Places to visit in Keralam: tourist attractions
When to go: September to March; June to August is the monsoon, the traditional season for Ayurveda treatments; Onam falls in August or September.
Getting there: International airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur; main railway stations at Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Kozhikode.
Tourist attractions of Keralam
Keralam has always been a culturally distinct part of India. Its history and traditions exude European and Indian influences. Most tourist attractions in Keralam are the result of these influences and are stunning to behold. The backwaters of Keralam are the state’s main attractions with the large estuaries and beautiful canals attracting tourists from all over the world.
The stunning beaches at Kovalam with the backdrop of stunning palm trees make for an enchanting time there. Keralam is also a cultural destination for tourists. Keralam is home to the oldest synagogue in the commonwealth countries with the synagogue at Mattancherry being built in 1586 A.D. Keralam is home to a number of prominent mosques as well.
The St. Francis Church, the Cochin Fort and the Jewish Synagogues are wondrous to behold. Keralam, with its wildlife sanctuaries, is also a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The numerous Temples at Keralam are architectural splendors devoted to the various Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu mythology.
The architecture in Keralam is unique and diverse, and is in perfect harmony with the scenic backdrops of this state. Some of the most famous monuments of Keralam include The Alwaye Palace, Bekal Fort, Krishnapuram Palace, Mattanchery Palace, Hill Palace Museum, Koyikkal Palace, Vasco House, Pierce Leslie Bungalow, Arakkal Palace & Kannur Fort.
Plan your visit
The best time to visit each place, where to book on official sites, and more about it on this site. For hotels and tours across Keralam: KTDC hotels, IRCTC Tourism.
| Place | Best time to visit | Book (official sites) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alappuzha backwaters | September to March; the Nehru Trophy boat race is in August | KTDC hotels | Keralam Festivals |
| Kovalam | September to March | KTDC hotels | About Thiruvananthapuram |
| Fort Kochi and Mattancherry | October to March; the Cochin Carnival is at New Year | KTDC hotels | Keralam Culture, About Kochi |
| Munnar | September to May; Neelakurinji flowers every 12 years (next in 2030) | KTDC hotels | Keralam Adventure |
| Thekkady (Periyar) | October to May | Periyar Tiger Reserve, KTDC hotels | Keralam Wildlife |
| Thrissur | October to March; Thrissur Pooram in April or May | – | Keralam Festivals, About Thrissur |
| Sabarimala | Mid-November to mid-January (Mandala and Makaravilakku season) | Sabarimala virtual queue | Keralam Festivals |
| Wayanad | October to May | – | Keralam Wildlife, Keralam Adventure |
Seasons, opening days and booking rules change; check the official site before you travel. Every booking link goes to a government or official site.