Kerala offers families a dazzling mix of backwaters, hills, beaches, and wildlife, and these 9 destinations showcase its best. Here are 9 of the best places to visit with your family and loved ones: Alleppey, Wayanad, Cochin, Munnar, Kumarakom, Kovalam, Thekkady, Kollam, and Vagamon.
1. Alleppey
One look at Alleppey, and you'll know why it is tagged the "Venice of the East." The tranquil backwaters of canals, lakes, and lagoons make an unending lattice of blue. You can experience it by canoe, kayak, parasail, or on a relaxing boat tour. At Vembanad Lake, you can also witness vast green paddy fields and flora and fauna. Rejuvenate with Ayurveda treatments to fully experience Alleppey.
2. Wayanad
If stretches of blue don't intrigue you, then maybe the green acres of Wayanad will. Located at 700–2,100m in the Western Ghats Mountain Range, this hill station offers experiences in a cooling unspoiled environment. Wayanad is an aromatic garden that grows spices like cardamom and black pepper, coffee beans, and organic fruits. You can rock climb, hike, and trek through this mountain. Trek and explore Asia's second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam, or Wayanad's highest Chembra peak. You'd also find ancient relics, monuments, and neolithic caves along the way. The ability to relive and unravel history adds to Wayanad's allure.
3. Cochin
Cochin, commonly known as Kochi, skillfully melds the modern with the traditional. This port city, known as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," is a nexus of many cultures and traditions that has embraced the modern viewpoint to become one of India's most technologically advanced metropolises. Whether it's the spirit of the Dutch inns, Chinese nets, British heritage, or the old spice shops, Cochin will make you love it all over again.
4. Munnar
There is no need to introduce Munnar; it speaks for itself. The soaring clouds, majestic mountains, rolling hills, and a tranquil atmosphere, rising 1,600m above sea level, are all part of a vacation in this mountainous refuge. Munnar, largely surrounded by unending tea fields and lush forests, must be considered the top tourist destination in Kerala. No matter the time of year, whether it's the height of spring or the depths of the monsoon, Munnar will always leave you wanting more.
5. Kumarakom
Another enchanting backwater resort is Kumarakom, adorned by the Vembanad Lake's allure. This area, close to Kottayam City, is where being lazy is the only rule while you vacay in Kerala. You can also visit its bird sanctuary – 14 acres of any ornithologist's utopia, where you can witness exotic species of cuckoos, Siberian storks, Egrets, and many other friendly fowls. Kumarakom is a favorite destination for all kinds of tourists thanks to the turquoise Vembanad Lake, the evergreen coconut groves, and the breezy rice fields.
6. Kovalam
If you like sand-meets-sea, and all things in between, then Kovalam is just for you. Located along the shores of the Arabian Sea, this beach town is one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala. The distance between Trivandrum, the state capital of Kerala, and Kovalam, which hosts some of the country's most stunning and pleasurable beaches, is only 16 kilometers.
7. Thekkady
Visit Thekkady if you want more out of your trip to Kerala. Because of its geography, Thekkady sports all colors of blue, green, and spice. Referred to as the "Spice Capital of Kerala," Thekkady is a visual buffet of scenic beauty and an aromatic city to invigorate your senses.
8. Athirappilly
A charming tiny port city, Athirappilly is nothing but tiny when it comes to appeal and allure. Sporting a position on the list of the most appealing tourist spots in India's "Backwater Capital," Athirappilly has everything to offer. It is a picture-perfect holiday resort that fascinates tourists with its stunning waterfalls and lush surroundings. When visiting Athirappilly, you can feel and experience Kerala's original customs and traditions the most vividly. Regardless of whether it concentrates on fishing, farming, cashew processing, or tourism, this destination has a solid reputation among travelers. The Athirappilly Waterfalls are available for nature lovers to enjoy.
9. Varkala
If you desire an uncommon but fascinating vacation in Kerala, you must plan your trip to Varkala. This retreat is renowned for its unadulterated beauty, pleasant climate, and many other qualities. It is one of the most scenic beach destinations in Kerala and one of the more obscure popular tourist destinations. A significant number of thrill- and adventure-seekers frequent Varkala in addition to leisure travelers, drawn by its dramatic cliffs and coastal trails. The town's beachside setting offers a relaxed pace, while the nearby backwaters and mineral springs add to its appeal for families seeking both rest and a touch of adventure.
Related travel guides: Kerala - India's Top Destination | Jessie On A Journey and How To Take The Kerala Backwaters Ferry From Alleppey To Kottayam.
