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Here’s your complete guide to Kerala Tourism. Know popular destinations in Kerala, points of interest, best time to visit, things to do, and more.
Planning a trip to “God’s Own Country” in 2026? Kerala remains India’s premier destination for wellness and nature. From the newly launched Caravan parks in Vagamon to the pristine, untouched beaches of Bekal, this 2026 Kerala tourism guide covers the latest travel requirements, top-rated destinations, and must-try local experiences.
Tourism in Kerala
Kerala is aptly called “God’s Own Country”! Geographically situated on the beautiful Malabar Coast of India, Kerala has a rich and diverse culture to offer. Coming to Kerala, you will be greeted with breathtaking natural wonders; an ancient Ayurveda healthcare system; vibrant wildlife; picturesque hill stations; delicious veg and non-veg delicacies; and spectacular dance forms, music and handicrafts.
National Geographic Traveller has listed Kerala among the 10 paradises of the world. The southern state of India has everything to offer for a travelholic. The world-famous backwaters of Alappuzha and palm-fringed beaches of Kovalam and Varkala are destinations of a lifetime that you can’t afford to miss. Besides, the state has some of India’s best wildlife sanctuaries and mountain ranges too. Most importantly, Kerala has this amalgamation of different cultures, such as Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and British, that you won’t find anywhere in India. Visiting Kerala will rejuvenate not just your body but your soul too with its unique cultural and geographical characteristics.
Popular Destinations
- Munnar: Munnar is one of Kerala’s most beautiful hill stations. Situated at an altitude of over 1,600 mts, it offers mesmerising views of winding lanes, sprawling tea plantations, and a picturesque town. Munnar is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The hill station has extremely pleasant weather throughout the year.
- Thekkady: Thekkady is home to the Periyar National Park, which is an important tourist attraction in Kerala. It is considered one of the country’s largest tiger reserves. Thekkady is also called as a tourist’s paradise with so many sites to explore.
- Kochi: Set on a magnificent estuary, serene Kochi has been drawing traders, explorers, and travellers to its shores for over 600 years. Kochi is the second most populous city in the state of Kerala. The famous Chinese fishing nets are found only in Kochi, outside China. It is a beautiful town with eclectic influence. No wonder why people also call it the “Gateway to Kerala”.
- Kovalam: Situated in the southern part of Kerala, Kovalam is a majestic beach town situated by the Arabian Sea in Thiruvananthapuram. It is home to three of the most famous pristine beaches of the region (Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach) with shallow waters and low tidal waves.
- Alappuzha: Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a city by the shores of the Laccadive Sea in the southern part of Kerala. It is best known for its famous boat races, backwater holidays, serene beaches, marine products, and coir industry. Alappuzha is considered to be the oldest planned city in this region, and the lighthouse built on the coast of the city is the first of its kind along the Laccadive Sea coast.
- Vagamon: Vagamon is a mesmerising hill station primarily located in Peerumade taluk of Idukki district, and also Meenachil taluk and Kanjirappally taluk of Kottayam district of Kerala. The town is surrounded by valleys, green meadows, pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, and waterfalls. Its overall greenery makes it an extremely attractive tourist destination. Vagamon hosts an International Paragliding festival every year, which is sponsored by the Kerala Tourism Department and the Adventure Sports and Sustainable Tourism Academy (AASTA).
- Varkala: Varkala town is popularly known for its sanctified heritage. An ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple is considered a popular Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The famous Papanasam Beach in Varkala is considered to be blessed with holy waters. Basically, Varkala lies on the outskirts of the Thiruvananthapuram district. Apart from the temple, the Sivagiri Mutt is equally famous too.
- Wayanad: Wayanad is beautifully situated on the border with Tamil Nadu. It is full of tea plantations, forests, and wildlife. The city offers some breathtaking views with wild forests, white water springs, green meadows of valleys, and blue water lakes. Due to its lush green outlook, Wayanad is also called as “Green Paradise”.
- Ponmudi: A weekend getaway from Thiruvananthapuram. Ponmudi is blessed with some rare flora and fauna in the state, including mountain flowers, exotic butterflies and beautiful wild orchids. Tourists can opt for trekking and camping options while exploring this natural wonder on foot.
- Kannur: A beach town, it is situated on the northern side of Kerala. Kannur has a rich colonial heritage, and thus it offers some great colonial-era architecture to see. It has a tropical weather with an extremely humid climate. The city is also famous for the dazzling ritual performance popularly known as “Theyyam”.
- Thrissur: Thrissur holds the distinction of being called the “Cultural Capital of Kerala”. It is world-renowned for the festival of Pooram, which is held during April and May every year. It is home to some of South India’s great temples, such as Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple, Vadakkumnathan Temple and more. Thrissur also has Guruvayur, which is a popular Hindu pilgrimage centre.
- Kottayam: Kottayam is also known as “Akshara Nagari” (Land of Letters) or “Chuvar Chitra Nagari” (City of Murals) for being the literary centre. Chuvar Chitra Nagari, or City of Mural, was an initiative taken by the authorities of Kottayam and the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi to preserve and promote the mural art culture of Kerala. The city is also known for several movie locations.
- Ernakulam: Ernakulam was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. It has been nurturing many entrepreneurs and is one of the major financial and commercial hubs of South India. The city has a 400-year-old synagogue, Portuguese houses, crumbling sites of the British era and ancient mosques. Tourism has contributed heavily to the economy of Ernakulam.
- Palakkad: Palakkad is beautifully located along the serpentine ranges of the Western Ghats. The city is famous for its paddy fields and natural, enchanting rural nature. The city has two historically significant monuments, the Jain Temple and the Palakkad Fort. Both of these monuments attract a huge number of tourists every year.
North Kerala (Malabar)
- Bekal (Kasaragod): Often overlooked, Bekal is the crown jewel of North Kerala in 2026. Famous for the giant keyhole-shaped Bekal Fort and its quiet, luxury backwater resorts, it’s the perfect alternative to the crowded Alleppey circuits.
- Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: Located in Kannur, this is Asia’s longest drive-in beach. In 2026, it is a must-visit for adventure travellers looking to drive their vehicles right along the surf.
Points of Interest
While you may be wondering about the most visited points of interest in the charming land of Kerala, the best way is to scroll down the list that awaits your attention:
- Waterfalls: The waterfalls in Kerala include Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Attukal Waterfalls, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Vagamon Falls, Lakkam Waterfalls/Lakkom Falls, Maramala Waterfalls, Vazhachal Waterfalls and Thommankuthu Falls.
- Beaches: Top beaches in Kerala include Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, Bekal Beach, Marari Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Varkala Beach, Mappila Bay, Kollam Beach, Kannur Beach, Kappad Beach, Payyoli Beach, Somatheeram Beach, Cherai Beach and Arjuna Backwaters.
- Worship, Pilgrimage, or Religious: The must-visit pilgrimage and religious sites to visit in Kerala include Sri Krishna Temple, Mahadeva Temple, Thirunelli Temple, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Mallikarjuna Temple, Ananthapura Temple, Tali Temple, Janardan Swami Temple, Rajarajeswara Temple, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Guruvayur Sree Vishnu Temple, Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah, Beemapally Mosque, Erumeli Vavar Mosque, Paradesi Synagogue, St. Thomas Church, St Mary’s Forane Church, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours and Matri Dei Cathedral.
- Wildlife: The top wildlife sanctuaries and reserves in Kerala include Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Tiger Trail, Malom Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park.
- Historical: The must-see historical sites in Kerala include Krishnapuram Palace, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Rock Cut Caves, Halcyon Castle, Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Anjengo/Anchuthengu Fort, Mattancherry Palace, Dutch Palace and Fort St. Angelos.
Kerala Points of Interest: Categorized for 2026 Travelers
To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve broken down the must-visit spots based on your travel style.
1. Best for Couples & Honeymooners (Romance & Serenity)
Munnar Tea Estates: Walk through the emerald-green slopes of Kolukkumalai (the world’s highest tea garden).
Alleppey Backwaters: Book a private “Premium” houseboat for a romantic sunset cruise along the Vembanad Lake.
Varkala Cliff: Enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the Arabian Sea on the famous Varkala North Cliff.
Marari Beach: A quiet, eco-friendly beach ideal for couples seeking seclusion away from the crowds.
Athirappilly Waterfalls: Often called the “Niagara of India,” this majestic fall offers a breathtaking backdrop for photography.
2. Best for Families (Education, Safety & Fun)
Kochi (Fort Kochi): See the giant Chinese Fishing Nets and visit the Indo-Portuguese Museum to learn about Kerala’s colonial history.
Thekkady (Periyar National Park): Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake to spot wild elephants and tigers in their natural habitat.
Wonderla Amusement Park (Kochi): A high-energy break for kids with world-class rides and water slides.
Elephant Junction (Thekkady): An ethical way for families to learn about elephant conservation and participate in feeding and bathing sessions.
Kerala Folklore Museum: A treasure trove of over 4,000 artifacts that will fascinate history buffs of all ages.
3. Best for Solo Travelers & Backpackers (Adventure & Culture)
Wayanad (Edakkal Caves): Trek up to these ancient caves featuring Neolithic rock carvings that date back to 6,000 BC.
Arambol-style Vagamon: A rising hub for paragliding and off-road trekking in the pine forests.
Kannur (Theyyam Performances): Witness the raw, powerful ritual art of Theyyam in local temples—a must for cultural explorers.
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach: Rent a bike and drive along the 4km stretch of firm sand right by the waves.
Silent Valley National Park: One of the last undisturbed tracts of South Western Ghats mountain rain forests—perfect for solo hikers and birdwatchers.
4. Best for Wellness Seekers (Healing & Peace)
Somatheeram Ayurvedic Village: Known as the world’s first Ayurvedic resort, located near Kovalam.
Kalari Kovilakom: The “Palace of Ayurveda” in Palakkad, offering deep detox (Panchakarma) programs.
Sivagiri Mutt (Varkala): A peaceful pilgrimage centre and the final resting place of the social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.
Best time to visit in 2026
Peak Season (September to March): Ideal for backwaters and beaches. The humidity is lower, making it perfect for sightseeing.
Monsoon Wellness (June to August): 2026 sees a rise in “Monsoon Tourism.” According to Ayurveda, the body is most receptive to treatments during the rainy season. Use TourismBharat’s weather forecast tool to plan your spa retreats between rain spells.
Being a coastal state, Kerala has a tropical type of climate. Normally, the summers fall between March and May. The state gets hot and humid during these months, and the tourist inflow drops during this period.
Unlike most of the other states, Kerala receives a high percentage of rainfall — something that makes it an ideal destination for those who crave a lush green environment. The monsoon season lasts from June to late September. This is the period when most of the holidaymakers come to Kerala and enjoy its natural beauty.
Things to do in Kerala
- Experience the Culture: You can go on a traditional village tour with a tour operator or on your own. There, you can enjoy an ethnic, traditional meal with the local people and experience the rich and diverse culture of God’s own country. Watching a Kathakali performance, which is an ancient form of dance in Kerala, is a must-do for every tourist. You won’t see performers dressed up like this in your routine life, so make the most of it when you are in Kerala. Through this dance, the performers tell meaningful Hindu mythological stories. Watch Kalaripayattu, which is an ancient form of martial art practised in Kerala. This magnificent ancient martial art form is slowly vanishing. It is highly recommended for you to go and see these martial artists performing it.
- Enjoy Ayurvedic Treatment: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian healing tradition that’s more than 5,000 years old. Several authentic Ayurvedic spas are spread throughout Kerala, a region that has an ample supply of rare medicinal plants. A trip to these Ayurvedic healing centres can help you detox and feel rejuvenated. It can even cure many diseases such as insomnia, neurological disorders and more.
- Take Culinary Lessons in Keralan Cuisine: Enrol in a cooking class, as Kerala is renowned for its delicious and exquisite delicacies. Be it seafood or food cooked in coconut oil, it’s mouthwatering and worth experiencing once in a lifetime. You can easily join a cooking class during a trip, a skill that you can proudly bring back home as a souvenir for the rest of your life to cherish.
- Witness Heart-Pounding Boat Races: Any visit to Kerala is incomplete without seeing a boat race. It is something you can never miss, as without it, the trip would be half fulfilled. Every year during the monsoon season, Kerala comes alive with colourful snakeboat races. All the villages have their own Snake Boat, which competes against others to grab the winner’s trophy.
Plan Your Trip: Recommended 7-Day Kerala Itinerary for 2026
7-Day Essential Kerala Itinerary: The “God’s Own” Route (2026 Edition)
| Day | Destination | Key Activity / Experience | Why it’s a 2026 Must-Do |
| Day 1 | Kochi (Cochin) | Chinese Fishing Nets & Kathakali Show | Explore the Muziris Heritage sites and the Jewish Synagogue. |
| Day 2 | Munnar | Tea Garden Trek & Museum Visit | Visit the Eravikulam National Park to see the Nilgiri Tahr. |
| Day 3 | Munnar | Mattupetty Dam & Echo Point | Ideal for 2026 “Slow Travel” and panoramic photography. |
| Day 4 | Thekkady | Periyar Jungle Safari & Spice Tour | Take a bamboo rafting trip for a sustainable wildlife experience. |
| Day 5 | Alleppey | Overnight Luxury Houseboat Stay | Cruise the backwaters in a 2026 Eco-certified houseboat. |
| Day 6 | Varkala | Cliff-side Dining & Surfing | Experience the unique “Red Cliff” beach culture and yoga. |
| Day 7 | Trivandrum | Padmanabhaswamy Temple & Departure | Visit the world’s richest temple before heading to the airport. |
Looking for a customised version of this 2026 itinerary? Contact our verified travel experts at TourismBharat.com for a personalised quote.
Caravan Tourism
New for 2026: Kerala Caravan Tourism (Keravan Kerala)
Kerala has revolutionised travel with its Caravan Tourism initiative. You can now hire luxury caravans to explore offbeat locations like Wagamon, Bekal, and Idukki without worrying about hotel availability.
Pro-Tip: Check TourismBharat’s verified partners for caravan rentals that include a private chef and GPS-tracked safety features.
“Have a specific question about Kerala? Join travellers in our Travel Forum. Get real-time advice on everything from current weather to the best local toddy shops.”
Kerala Tourism FAQs
A: Yes, especially for the Alappuzha (Alleppey) and Kumarakom circuits. For 2026, we recommend booking via TourismBharat.com at least 45 days in advance to secure “Gold Class” boats that meet the latest environmental safety standards.
A: A mid-range 7-day tour for a couple typically costs between ₹45,000 to ₹70,000 ($540 – $840), including a private driver, 3-star accommodations, and a houseboat stay. For luxury travellers using 5-star resorts in Munnar and Kochi, budgets start at ₹1,20,000+.
A: Kerala is consistently ranked as one of India’s safest states for women. In 2026, the “Pink Police” patrols and female-only dorms in hostels like Zostel (Kochi/Munnar) provide added security. Always use TourismBharat’s community forum to connect with fellow solo travellers for real-time safety tips.
A: It depends on your route. Use Cochin International (COK) for Central Kerala (Munnar/Alleppey), Trivandrum (TRV) for the South (Kovalam/Varkala), and Kannur (CNN) or Calicut (CCJ) for the North (Wayanad/Bekal).
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That’s a great read! I am traveling to Kerala in the upcoming week and it’s my first time. I don’t want to miss out on any must-visit tourist spot. Thanks for sharing this Kerala Guide. Now, I can plan my itinerary.