Kerala, is a tropical state on the southwestern coast of India. A beautiful state that has everything we seek in our dream destinations—from dense mountains covering it like a green blanket to peaceful beaches, historic forts, and the famous backwater lakes—Kerala has got it all for you to experience. In this article, some of the best tourist attractions are covered for you, along with interesting information about what makes these places unique and worth visiting.
Here are Best 8 Tourist Attractions in Kerala Ready to Make it to Your Bucket List:
1. Allepey
Allepey lies to the south west coast of Kerala. Calm just like the name sounds the place is relaxed with slow canals and the green lotus which will make you feel like you are dwelling in nature and indeed this is the Venice of the east. Going on a traditional cruise on the backwater of Vembanad Lake is something you can’t miss. On boat rides on the Lake, you’ll get the perfect view of the village life of Allepey along with paddy fields and coconut groves, perfect for the feel of a laid-back life!
2. Munnar
Munnar—a beautiful hill station in the Idukki district, sits in the Western Ghats of Kerala. Munnar is all about green hills covered in tea gardens, fresh and crisp air, and peaceful valleys. Famous spots include Tata Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park—home to the rare Nilgiri Tahr—and the Neelakurinji flower, which blooms once every 12 years!, Mattupetty Dam—perfect boating spot surrounded by hills, Top Station—offers the view of Western Ghats and a great sunrise point too! Attukal & Lakkam Waterfalls are another great spot that you can’t miss.
3. Kochi
Kochi (Cochin) is a busy Indian port-city at the south-west coast, in Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala. Kochi is the vivacious combination of life and colonial architecture. It has an artsy and coastal town vibe. Famous points include Fort Kochi—known for its Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial architecture, narrow streets with a calm and artsy vibe, Mattancherry Palace, also called the Dutch palace, Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue – a historic Jewish quarter filled with antique shops and heritage. Marine Drive—ideal for chasing sunsets and evening walks and
Biennale Art Festival—one of the biggest art exhibitions in India (held every two years), and this year it will be held from December 12, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
4. Wayanad
Wayanad is a hilly district situated in the North-western part of Kerala. Wayanad is calm, landy and this is what nature lovers are after when they want to spend a mountain retreat which is perfect in the sense to travel slowly. It is clogged with lush green forests, spice estates and waterfalls. Wayanad is the place which boasts of popular attractions in its Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar dam, the longest in India earth dam in India and tower over hills as very good boating sites. The Chembra Peak- the highest mountain of Wayanad and having a heart shaped lake on the way, Soochipara Falls- 3 layered cascading waterfalls, Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary and last, but not the least.
5. Varkala
Varkala- a coastal town that is located along the cliffs of Kerala located at the Arabian Sea is a part of the Thiruvananthapuram district. You have to visit the Varkala town when you are a fan of a quiet beach. Varkala is also known as Varkala cliff, it is a cliff over the sea, which is red in colour and has cafes, shops and sunset spots, which makes it a tourist hot spot. The waters of the Varkala Beach (Papanasam Beach) have a reputation to cleanse sins! The Kappil beach, which is merely 7km north of the Varkala beach, is one of the cleanest beaches of Kerala; the beach much less crowded, hilly and rugged which is actually good in terms of relaxation and viewing sunsets. The process that is special is when the Edava backwaters and the sea run parallel to each other. An eye opener! Varkala is also known as a yoga and Ayurveda center.
6. Kumarokam
Kumarokam is a serene village on the longest Lake in Kerala- The Vembanad Lake. It is based in Kottayam, the central area of Kerala. In case you want a more quiet, backwater experience, as compared to Allepey, Kumarokam is what you want to see! The town is laid back and very similar to riding around in a houseboat, bird watching, and watching the sunset in serene backwaters. These popular attractions are: Vembanad Lake-Good place to take houseboat ride and to fish, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Backwater Cruises- These are traditional houseboats or kettuvallams along with the canals which are decorated with the sightseeing of the coconut palm trees and paddy fields. Kumarakom is associated with pure Ayurvedic treatments in a lush nature environment.
7. Athirappily Falls
Athirappily Falls- these falls are located on Chalakudy river, at the border of Thrissur and Ernakulam districts in Kerala. It can be referred to as Niagara of India because it gives an unimaginable picture of falling water of 80 feet high between dense forests. Already it sounds like heaven,does it not? It is even more beautiful and surrounded by a natural atmosphere by the surrounding Sholayar ranges and Vazhachal Forest. There are varieties of fauna such as elephants, leopards and the endangered Great Hornbill, the state bird of Kerala. Filmmakers have been able to see the beauty of Athirappilly Falls too; your favourite Bahubali movie has Athirappilly Falls.
8. Bekal
Being a fairly unexplored town in terms of tourists, Bekal- a small town in the Kasargod district of North Kerala is a very quiet and hygienic town. Bekal presents history, sea views and quite an environment. One of the great places to visit is the Bekal Fort, which happens to be the largest fort in Kerala, hanging above the Arabian Sea, the Bekal beach, which is adjacent to the fort, is a clean and serene beach, just in case there is a need to take a stroll in the evening. Chandragiri Fort offers beautiful scenery of the Chandrageeri River and the surrounding hills.
So now you have been convinced that Kerala is the place where you want to travel to, then pack your bags and visit this unforgettable state.
