10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala for International Travelers

Kochi: Where 500 Years of History Meets Modern India

Kochi (or Cochin) is usually the first stop for foreign visitors in India heading south, and it’s the perfect intro to Kerala. Fort Kochi feels like stepping into a living museum, with Portuguese churches, Dutch houses, 600-year-old synagogues, spice markets that smell like history, and those iconic Chinese fishing nets (brought by traders from Emperor Kublai Khan's court in 1400 CE) that create postcard-perfect sunsets.

What Makes Kochi Special for International Tourists:

• Cultural fusion: See St. Francis Church (where Vasco da Gama was originally buried), walk through Jew Town's antique markets, and watch Kathakali dance-drama performances that predate Shakespeare
• Food scene: From traditional sadya (Kerala feast on banana leaf) to global fusion cafés in Mattancherry
• Laid-back vibes: Unlike Delhi's or Mumbai's intensity, Kochi lets you breathe while staying interesting
• Ideal duration: Spend 2 days here adjusting to India's pace before exploring deeper

Must-Do Experiences:

• Sunset walk along Marine Drive promenade
• Spice market tour in Mattancherry (learn why this coast changed world history)
• Kerala cooking class with local family
• Ferry ride to Vypeen Island for uncrowded beaches

Pro Tip: Book Kathakali performances at Kerala Kathakali Centre; they train young artists and preserve this 17th-century art form that's on UNESCO's watchlist.

Travel Time from Airport: 45 minutes from Cochin International Airport

Alleppey – The Houseboat Experience That Defined Kerala Tourism

If you Google the best places to visit in Kerala, Alleppey (Alappuzha) will always pop up, and for all good reasons. This is where you float through Kerala’s legendary backwaters on a traditional houseboat (Kettuvalam). You spend the day drifting past palm trees, rice paddies, and tiny villages, all while enjoying the best dishes from Kerala’s cuisine cooked onboard.

Traditional kettuvallam houseboats were once used to transport rice and spices. Today, they're converted into floating hotels, but quality varies wildly. Here's a comparison that can help you decide which houseboat is right for you.

Premium vs. Budget Houseboats

• Budget (₹6,000-₹10,000/night): Basic AC rooms, shared chef, standard route
• Premium (₹15,000-₹30,000/night): Private chef, customized routes through narrow canals, eco-certified solar power, better food quality

Pro Tips:

• Skip the crowds: Book houseboats departing from Kuttanad or Kumarakom instead of Alleppey's main dock
• Canoe exploration: Add a 2-hour canoe tour through narrow canals; you'll see village life up close: toddy tappers climbing coconut palms and people going about their day
• Sunset timing: Insist on cruising during golden hour (5:30-6:30 PM); photos are magical
• Food: Confirm menu in advance; request dishes like karimeen fry, avial, and meen curry

Best Combined With: Kumarakom (30 min), Marari Beach (45 min for post-houseboat beach time)

How to Reach Alleppey: 54 km from Kochi (1.5 hrs)

Munnar: Tea Plantations That Stretch to Infinity

Need a break from tropical heat? Head to Munnar, which sits at 1,600 meters in the Western Ghats, where the British established tea plantations in the 1870s. Today, it's one of the top hill stations in South India, and nothing prepares you for your first view of endless green tea carpets rolling over mountain after mountain.

What Makes Munnar Unmissable:

• Visiting Kolukkumalai Tea Estate (world's highest organic tea plantation at 2,400m)
• Learning the entire tea process: plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, drying
• Buying directly from estate shops—CTC and Orthodox varieties you can't find internationally
• Staying in plantation bungalows (converted British estate manager homes with fireplaces)

Wildlife & Nature:

• Eravikulam National Park: Home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr (mountain goat found nowhere else)
• Anamudi Peak: South India's highest point (2,695 m); trekking requires permits
• Attukal Waterfalls: Lesser-known gem, minimal crowds

Activities Beyond Tea:

• Sunrise at Top Station viewpoint (can see Tamil Nadu plains on clear days)
• Mountain biking through plantation roads
• Photography workshops—October-January

Ideal Duration: 3 days (2 days feels rushed; 4+ gets repetitive unless you're trekking)

How to Reach Munnar: 4-hour drive from Kochi

Thekkady: Where Spice History Meets Wildlife

When you think of “India,” you think of elephants, right? Well, Thekkady is where you actually see them in the wild. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary lets you cruise on a lake while spotting elephants, bison, and a variety of birds. And let’s not forget the spice plantations. Walk through farms filled with cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon; it’s basically a crash course in why Kerala is called the land of spices. For places to visit with family & friends, Thekkady checks all the boxes.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Experience:

Boat Safari in Periyar:

• What you'll likely see: Wild elephants (80% chance), Indian bison/gaur (60%), sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels
• What you might see: Wild boar, otters
• What's rare: Tigers (the sanctuary has 35-40, but dense forest + large territory = 5% sighting chance)
• Best time: Early morning 7 AM safari

Beyond the Boat Safari in Periyar:

• Border hiking: 4-hour guided trek along Tamil Nadu border with armed guards: higher wildlife sighting chances
• Bamboo rafting: Small groups, quieter, better for birdwatching
• Night wildlife watching: Spotlight safari in Gavi (requires advance permit)

Spice Plantation Tours:

Don't skip this. Walk through farms where you'll see:

• Cardamom growing wild under forest canopy
• Pepper vines climbing areca nut trees (traditional companion planting)
• Vanilla orchids being hand-pollinated
• Cinnamon bark being harvested and dried

Best Combined With: Munnar (3-hour drive through Ghats)

Kumarakom: Luxury Backwaters for Discerning Travelers

If Alleppey is budget-friendly, Kumarakom is where luxury travelers fall in love with backwaters. Picture this: infinity pools overlooking Vembanad Lake (India's longest lake), private houseboats with butler service, sunset cruises with champagne, and Ayurvedic spa sessions in heritage resorts. Tourists who want to chill rather than rush around love it here. Birdwatching at the Kumarakom Sanctuary is a nice touch too; you’ll see everything from herons to migratory birds. Honestly, it’s the kind of place you’d go on honeymoon and never want to leave.

Vembanad Lake Activities:

• Private canoe breakfasts (floating breakfast setups)
• Sunset photography cruises
• Traditional fishing with local fishermen

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Best November-February when migratory birds arrive: Siberian storks, egrets, herons, darters, and teal. Early morning walks (6-8 AM) with binoculars are magical.

Accommodation Options:

• Heritage resorts in converted rice barges and traditional homes
• Many properties have private lake access
• Focus on wellness: most resorts have in-house Ayurvedic doctors and treatment centers

Who It's For:

• Honeymooners seeking romance without crowds
• Wellness travelers (Ayurveda + backwater calm = detox perfection)
• Luxury travelers who want unique experiences, not just 5-star predictability
• Anyone wanting to slow down completely

Local Food Must-Try: Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish in banana leaf), chemeen pappas (prawn curry), fresh toddy (coconut palm wine, definitely acquired taste!)

How to Reach Kumarakom: 90 minutes from Kochi, 30 minutes from Alleppey

Wayanad: The Wild Side of Kerala

Want adventure? Want landscapes that feel like fantasy novels? Wayanad in North Kerala is where this state goes wild. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala for those who want more than just beaches and backwaters. Families, couples, backpackers, and everyone find something to love here. The misty mountains, ancient caves, tribal villages, waterfalls crashing into emerald pools, and wildlife in Wayanad make you respect nature's power.

Top Attractions in Wayanad:

Edakkal Caves: Trek 1 km uphill to see 6,000-year-old petroglyphs (cave carvings from Neolithic humans). The views from the cave mouth over Ambukuthi Hills are phenomenal.

Waterfalls:

• Soochipara (Sentinel Rock): moderate 2 km trek takes you the 200m three-tiered waterfall; you you can swim in the pool below
• Meenmutty: Tallest waterfall in Wayanad (300m), an intense 2 km trek through jungle
• Kanthanpara: Easiest access, family-friendly, less crowded

Wildlife Safaris:

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve: sight elephants, tigers, leopards, deer on a jeep safari
• Best time: Winter early mornings (6-8 AM)

Adventure Activities:

• Zip-lining over forests
• Rock climbing at Phantom Rock
• Trekking to Chembra Peak (highest peak in Wayanad (2,100 m)—heart-shaped lake halfway up)
• Camping under stars (November-February only—monsoons make it impossible)

Tribal Culture: Visit Wayanad Heritage Museum to understand the indigenous Paniya, Adiya, and Kattunaickan tribes' history.

Pro Tip: Wayanad grows exceptional Arabica coffee. Visit estates, learn roasting, and buy beans; Indian coffee is underrated internationally.

Who It's For: Families wanting variety, adventure travelers, couples who hike, anyone wanting to experience offbeat places in Kerala.

Ideal Duration: 3-4 days

How to Reach Wayanad: 3 hours from Calicut (Kozhikode) Airport

Varkala – Clifftop Yoga Paradise

Forget crowded beaches; Varkala gives you cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. Cafés line the cliff, yoga retreats pop up everywhere, and the beach below is perfect for a swim. This place feels as if it is made for foreign visitors in India; you’ll find travelers from all over the world chilling here. Whether you’re into yoga, surfing, or just sipping a smoothie with a view, Varkala delivers.

What to Do:

• Cliff walk: 2 km clifftop path with sunset views (golden hour is 6-6:30 PM November-February)
• Beach time: Papanasam Beach for swimming (safe, lifeguards present), Black Beach for fewer crowds
• Ayurvedic treatments: Dozens of centers; we recommend only licensed practitioners
• Janardhana Swamy Temple: 2,000-year-old temple; modest dress required (shoulders/knees covered)
• Surfing: Small waves, beginner-friendly, lessons cost ₹1,500-₹2,500, including board rental

Hidden Gem: Kappil Beach (6 km north), where Kappil Lake meets the sea, is virtually empty and magical at sunset.

Who It's For:

• Solo travelers (very social, easy to meet people)
• Yoga enthusiasts
• Beach lovers
• Digital nomads (1-month stays common)

How to Reach Varkala: 45 minutes from Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) International Airport

Kovalam: Kerala's Top Beach Destination

If your Kerala travel itinerary includes beaches, Kovalam is the OG spot. Lighthouse Beach is where you’ll find golden sand, seafood stalls, a 35-meter lighthouse you can climb for 360° views, and Ayurvedic massage centers lined up. It’s one of the top 10 tourist places in Kerala because it’s both lively and relaxing. Families, couples, and solo travelers all vibe here. Bonus: it’s close to Trivandrum, so it’s easy to access before a flight out.

Three Beaches in One:

• Lighthouse Beach (most popular beach in Kerala): Active, social, water sports, restaurants
• Hawa Beach (Eve's Beach): Slightly quieter, local flavor
• Samudra Beach: Mostly empty, walk for solitude

Activities:

• Swimming: Safe year-round (lifeguards, gentle waves)
• Ayurvedic massages: "rejuvenating" is the word
• Catamaran rides: Traditional fishing boats for sunset tour
• Surf lessons: December-March when swells arrive (still beginner-friendly)

Food Scene: Fresh seafood everywhere—point at fish, and they cook it. Try meen pollichathu (masala fish in banana leaf), karimeen fry, and grilled prawns. Vegetarians: avial, thoran, and olan are coconut-based vegetable curries unique to this region.

Pro tip: Watch fishermen pulling nets at dawn (5:30-7 AM)

Who It's For:

• Families (safe swimming, variety of activities)
• First-time beach visitors to India (developed, comfortable)
• Anyone wanting easy beach access and a quick Trivandrum airport connection

Nearby: Trivandrum city (13km) has Padmanabhaswamy Temple (one of India's richest temples, ₹22 trillion in vaults—modest dress enforced, non-Hindus allowed in outer areas)

Ideal Duration: 2-3 days

Athirappilly Falls: Kerala’s Niagara

You've seen waterfalls. You haven't seen this. Athirappilly Falls is the largest in this state: 25 meters high, 330 meters wide during monsoon, and crashing into the Chalakudy River with a roar you feel in your chest. Often called "Niagara of India" (hyperbole, but it's impressive), this is where dozens of Bollywood and South Indian films shoot because cameras love the drama.

Viewing Options:

• Main viewpoint: Walk down to base level (10-min trek, steep steps)—mist, rainbows (morning sunlight), deafening sound
• Forest Department viewpoint: Elevated panoramic view (₹30 entry)
• Opposite bank: Trek through Sholayar forests (guide required, ₹800-₹1,200)

Best Time to Visit:

• Monsoon (June-September): Maximum water flow, ferocious power, but swimming prohibited and paths slippery
• Post-monsoon (October-February): Still impressive flow, safer access, clearer photography
• Summer (March-May): Reduced flow (30% of monsoon volume) but you can swim in pools

How to Reach: It's a 1.5-hour detour from the Kochi-Munnar route. Worth it? Absolutely if you love nature. Skip it if you're tight on time.

Combine With:

• Vazhachal Falls (5 km away, smaller but beautiful)
• Thumboormuzhi Dam & Butterfly Garden
• Athirappilly forest trekking (half-day guided tours)

Bekal: Kerala's Best-Kept Secret

Most international tourists never hear about Bekal. That's their loss and your gain. Located in North Kerala near the Karnataka border, Bekal offers a massive fort right by the sea, wide beaches with hardly any crowds, and complete peace. For international travelers who like going off the beaten track, this is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Trust us, it feels like discovering a secret. Walk the ramparts at sunset; it's cinematic.

Why Bekal is Special:

• Observation towers with 360° Arabian Sea views
• Underground tunnels
• Water tanks still holding water after 370 years
• Magazine for storing ammunition
• Mosque within fort walls (rare in military forts)

Beaches:

• Bekal Beach: Right below fort, palm-fringed, empty
• Kappil Beach: Backwaters meet sea, kayaking is possible
• Pallikere Beach: Local fishing village

What to Do:

• Fort’s sunset photography (golden hour magic)
• Village walks (observe coir-making, fishing net repairs)
• Backwater kayaking in Valiyaparamba (less touristy than Alleppey)
• Ayurvedic treatments at Nikki's Nest or similar resorts

Who It's For:

• Travelers avoiding crowds
• History buffs (fort architecture geeks love this)
• Photographers (unspoiled landscapes)
• People wanting "undiscovered India" vibes

How to Reach Bekal: 70km from Mangalore Airport (Karnataka), 2 hours from Kannur Airport

Pro tip: Combine Bekal with Coorg (3 hours into Karnataka); it's coffee plantation heaven.

Entry Points for Kerala:

• Kochi International Airport (most convenient)
• Trivandrum International Airport (for South Kerala)
• Calicut International Airport (for North Kerala)

Getting Around Kerala: Transportation Guide

Distances Between Major Destinations:

• Kochi ↔ Munnar: 130km (4 hours)
• Kochi ↔ Alleppey: 53km (1.5 hours)
• Alleppey ↔ Kumarakom: 35km (45 min)
• Kochi ↔ Thekkady: 140km (4-5 hours)
• Kovalam ↔ Varkala: 42km (1 hour)
• Kochi ↔ Wayanad: 260km (6 hours)

So, there you have it, the top 10 tourist attractions in Kerala every international tourist should check out. From houseboats in Alleppey to tea gardens in Munnar, wildlife in Thekkady to beaches in Varkala, this state has it all. If you’re planning Kerala holidays, don’t overthink it; get in touch with us and get a personalized itinerary.