World · 28 Places · Best Year-round
Kerala, known as 'God's Own Country,' is a lush tropical state on India's southwest Malabar Coast, celebrated for its serene backwaters, verdant tea plantations, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the most literate and developed states in India, offering a unique blend of Ayurvedic traditions, diverse wildlife, and vibrant festivals.
Kerala stretches along the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, offering an extraordinary diversity of landscapes in a compact area. The state is famous for its extensive network of backwaters — interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes — best explored by traditional houseboat (kettuvallam). Kerala's cuisine, Ayurvedic heritage, classical dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and wildlife sanctuaries make it one of Asia's premier travel destinations. The state enjoys a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons annually.
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The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Known as the 'Venice of the East,' the Alleppey backwaters are Kerala's most iconic attraction — a vast network of canals, lakes, and lagoons best explored on a traditional kettuvallam (rice barge houseboat). Overnight houseboat stays with meals included are the quintessential Kerala experience.
Munnar is Kerala's premier hill station, set at 1,600m elevation in the Western Ghats, surrounded by some of India's finest tea estates. The rolling hills carpeted in bright green tea bushes, interspersed with waterfalls and misty peaks, create one of India's most breathtaking landscapes.
Fort Kochi is a historic peninsula neighbourhood in Kochi, shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial rule. The area features iconic Chinese fishing nets, colonial-era buildings, art galleries, spice markets, and the Kathakali performance centers. It's one of South Asia's finest heritage districts.
Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of India's most biodiverse protected areas, centered on the scenic Periyar Lake. Boat safaris on the lake offer excellent chances to spot wild elephants, gaur, sambar deer, and diverse birdlife. The surrounding spice gardens of Thekkady add to the experience.
Varkala is one of Kerala's most dramatic beaches, where red laterite cliffs plunge directly into the Arabian Sea. The cliff-top promenade is lined with restaurants, yoga studios, and Ayurvedic centers. The sacred Papanasam Beach is believed to have redemptive powers by Hindus.
Kovalam is Kerala's most developed beach resort, featuring three crescent-shaped beaches separated by rocky headlands. The Lighthouse Beach (the largest) is the most popular, offering beach sports, Ayurvedic centers, seafood restaurants, and a heritage lighthouse at its southern end.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
A landmark heritage hotel on Willingdon Island with sweeping views of Kochi Harbour, featuring colonial architecture, two swimming pools, and acclaimed seafood restaurant Bay Walk. Ideal base for Fort Kochi explorations.
Check rates on Booking.comA boutique luxury hotel set in a 19th-century boat building facility in Fort Kochi, blending colonial heritage with modern comforts. Features three pools, seafood-focused dining, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Chinese fishing nets.
Check rates on Booking.comA clifftop luxury retreat of traditional Kerala heritage homes (tharavad) with private beach access, infinity pools, and Kerala Ayurveda spa. One of Kerala's most romantic properties, with panoramic Arabian Sea views.
Check rates on Booking.comAn eco-luxury resort adjacent to Periyar Tiger Reserve, with 52 cottages styled after tribal homes of the Mannan tribe. Features an organic spice garden, elephant safaris, and genuine wildlife immersion.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Famous for its eponymous puttu (steamed rice cylinders) prepared in dozens of varieties — vegetable puttu, egg puttu, chicken puttu. National Geographic named puttu the best breakfast in the world. Always crowded with locals.
Kozhikode's most legendary restaurant, established in 1939. Paragon is an institution for Malabar cuisine — particularly the Malabar biryani, ghee rice with seafood, and their signature kallummakkaya (mussels) dishes. Always packed.
A beloved art gallery-cafe in Fort Kochi serving filter coffee, fresh juices, and a mix of continental and Kerala fusion dishes in a relaxed colonial courtyard setting. A Fort Kochi institution for art lovers.
The restaurant at the Malabar House boutique hotel, serving inventive Kerala-European fusion cuisine in a colonial garden setting. One of Fort Kochi's finest dining experiences, with fresh seafood as the centerpiece.
Celebrated for its Kerala Syrian fish delicacies — particularly the pollichathu style of cooking fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. Also excellent for fish in mango curry and spicy prawn preparations.
A tiny, beloved restaurant run by three housewives serving only 30 guests at a time, located near the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry. The food is home-style Kerala cooking — long queues attest to its quality.
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Kerala has a well-developed transportation network combining four international airports, an extensive coastal railway line, KSRTC buses, and — uniquely — an extensive water transport network of ferries and houseboats that are essential for exploring the backwaters.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-40 | $50-120 | $150+ |
| Food (per day) | $10-25 | $30-60 | $80+ |
| Transportation | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Activities | $5-15 | $20-50 | $75+ |
| Daily total | $50-100 | $100-200 | $300+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for India.
Entry requirements follow India rules. Most foreigners require an e-Visa or visa on arrival. e-Visas can be applied for online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Kerala is the Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Kerala: Malayalam, English, Tamil. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
