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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.

Best time to visit and official booking for each place

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.

PlaceBest time to visitBook (official sites)More on this site
Alappuzha backwatersSeptember to March; the Nehru Trophy boat race is in AugustKTDC hotelsKeralam Festivals
KovalamSeptember to MarchKTDC hotelsAbout Thiruvananthapuram
Fort Kochi and MattancherryOctober to March; the Cochin Carnival is at New YearKTDC hotelsKeralam Culture, About Kochi
MunnarSeptember to May; Neelakurinji flowers every 12 years (next in 2030)KTDC hotelsKeralam Adventure
Thekkady (Periyar)October to MayPeriyar Tiger Reserve, KTDC hotelsKeralam Wildlife
ThrissurOctober to March; Thrissur Pooram in April or May–Keralam Festivals, About Thrissur
SabarimalaMid-November to mid-January (Mandala and Makaravilakku season)Sabarimala virtual queueKeralam Festivals
WayanadOctober 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.