God’s own country is blessed with a picturesque landscape and heritage centres that showcase the rich architectural history of the state. Here is a list of the most famous places that you do not want to miss out on if you visit Kerala, the best places to visit in Kerala.
1. Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a hill station located in Trivandrum. Despite being in the Capital District, it is a quiet place away from the business of the city. The drive to the hill is a calming experience for those people seeking detox from city life.
Places and Activities– Meenmutty Falls, Mankayam waterfalls, Braemore Marigold est Ponmudi upper sanatorium.
How to Reach– It is 56 km Away from Trivandrum Central Railway Station. But KSRTC buses are available from Trivandrum.
Best Time to Visit– Ponmudi is one of those places that get suddenly covered by fog. So from November to March is the best time to visit the hill as the greenery here will be dipped in mist.
2. Kuthiramalika Palace
It was built by Sri Swathi Thirunal. This is one of the Royal buildings located very close to Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple.The building is a standing proof of the rich architectural history of Kerala.
Places and Activities– Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, Napier Museum, Shanmugam beach, Thiruvananthapuram zoo, Vellayani Lake
How to Reach– The palace is two kilometres away from the central railway station. So, it will be convenient to take a taxi from the station.
Best Time to Visit– It is open to the public, with a small fee. Except for Mondays, it is open to the public all days of the week throughout the year.
3. Neyyardam
It is a gravity dam, located in the capital district. It is a picnic spot favored by many. It lies in the foot of Western ghats. Boating is one of the activities enjoyed by the visitors here.
Places and Activities– Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Agasthiyar Malai, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyikkal Palace.
How to Reach– It is almost 32 km away from Trivandrum railway station. It is also very close to the airport.
Best Time to Visit– September to March time is preferred by travellers, due to the astonishingly beautiful weather.
4. Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is a small coastal town located south of Thiruvananthapuram.Here , beaches are aligned with many shops. Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach and Samudra beach are the major coastlines.
Places and Activities– Samudra Beach Park. Vellayani Lake, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Rock and Cave temple, Sagarika marine research aquarium.
How to Reach– Trivandrum Central Railway station the nearest railway station is 15 kilometers away.
Best Time to Visit– People visit Kovalam throughout the year. But winter from October to February is the best time to visit because of the variety of activities like boat riding available during the season.
5. Edakkal Caves
It is located in Ambukuthi Mala, Wayanad. It is famous for its unique carvings, that is 1000s of years old.
Places and Activities– Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara waterfalls, Kanthanpara waterfalls. Ambukuthi Mala.
How to Reach– The nearest railway station is in Calicut, which is 87 kilometres away. By car, you can get to Wayanad from where you can reach Edakkal caves in approximately 30 minutes.
Best Time to Visit– The heavy pouring of the monsoon season, and the summer heat has an effect on tourism here. Winter is the best time preferred by travellers.
6. Kuruvadweep
This is a protected uninhabited River Delta.Spreading over 950 acres of land with evergreen forest, this is one of the tourist-favorite spots for a quiet getaway.
Places and Activities– Pakshipathalam, Pazhassiraja museum, Brahmagiri ,Chethalayam waterfalls.
How to Reach– Nearest railway station is Nilambur Railway Station, which is 41 kilometers from Kalpetta. People can reach the island only by boat or on bamboo rafts
Best Time to Visit– Kuruva Island shuts down during monsoons, it is open to the public from October to May.
7. Banasura Sagar Dam
The dam is located in Wayanad district, it lies at the foot of Banasura hills, trekking and speed boating are the special activities here
Places and Activities– Karlad Lake, Banasura Hill, Wayanad adventure camp,Banasura Sagar Park.
How to Reach– Quilandi is the nearest railway station. From there, you can reach the dam by taxi or car.
Best time to Visit– November to May.
8. Backwaters of Alappuzha
Alappuzha, known as Venice of the East is home for backwaters and other waterways lined by coconut trees. Houseboating is one of the main activities here
Places and Activities– Alappuzha beach, Vembanad Lake, Pathiramanal, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple.
How to Reach– When visiting the backwaters you can get a cab after getting off at any nearby railway station like Kayamkulam railway station Or Chengannur railway station.
Best Time to Visit– October to February, the monsoon will be over and waterways will be opened for houseboating.
9. Krishnapuram Palace
It is an 18th century palace built by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. The Palace, which is also now a museum, gives a glimpse into the old Kerala architecture.
Places and Activities– Dhoras aquarium, Shanker Memorial National cartoon Museum and Art Gallery, Azheekal Beach, Pathiramanal.
How to Reach– Nearest Railway Station, Kayamkulam railway station is six kilometres away. Airports nearby are Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and Cochin International Airport.
Best time to Visit– It is open for visiting at any time of the year, except on Mondays.
10. Athirappally Waterfalls
Largest waterfalls in Kerala. Its location is in Thrissur district. It is popularly known as ‘Niagara Falls of India’.
Places and Activities– Bhoothathankettu, Vazhachal waterfalls, Kodanad Elephant Training Center, Charpa falls.
How to Reach– Nearest airport is Cochin International Airport and the nearest railway station is Chalakudy railway station. One can take a taxi or car from there, and head to Sholayar check post.
Best Time to Visit– You can visit the waterfalls, any time, but heavy monsoons may cause difficulty so September to January is the preferred time.
11. Hill Palace Museum
Located in Tripunithura town in the district of Ernakulam. This was where the 17th century rulers resided. The palace is now a Heritage Museum.
Places and Activities– Thanneerchal Park , Traveling Gecko , ChakkamKulangara temple.
How to Reach– Tripunithura Railway station is very close to Hill palace. It is only a five minutes car ride. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
Best Time to Visit– The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. So, you can visit any time of the year except on Mondays, but due to the pleasant climate, tourists are usually high during the months of October to March.
12. Fort Kochi Beach
Fort Kochi is a part of Ernakulam District. This seaside area is known for its rich architecture, influenced by Dutch and Portuguese culture. It is also popular for its 11th century Chinese fishing nets
Places and Activities– Jew town, Kerala folklore theatre and museum, Mattancherry, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Princess Street.
How to Reach– Ernakulam junction railway station and Ernakulam town railway station are both near Fort Kochi, but the metro station is further away. Tourists, also rent bicycles to commute within Fort Kochi.
Best Time to Visit– October to March is preferred due to pleasant weather.
