascading 650 feet down into a large natural pool surrounded by dense deciduous and evergreen forests. A 2-kilometre downhill paved walk through tea estates leads to the thunderous falls and natural splash pools.
East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
An ancient, monumental Hindu temple built in an intricate fusion of Chera and Dravidian architectural styles. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the 'Anantha Shayana' posture (eternal cosmic slumber on the serpent Shesha), featuring a grand 16th-century 100-foot gopuram and carved stone pillared corridors.
Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur
A monumental ancient Shiva temple occupying a 9-acre elevated hillock at the heart of Thrissur, recipient of the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Renowned for its classic timber architecture, centuries-old Mahabharata murals, and monumental Koothambalam dance hall.
Cantonment, Kannur
A massive triangular stone bastion overlooking Mopila Bay and the Arabian Sea, constructed in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeida and later fortified by the Dutch. Features laterite ramparts, historic cannon emplacements, and an ancient chapel.
Hidden Gem
Thirunelli, Brahmagiri Hills, Wayanad district
An enigmatic 1,000-year-old stone temple dedicated to Lord Maha Vishnu, nestled in a valley surrounded by the towering mist-clad Brahmagiri hills and dense wilderness. The sacred mountain stream Papanasini ('destroyer of sins') flows nearby over medicinal mountain herbs.
Kannankavan, Munnar border, Idukki district
The highest elevation point on the Munnar-Kodaikanal road (6,170 ft), historic terminus for the vintage Kundala Valley monorail that once transported tea down to Kottagudi. Offers breath-taking 360-degree vistas over the rolling clouds and the deep plains of Tamil Nadu.
North Cliff, Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district
A dramatic geological marvel where soaring red laterite cliffs plunge directly into the Arabian Sea beach below. Known as Papanasam ('destroyer of sins'), the beach has natural mineral springs, peaceful golden sands, and a cliff-edge walking path lined with cafes and artisan shops.
Vazhachal, Thrissur district
Located just 5 km upstream from Athirappilly, Vazhachal is a sweeping cascade where the Chalakudy River rushes over inclined rocky rapids through dense riparian evergreen forests. A designated biodiversity hotspot renowned for sheltering all four South Indian hornbill species.
Hidden Gem
Vilangan, Thrissur district, Kerala
Known as the 'Oxygen Jar of Thrissur', this green hilltop rising 80 metres above the surrounding plains offers 360-degree panoramic views across Thrissur town, lush paddy basins, and the distant Western Ghats. Features landscaped walking tracks, an open-air amphitheatre, and a children's adventure zone.
