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Kerala Tourism: Top 30 Tourist Places To Visit in Kerala

Kerala is the southernmost state in India. This place is rich in its culture, festival, foods and its dance form kathak kali. It is located in the Malabar Coast region.

This place is a tourist attraction because of its rich culture and dance form. Being located in the coastal region there are many beautiful beaches and seaside resorts.

This was the little introduction about the place. Let’s start the list of tourist place in Kerala with pictures.

Here is the list of Kerala tourist place with images

1. Periyar

Periyar Lake

Periyar national park and wildlife sanctuary is the best reserve for lion and elephant. It is located in cardamom hill and pandalam hills.

This area had been listed in one of the best tourist places in Kerala because this place is rich with different kinds of flora and fauna. The park covers the area of 305 km square, and it was declared as a national wildlife sanctuary in the year 1982.

This place is best to visit for animals and plants lovers. One will have the good time in eye sighting different kinds of animals. There is a lake inside the sanctuary; one can have a peaceful time there.

It is maintained by the state government. Going to this place will be a good choice. One must enjoy the safari of the place.

  • Timing: all day open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 25 for Indian and 300 INR for foreigners
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

2. Vembanad

Vembanad lake

Vembanad is the largest lake of Kerala and also the largest lake in India. It is spread over the area of 2033 km square. There are many beautiful resorts and beaches on the bank of the lake.

Around this lake, Kumarakom bird sanctuary and Kumarakom tourist village are very famous. This place has become one of the famous tourist places in Kerala. One can enjoy their time under the open sky and beside this beautiful lake.

This lake is also called the heart lake of Kerala. The very famous Nehru trophy boat race is conducted every year in a portion of Vembanad Lake.

This place is the best place for a peace lover; they can enjoy their solitude without any disturbance. It is recommended to enjoy your time by visiting this place once in your lifetime.

  • Timing: all day open
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visiting duration: 5 hours to 6 hours

3. Eravikulam National Park

eravikulam national park

The Eravikulam national park is among the most visited national park of Kerala. This park is spread over the area of 97 km square. It is rich with flora and fauna.

There are approx 200 different spices of flora and fauna. It will be the best place of a medical and botany student. One can get to see the different and rare spices of plants and animals.

Eravikulam Nation Park is listed in the UNESCO world heritage site, it should also be listed your tourist places in Kerala list. It is also the first natural life sanctuary of Kerala.

This place became more popular after a new species of frog was found here. The major part of the park is situated in the plateau region. The beautiful lakkom waterfall can be seen from this park.

  • Timing: all day open from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. (the park is closed in the month of March).
  • Entry fee: INR 65 for Indian and INR 245 for foreigners.
  • Visit duration: 4 to 5 hours

4. Athirappilly Falls

Athirappilly Falls

Athirappilly Falls is located in Thrissur district of Kerala. This waterfall is the largest waterfall in Kerala. It is also called by the name Niagara of India. The height of this waterfall is approx 80 feet.

This place describes the beauty of water. Apart from monuments and other artificial things, the waterfall is the best natural beauty that one must see in their lifetime.

During the rainy season, this place is worth to visit; the one who is a nature lover should add it to their list of Kerala tourist places. Many of the shooting of the movie is done here.

In different season this place gives the different view, the morning view during winter is really very mesmerizing. This place is surrounded by dense forest, which is the resident place of different species of flora and fauna.

  • Timing: all day open 24 hours open, not safe to visit after an evening
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

5. Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the temple of Lord Vishnu; it is located in Thiruvananthapuram and it is among the famous tourist place in Kerala.

This was built in the 16th century. The high walls of the temple attract the visitors, usually, the temple seems too small and a calm place, but this is not so in case of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, as there is the rush of people, and no calm in the place.

The inside view of the temple is very beautiful; it is crafted with well attractive designs. It is believed that those who pray or worship here, their wishes get fulfilled very soon.

In order to perform the aarti and pooja, one has to wait long in the line. One will find the huge crowd in the temple. This temple carries lots of controversies with it.

  • Visiting time: all day open. Morning 3:30 am to 12:00 pm, evening 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: approx 1 hour

6. Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty dam was constructed in the year 1940; it is located in the beautiful hill station of Munnar. The main purpose of this dam was to conserve water and to generate electricity.

The dam is surrounded by forest, and one can spot Lake Mattupetty here. This place is a visiting area for elephants and other wildlife, because of its regular availability of water.

This place has been listed in Kerala tourist places because one can enjoy the different type of boating here. It is also a best place to hike in the dense Shola forest of Munnar hills.

Apart from the activities one will be mesmerized by it’s surrounding, it is placed with a beautiful lake, and open ground, a hill station. This is a perfect place for nature lover.

  • Timing: all day open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 10
  • Visit duration: approx 3 hours

7. Cherai Beach

Cherai Beach

Cherai beach is located in Kochi district of Kerala. This beach is the best place to hangout. This is spread over 10 km of area. There are many beautiful resorts on the beach side that offers you with the best facilities.

This place has been attracted by tourist for it water activities like swimming, sunbathing and boating. This is one of the cleanest beaches of Kerala and t is also the most visited beach in the state.

One can see the dolphins here; this is another reason for this place for being a tourist place in Kerala. This beach is also called by the name “the princess of Arabian sea”.

Well, this name suits the place. One can enjoy the evening walk by the water side of the beach with their love one. It will really be fun to spend your time here.

  • Timing: all day open, all time open
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 3 to 4 hours

8. Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry Palace

Mattancherry palace is located in Kochi district of kerala. It was built in the year 1555 by Portuguese and is now also know as Dutch palace. It is listed in the UNESCO world heritage site.

The palace had gone through many renovations after its establishment. Well, it is beautifully designed in traditional Kerala style, with a courtyard. Besides the palace, there are 3 small temples. The best part of the entire palace is the dining hall.

The wall of the dining hall is decorated with brass cups, this gives an attractive look to the hall and the floor of the halls looks like polished black marbles, they are actually made with lime, coconut shells, charcoal, and other such things. For the one who loves spotting historical monument, this place should be added to their Kerala tourist place list.

  • Timing: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 2
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

9. Anamudi

Anamudi

Anamudi is the highest peak in south India is also called the Everest of south India. The name Anamudi means the head of an elephant. It has dense forest and many varieties of wildlife species in it.

To enjoy the sunset and the sunrise from the peak is the best thing to do. This place is among the best tourist place in Kerala. It has been an attraction for tourists because of its natural beauty.

To enjoy its greenery is another thing to do. In the dense forest of Anamudi hills, one can spot rare species like Asian elephant, gaur, and Nilgiri Tahr.

One must not forget to add this place in their touring list. If you are traveling to south India then don’t get involved in its culture and other areas, do see the hills station of south too.

  • Timing: all day open, all-time open
  • Entry fee: only for national park rupees 100
  • Visit duration: 3 to 4 hours

10. Varkala Beach

Varkala Beach

Among the tourist place in Kerala Varkala beach is one of the most beautiful and also one of the most visited beaches of Kerala. It is located in the capital city Thiruvananthapuram.

The beach is the only beach which is beside the Arabian Sea and contains stones and minerals. One can spot the beauty of the place in the evening, at the time of sunset you can notice the change in the color of water.

Activities like swimming, sunbathing, and other sports activities are done here. It will be a great choice if you plan to hang out with your family and friends.

The sivagiri mutt is another best landmark of the place; it is counted in the list of the best historical monument of Kerala. If you are visiting Varkala beach then do spot this historical monument too.

  • Timing: all day open, all-time open
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 3hours to 4 hours

11. Chembra Peak

Chembra Peak

Chembra peak is one of the Wayanad hills and also the highest peak of the western ghat. It is 2,100 feet above the sea level. The place is very famous for trekking and hiking.

It has been added to the list of tourist place in Kerala because of its hiking and trekking facilities. You can get the equipment for trekking from the local forest department agencies. One needs not to worry about the paths during trekking as you will get a guide man to guide you all your way.

If you ever visit this place then make sure you don’t leave these two activities undone. Apart from these two things, one can spot the sunrise and the sunset from the peak and believe me it will be the best sunrise and sunset that you have ever spotted in your life.

  • Timing: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
  • Entry fee: trekking fee INR 500 for Indian, INR 1000 for foreigners.
  • Visit duration: 5 hours to 6 hours

12. Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort

Bekal fort is one of the largest forts of Kerala; it is spread over the area of 1, 60,000-meter square and is located in Kasaragod district of Kerala. It was built by shivappa nayaka in 1650 AD.

This place carries a long and wide history with itself. The fort does not have any royal palace inside as it was not built for living purpose of royal members. In the year 1992, the Indian government added this monument to the list of tourist places in Kerala.

The place is a keyhole-shaped monument and it attracts more than a thousand visitors. It is well designed with ancient things. If you ever get a chance to visit Kerala then do spot to this historical monument.

  • Timing: all day open except Sunday, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Entry fee: INR 5 for Indian, INR 100 for foreigners
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

13. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

The Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is the 2nd largest wildlife sanctuary of Kerala and it came into its existence in the year 1973. It is spread over the area of 344 km square and is divided into four different ranges.

One can spot many different spices of flora and fauna. It also has some rarest spices of flora and fauna. This wildlife sanctuary is a part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve. One must add this place in their Kerala tourist place list, you can capture their pictures.

You will be guided by the guard so you need not worry about your safety. The animals and the plant lover should visit this sanctuary once in their life.

  • Timing: all day open, from 7:00 am to 10:00 am and from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 5 for children, rupees 10 for Indian adult and rupees 100 for foreigners
  • Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours

14. Edakkal Cave

Edakkal Cave

Edakkal cave is located in ambukutty mala hill; this place is said to from 6,000 BC. The cave is located 1,200 meters above the sea level. It was discovered by a police superintendent named Fred Fawcett while he was hunting.

The cave is among the famous tourist place in Kerala, it is very famous for its wall paintings and stones works. There are many things written on the wall in an ancient language, these all things shows the existence of ancient people there.

This is totally different from any historical monuments; one must try to explore this ancient cave as they will get to see the history. It is also visited for worshiping purpose by the local people.

  • Timing: all day open, from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm
  • Entry fee: INR 20 for Indian, IR 40 for foreigners
  • Visit duration: 3 hours

15. Asthamudi Lake

Asthamudi Lake

One must add Asthamudi Lake in Kerala tourist place list. The name Asthamudi means eight arms. It is located in Kollam district of Kerala, and it is the most visited lake in the state.

This lake is a gateway to the backwater of Kerala. It is listed in the list of tourist place in Kerala because it is famous for the boathouse. It will be the lovely experience to get a boathouse ride. You can take a ride for a long time.

The lake is surrounded by greenery so taking a view all around the pace from the boat will be really amazing. Taking a boat ride will not be a regretting decision, so one must not forget to go for a boating ride.

  • Timing: all day open, all-time open
  • Entry fee: free entry (the boat riding charges will cost you from 200 rupees)
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

16. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom bird sanctuary is Kerala’s famous bird sanctuary, it is also known by the name Vembanad bird sanctuary. It is located in Kottayam district of Kerala.

This place is now maintained by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The Kumarakom bird sanctuary is spread over the area of 14 acres and situated in the bank of river kavanar. One can spot different and rare spices of birds here.

Among all the spices of birds owl, darter, brahminy kites, moorhen are some of the most attractive species. Among the migrated spices of bird flycatcher, teal, parrot, larks are some of the attractive bird species. One must not forget to include this place in Kerala tourist place list.

  • Timing: open all day from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm
  • Entry fee: Rs. 50.0 per person per adult
  • Visit duration: 2 to 3 hours

17. Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha beach is located in Alappuzha town of kerala. This is among the oldest beach of kerala. This place is among the best tourist place of kerala.

One can enjoy the sunbath and sports like playing volley ball on the beach. This beach held many event and festivals every year and also there are many beautiful resorts beside the beach.

Those who love to party hard should visit this place in New Year time, the loud music and the group dancing and chilling beside the beach makes it the perfect location to celebrate the New Year party.

This placed has also organized the 1st international sand festival in kerala. If you visit this place then, take a visit to Alappuzha light house too; it is located on the beach

  • Timing: open all day from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Entry fee: free entry
  • Visit duration: 2 to 3 hours

18. Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley National Park

The silent valley national park is among the famous national park of India. It is located in nilgiri hills are of palakkad district of kerala. This place is rich with wildlife and flora. There are also plants for generating hydroelectricity.

Describing silent valley through words is not enough; one cannot know about is the beauty by words. One can know about its beauty only after seeing it from their eyes. As the names say silent valley, it is the best place for peace lover. There is much more to explore here apart from its beautiful flora and fauna.

Among the entire tourist place in kerala, it is one of the most visited places. One must visit this place; you will enjoy the natural beauty and the peaceful surrounding of the place.

  • Timing: all day open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
  • Entry fee: 50 rupees
  • Visit duration: 4 to 5 hours

19. Soochipara Falls

Soochipara Falls

The Soochipara waterfall is also known by the name sentinel rock waterfall, it is located in Wayanad district of Kerala. It is a three-layered waterfall and the complete waterfall region is surrounded by dense forest.

Those who love seeing natural places should include this place in Kerala tourist place list. This is among the best waterfall of Kerala. One can enjoy swimming in the water that gets collected and form in a lake.

This beautiful place is also among the most visited place by the photographers. The natural sight from this place is stunning and jaw-dropping. The forest surrounding the area enhances the beauty of the place.

Apart from photography and natural sightseeing, this place is also rich with some adventurous and thrilling activities.

  • Timing: all day open, all-time open
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 4 hours to 5 hours

20. Paradesi Synagogue

Paradesi Synagogue

The Paradesi synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues of India; it was constructed in the year 1567. Since then it is still running and is now added in the list of tourist places in Kerala. It is located in Kochi district of Kerala.

The place is also known as the Jew town. This historical monument is very attractive due to its location and its beautiful structured building. The hall of Paradesi synagogue displays various antique things. This place shows various historical objects.

Talking about the monuments then you will find decorations done with various metals and other objects this makes the interior of the place more attractive. This place holds many historical events; one who loves to sight historical monuments must visit this place too.

  • Timing: open all day except Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to5:00 pm
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

21. Mukurthy National Park

Mukurthy National Park

The Mukurthy national park is located in Nilgiri hills of Kerala. In the year 1990, the government of Tamil Nadu declared this place as a national park and then it was added to the list of tourist places in Kerala.

It is spread over the area of 78-kilometer square and it is situated between the silent valley national park and Mudumalai national park. This park is also a part of Nilgiri biosphere reserve. The Mukurthy national park is rich with wild animals; one can spot wild monkeys and wild elephant elephants.

One can also find rare species of birds here. This park is also a part of UNESCO world heritage site as it comes under the western ghat region. People enjoy clicking pictures of the rare wildlife and spend good time with their family.

  • Timing: all day open except Tuesday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 10
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

22. Thrissur Zoo

Thrissur Zoo

One must not leave to add this place to their Kerala tourist place list. Thrissur zoo is one of the most visited places of Kerala. It is spread over the area of 14 acres. It is located in Thrissur district and thus named after it.

The zoo has a natural history museum, an art museum that reveals everything about the culture of Tamil Nadu and a botanical garden which has various kind of flora inside. This zoo is also among the oldest zoo in India.

It is the best place to spend your time with family and friends. One can spot various types of mammals, wild animals, birds and amphibians here. This zoological garden provided the food court and resting facilities so spend a whole day here will not bother you.

  • Timing: all day open except Monday from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 10
  • Visit duration: 3 to 4 hours

23. Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

The Kodungallur Bhagavathy temple is also known by the name Sri Kurumba Devi temple. It is located in Thrissur district of Kerala. Every year more than 2000 people visit this temple.

This temple carries many stories behind. It should be added in the list of tourist places in Kerala as it is among the most visited temples of Kerala. The idol of goddess Kali is made up of wood of jackfruit tree.

It is said that the idol was earlier of Lord Shiva and was later recreated to the female goddess. People say that those who pray here their wishes get fulfilled very soon. Another belief of this temple is that during Kali Pooja, people had spotted some unusual happening I the temple and believes it to be the goddess Kali herself.

Another unique thing about the temple is that one needs to wear the dress code provided to them while visiting the temple

  • Timing: all day open from 4:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

24. Neyyar Dam

Neyyar dam

When you are traveling to Kerala then do not forget to visit the Neyyar dam, it is among the famous place to visit in Kerala. The dam is situated in Neyyar River in Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala.

The dam was constructed in 1958 for irrigation purpose. The height of the dam is 184 feet and the length is 295 meter. In current days this dam is also used for generating hydroelectricity. It provided electricity to the major area of Kerala. Around the dam, there are parks and forests.

The forest is rich in wildlife and flora. One can enjoy taking a boat ride to see the view of the place. Beside the dam there is also Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram, one can spend some time there too, I am sure you will get peace of mind after taking a visit from this place.

  • Timing: all day open, all-time open
  • Entry fee: free entry
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

25. Vadakkunnathan Temple

Vadakkunnathan Temple

If you are traveling to south then do not forget to add this holy place in your Kerala tourist place list. The Vadakkunnathan Temple is among the most visited temple of the country. It is located in Thrissur district of Kerala.

The temple is of Lord Shiva and is said to be built by Parasurama. This monument is declared as the national monument by the union government. Thrissur pooram is the famous festival that is celebrated every year in this temple, and this festival attracted devotees from all around the world.

The name of the place Thrissur means the place with the name of Lord Shiva. Inside the temple there are many paintings that describe the events of Mahabharata, it must be kept in mind that non- Hindu are not allowed to visit the temple.

  • Timing: all day open from 3:00 am to 10:30 am and from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 2 hours

26. Palaruvi Fall

Palaruvi Fall

Among one of the most eye-catching places in Kerala is the Palaruvi falls. It is located in Kollam district of Kerala. The height of this waterfall is 300 feet and it is among the highest waterfall in India.

It is added in the list of Kerala tourist places for its stunning and attracting beauty. The beauty of the place attracts visitors. People who come to visit this place take bath under the waterfall, it seems interesting to take a bath in the cold water.

Also, the color of the water is pure milky white. After seeing the waterfall one cannot take their eye off from it. For those who love natural beauties should visit this place, this will enhance their love towards nature.

  • Timing: all day open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 1 hour

27. Pookode Lake

Pookode Lake

The Pookode Lake is the smallest lake in Wayanad district of Kerala and it is also the highest lake of Kerala. It is a freshwater lake of Kerala. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and the kingfisher birds of this forest are an attraction for the visitors, it is among the famous tourist place in Kerala.

There are some rare species of flora and fauna found here. One can spot colorful fishes in the lake water. The boat ride on the lake is also an interesting thing to do, spending your time in sighting flora, fauna and aquatic lives in this place will be a smart decision.

The water lilies in the lake add to the beauty of the place, this place also has a temple and a children park, so it is a good place to visit with your family.

  • Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 20
  • Visit duration: 2 to 3 hours

28. Napier Museum

Napier Museum

The Napier Museum is located in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. It is listed among the best tourist places in Kerala. It is a natural history museum and it is very famous for its ancient antiques. Various metals objects are on displays.

There is an arrangement for Japanese plays shadow, this reveals about the Mahabharata. Also, the full culture of Tamil Nadu is displayed here. One must go to this place to experience the various interesting views.

Every year more than 5000 people visit this place. The name of the museum was kept after the name of the former Madras government. It is worth spending your time here so, visiting this place will be a good choice.

Timing: all days of the week except Monday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Wednesday it is from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: rupees 10 per head
Visit duration: 2 hours to 3 hours

29. Kuruvadweep

Kuruvadweep

The Kuruvadweep is an island in Wayanad district of Kerala. It is spread over the area of 950 acres. This place is among the famous tourist place in Kerala, and it is very famous for boating.

This island has two small freshwater lakes and one can enjoy river rafting and bamboo crafted boat ride too. This place is also famous for wildlife; one can spot wild elephant, giraffe here. Another activity to do here is trekking. For those who love trekking can find it the best place for doing so.

The surrounding of the place is also suitable for the picnic, the calm environment and the fresh surrounding are enough to spend your day here. Those who love doing adventurous things should make a visit to this place.

  • Timing: all day open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Entry fee: rupees 10 per person
  • Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours

30. Banasura Hills

Banasura Hills

The Banasura hills standing with the height of 2,073 meters high is the tallest mountain of the western ghat. It is situated in Wayanad district of Kerala. It is included among the Kerala tourist place to visit because of its flora and fauna.

One can find many rare species of flora, this place has many medicinal plants that are rarely found. The stunning beauty of the place is jaw-dropping. From the morning sunrise to the evening sunset one can enjoy the natural scenery of the place.

Apart from the beauty and calm surrounding, this place has been a center for those who love hiking and trekking. Trekking in the dense forest sounds something interesting and thrilling too. So, one must not miss the chance to experience these activities whenever they go there.

  • Timing: all day open, al time open
  • Entry fee: no entry fee
  • Visit duration: 5 hours to 6 hours

Conclusion:

So, you are aware of the list of tourist places in Kerala. If you ever visit there then do not miss to visit these places, it is quite tough to go to every place on the first visit, one must visit the top-rated tourist places of Kerala. Apart from the tourist places, the culture of Kerala is also mesmerizing one can also enjoy the delicious south Indian food items.

Visiting Kerala in festival time will boost your trip, as the people of Kerala celebrate many unique festivals in very pleasant ways. Make your Kerala tourist places list ready before the 11th hour so that you do not miss any famous spot on your trip to Kerala.