Honey-gold beaches, meandering backwaters, aromatic spice gardens and elephant encounters on your visit to one of India’s most laid-back states.
In 1341, flooding refashioned Kerala’s coastline — the Periyar River changed its course, islands were submerged, and new ones were born. Little-known Cochin was transformed into a natural seaport, attracting the attention of traders looking to export spices and refugees seeking a safe haven.
Today’s Kerala bears witness to the Portuguese, Dutch and British colonialists who vied for control of Cochin, each leaving their mark. Beyond the trading capital, Kerala’s coast is a patchwork of paddy fields, coconut trees, mangroves, marshes and interlinking backwaters. Progressing inland, the Western Ghat mountains play host to a large concentration of elephants and Indian bison. The mountain slopes are interspersed with tea and spice plantations — their bounty nurtured by seasonal monsoon rains. Our specialists know Kerala inside-out and can suggest the best ways to explore the tapestry of landscapes that define it.
Cochin marks its cultural diversity with heady spice markets, Chinese fishing nets, trading warehouses, Jewish synagogue and Christian churches. Inland, you could head to some of the world’s highest tea estates and tackle walking trails ranging from short tea-field wanders to peak-conquering hikes. Wildlife enthusiasts could search for elephants in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. You could cruise Kerala’s backwaters by houseboat, or relax on honey-gold beaches on the Malabar coast, watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
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Places to visit in Kerala
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Kerala, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Places in and around Kerala
- The Backwaters Kerala
- Chettinad Kerala
- Cochin Kerala
- Kothamangalam Kerala
- Kovalam Kerala
- Madurai Kerala
- Mararikulam Kerala
- Munnar Kerala
- Neeleshwar Kerala
- Palakkad Kerala
- Tellicherry Kerala
- Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala
- Wayanad Kerala
- Ooty 99 miles away
- Nagarhole National Park 147 miles away
- Trichy 149 miles away
- Mysore 161 miles away
- Tanjore 177 miles away
- Coorg 181 miles away
- Bangalore 216 miles away
- Belur & Halebid 228 miles away
- Tranquebar 228 miles away
- Pondicherry 254 miles away
- Kanchipuram 285 miles away
Photos of Kerala
Our expert guides to exploring Kerala
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kerala, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Kerala at its best.
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What to do in India: our highlights guide What to do in India: our highlights guide
What to do in India: our highlights guide
Our India specialists pick some of their best things to see and do, and where to stay from the Himalaya to Kerala. Include spotting tiger, staying in a palace in Rajasthan, taking a boat trip down the Ganges and experience one of the country’s many festivals in your trip to India.
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Homestays in Kerala Homestays in Kerala
Homestays in Kerala
The concept of the homestay was first developed in Kerala and the naturally friendly Keralites continue to welcome visitors to their homes. Our specialists have visited many homestays and can suggest the best places to stay.
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What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide
What to do in Kerala: our highlights guide
Kerala’s slow pace of life is a gentle introduction to India, with tranquil backwaters, manicured tea plantations and fishing villages to explore. India specialist Tara lends her advice for how to make the most of your time there.
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