Top Places to Visit in Kerala
This page helps you plan your Kerala itinerary with a curated list of top destinations, including practical information on transportation, accommodation, and local experiences. Start your Kerala adventure here!


1. Idukki

Idukki, a verdant district nestled within the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Lush green hills, cascading waterfalls, and serene backwaters create a picturesque landscape that mesmerizes visitors. The district offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, with opportunities for trekking through lush forests, boating on calm waters, and immersing oneself in the vibrant local culture. Idukki is a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Major tourist attractions in Idukki
1. Idukki reservoir
2. Boating in Idukki reservoir
3. Calvary mount
4. Hill view park (breathtaking views of Idukki reservoir)
5. Idukki wildlife sanctuary
How to reach
1. By air: Cochin International Airport (132 km) is the nearest and is connected to all the major Indian cities.
2. By train: The closest railway station to Idukki is Theni, which is about 60 km away. You can also take a train to Changanacherry or Kottatam and then proceed from there.
3. By road: Idukki is well connected by bus to major cities.
For a comfortable stay near Idukki’s attractions, Avadale Idukki is a convenient option.
2. Wayanad

Wayanad, a serene district nestled in the northern part of Kerala, is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Lush green forests, rolling hills, and cascading waterfalls create a picturesque landscape. The district offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility, with opportunities for trekking through dense forests, exploring ancient caves, and experiencing the rich tribal culture.
Major tourist attractions in Wayanad
1. Chembra peak
2. Banasura Dam
3. Wayanad wildlife sanctuary
4. Eddakal caves
5. Karapuzha adventure park
How to reach
1. By air: Kozhikode International Airport is the closest one to Wayanad (90 km away). It is well-connected with most of the major Indian and international cities.
2. By train: If you are travelling by train, the nearest railway station to Wayanad is Nilambur, 90 km away. However, the major junction is Kozhikode, 110 km away.
3. By road: Wayanad is well connected by bus to major cities cities such as Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Coimbatore.
For a comfortable stay near Wayanad’s attractions, Avadale Wayanad is a convenient option.
3. Thekkady

Thekkady, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, is renowned for its captivating natural beauty. Nestled amidst the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the region offers breathtaking views of lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including boat rides on the Periyar Lake, trekking through the dense forests, and witnessing diverse wildlife.
Major tourist attractions in Thekkady
1. Periyar tiger reserve
2. Boating in Periyar
3. Elephant junction
4. Bamboo rafting
5. Kathakali
How to reach
1. By air: The closest airport to Thekkady is Madurai International Airport (140km), which is well-connected with major Indian cities.
2. By train: The nearest station to Thekkady is Kottayam (114km), which is connected to cities like Chennai. Trivandrum, and Cochin.
3. By road: Thekkady is well connected by bus to major cities cities such as Bengaluru, Kozhikode, and Coimbatore.
For a comfortable stay near Thekkady’s attractions, Avadale Thekkady is a convenient option.
4. Munnar

Munnar, a hill station nestled amidst the rolling hills of Kerala, is a paradise for nature lovers. Lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain views create a picturesque landscape. The cool climate and serene atmosphere make it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the local culture.
Major tourist attractions in Munnar
1. Eravikulam national park
2. Kolukkumalai (highest tea plantation in the world)
3. Mattupetty dam
4. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
5. Munnar rose garden
How to reach
1. By air: If you plan to cover the maximum distance to Munnar by flight, Cochin International Airport is the nearest one (110 km away).
2. By train: If you plan to travel by train, the closest railway station is Aluva. It’s about 100 km from Munnar.
3. By road: The hill town is well-connected to nearby cities such as Kochi (130 km), Aluva (109 km), Madurai (170 km), and Coimbatore (150 km).
For a comfortable stay near Munnar’s attractions, Avadale Munnar is a convenient option.
5. Gavi

Gavi, a remote and pristine region in Kerala, is a haven for nature lovers. Nestled close to the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi offers breathtaking views of lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.
Major tourist attractions in Gavi
1. Jungle safari
2. Trekking
3. Boating
How to reach
1. By Road: Gavi is primarily accessible by road. The nearest town is Kumily (around 30 km), which has good road connectivity to major cities like Madurai and Kochi.
For a comfortable stay near Gavi, Avadale Thekkady is a convenient option.
6. Vagamon

Vagamon, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, offers breathtaking views of rolling meadows, pine forests, and misty mountains. The serene atmosphere and cool climate make it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Major tourist attractions in Vagamon
1. Vagamon pine forest
2. Barren hills
3. Vagamon falls
How to reach
1. By Road: Vagamon is well-connected by road. The nearest major town is Kottayam (around 50 km).
2. By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
3. By Train: The nearest railway station is Kottayam.
For a comfortable stay near Vagamon, Avadale Idukki is a convenient option.
7. Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a charming town in Kerala famous for its scenic backwaters, lush paddy fields, and serene houseboat cruises. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the tranquil backwaters lined with coconut trees, visit ancient temples, and witness the vibrant local life along the canals. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, is a major highlight that draws tourists from around the world.
Major tourist attractions in Alleppey
1. Alappuzha Beach
2. Alappuzha backwater
3. Boathouse
How to reach
1. By Road: Alleppey is well-connected by road, with regular bus services from major cities like Kochi and Trivandrum.
2. By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, approximately 75 km away.
3. By Train: Alleppey has its own railway station, with frequent trains from major cities in Kerala and beyond.
8. Kochi

Kochi, known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a vibrant coastal city blending rich history with modern charm. It boasts colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and scenic backwaters. A major port city, Kochi is also a gateway to Kerala’s cultural and culinary delights.
Major tourist attractions in Kochi
1. Mattancherry Palace
2. Fort Kochi
3. Marine Drive
4. Cherai Beach
How to reach
By Road: Kochi is well-connected by road with national highways linking it to major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Trivandrum.
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located about 37 km from the city center.
By Train: Kochi has two major railway stations—Ernakulam Junction (South) and Ernakulam Town (North)—with frequent trains from across India.
9. Varkala

Varkala is a coastal town in Kerala known for its stunning cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It offers a unique blend of scenic beaches, spiritual sites like the Janardanaswamy Temple, and relaxing Ayurvedic retreats. Varkala Beach, also called Papanasam Beach, is famous for its natural springs and breathtaking sunsets. The town’s laid-back vibe and cliffside cafes make it a popular destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
Major tourist attractions in Varkala
1. Varkala beach
2. Kappil beach
How to reach
1. By Road: Varkala is well-connected by road, with regular buses and taxis available from major cities like Trivandrum (40 km) and Kollam (37 km).
2. By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, located about 40 km from Varkala.
3. By Train: Varkala has its own railway station, Varkala Sivagiri, with regular train services from major cities across India.
10. Ponmudi

Ponmudi, a hill station in Kerala, is known for its lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene atmosphere. The drive to Ponmudi, winding through scenic roads, is an experience in itself.
Major tourist attractions in Ponmudi
1. Peppara wildlife sanctuary
2. Koyikkal palace
How to reach
1. By Road: Ponmudi is accessible by road. The nearest major town is Trivandrum (around 22 km).
2. By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport.
3. By Train: The nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central.