Kerala, nestled on the southern tip of India doesn't welcome the traveller with open arms, rather it snuggles you in, wraps you up in its beauty and lets go of you spellbound. While its perfect climate translates into lush greenery across the state, its prized network of rivers and canals which constitute the famed backwaters seduce the prospective traveller with sleek houseboats traversing from one sleepy village to the next.
The sun kissed coastline of the Arabian Sea welcomes the weary and further inland the Western ghats nourish spices and tea plantations. But hold on, there is more to Kerala. If you had your fill with nature, let Kerala's colonial dalliances with the Portugese, the Chinese and the Muslim merchants enchant you in Fort Cochin. Yet with even so much on offer, Kerala still has a lot to offer in its mouth tingling cuisine and famed art forms like Kallaripayatu, Kathakali and Theyam.
Whether you travel to Kerala in summer, winter or monsoon, the state offers several places for you to visit and explore the pleasant weather and the exotic beauty of the destinations that has immense travel potential. Tourism in Kerala has flourished over the past few years and this has resulted in a lot of travellers flocking in to even unexplored parts of Kerala!
Here are a few places to visit in Kerala for all seasons.
Explore Wayanad This Summer!
Wayanad is one of the best places to visit in Kerala during the summer season. This is because of the pleasant weather in the region. This hill station lies between Kannur and Kozhikode districts and is known for its greenery and freshness that thankfully hasn't diminished inspite of the tourists that throng in to the place every year.
The best places to visit here are Pookot Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak (to see the heart-shaped lake) and Edakkal Caves among other attractions. A wide range of stay options from budget homestays to luxurious resorts are available here.
Photo Courtesy: Sarath Kuchi
Summers in Ponmudi
Ponmudi is one of the sought-after hill stations in Kerala during summers for its cool weather and a freshness that attracts travellers.
Translated as the 'Golden Peak', Ponmudi is located around 60km from the capital Thiruvananthapuram and is rich in natural springs, narrow winding pathways, lush green hills and expanses of tea and spice plantations.
Some of the places to visit in Ponmudi are the Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mini Zoo. Ponmudi is also a great place for treks.
Photo Courtesy: Thejas Panarkandy
Trekking in Summers at Devikulam!
Located around 16 km from Munnar, Devikulam is one of the best places to visit Kerala during summer. The charming hills, waterfalls and the lakes in Devikulam make the place a visual treat.
The Sita Devi Lake is believed to have healing powers, and it also holds strong mentions in Hindu mythology. The other attractions here are the Pallivasal Falls and Thoovanam Falls.
Cool Summers in Peermede
Peermede is an ideal destinations for trekkers and adventure lovers. Enjoying a pleasant climate throughout the year, even the summers here are cool. The trekking trails, green velvety hilly terrains and the weather make the destination one of the best hill stations in Kerala.
Kuttikanam and Thrissanku Hills are among the places to visit in Peermede. This hill station is located around 75 km from Kottayam.
Photo Courtesy: Devika
Cool Nelliampathy!
Nelliampathy is a popular hill station in Palakkad district of Kerala. The hill station is surrounded by tea and coffee plantations, making it a favourite tourist spot for nature lovers.
Explore Vythiri this Summer
After Idukki district, it is Wayanad that has the most number of hill stations in Kerala. Vythiri is located at an altitude of 1300m above sea level and is easily accessible from Kozhikode city which is about 60km away.
Lakkidi for a Cool Summer
Located around 5km from Vythiri, Lakkidi is another scenic spot in Wayanad district. The place is also a gateway to Wayanad district. Lakkidi is known to receive the second highest degree of rainfall in the world.
Summer in Pythal Mala
Pythal Mala is an unexplored hill station located in Kannur district of Kerala. Situated at an altitude of around 4500ft above sea level, the hill station is about 65km away from Kannur city. Pythal Mala is ideal for trekking.
Ranipuram for Summers
Ranipuram is one of the least explored hill stations in Kerala. It is located in Kasargode district, around 85km from the city. The place is not crowded as many are yet to explore the place. The views offered by Ranipuram, which is situated at an altitude of 750m, is spectacular.
Winter in Kochi
As Kochi experiences a hot climate throughout the year, the winter season is relatively the best time to visit the city.
Kochi is a city that has something for everyone. Here's a list of some of the best tourist attractions of the place. Foodies find the best food here and you can also choose to stay at some of the best hotels in Kochi if you opt to stay here.
Backpack to Thekkady this Winter!
Thekkady is a popular tourist place in Kerala that is enjoyed by adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, backpackers and picnickers alike. Trekking is one of the major activities done here. Thekkady lies in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, thus making it easier to access from both states. The culture here is also an amalgamation of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Some of the best tourist places in Thekkady are the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Vandiperiyar and Vandanmedu. The place has affordable stay options for travellers.
Take a Houseboat Cruise in Alleppey
Alleppey is a popular destination in Kerala for its backwaters and houseboats that attract flocks of tourists from around the world.
Take a houseboat cruise to witness the true beauty of Alleppey backwaters and also to relish on the typical Kerala cuisine that is served in houseboats.
Photo Courtesy: Ronald Tagra
Kovalam for Winters
Kovalam is a popular beach town located in Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Often referred to as the Paradise of the South, Kovalam is an exotic destination with a lot of tourist attractions for a traveller. The town is located around 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city. For stay options, click here.
Phptp Copurtesy: Ryan
Away from the Crowd!
Poovar is a small village away from the buzz of Thiruvananthapuram city. The quiet atmosphere of the place makes it a great place to unwind and relax on your holiday to Kerala. Poovar is located around 25 km from the city and is known for its beach.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala. Known as one of the 10 Greenest Cities in India, the city is popular for its long list of tourist attractions to attract travellers from various parts of the world. For stay options, click here.
Bekal for Monsoons
Those who've watched the Bollywood flick Bombay would remember the song sequence shot at Bekal Fort. Located around 13 km from Kasargode, Bekal is a small town which has many places of interest for travellers. Here are the list of hotels and tourist attractions in Bekal to visit this monsoon.
Photo Courtesy: Renjith Sasidharan
Athirapally for the Waterfalls!
Athirapally is a popular tourist destination in Kerala known for its waterfalls. Located around 60 km from Thrissur and 70 km from Kochi, the place is an ideal spot to enjoy monsoons in Kerala.
Ashtamudi Backwaters
The Ashtamudi Backeaters in the Kollam district of Kerala is an ideal destination to enjoy Kerala monsoon. The Ashtamudi Lake is the biggest fresh water lake of Kerala and a trip through the lake would be a rewarding experience during monsoon season.
Visit the Cultural Capital
Thrissur is known as the cultural capital for its rich tradition and cultural aspects. The world famous Thrissur Pooram and many other festivals make Thrissur a sought-after destination among art lovers. Kerala Kala Mandalam close to Thrissur is a perfect place to watch the performance of Kathakali, the basic art form of Kerala. Here is a list of some tourist places in Thrissur.
Munnar – The Best Place To Be!
How is Kerala Tourism complete without a mention of Munnar? Known as the best tourist destination of Kerala, Munnar is a popular hill station in India that can be visited during any season of the year. The climate here is pleasant through the year and there are many tourist attractions to visit. For hotels, click here.