10 Places to Visit in Kerala for The Best Local Experiences

The ‘Spice Capital of India’ is blessed with bountiful natural beauty and boasts of a rich cultural heritage. Also known as ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala is a beautiful holiday destination. There are many places to visit in Kerala to make your holiday a memorable vacation. If you’re wondering about how to reach Kerala, it is easily accessible from all over.

It is even easier with Club Mahindra, which has numerous resorts in Kerala. Settled in the evergreen Western Ghats, winter is the best time to visit Kerala. The verdant, lush tea plantations and the serene backwaters offer a tasty slice of Kerala tourism, that you will also find in the restaurants in Kerala. The list of things to do in Kerala is quite long, so long that you cannot accomplish everything in one trip. So here are ten places to visit in Kerala that give you the best local experience.

1. Kochi

Kochi is one of the liveliest places to visit in Kerala with its perfect blend of traditional and modern values. Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets at the gorgeous Marine Drive and hang out with elephants at the Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary. Take a walking tour of Fort Kochi and explore Jew Town. Kochi has some of the best restaurants in Kerala for authentic Malayalee flavours. Unwind with a Kathakali performance at Kathakali Centre after a long day of sightseeing.

Related Article: Explore Top 10 Places to Visit in Kochi With Family

2. Kozhikode

Vasco-da-Gama’s first landing place in India is among the most historical places to visit in Kerala. Spend a day at Kozhikode Beach and let the children enjoy at the nearby Lion’s Park. Pay a visit to Karapuzha Dam and explore history at Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum. Behold the unique medieval design of Mishkal Mosque and relax at the Manachira Square Park. Do not leave without getting a Kalari massage which is one of the quintessential things to do in Kerala.

3. Alleppey

Alleppey is the heart of Kerala’s famed backwaters which is the mainstay of Kerala tourism. It is home to some of the best backwater-themed resorts in Kerala. The ‘Venice of the East’ is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for the classic backwater experience. Enjoy the freshest seafood abroad a houseboat modelled after the traditional Kettuvalam. Do not miss the Alappuzha Beach with its 137-year-old pier and the 17^th-century Portuguese lighthouse that are parts of Alleppey’s history.

Related Article: Top 20 Places to Visit In Alleppey

4. Munnar

Moving from the coast to the Western Ghats, Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala. Winter is the best time to visit Kerala for Munnar. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a bird-watching haven and if you’re lucky, you can catch a sighting of the elusive Nilgiri Tahr. Trek to Atukkad Waterfall and have fun at the Echo Point. Get stunning views from Anamudi Peak. Complete your holiday with leisurely tour of a tea estate.

Related Article: Top 30 Places To Visit In Munnar With Family

5. Wayanad

Wayanad is one of the most soothing places to visit in Kerala. It’s misty mountains, aromatic spice gardens and untouched woodlands will enthral you with their serene environs. Visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for a connect with nature and zipline over tea estates at tearing speeds. Slow down your explorations with a bicycle tour and live like a local at Club Mahindra Wayanad. Take a relaxing jungle trek and lose yourself in nature’s soothing embrace for the ultimate Wayanad experience.

Related Article: Top 29 Places to Visit in Wayanad During Family Vacation

6. Thiruvananthapuram

The capital city is among the most vibrant places to visit in Kerala. If you’re worried about how to reach Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is well-connected. Start your day with a kappi at Indian Coffee House. There’s much to explore. Start with Napier Museum and then head to Chalai Market for some local shopping fun. Visit the beautiful Vizinjam Lighthouse and spend the day at Kovalam beach. Set a day aside to pamper yourself with an indulgent and rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa goodness.

7. Thekkady

Thekkady is home to the largest Tiger reserve in India. Go on a safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a relaxing boat ride in the Periyar Lake. Venture out on a jungle night patrol and discover indigenous culture with guided tribal walks. Stroll amidst fragrant spice gardens and see tea being made at local tea plantations. Hike the Spring Valley Mountain for spectacular views of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Complete your Thekkady vacation with spice-shopping at the local markets.

Related Article: Top 20 Places to Visit in Thekkady During Family Vacation

8. Idukki

Idukki provides an excellent change of pace in God’s Own Country. It will mesmerise you with its verdant ambience. Head to Hill View Park for a bird’s eye view of Cheruthoni and Idukki Dams. Make Idukki Arch Dam your next stop to marvel at its construction in a rugged terrain. Make a stop at Painavu in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary for handicraft shopping. Admire the waterfalls and spice plantations at Anakarra and visit the Mangala Devi temple for a spiritual connect.

9. Kasargod

Kasargod is a relatively unexplored holiday destination. Sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the coastline, it offers the best of both worlds. The Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary is a thrilling expedition into the land of elephants and the rolling Ranipuram Hills have a myriad of trekking trails. Be fascinated by the Olive Ridley Turtles at Thaikadappuram Beach. Explore Bekal Fort, Hosdurg Fort and Chandragiri Fort. Head to Valiyaparamba to explore the local backwaters. Kasargod will surprise you with its unspoiled beauty.

10. Thrissur

Thrissur is one of the spiritual centres of Kerala and has much to offer to its visitors. Visit the Pannathur Kotta Elephant Sanctuary to see how the Guruvayur Temple elephants live. Head to the Shakthan Thampuran Palace to admire its Dutch-style architecture. Take a break from the city at the beautiful Athirapilly Waterfalls. The Thrissur Zoo and State Museum will keep you busy for a day. Pay a visit to the Guruvayur Shree Krishna Temple to complete your Thrissur itinerary.

These destinations will offer you the best of local experiences with offbeat expeditions and unexplored attractions off beaten tracks.