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.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Kerala.
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1
Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters
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.
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2
Munnar Tea Gardens
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.
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3
Fort Kochi (Fort Cochin)
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.
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4
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady)
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.
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5
Varkala Beach
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.
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6
Kovalam Beach
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.
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7
Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, built in the 17th century. Its unique keyhole shape, perched on a 35-acre promontory jutting into the Arabian Sea, offers magnificent ocean views. The surrounding Bekal Beach is serene and relatively undeveloped.
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8
Athirapally Waterfalls
Athirapally Falls, often called the 'Niagara of India,' is the largest waterfall in Kerala, with the Chalakudy River plunging 80 feet over a 30-meter wide rock face. Set within the Sholayar forest range, it's a popular location for Bollywood film shoots and surrounded by rich biodiversity.
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9
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is home to wild elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, and the endangered Nilgiri langur. The sanctuary spans over 344 sq km of dense deciduous and semi-evergreen forests in the mist-covered Wayanad hills.
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10
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram is one of the most sacred Vaishnava temples in India, dedicated to Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha (the cosmic serpent). The temple is famous for its immense wealth discovered in underground vaults, estimated at over $20 billion, making it reportedly the wealthiest place of worship in the world.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.