Explore Kerala

Curated, verified destinations across all 14 districts.

44 places
Munnar
Idukki Family
hill station

Munnar

Kerala's most famous hill station, wrapped in endless tea estates, misty peaks and cool mountain air.

Full day September to March
Pazhavangaadi Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram Family
Hindu Temple

Pazhavangaadi Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple

Discover the Pazhavangadi Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple located in the heart of East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Famous for its striking jet-black idol in a unique seated posture and its traditional coconut-breaking ritual (Thengayeru), this revered shrine attracts devotees seeking blessings and the removal of obstacles. The best season to visit is during the cooler winter months from October to March, when the weather is most pleasant. Planning a visit during the morning (roughly 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM) or evening (5:00 PM to 8:30 PM) sessions allows for a peaceful experience, though early mornings typically feature smaller crowds. While the temple is family-friendly and open to all, visitors must adhere to strict cultural prerequisites, including a traditional dress code (such as dhotis for men and traditional attire/sarees or modest clothing with dupattas for women), and footwear must be removed outside.

1–2 hrs October to March
Alappuzha
Alappuzha Family
backwaters

Alappuzha

The 'Venice of the East' and heart of Kerala's houseboat cruises through an intricate web of canals and lagoons.

6–7 hrs November to February
Fort Kochi
Ernakulam Family
history

Fort Kochi

A weathered colonial quarter of Chinese fishing nets, cafes, galleries and Indo-European architecture.

4–5 hrs October to March
Wayanad
Wayanad Family
nature

Wayanad

A misty plateau of spice gardens, waterfalls, caves and wildlife spread across the Western Ghats.

Full day October to May
Vizhinjam Light House
Thiruvananthapuram Family
Site Seeing

Vizhinjam Light House

Discover the Vizhinjam Lighthouse perched atop the rocky Kurumkal hillock in Kovalam, near Thiruvananthapuram. This striking red-and-white banded structure offers visitors a panoramic, bird's-eye view of the Arabian Sea, golden coastline, and bustling fishing villages. The best season to visit is during the cooler winter months from November to February, when the skies are clear and sea breezes are most pleasant. Planning a late afternoon visit is ideal to catch a breathtaking sunset and enjoy softer lighting for photography. While the attraction is family-friendly and welcoming to children and nature lovers, visitors should note that climbing to the top requires navigating a series of narrow, spiral steps, making it less suitable for toddlers or individuals with mobility concerns. Be sure to check operational hours beforehand and wear comfortable walking shoes for the climb.

30 mins Any time
Athirappilly Falls
Thrissur Family
waterfall

Athirappilly Falls

Kerala's largest waterfall, a thundering curtain often called the 'Niagara of India', framed by rainforest.

2h 30m September to January
Varkala
Thiruvananthapuram Family
beach

Varkala

Dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking Papanasam beach, lined with clifftop cafes and a sacred shoreline.

3h 30m October to March
Kumarakom
Kottayam Family
backwaters

Kumarakom

A cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake with a renowned bird sanctuary and premium backwater resorts.

4–5 hrs November to February
Kovalam
Thiruvananthapuram Family
beach

Kovalam

A crescent of three adjoining beaches known for the iconic Lighthouse Beach, calm swimming coves and Ayurveda resorts.

3–4 hrs September to March
Thekkady
Idukki Family
wildlife

Thekkady

Gateway to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, offering lake boat safaris, spice plantations and forest walks.

5–6 hrs September to March
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram Family
religious

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

One of India's most revered Vishnu temples, famed for its Dravidian architecture and strict dress code.

1h 30m All year
Kochi City
Ernakulam Family
culture

Kochi City

Kerala's cosmopolitan port city blending malls, marine drive promenades, arts biennale venues and cuisine.

4–5 hrs All year
Bekal Fort
Kasaragod Family
history

Bekal Fort

Kerala's largest fort, a keyhole-shaped laterite bastion set dramatically beside the sea.

2h 30m October to February
Mattancherry
Ernakulam Family
history

Mattancherry

Historic trading district home to the Dutch Palace, Jew Town, Paradesi Synagogue and antique markets.

3–4 hrs October to March
Vagamon
Kottayam Family
hill station

Vagamon

Rolling meadows, pine forests and tea slopes straddling the Kottayam–Idukki highlands, popular for paragliding.

4–5 hrs August to February
Thrissur
Thrissur Family
culture

Thrissur

Kerala's cultural capital, centred on the Vadakkunnathan Temple and famed for the grand Thrissur Pooram festival.

3–4 hrs All year
Marari Beach
Alappuzha Family
beach

Marari Beach

A laid-back fishing-village beach of soft sand and coconut groves, ideal for unhurried coastal stays.

3–4 hrs October to March
Cherai Beach
Ernakulam Family
beach

Cherai Beach

A long golden beach on Vypin Island where the sea and backwaters run side by side.

3–4 hrs October to March
Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Temple
Thiruvananthapuram Family
Hindu Temple

Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Temple

Discover the Karikkakom Sree Chamundi Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, an ancient and revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Chamundi. Dating back over 600 years, this spiritual haven is famous for its powerful deity, peaceful ambiance, and unique traditions like "Sathyam Chollal" (vowing the truth) to settle disputes. The best season to visit is during the cooler months from October to March, when the weather is most pleasant. Planning a visit during the morning (5:00 AM to 11:30 AM) or evening (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM) sessions allows worshippers to experience the daily rituals, keeping in mind that the temple closes during midday hours. While the spacious temple grounds are family-friendly and welcoming to all devotees, visitors must adhere to strict cultural prerequisites, including a traditional dress code (modest traditional Kerala attire, with men required to remove shirts for inner sanctum darshan), and footwear must be left outside.

1–2 hrs October to March
Ashtamudi Lake
Kollam Family
backwaters

Ashtamudi Lake

A palm-fringed backwater lake with eight arms, gateway to quieter houseboat cruises away from the crowds.

3–4 hrs September to March
Edakkal Caves
Wayanad
history

Edakkal Caves

Prehistoric caves with Neolithic petroglyphs, reached by a steep but rewarding trek.

3–4 hrs October to May
Banasura Sagar Dam
Wayanad Family
nature

Banasura Sagar Dam

India's largest earthen dam, set among islands and hills with speedboat rides and viewpoints.

3–4 hrs October to May
Ponmudi
Thiruvananthapuram Family
hill station

Ponmudi

A cool hill station reached by a winding hairpin road, with tea slopes, meadows and gentle trekking trails.

4–5 hrs August to February
Kozhikode Beach
Kozhikode Family
beach

Kozhikode Beach

A historic city beach with an old lighthouse and pier, best enjoyed at sunset with local snacks.

2–3 hrs September to March
Gavi
Pathanamthitta Family
wildlife

Gavi

A remote forest eco-tourism spot within the Periyar belt, known for birding, jeep safaris and lake canoeing.

5–6 hrs September to March
Soochipara Falls
Wayanad Family
waterfall

Soochipara Falls

A three-tiered waterfall in dense forest, popular for its natural pool and rappelling.

2h 30m September to January
Jatayu Earth's Center
Kollam Family
adventure

Jatayu Earth's Center

Home to the world's largest bird sculpture, with a cable car, adventure zone and hilltop views.

3–4 hrs October to March
Silent Valley
Palakkad
wildlife

Silent Valley

A pristine tropical rainforest national park, one of the last undisturbed ecosystems in the Western Ghats.

5–6 hrs December to April
Kuttanad
Alappuzha Family
backwaters

Kuttanad

A rare region of farming below sea level, with paddy fields, waterways and slow village life.

4–5 hrs November to February
Muzhappilangad Beach
Kannur Family
beach

Muzhappilangad Beach

India's longest drive-in beach, a firm 4 km stretch where you can drive alongside the waves.

2h 30m October to March
Malampuzha
Palakkad Family
nature

Malampuzha

Kerala's largest reservoir with landscaped gardens, a ropeway, boating and the famous Yakshi sculpture.

3h 30m August to February
Thenmala
Kollam Family
nature

Thenmala

India's first planned eco-tourism destination, set around a dam with trails, a leisure zone and a deer park.

3h 30m September to February
St. Angelo Fort
Kannur Family
history

St. Angelo Fort

A 15th-century Portuguese sea fort of laterite overlooking the Arabian Sea and Mappila Bay.

2–3 hrs October to March
Theyyam at Parassinikadavu
Kannur Family
culture

Theyyam at Parassinikadavu

A riverside shrine famed for near-daily performances of Theyyam, North Kerala's vivid ritual art form.

2h 30m November to March
Nelliyampathy
Palakkad Family
hill station

Nelliyampathy

A quiet range of orange, coffee and tea plantations with sweeping valley viewpoints.

4–5 hrs September to March
Kappad Beach
Kozhikode Family
beach

Kappad Beach

The quiet beach where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498, marked by a commemorative monument.

2–3 hrs September to March
Marayoor
Idukki Family
nature

Marayoor

Known for natural sandalwood forests, prehistoric dolmens and Kerala's only jaggery-making belt.

3–4 hrs September to March
Kanthalloor
Idukki Family
nature

Kanthalloor

A cool, orchard-filled highland village growing apples, oranges and strawberries, often called 'Kashmir of Kerala'.

3–4 hrs September to March
Kerala Kalamandalam
Thrissur Family
Art

Kerala Kalamandalam

Discover Kerala Kalamandalam in Cheruthuruthy, Thrissur, a renowned centre for Kerala’s classical performing arts. Explore the fascinating world of Kathakali, with its elaborate makeup, expressive gestures, traditional costumes and powerful rhythms. Founded by poet Vallathol Narayana Menon in 1930, this cultural institution offers visitors a glimpse into Kerala’s rich artistic heritage, traditional training spaces and the legacy of classical dance-drama. Plan a guided visit to experience one of Kerala’s most remarkable cultural destinations. https://kalamandalam.ac.in/

4–5 hrs Check official website
Nilambur
Malappuram Family
nature

Nilambur

Home to the world's oldest teak plantation and lush riverside forests along the Chaliyar.

3–4 hrs September to February
Konni
Pathanamthitta Family
nature

Konni

A forest town famous for its historic elephant training centre and riverside greenery.

2h 30m September to February
Ranipuram
Kasaragod
hill station

Ranipuram

Grassland-and-shola hills often called the 'Ooty of Kerala', laced with quiet trekking routes.

4–5 hrs September to February
Kottakkunnu
Malappuram Family
nature

Kottakkunnu

A landscaped hillock overlooking Malappuram town, with an amphitheatre, gardens and city views.

2–3 hrs All year