Top 30 Tourist Destinations in Kerala
Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is a stunning state in southern India famous for its lush greenery, serene backwaters, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. This picturesque destination offers a plethora of experiences for travelers, from tranquil hill stations to vibrant festivals. Here’s a list of the top 30 tourist destinations in Kerala, along with their specialties, localities, and nearby attractions.
1. Munnar
Tourism Specialty: Tea plantations, scenic hills, waterfalls
Locality: Idukki District, Western Ghats
Nearby Attractions: Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Tourism Specialty: Backwaters, houseboats, beaches
Locality: Alappuzha District
Nearby Attractions: Marari Beach, Kumarakom, Alappuzha Beach
3. Kochi (Cochin)
Tourism Specialty: Port city, colonial architecture, spice markets
Locality: Ernakulam District
Nearby Attractions: Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach
4. Thekkady
Tourism Specialty: Wildlife sanctuary, spice gardens, boat safaris
Locality: Idukki District
Nearby Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Murikkady, Mangala Devi Temple
5. Wayanad
Tourism Specialty: Forests, wildlife, waterfalls
Locality: Wayanad District
Nearby Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Soochipara Falls
6. Kovalam
Tourism Specialty: Beaches, lighthouses, Ayurveda
Locality: Thiruvananthapuram District
Nearby Attractions: Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
7. Varkala
Tourism Specialty: Cliffs, beaches, temples
Locality: Thiruvananthapuram District
Nearby Attractions: Varkala Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Janardhanaswamy Temple
8. Thrissur
Tourism Specialty: Cultural hub, temples, festivals
Locality: Thrissur District
Nearby Attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Zoo, Athirappilly Falls
9. Kumarakom
Tourism Specialty: Backwaters, bird sanctuary, houseboats
Locality: Kottayam District
Nearby Attractions: Pathiramanal Island, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Vaikom
10. Kannur
Tourism Specialty: Beaches, Theyyam, forts
Locality: Kannur District
Nearby Attractions: St. Angelo Fort, Payyambalam Beach, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
11. Vythiri
Tourism Specialty: Hill station, plantations, adventure sports
Locality: Wayanad District
Nearby Attractions: Pookode Lake, Lakkidi Viewpoint, Chembra Peak
12. Bekal
Tourism Specialty: Forts, beaches, scenic beauty
Locality: Kasaragod District
Nearby Attractions: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Chandragiri Fort
13. Athirappilly
Tourism Specialty: Waterfalls, wildlife
Locality: Thrissur District
Nearby Attractions: Vazhachal Falls, Sholayar Dam, Thumboormuzhi Dam
14. Ponmudi
Tourism Specialty: Hill station, trekking, tea gardens
Locality: Thiruvananthapuram District
Nearby Attractions: Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Golden Valley, Meenmutty Falls
15. Kozhikode (Calicut)
Tourism Specialty: Historical sites, beaches, spices
Locality: Kozhikode District
Nearby Attractions: Kappad Beach, Mananchira Square, Kozhippara Falls
16. Guruvayur
Tourism Specialty: Temples, pilgrimage
Locality: Thrissur District
Nearby Attractions: Guruvayur Temple, Mammiyoor Temple, Punnathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary
17. Silent Valley National Park
Tourism Specialty: Biodiversity, rainforests
Locality: Palakkad District
Nearby Attractions: Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Attappadi, Agali
18. Kottayam
Tourism Specialty: Backwaters, churches
Locality: Kottayam District
Nearby Attractions: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom
19. Malampuzha
Tourism Specialty: Dam, gardens, ropeway
Locality: Palakkad District
Nearby Attractions: Malampuzha Dam, Fantasy Park, Rock Garden
20. Vagamon
Tourism Specialty: Hill station, meadows, pine forests
Locality: Idukki District
Nearby Attractions: Vagamon Meadows, Vagamon Falls, Kurisumala
21. Palakkad
Tourism Specialty: Forts, temples, rivers
Locality: Palakkad District
Nearby Attractions: Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Garden, Silent Valley National Park
22. Cherai Beach
Tourism Specialty: Beach, backwaters
Locality: Ernakulam District
Nearby Attractions: Pallipuram Fort, Munambam Beach, Puthuvype Beach
23. Kanyakumari
Tourism Specialty: Beaches, temples, sunset view
Locality: Southern tip of Kerala, bordering Tamil Nadu
Nearby Attractions: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Padmanabhapuram Palace
24. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Tourism Specialty: Capital city, temples, museums
Locality: Thiruvananthapuram District
Nearby Attractions: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach
25. Pathanamthitta
Tourism Specialty: Temples, rivers, festivals
Locality: Pathanamthitta District
Nearby Attractions: Sabarimala, Aranmula, Perunthenaruvi Waterfall
26. Marari Beach
Tourism Specialty: Tranquil beach, traditional fishing
Locality: Alappuzha District
Nearby Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom, Pathiramanal Island
27. Nilambur
Tourism Specialty: Teak plantations, forests, waterfalls
Locality: Malappuram District
Nearby Attractions: Conolly’s Plot, Nilambur Kovilakom, Adyanpara Waterfalls
28. Ponnani
Tourism Specialty: Coastal town, mosques, beaches
Locality: Malappuram District
Nearby Attractions: Ponnani Beach, Thrikkavu Temple, Biyyam Kayal
29. Periyar National Park
Tourism Specialty: Wildlife sanctuary, boat rides
Locality: Thekkady, Idukki District
Nearby Attractions: Mullaperiyar Dam, Thekkady, Mangala Devi Temple
30. Ashtamudi Lake
Tourism Specialty: Backwaters, houseboats, palm trees
Locality: Kollam District
Nearby Attractions: Munroe Island, Kollam Beach, Thangassery Lighthouse
Kerala’s enchanting destinations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for every traveler. Whether you seek adventure, tranquility, or a cultural experience, Kerala has it all.