Kerala Tourism
Kerala Tourism is the tourism department of the Government of Kerala. It markets the state under the well-known line "God's Own Country" and runs the official website keralatourism.org. For travellers, Kerala means quiet backwaters, tea-covered hills, long beaches, wildlife parks and old temples, all within a few hours of each other. This guide lists the main places, when to go and how to reach.
Why Kerala is popular
Kerala is a narrow state between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. In one short trip you can stay on a houseboat, wake up in a hill station and end on a beach. It is also known for Ayurveda treatments, Kathakali dance, spice gardens and seafood.
Top places to visit in Kerala
Backwaters
- Alleppey (Alappuzha): the best-known houseboat base, with canals, paddy fields and village life.
- Kumarakom: quieter resorts on Vembanad Lake and a bird sanctuary.
- Vembanad Lake and Pathiramanal: the largest lake in Kerala and a small island for birdwatching.
- Kollam: the gateway to the Ashtamudi backwaters.
Hill stations and nature
- Munnar: tea estates, cool weather and viewpoints; Chinnar wildlife area is nearby.
- Thekkady (Periyar): boat rides in Periyar Tiger Reserve and spice plantations.
- Wayanad: Edakkal Caves, Pookot Lake and forest trails in the north.
- Idukki: the arch dam and hilly forests.
- Ponmudi, Peppara and Agasthyakoodam: hills and forest reserves near Thiruvananthapuram.
- Ranipuram and Palaruvi: a grassy hilltop in Kasaragod and a tall waterfall near Kollam.
- Bhoothathankettu and Thattekad: dam and birding areas near Kochi.
Beaches
- Kovalam and Varkala: the most visited beaches in the south.
- Bekal: a seaside fort in Kasaragod.
- Payyambalam, Dharmadam Island and Thalassery: beaches and islands around Kannur.
- Marari (Mararikulam) and Veli: calmer spots near Alleppey and Thiruvananthapuram.
Cities and culture
- Kochi and Ernakulam: Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry and the Jewish Synagogue.
- Thiruvananthapuram: the state capital, with Padmanabhaswamy Temple and Kuthiramalika Palace.
- Thrissur: known for the Thrissur Pooram festival.
- Kozhikode, Kannur and Palakkad: food, Theyyam art and Malampuzha Dam.
- Chennamangalam, Kodungallur and Aranmula: small heritage towns known for history, temples and the Aranmula boat race.
Pilgrim centres
- Sabarimala and Pamba: the Ayyappa shrine, busiest from November to January.
- Guruvayur: the famous Krishna temple.
- Pandalam, Ochira and Thirunelli: temples with local importance.
Other names on the state list include Kadalundi bird sanctuary, Kodanad elephant centre, Pakshipathalam, Thangasseri, Tirur, Valapattanam, Valiyaparamba, Neyyar Dam, Akkulam, Anakkayam and Malappuram.
Best time to visit Kerala
- September to March: pleasant weather for beaches, backwaters and hills.
- June to August: heavy monsoon rain; good for Ayurveda and green scenery, but some activities pause.
- April and May: hot and humid on the coast; hill stations stay cooler.
How to reach Kerala
Kerala has international airports at Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur. Trains connect Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode with Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai. Road trips from Bengaluru reach Wayanad, Kozhikode and Munnar.
Kerala Tourism contact details
- Office: Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, Park View, Thiruvananthapuram 695033
- Phone: 0471-2321132
- Website: keralatourism.org
Plan a Kerala trip
GoldBox Holidays offers Kerala tour packages from Kochi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. A short break can start with the 2 nights 3 days Munnar and Cochin tour, and families from Bengaluru often choose the Munnar and Alleppey tour. See our Kerala tourist attractions page for more places.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Kerala called God's Own Country?
It is the tourism slogan used by Kerala Tourism since the 1990s, pointing to the state's natural beauty.
How many days are needed for Kerala?
Five to seven days cover Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady and Alleppey. With three days, pick Kochi, Munnar and one backwater stop.
Is Kerala good in the monsoon?
Yes for greenery and Ayurveda, but heavy rain can close hill roads and stop some boat rides.
What is the best place for a houseboat stay?
Alleppey is the main houseboat base. Kumarakom is quieter and more expensive.
