10 May 2020
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Top 22 Best Tourist Places in Kerala – Kerala Tourism 2022
Tourist Places in Kerala 2022
Book Now Kerala tourism packages & holidays from Tyndis Heritage at the best price in 2021. Choose from customized holiday packages for a memorable trip to Kerala.
Are you ready for an exciting tour in Kerala?
As a tourist, you will never be short of options when it comes to tourist places in Kerala. But if you want to enjoy the rich culture and heritage of Kerala you have to stay and explore these tourist places in Kerala in much depth.
As a tourist to Kerala, we want our guests to be at ease. Here in this blog, we have not only listed the top 22 tourist places in Kerala but also have tried to address all apprehensions before you travel to God’s Own Country.
Here is the Tyndis travel guide on must-visit tourist places in Kerala:
1. Fort Kochi – the Queen of the Arabian Sea or Best Place for backpacking in Kerala
Terrain Category: Fort Kochi is a Heritage Beach Town with chic cafés and Instragammable Spots
With 32 communities living here and speaking at least 16 languages, Fort Kochi is a melting pot of cultures – an aftereffect of colonial rule in Fort Kochi, Kerala. It is nicknamed as ‘the Queen of the Arabian Sea’ as it was an important trade port since time immemorial.
Colonial rulers like the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British who ruled Kerala have left behind their imprints in the form of iconic monuments. Several outbound commercial and cruise ships have a halt at Fort Kochi port. If your cruise ship has a halt in Kerala’s Fort Kochi port, don’t miss your sightseeing trip in Fort Kochi as there are many tourist places in Fort Kochi that are of historical interest and depict contemporary art, cosmopolitan and fusion culture. Fort Kochi is one of the most visited tourist places in Kerala as per the statistics of Kerala Tourism. Fort Kochi is an important destination for anyone looking for tourist places to visit in Kerala. A Tuk Tuk Tour is the best way to explore the stories of Fort Kochi!
Tourist Places in Fort Kochi: The Paradesi Jewish Synagogue built in 1568, Dutch Cemetery built in 1724, the Dutch Palace in Mattancherry, Church of Saint Francis – the first European church in India, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica – a Roman Catholic Church, and Jain Temple are some of the major Tourist Places in Fort Kochi. Another landmark of Fort Kochi is the Chinese fishing nets, the spice market, Kathakali performance, and Fort Kochi beach walkway.
Best time to visit Fort Kochi: September to April the weather is pleasant.
Things to do in Fort Kochi: All the heritage sites of tourist interest lies between the Dutch Palace and Jew Town. To explore these top tourist places in Kerala, you have a choice to walk, hire a bicycle. But, the best way to explore these Fort Kochi gems of Kerala Tourism would be on a Tuk Tuk Tour.
Things to carry: A hat, a pair of shoes and sunscreen lotion.
How to reach Fort Kochi: Ernakulam South is the closest railway station from Fort Kochi and Cochin International Airport is the closest airport. Kerala Tourism has tourist information centres at the airport and railway station.
Where to stay in Fort Kochi: There are hostels for backpackers that can cost you as low as Rs 400 per bed, homestays are available for Rs 1500 onwards and Heritage properties or hotels from Rs 3,000 onwards
Where to drink and eat: Explore the street-side eateries for fresh fish and classy cafes.
Beer is served in most of the restaurants and beer parlours. As liquor permit is not easily given by the Kerala government, it is costly to buy drinks from bar-restaurants that have a license. You can buy wine and beverages from any government-owned Bevco shops across the state.
Tyndis recommends: You may smile at the locals, they are friendly toward tourists. For shoppers, Jew Street is a great place to hunt for unique handicrafts, antiques or mementoes but do bargain to get the goodies at the best price.
The Kochi–Muziris Biennale, the largest international exhibition of contemporary art held in India is held once every two years in Fort Kochi. If you happen to be in Kochi during biennale (next one is to be held from 12 Dec 2020-10 April 2021), just don’t miss it!
“I love Fort Kochi during Biennale! – One of the biggest art events in the world. The entire heritage city is decorated with creative art and you get to meet incredible art lovers. You shouldn’t miss Biennale – the biggest art festival in Asia.” – Neha Sharma (Tyndis Guest)
2. Munnar – Paradise on Earth or Queen of Kerala Tourism
Terrain Category: A hill station with Tea Plantation
Munnar is a popular hill station among tourists visiting Kerala. It is undoubtedly the most famous of all tourist places in Kerala. It is one of the top-selling honeymoon tourist places in Kerala. Refresh and relax in the lap of Mother Nature. Take pleasure in the picturesque view of sprawling tea plantations perched at an altitude of 1600 metres.
The breathtaking natural view-points and tea gardens make it the busiest of all tourist places in Kerala Tourism during Kerala’s tourist season.
Munnar Tourism boasts the highest peak in South India – Anamudi. Anamudi is one of the most famous eco-reserve tourist places in Kerala. Anamudi Peak is located inside the Eravikulam National Park. This park, yet another major attractions of Munnar Tourism, is home to the Nilgiri Tahrs, several species of rare butterflies, animals and birds.
Neelakurinji is a flower endemic to this part of the Western Ghats which blooms once in twelve years. Its flowering season is almost a festive time for Kerala Tourism. During the flowering season, the Munnar Nilgiri hill slopes look as if a blue carpet is laid out. This flower will bloom next in 2030, expected to attract lakhs of tourists to Munnar.
Tourist Places in Munnar: Tata Tea Museum, Mattupetty dam, Top station, Echo point, Kundala dam, Rose garden and Eravikulam National Park are the major Tourist Places in Munnar. Kerala Tourism also offers adventure tourism and experiential tours in Munnar.
Best time to visit Munnar: September to May is pleasant and you won’t need an AC at all in your room. Munnar is best to be visited during low season. High Peak season falls during Diwali, Pooja and Christmas holidays. All tourists places in Kerala is crowded and gets expensive during this time of the year.
Things to carry: Clothes to keep you warm
How to reach Munnar: Ernakulam is the closest railway station from Munnar and Kochi is the closest airport. You will have to hire a private vehicle or AC KSRTC Volvo buses are available to reach Munnar from Kochi. If you are traveling from Bangalore or Chennai take an overnight bus and check-in early at the hotel.
Where to stay in Munnar: Like most tourists places in Kerala, Munnar also features hostels for backpackers that can cost you as low as Rs 400 per bed, homestays are available for Rs 1500 onwards and resorts are for Rs 3,000 onwards. Kerala Tourism has motels and guest houses in Munnar. But to make the most of your stay, we suggest you pick a resort with tea garden view.
Where to drink: There are two beer parlours in the town or buy your drink from the government-owned Bevco outlet in the city.
Tyndis recommends: Among all the tourist places in Kerala, Munnar remains the No. 1 place for tourists visiting Kerala for tourism purpose, because of the landscape of national park in the backdrop of tea gardens, the waterfalls, blankets of mist and the fresh cool air that you feel and see around here. The avenues of Munnar Tourism is just out of this world! Jeep Safari is yet another top Kerala Tourism activities in Munnar.
If you wish to go trekking inside Eravikulam National Park further than the normal tourist trail, it is possible, but with prior permission from the forest and wildlife authorities. It does not directly come under the Kerala Tourism authorities.
The Eravikulam National Park timing from March-January is 7 am – 4 pm. Eravikulam remains closed for two months in February and March during calving of Nilgiri Tahrs. Take Tyndis Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey Package Tour to explore the top tourist places in Kerala around Munnar.
3. Thekkady – The Forest Canopy of Kerala Tourism
Terrain Category: A forested hill station with Spice Plantations
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady s a thick evergreen forest home to wildlife. This tiger reserve is a tourist place in Kerala visited by tourists for wildlife. Thekkady features the best adventures of Kerala Tourism. On a boat ride or while on a Jeep Safari, if you are lucky, you get to spot herds of deer, bison, gaur, sambar, wild boar, leopard when they come down to drink water or you might see herds of elephants dodging the banks or mud bathing.
There is no better venue in Kerala to watch the 3000-year old martial art form of Kalaripayattu than the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre in Thekkady. it is one of the most visited private tourist places in Kerala hosting daily shows of Kalaripayattu. Kalarippayattu is a part of the heritage of Kerala It’s often used as a trademark of Kerala Tourism. The arena called ‘Kuzhikalari’ is designed and built in such a way that viewers get a clear vision from a safe distance. There is a one hour show daily from 6-7 pm. A group Kathakali performance based on themes from Hindu mythology epics – the Ramayana and the Mahabharata is also shown daily from 5 pm to 6 pm and 7 pm to 8 pm.
Tourist Places in Thekkady: Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake Boating, Jeep Safari to Cardamom hills, Thekkady Spice Plantation trails, Periyar Wild Life Park Activities by Kerala Forest Department, Panchalimedu, Vandiperiyar, Mangala Devi Temple are the top tourist places in Thekkady. The tourist places in Thekkady are among the top of the most visited tourist places in Kerala. Kerala Tourism has tourist information centres in Thekkady to help tourists with places to visit and things to do in Thekkady.
Things to do in Thekkady: Go on a Periyar River boat trip, Night Safari in the jungle, take a Village Tour to watch Tribal dance, take a Bullock cart ride, Elephant ride (Tyndis don’t promote or recommend any tourism activities which involves wildlife animals – Learn more about Tyndis Responsible Kerala Tourism Initiatives) and bamboo rafting are the top things to do in Thekkady. Also, don’t forget to watch both shows at Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, which as mentioned earlier, is one of the most visited private tourist places in Kerala.
Best time to visit Thekkady: Wintertime from October to February is excellent. It is one of the most visited tourist places in Kerala during the peak season of Kerala Tourism.
How to Reach Thekkady: Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu is 140 km away whereas Kochi International Airport is 144 km away from Thekkady. The drive from Kottayam railway Station to Thekkady is 107 km. Kerala Tourism department has information centres at all the above-mentioned entry and exit points.
Stays in Thekkady: Tyndis recommends staying here in a Spice Plantation property.
Tyndis recommends: Tourists visiting Kerala should know that Thekkady is the best place to buy spices in Kerala. A boat ride on Periyar River is an experience every tourist visiting Thekkady should sure take. Thekkady is one of the busiest tourist places in Kerala. Hence, to avoid long queues, we suggest you buy your tickets online using facilities provided by Kerala Tourism (For enquiries for online ticket booking, get in touch with us). If you wish to leave all the headaches to us and relax, then go for our Tyndis Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey Package Tour.
4. Alappuzha (Alleppey) – “Venice of the East”
Terrain Category: Backwater meets beach, Houseboat paradise
Yet another landmark of Kerala Tourism is the traditional Kerala Houseboats. Kerala Houseboats have a soulful connection with Alleppey. Alleppey is more than just a name in the list of tourist places in Kerala. A town with canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, Alappuzha (Alleppey) was described by Lord Curzon as “Venice of the East.”
Each year, lakhs of tourists visit Kerala to experience the backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat. But if you wish to traverse through the narrow canals, paddy fields, and have a glimpse of the slow pace of village life of Kuttanad and Kainakary village then opt for the three-hour ‘Shikara boat’ cruise (a refurbished small wooden country boat). For Shikara cruise bookings, send us an enquiry. Kuttanad is one of the most visited village tourist places in Kerala. Kerala Tourism features lots of activities in such villages of Alleppey.
‘Onam‘ – the harvest festival of Kerala is the time when the entire state is in celebration mood. Every year, the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race is held on the second Saturday of August on the Punnamada backwaters in Alleppey, Kerala. The Nehru Trophy boat race is a proud event of Kerala Tourism where lakhs of tourists flock in. If you are travelling to Kerala in the month of August, then be sure to add this event to the list of must-visit tourist places in Kerala.
Tourist Places in Alleppey: Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace built in the 18th century and Coir Museum are the main tourist places in Alleppey. Tourists can also visit other Kerala Tourism features tourists places in Alleppey.
Things to do in Alleppey: Kerala Tourism boasts the traditional houseboat cruise through Vembanad – the longest lake in India, A boat trip from Alleppey Beach to sight dolphins, embark on an exciting village tour, take a rejuvenating Ayurveda massage therapy and witness the Nehru Trophy snake boat race (August) are the top attractions and things to do in Alleppey. Alleppey is one of the busiest tourist places in Kerala.
Best time to visit Alleppey: Between October and April the temperature is moderate (around 33°C), making it a perfect time to explore the tourist places in Alleppey.
Things to carry: wear cotton clothes, a hat, mosquito repellant, sunscreen lotion and an umbrella.
How to Reach Alleppey: Cochin International Airport to Alleppey is 100 km and for reaching via train, Alleppey has its own railway station that is well-connected with other cities. Tourists can get guided from the tourist information centres set up by Kerala Tourism.
Stays in Alleppey: This place has some of the finest backwater resorts and luxury hotels in Kerala. Like other major tourist places in Kerala, Kerala Tourism has motels and accommodation facilities in Alleppey as well. Tyndis recommends staying in a houseboat in Alleppey. For enquiries about stays in Alleppey, get in touch with us.
Tyndis recommends: Kerala Tourism is famous for its backwaters. Tourist places in Kerala like Alleppey is excellent for backwater cruising. The easygoing pace of the Kerala houseboats allows you to soak in the surroundings. For overnight stays, you have to choose a houseboat from a good host that offers good service, a comfortable room and decent meals. We guarantee the best service to our guests who take Tyndis Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey Package Tour.
5. Kumarakom – Enchanting Backwaters
Terrain Category: Backwaters and Kumarakom Villages
Kumarakom features in the National Geographic list of destinations in the world that one must visit in our lifetime. Kerala Tourism has been winning several international awards year after year for its Responsible Tourism Mission activities in Kumarakom.
Kerala Trip is definitely incomplete without a backwater cruise on a houseboat. The Vembanad Lake in Kumarakom is an ideal tourist place in Kerala to take some time off for a houseboat cruise on the traditional Kettuvellams. Just sit back and soak into the best avenue of Kerala Tourism. In the tranquillity of the place, see the sights of water lilies in the shimmering water, coconut plantation, lush green paddy fields swaying in the wind and an endless expanse of water while your boat glides through the intricate web of lagoons, lakes and rivers.
Tourist Places in Kumarakom: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Aymanam Village, Shiva Temple in Thalikkotta, Jama Masjid Thazhathangad, St Mary’s Church, Cheriapalli, and the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple are the top tourist places in Kumarakom.
Things to do in Kumarakom: Take a sunset cruise or lunch cruise on a traditional Kerala houseboat. The pristine water of the beach here is an adventurer’s paradise with various activities such as water skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling, boating and parasailing. Kumarakom is often featured among the Top of the list of tourist places in Kerala with scope for water sports. Tourists can relax by taking a reviving Ayurveda massage, go on a village tour, watch a Kathakali performance, play volleyball, practise yoga and meditation on the beach. You can take a Village walk to experience life in a Kerala village. Watch toddy tapping and coir making. Kerala Tourism promotes much of village activities in Kumarakom through Responsible Tourism Mission.
As part of promoting ‘Responsible Tourism’ with the support of state government, many micro-enterprises have set up units for vegetable cultivation, fish processing, pappad making, chapatti making, chicken processing, souvenir making, etc. If you are a tourist supporting responsible tourism activities, visit these enterprises and buy some of the products directly from them. Kerala Tourism initiatives like these support to the cause of making the tourist places in Kerala greener and eco-friendly.
Best time to visit Kumarakom: Kerala has the best climate from September to May. But you can visit during weekends, Diwali Holidays or experience Kerala Monsoon Tourism from June – August. Kerala Tourism has special Monsoon Tourism programmes in selected tourist places in Kerala.
How to Reach Kumarakom: Kottayam railway station is about 13 km from Kumarakom and Cochin International Airport to Kumarakom is 94 km.
Stays in Kumarakom: From luxurious resorts to good homestays, there is a wide range of properties to choose from in Kumarakom just like any other tourist places in Kerala. The rate of staying in a houseboat varies from season to season. The offseason rate is low but during season staying overnight on a private houseboat will cost you Rs 7000+ (12 PM check-in and 9 AM check out with all meals included onboard). If you just want a shikara boat ride for a few hours then it may cost Rs 2000+. Kerala Tourism offers motels in Kumarakom.
Tyndis recommends: If you are making a list of some unique Kerala tourist places, include a visit to a toddy shop. There are certain toddy shops in Kerala like Killikoodu, Pallipadam, Mullapandhal, which you can visit with your family. Here you can taste the freshly tapped toddy from palm trees with spicy seafood.
Interesting stories!! Great storytelling and beautiful sites to see!
This storyteller walks through the beautiful Kottayam heritage sites and historic monuments is amazing! Our storyteller Mr. Sony Mathew was fantastic! his knowledge about the history of the place helped us in a greater understanding of the sights we saw. The architecture and preservation of the old monuments was quite amazing, different from a few other places I visited in Kerala. This tour is one of the best experience I had in my visit to Kerala! I definitely recommend this tour! – Danny Matthew (Tyndis Guest)
Click here to read this review in Tyndis Heritage TripAdvisor –https://www.tripadvisor.in/AttractionProductReview-g297634-d19150138-Tyndis_Kottayam_Heritage_Walk-Kottayam_Kottayam_District_Kerala.html
6. Wayanad – A Verdant Hill Station in Kerala
Terrain Category: A hill station with spice plantation and waterfalls
Wayanad is a picturesque plateau famous for its hills, mountains and forests. It is the second most-visited hill station tourist places in Kerala, after Munnar. For tourists looking for a hill station in North Kerala, your search ends in Wayanad. It is believed that the forest in Wayanad is nearly 3000 years old.
Tribal villages of Wayanad have a rhythm of their own. Interacting with native people from the tribal village and getting immersed in their folk stories or a visit to the Wayanad Heritage Museum will help you to understand the culture and tradition of this place. Wayanad Tourism gives us a chance to have hands-on experience of various activities in village life, be one with nature and feel out of this world. Kerala Tourism organizes special tourism events in Wayanad to attract tourists.
Tourist Places in Wayanad: Adventurous trekking trails of Chembra peak amid the beautiful valleys, Banasura Dam, Kuruva Island surrounded by River Kabini, Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Pazhassai Raja tomb are few of the most visited tourist places in Wayanad. Wayanad Tourism also boasts the breathtaking waterfalls such as Meenmutty waterfalls, Chethalayam waterfalls, Soochipara waterfalls, the scenic views of Lakkidi, Pookode lake, Karapuzha dam, etc. Edakkal Caves is not just one among the tourist places in Wayanad, but also a significant part of world history.
What to do in Wayanad: Take a village walk with Tyndis to explore the uniqueness of Wayanad Tourism from other tourist places in Kerala. If you are a hiking enthusiast we have Edakkal Caves Hiking Tour which includes a visit to a Tea Plantation Tour and a factory visit.
Best time to visit Wayanad: If you are travelling from Bangalore, this can be a good destination to spend your long weekend. Wayanad Tourism is most visited by tourists from Bangalore. We advise you to start early in the morning to reach Wayanad by noon. If you travel on weekdays it will be cheaper and less crowded. Monsoon lovers can see the waterfalls in its full glory during Kerala Monsoon (June to Aug) but the best time to visit Wayanad comfortably would be from Sept-May.
How to reach Wayanad: Hire a private car from Kozhikode (Calicut) railway station, Calicut Airport or Kannur International Airport. Bus services are available from Kozhikode and Kannur town to Wayanad. You do enquires with the tourist information centre of Kerala Tourism at the airports. Since Wayanad is one of the top tourist places in Kerala, there is plenty of transportation facilities.
Where to get your drink: Buy your drink from government-owned Bevco outlets or have it from the beer parlors
Where to stay in Wayanad: There are homestays for Rs 1500 and resorts for Rs 3000 onwards
Tyndis recommends: As sightseeing places are located at a fair distance from each other, you may pick a plantation property to stay at least for two nights. Here you will have more in-house activities to keep you entertained. Take Tyndis Wayanad Experiential Tour.
Great tour of Wayanad!! Brilliantly organized storytelling by Tyndis
“I had a great day with our storyteller Sohal and Abu. I was searching for something unique to do on my next day in Wayanad and that’s when I came across the Wayanad village tour with a storyteller offered by Tyndis. I checked the description and was fascinated by what was offered. The price was cheap as well. I booked the tour for the next morning – they arranged things quite well within the short notice!” – Alice Marter (Tyndis Guest)
Read this review in Tyndis Heritage TripAdvisor Page https://www.tripadvisor.in/AttractionProductReview-g1439834-d19650953-Tyndis_Wayanad_Experiential_Tour-Sulthan_Bathery_Wayanad_District_Kerala.html
7. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) – The Capital city of Kerala
Terrain Category: A heritage city with temples
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of Kerala and is on the southernmost tip of the state. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – the wealthiest place of worship in the world is one of the most famed tourist places in Kerala. The temple lies in the heart of the city.
Non-Hindus and foreigners are permitted inside the sprawling temple during the darshan time but have to follow the dress code. Women are required to wear sarees, skirt and blouse, or half-saree and men are required to wear dhoti and bare their torso. Dhotis are easily available for rent at the entrance.
There are several tourist places in Trivandrum and around, like the beaches of Kovalam and Varkala, the backwaters of Poovar and Anchuthengu, Ponmudi hills and the Agastyamala on the Western Ghats. These are some of the most-visited Kerala tourist places.
Tourist Places in Trivandrum: Kovalam beach, Veli, Kanyakumari, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Chala market, Museum and Zoo are the top Tourist Places in Trivandrum. Kovalam is one of the world-famous beach tourist places in Kerala. It is one of the oldest tourist destinations of Kerala Tourism.
Things to do in Trivandrum: Heritage Walk in Trivandrum, Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple visit, Kanyakumari or Ponmudi day trip and Kovalam visit, etc. are the top things to do in Trivandrum.
Best time to visit Trivandrum: There are only a few tourist places in Kerala which is ideal to visit all round the year. Fortunately, Trivandrum is one such place! However, Kerala Tourism peak season and occasion of Ponkala is marked as the busiest time in Trivandrum.
Where to stay in Trivandrum: There are decent hotels in the range of Rs 1500 to Rs 3000. Being one of the major tourist places in Kerala, Trivandrum has high accommodation facilities.
How to reach Trivandrum: Trivandrum International Airport and Trivandrum Central Railway Station are the main transportation facilities. There are also bus services to Trivandrum from all major cities in South India.
Tyndis recommends: If you are on a business trip in Trivandrum, in the evenings you can choose to relax at Kovalam beach or take Tyndis Trivandrum heritage walk with our storyteller.
8. Kannur – the Land of Looms and Lores
Terrain Category: A town with beach, fort, textile units, and Theyyam
Kannur is known as the ‘land of Looms and Lores’ because of the well-organised handloom industry in the region like the one at Chirakkal. If you are visiting tourist places in Kerala, do not miss Kannur. Kannur is one of the few tourists places in Kerala which caters for tourists with an interest in history and heritage. Kannur also feature some of the most secluded beaches of Kerala Tourism.
Kannur has been a cradle of Dravidian folk art. Native tribal communities practice ritualistic folk dance such as Theyyam, which is a 1500-year-old tradition. The land is blessed with natural beaches, rivers, backwaters, and historic monuments.
In ancient times, when Kolathiri Rajas ruled Kannur (formerly Cannanore), the town was a prosperous port bustling with traders from a foreign land. Explorer Marco Polo christened this town as a ‘great emporium of spice trade’. In time, the Portuguese, Dutch and British fought to monopolize the spice trade here.
Kannur boasts of having the longest drive-in-beach (Muzhappilangad beach) in India and many untainted beaches such as Payyambalam, Thottada and Azhikode to name a few. For the adventure lovers, there is Dharmadam Island – a secluded and tranquil picnic spot covered with a canopy of coconut palms and dense bushes where you can go kayaking in the ocean. The Arakkal Palace situated here was the seat of the only Muslim royal family in Kerala. Today, the palace is turned into a museum.
Loved experiencing and filming Theyyam!
“Ever since I saw the Theyyam visuals somewhere on the internet, I made up my mind that one day I shall go and make a video on this. Luckily, I got in touch with the right people at Tyndis Heritage. They understood my requirements well and went out of their way to make sure I get what I want. Theyyam with all its historical background, undocumented aspects and the visually stunning setting is a perfect place to get creative for photographers and filmmakers. The best thing is that it happens for a few months and you can choose your dates when you want to dive in. Absolutely recommended.” – Ayush Dinker (Independent Filmmaker)
Read this review in Tyndis TripAdvisor Page –https://www.tripadvisor.in/AttractionProductReview-g8477917-d16661346-Theyyam_The_Divine_Dance_Tyndis_Theyyam_Tour_in_North_Kerala-Payyanur_Kannur_Dist.html
Tourist Places in Kannur: The St. Angelo’s Fort, Vismaya water theme park Payyambalam Beach, St Angelo Fort, Chirakkal Weavers, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach, Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple, Kerala Folklore Academy Museum and Arakkal Museum are the top tourist places in Kannur.
Things to do in Kannur: watch a Theyyam performance at the temple. If you are photography, definitely try out for a Theyyam Photography experience. Camel ride and horse ride at Payyambalam beach, Kayaking at Dharmadam Island or go on beach driving at Muzhappilangad beach are the top things to do in Kannur. Some of the top heritage tours of Kerala Tourism can be experienced in Kannur.
Best time to visit Kannur: During weekends or from September to May. Theyyam season in Kannur falls between the months of late October till early June.
How to Reach Kannur: Kannur has a railway station and an international airport (check for cheap fares if you are travelling from Bangalore or Hyderabad). Kerala Tourism has a tourist information centre at Kannur International Airport. Tourists can learn about top things to do in Kannur, tourist places in Kannur, Theyyam calendar details, etc. from Kerala Tourism desk.
Hotels in Kannur: Kannur has guesthouses and homestays starting from Rs 1500 onwards and small resorts from Rs 3000 onwards. Kannur is one of those tourist places in Kerala with good quality, budget beach resorts. We suggest you stay in a good Kannur beach resort after checking their customer reviews online.
Where to eat and drink: You can either buy liquor from Bevco or drive to Mahe to have cheap drinks. But remember carrying liquor from Mahe to Kerala is prohibited.
Kinnathappam (made of besan, jaggery and raw rice) and Kalathappam (onion, coconut flakes and cashew nuts) are delicacies that are traditionally prepared in Kannur. Malabar Cuisine is one of the key highlights of Kerala Tourism. Most of the bakeries make it fresh on a daily basis, so buy it in the morning to avoid disappointment.
You get lip-smacking biriyani at Paris restaurant but if you want to see how it is prepared and feel the warm hospitality of a host in Kannur, then we recommend you to take our Thalassery Food Tour.
Tyndis recommends: You can visit a weaver’s cooperative society and shop for quality handloom textiles directly from the weavers. If heritage and culture tourism interest you, then we have Arakkal Trail and Theyyam Tour in Kannur. Kannur is among a couple of tourist places in Kerala were Theyyam can be witnessed.
9. Kozhikode – Food Lover’s Hub
Terrain Category: A heritage and beach city
If you are a tourist scouting for historical places of tourist interest in Kerala, then Kozhikode has many tourist spots. The coastal city of Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, was a significant spice trade centre in ancient times. This northern district in Kerala has quite a few celebrated tourist places in Kerala for tourists interested in places of historical significance.
Not far from here is the Kappad port, which was considered as the gateway to the Malabar Coast by the European merchants who flocked here for the spice trade. Opposite to this beach, a stone monument is erected to commemorate the historical event of the arrival of explorer Vasco da Gama in India. Though there are historical disputes about the arrival of Gama at Kappad, it is today one of the famous tourist places in Kerala. The Kappad beach is safe for swimming and a great place to view the sunset.
Tourist Places in Kozhikode: The top tourist places in Calicut are Valiyangadi market (where the wholesale trade flourished since ages), the lighthouse near the Kozhikode beach, Mananchira Square with its musical fountain, surrounded by the massive Mananchira Tank, an artificial pond, and the beautiful Mishkal mosque that was built in 14th century by a Muslim trader who visited this town. Most of the tourist places in Calicut also bear heritage importance.
Things to do in Kozhikode: Take Calicut Heritage Walk and saunter through erstwhile spice trade centre, Mittai Theruvu (S. M. Street) – the shopping high street that has shopping malls, street shops and well-known restaurants for trying out few delicacies like Malabar biryani and a variety of snacks and sweets that this place is known for. For someone exploring the local essence of the town, the list of things to do in Calicut is endless!
Beypore is a town 20 minutes away from Calicut city. For tourists interested to explore beyond Kozhikode, we tailor-make tours to show the Beyporeand Feroke tile factories like the Commonwealth Trust Tile Factory, Beypore Uru Making yard and take our guests on a boat ride to see the Kadalundi Mangroves.
Best time to visit Kozhikode: It is always ideal to visit Calicut during the Kerala Tourism peak season, which is from September to May. It is also ideal to visit Calicut during weekends.
How to Reach Kozhikode: Calicut has an airport as well as railway station connectivity. Calicut is well connected with other major tourist places in Kerala like Wayanad, Kannur, Kochi, etc.
Stays in Kozhikode: There is a good variety of budget hotels in the city available from Rs 1500 onwards.
Food and Drinks: On 1st of every month liquor is not available in entire Kerala. Kozhikode is world-renowned for its Malabar biriyani and non-vegetarian delicacies. Of all tourist places in Kerala, Calicut is the best for foodies. Make sure you experience our Calicut Food Tour.
Tyndis recommends: If you are on a sightseeing trip to Calicut, you should spend at least two nights here. Depending on your interest and time available, we have various tour packages available such as Tyndis Calicut Heritage Storytelling Tour, tuk-tuk tour in Calicut, Calicut Heritage Tour (Tyndis Royal Walk), Kadalundi Mangrove Trail or Beypore Circuit Tour. Calicut is one of those tourist places in Kerala that offers lots of heritage tours and storyteller walks. If you are interested to know more about heritage tours in Calicut, get in touch with us.
If you are a budget shopper or looking for some mementoes to take back home, you would love to be at SM Street in Kozhikode. Besides a shopping street, SM Street is also one of the major tourist places in Kerala. Big Bazaar on the SM Street and CSI at Mananchira has a good collection of locally handcrafted items made of rosewood, handwoven textiles, artefacts made out of buffalo horn carvings, and coir products. We recommend taking our Tuk-Tuk Tour in Calicut along with our storyteller who will enlighten you with stories of ancient trade in this port town and do try Calicut biriyani and a whole lot of non-veg food from Paragon, Rahmath or Bombay Hotel.
“I was googling for historical sights to see while at Calicut and was fortunate to land upon the Tyndis website. Read through and booked a Heritage walk, and I am more than happy I did that. Binusha, storyteller assigned for my Heritage Walk arrived at the meeting point on time and we set off on what was a thoroughly informative and enjoyable walk through the back alleys of Calicut. Binusha knew what she was talking of, and this easy paced walk around Gujarati Street, Valiyangadi, Silk Street etc was a very enriching experience.” – – Susheel Marcus (Head of Procurement, AV Thomas Tea)
Read the entire review at our TripAdvisor Page.
10. Kovalam – Old Hippie Surf Town in Kerala.
Terrain Category: Offbeat Beach in Kerala
Kovalam one of the internationally renowned beach themed tourist places in Kerala. Kerala Tourism boasts this beach which attracts thousands of tourists to visit Kerala every year. This beach town has many backpacker foreigners or long staying guests learning yoga, traditional dance or just chilling out. Lighthouse beach, Samudra Beach and Hauwa beach (separated by rocks) together form the 17 km crescent-shaped Kovalam beach.
Tourist Places in Kovalam: Kovalam Light House, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Valiyathura, Thriuvallam Parashurama Temple, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Aruvikkara dam and Kovalam art gallery are few of the top tourist places in Kovalam. Like other tourist places in Kerala, Kerala Tourism provides information centres in tourist places in Kovalam as well.
Things to do in Kovalam: Kovalam is one of the most engaging tourist places in Kerala. Go cycling on the lighthouse road, enjoy the sunset from Edakallu viewpoint, take catamaran cruise, canoe rides, kayaking and houseboat cruises at Thiruvallam boat club, sunbathing and swimming on the beach, take Ayurveda massages and watching special cultural programmes are some of the most preferred things to do in Kovalam that tourists can engage in. Tourists can detail about things to do in Kovalam at the Kerala Tourism information centres.
Best time to visit Kovalam: Kovalam has the best climate from September to January during the Kerala Tourism peak season.
How to Reach Kovalam: Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is just 16 km away from Kovalam. Kovalam is also well connected with other tourist places in Kerala like Varkala, Kochi, Kumarakom, etc.
Stays in Kovalam: For accommodation, there are quirky treehouses, beach houses, backpacker hostels, homestays, budget hotels and luxury resorts in Kovalam. The restaurants on the beach serve a variety of cuisines like the Continental, Chinese and Indian.
If you are among those tourists who like exploring offbeat locations in Kerala, here are a few places that we recommend, which is fast getting added to the above list:
11. Varkala – Hangout on the Cliff
Terrain Category: Beach, temples
Varkala is the best cliff beach in India, located about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Pristine beaches, hills, lakes, forts, lighthouse, natural fisheries and springs, together make this town popular among tourists. Many tourists increasingly prefer Varkala over Kovalam, as the beaches here are less crowded and has less of black sand compared to those in Kovalam.
Varkala is also an important Hindu pilgrimage centre and often referred to as Dakshin Kashi. People offer prayers at 2,000-year-old Sree Janardhan Temple and the Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi temple here and carry out the last rites of their close ones at the Papanassam beach at Varkala.
Tourist Places in Varkala: Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, Edava Beach, Kappil Beach, Papanasam Beach, Anjengo Fort, Sivagiri Mutt, Janardhanaswamy Temple, Ponnumthuruthu Island, Varkala Tunnel, Vishnu Temple, Varkala Aquarium, Kaduvayil Juma Masjid and Varkala Lighthouse, etc. are the major Tourist Places in Varkala. Sivagiri Mutt is one of the famous Pilgrim Tourist Places in Kerala
Things to do in Varkala: Paragliding is an activity here for adventure lovers. At the cliff, there are joints that serve great seafood, and for shopaholics, there are quite a few shops that sell a variety of handicrafts. Add Munroe visit as well to experience a bit of off-beat Kerala Tourism.
Best time to visit Varkala: Best time to visit Varkala is November to March.
How to Reach Varkala: there is a railway station here by the name Varkala Sivagiri and if are flying Trivandrum International Airport is 36 km away. Kerala Tourism has a tourist information centre at Trivandrum airport.
Essentials to carry in Varkala: light cotton clothes, cap, scarf to cover your shoulders when visiting a temple, comfortable shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Stays in Varkala: For lodging option, Varkala has affordable resorts, hostels and shacks. Different from other major tourist places in Kerala, Varkala features a lot of beachside backpacker hostels and homestays.
12. Marari Beach – Tranquil and Serene
Terrain Category: Off-beat Kerala Beach
Marari or Mararikulam is a fishing village in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. It is a perfect tourist location in Kerala for holidaying with family or friends. The beach here has golden sand dotted with coconut palm trees.
Tourist Places in Marari: Marari Beach, Alleppy Houseboat, Alleppy beach, Arthunkal Church and Kokkamangalam Apostle St. Thomas Pilgrim Centre are major tourist places in Marari.
Best time to visit Marari: September-April is the best time but it is a weekend destination too. It is one of the most serene beach tourist places in Kerala.
Food and drink: most of the restaurants here serve yummy seafood. You can buy your drink from government-owned Bevco outlets or go to the beer parlours that serve your drink.
Stay at Marari: There are decent homestays and luxury hotels.
Tyndis recommends: Stay at least for 2 nights on the Serene Marari beach for a relaxing weekend. Wearing a bikini on this beach is not appreciated by the locals here. A rejuvenating Ayurveda massage will be a good idea to spend your holiday.
13. Munroe Island – The ‘Sinking Island’ in Kerala Tourism
Terrain Category: Kerala Backwaters and Mangroves on island
An archipelago of eight islands, Munroe Island is a delta formed where the River Kallada joins Ashtamudi Lake, in Kollam. This Island was named in honour of the great British administrator – General John Munro who served as Resident and Diwan of the States of Travancore and Cochin between 1810 and 1819.
Today, it is referred to as the ‘sinking island’ as it fits as a model showcasing terrifying consequences of global warming and the government is encouraging Munroe Island as one of the tourist places in Kerala to feature disaster tourism and a spot to learn on disaster management. Kerala Tourism also promotes Responsible Tourism activities in Munroe. It is believed this island will be completely submerged underwater by 2050. So, enjoy the beauty of this quaint village while you can!
Things to do in Munroe: It is one of the best tourist places in Kerala to go on a canoe tour (7 AM – 5 PM) along the backwaters and the canals, through the mangrove arches to experience village life and watch the raw beauty of nature. You can take a village walk through the coconut farms, banana and paddy cultivation, rubber and spice plantations and go bird watching. Experience the Tyndis Responsible Kerala Tourism activities. Most of the locals engage in prawn breeding, boat building, sand mining, duck poultry farming, oil extraction, and coir making.
Best time to visit Munroe: The best time to visit Munroe Island is from September to May but a quick weekend trip can also be done. It is lately growing as one of the top weekend tourist places in Kerala.
How to Reach Munroe Island: Trivandrum International Airport is 97 km away and Kollam Railway Station is the closest railhead 25 km away.
Stays in Munroe: For Rs 1500 upwards you can stay in one of the homestays in Munroe Island.
14. Nileshwaram – Uncharted Waters
Terrain Category: Backwaters and Beach
Nileshwaram or Nileshwar town lies between two rivers called Neeleshwaram River and Thejaswini River. The town is home to a palace, folk arts, temple festivals, kavus (sacred groves) and ancient market. If you are in North Kerala and wish for a houseboat cruise, Nileshwar offers you the same experience in a less touristy environment. Nileshwar is one of the top backwater tourist places in Kerala.
Tourist Places in Nileshwaram: Thikadapuram Beach, Bekal Fort, Kavvayi Kayaking, Mangroves, Ananthapura lake temple, the palace of the Nileshwar Rajahs, etc. are the top tourist places in Nileshwaram listed by Kerala Tourism. Tyndis recommends a trip on a houseboat in the serene and less-crowded Valiyaparamba backwaters.
Things to do in Nileshwaram: At Kottappuram you can hire a houseboat and go on a backwater cruise relaxing and watching the beauty of the palm-fringed shoreline. At Madakkara Fishing Harbour, you can go trekking on a hill nearby or take a stroll by the beach. Watch the ritualistic trance dance like Theyyam held at temple grounds, meet the artisans on the Weavers’ Street, interact with the locals or visit Kammadam Kavu – a sacred grove that is well-preserved with 60 acres of forest with rare birds and animals and an ancient temple.
Best time to visit Nileshwaram: It is a weekend destination from Bangalore. September to April is the best time to visit Nileshwar.
How to Reach Nileshwaram: If you are flying Mangalore or Kannur International Airport is the closest and the closest railway station is Kanhangad or Nileshwar.
Essentials to carry in Nileshwaram: light cotton clothes, a cap, a scarf to cover your shoulders when visiting a temple, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a camera with tripod, and sunscreen.
Stays in Nileshwaram: Resorts here costs Rs 5000+ per night and Homestays Rs 2000+ per night. Nileshwaram in North Kerala offers an experience similar to that of Alleppy. We recommend you to stay in beachside or backwater facing property and do a sightseeing trip of Nileshwaram with Tyndis.
15. Mahe – the Erstwhile French Colony
Terrain Category: Heritage streets / Beer / River-Sea side
Mahe town looks beautiful as it is on the estuary of the Mayyazhi River and the Arabian Sea. This town found a place in the geographical map of India only after the French chose to settle down here. Mahe was part of the French colonial rule for nearly 232 years and got its freedom only in July 1954. Though Mahe is located in Kerala, it is a Union Territory and is a district in Puducherry.
Today, Kerala and French culture have so seamlessly intermingled in Mahe that the French influence in Mahe is limited to the French colony, few French street names, colonial buildings, a 200-year-old French school and French-style kepi hats adorned by the police force. There are about 70 French citizens living in Mahe, mostly retired soldiers who cast their votes during French elections and celebrate Bastille Day. Even though Mahe is not in Kerala, it is often considered as one of the tourist places in Kerala due to its geographical, linguistic and cultural connections with Kerala.
Tourist Places in Mahe: St. Theresa Shrine, Tagore Park, the estuary, museum, etc. are the major tourist places in Mahe. The water sports complex and boating in Mayyazhi River and the walkway on the banks of Mahe River.
How to Reach Mahe: The nearest airport to Mahe is the Kannur International Airport, which is 35 km away. You may get down at Mayyazhi, Kannur or Thalassery railway station which is 9 km from Mahe and hire an auto.
Best time to visit Mahe: It is a weekend destination from Bangalore. September to April during Kerala Tourism peak season is the best time to visit Mahe.
Stays in Mahe: There are budget options as well as luxurious stays in Mahe and around. We suggest you go for a standard hotel.
Tyndis Recommends: Take our Mahe Heritage Walking Tour or Mahe tuk-tuk tour with our storyteller. As Mahe is a union territory, alcohol is cheap. So have to your heart’s content as you cannot carry bottles outside Mahe. For the foodies, try seafood and authentic Thalassery snacks.
16. Thalassery – The City of 3 C’s
Terrain Category: Kerala Beach, Heritage and Malabar Food
Thalassery, in Kannur district, has played a significant historical, cultural, educational and commercial role in the history of India, especially during the colonial period. The local people here are generally friendly people. Today, it is one of the key heritage tourist places in Kerala.
During British rule, Tellicherry was the third-largest city on the western coast of British India in the 18th century after Bombay and Karachi. Thalassery is called as the city of three Cs – Cake, Cricket and Circus as the first bakery in Kerala was established in the town, cricket was first played in India and Circus training academy was set up here in India for the first time.
Tourist Places in Thalassery: Thalassery Old Market, Fort, Streets, Oadathil Mosque, Beach etc. are major tourist places in Thalassery.
Things to do in Thalassery: Tyndis has many package tours for tourists interested to explore Thalasssery liked the Thalassery Herman Trail, Thalassery food tour and Thalassery Heritage Walk.
How to Reach Thalassery: Thalassery has a railway station. The nearest airport is the Kannur International Airport. Thalassery is easily accessible from other tourist places in Kerala.
Best time to visit Thalassery: It is a weekend destination for Bangalorites. Kerala Tourism peak season from September to May is the best time to visit Thalassery.
Food and drinks: Mahe, the liquor paradise is just 20 min drive from Thalassery. Best place for non-vegetarian food and a variety of snacks and bakery products.
Stays in Thalassery: Good hotels are available for Rs 2000 upwards.
Tyndis Recommends: If you are biriyani lover, try the Thalassery biryani from Paris restaurant or take our Thalassery Culinary Tour.
17. Cherai – Blend of Sea and the Backwaters
Terrain Category: Beach
Cherai is one of the most visited Kerala beaches as per Kerala Tourism, because of its proximity to the Kochi airport. It provides a peaceful holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Cherai beach looks picturesque with the Chinese fishing net, the green paddy fields and the coconut groves in the vicinity At times dolphins are sighted here where the sea and the backwaters meet. The tide is mostly low at this beach, which makes swimming, sunbathing and picking novel sea shells as popular activities.
Tourist Places in Cherai: Cherai beach and backwaters, Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple, Munambam Fishing Harbour, Pallipuram fort and Pallipuram Church are major tourist places in Cherai. These are some of the top beachside tourist places in Kerala as well.
Things to do in Cherai: Cherai is one of the tourist places in Kerala that offer water sports. Engage in activities such as a banana boat, speed boat, water scooter, snorkelling and surfing at the Neptune Water Sports activity centre. Tourists can also explore local life on a bicycle, or do sunbathing, and swimming at the beach.
Best time to visit Cherai: The beach experiences moderate to chilly climate from September-March. This is the best time to visit Cherai. If heat and rains don’t matter to you, then Cherai can be considered as one of the year around tourist places in Kerala.
Essentials to carry in Cherai: : light cotton clothes, cap, scarf to cover your shoulders when visiting a temple, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, camera with tripod, and sunscreen.
How to Reach Cherai: Cochin International Airport to Cherai is just 26 km and Aluva is the nearest railhead at 23 km away.
Stays in Cherai: For lodging, both expensive and reasonable options are available.
18. Athirappilly – The Mighty Falls
Terrain Category: Waterfall and Wildlif
Athirappilly Falls located in the Thrissur district is the largest waterfall in Kerala. There is a list of hit movies like Raavan, Baahubali, Punnagai Mannan and many others that brought fame to this stunning waterfall. The Chalakudy River that is generally calm gets more tumultuous as it nears Athirappilly. It is one of the most-visited tourist places in Kerala.
Kerala Tourism boasts this majestic tourist attraction. The setting of dense green forests that surrounds the falls add more charm to the outstanding landscape, and finally, the falls cascade down from a height of 80 feet around the big rocks. It looks stunning, especially during the monsoon season. The forest is home to many endemic species of flora and fauna.
Tourist Places in Athirappilly: Athirappilly waterfall, Charpa and the Vazhachal waterfalls, Malakapara Tea Gardens Thumboormuzhi dam and butterfly garden, Kodanand Elephant Training Centre are some of the top tourist places in Kerala.
Things to do in Athirappilly: Go trekking in Athirappilly or go on a long drive on Athirappilly Valparai road.
Best time to visit Athirappilly: Anytime during the year as Athirapally waterfalls never dries out. May-June is hot. Though trekking in monsoon is not easy, the fall looks stunning during this time.
How to Reach Athirappilly: Chalakkudy (32 km) is the nearest railway station to Athirappilly. There are buses connecting Chalakkudy with Thrissur (55 km), Kochi (73 km) and Palakkad (110 km). One can take a cab from Chalakkudy to reach Athirappilly. Cochin Airport is the nearest airport to Athirappilly which is 40 km away. Kerala Tourism has tourist information centres at Airport and Railway Stations.
Stays in Athirappilly: Homestays start from Rs 1750 and luxury hotels are available from Rs 4000. We suggest you pick hotels or homestays near Athirappilly waterfalls for a night stay. You can visit Valparai too.
19. Vagamon – ‘The Scotland of India’
Terrain Category: Hill station
Vagamon is deservingly called the ‘Scotland of India‘ for its pleasant climate, and the lush green meadows. One of the unexplored tourist places in Kerala, Vagamon has found a place in National Geographic Traveler’s directory of ’50 most attractive places to visit in India’.
If you have children travelling with you, they would love to roll in the meadows here or visit the dairy farm at Kurishumala. The beautiful view of hillocks, valleys, pine forests, tea plantations and cascading waterfalls provides for a visual treat. Vagamon is a destination that can be combined with your trip to Munnar or Thekkady.
Tourist Places in Vagamon: Kurishumala mountain and monastery, Indo-Swiss Project Dairy Farms, Pine forests, Thangal para has the resting place of a venerated Sufi saint, and Mooppan para (a v-shaped canyon) are the main tourist places in Vagamon. Few of them are bucket-list tourist places in Kerala. If you have more time at your disposal, there is Meenachil River, Illiikal Kallu, Maramala Waterfalls and Poonjar palace that is very close to Vagamon.
Things to do in Vagamon: Tea plantation visit, Vagamon Paragliding, mountaineering, rock climbing and trekking are the top things to do in Vagamon.
Best time to visit Vagamon: The pleasant climate here makes it a destination that can be visited all round the year, ideally to spend your weekend.
How to Reach Vagamon: The nearest airport to Vagamon is the Cochin International Airport and Kottayam railway station is 44 km from Vagamon. You need to hire a private vehicle from the station or airport to reach this hill station.
Stays in Vagamon: There are some decent home stays starting from Rs 1500/night to resorts that may cost you at least Rs 3000. Vagamon is an ideal tourist place in Kerala for families, couples and for group outing.
20. Guruvayur – The Pilgrimage Town
Terrain Category: Elephant camp and Temples
Guruvayur in Thrissur district is an ideal tourist place in Kerala for cultural buffs and religious enthusiasts alike. The Guruvayur Shri Krishna temple is an ancient temple and the fourth largest in India. Every year thousands of tourists visit Guruvayoor to witness the 12-day Shivratri festival held in the temple. But if you are a non-Hindu entry is restricted.
Hindus too have to follow their strict dress code. Men can only wear Dhotis, no shirts are allowed. Ladies may wear saris, salwar kameez or skirts and tops. Devotees can do pooja and visit during the specified darshan time. The Devaswom museum displays an extensive collection of gorgeous and expensive offerings that have been made to the 5000-year old deity of the temple.
Tourist Places in Guruvayur: Devaswom Museum, Chamundeshwari temple, Elephant Camp Sanctuary, Church at Palayur, Parthasarthy temple, Mammiyur Mahadeva temple, Chowalloor Shiva temple, Punnathur Kotta and Chavakkad Beach. Guravayur is one of the top pilgrim tourist places in Kerala.
Things to do in Guruvayur: Delight in watching over 60 elephants play eat and stroll around casually. You are free to play, bathe and interact with them at the elephant sanctuary or the Punnathur Kotta. Observe the gorgeous wall paintings and exquisitely crafted sculptures at Mammiyur Mahadeva temple. If you are interested to gain an insight into the art of mural paintings, attend seminars and exhibitions at the Institute of Mural Paintings.
Best time to visit Guruvayur: The temple can be visited any time of the year but to avoid crowd it is better to avoid April-May during summer holidays and in September during Onam break. Like all pilgrim tourist places in Kerala, Guruvayur is extremely crowded during vacations.
Where to stay in Guruvayur: From budget hotels to home stays, there are many options available for tourists to stay at Guruvayur.
How to Reach Guruvayur: The nearest airport to Guruvayur is the Cochin International Airport and for train travellers, there is a railway station at Guruvayoor. Kerala Tourism has information centre at Kochi Airport.
21. Chinnar – Into the Wild
Terrain Category: Wildlife and Wilderness
If you are looking for a wildlife sanctuary in Kerala then Chinnar in Idukki is home to dry deciduous trees, grasslands, and many endangered species of animals such as the great grizzled squirrel and star tortoise.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area located in the rain shadow region in the eastern slope of Western Ghats, adjoining Tamil Nadu. It is one of the tourist places in Kerala that offer a huge scope of eco-tourism. The area is diverse in ecosystems and rich in ethnic cultural heritage.
The sanctuary is home to more than 1000 species of flowering plants, tufted grey langur, gaur, spotted deer, vipers, slender loris, wild elephant, crocodile, tiger, leopard and many birds, insects and medicinal plants. Very near to this sanctuary is a beautiful Sandalwood forest.
Tourist Places in Chinnar: Trek to the Thoovanam Falls, to the watchtower or to archaeological sites. Visitors can also indulge in birds, wildlife and butterfly watching or they can take part in various interpretation activities.
Things to do in Chinnar: The rugged setting of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary entices adventure junkies to go trekking around the foothills of the forest.
Where to stay in Chinnar: Trek to the tribal village at Vasyappara and stay uphill in one of the mud houses or log houses. It is an ideal place to do some wildlife viewing and stargazing.
Best time to visit Chinnar: The period between October and November is the best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach Chinnar: The nearest airports are Coimbatore (115 km) in Tamil Nadu and Kochi (208 km) in Kerala. The nearest railway stations are Pollachi (60 km) in Tamil Nadu and Aluva (200km) in Kerala. Munnar is 60 km from Chinnar. Chinnar is accessible from top tourist places in Kerala like Munnar, Thekkady, etc.
22. Bekal – The Largest Fort in Kerala Tourism
Terrain Category: Kerala Backwaters, Beach and Fort
Located in Kasaragod district of North Kerala, Bekal offers a beautiful sunset view, beaches, sea, and swaying palm trees. Bekal beach is popular for its backwaters, forts and scenic beauty. A short ride in the traditional boat – Kettuvallam is a wonderful idea too. It is incredible to watch the mesmerizing sunset from the top of the fort or from the beach with the silhouette of the fort.
The well-lit walkway gives a panoramic view of the Bekal Fort and the scenic coastal line. The entrance fees for Bekal fort is Rs. 25.0 per person for Indians and SAARC nationals. Foreign national have to pay Rs. 300.0 per person. Bekal Fort is open every day from morning 8:30 AM till evening 5:30 PM.
Tourist Places in Bekal: Bekal Fort – the largest fort in Kerala is of the top heritage tourist places in Kerala. Bekal Beach, Ananthapura lake temple, a houseboat ride on Neeleswaram backwaters, set of 45 caves known as the Nityanandashram caves, etc. are other tourist places in Bekal. Theyyam dance in temples (from January and March) and an aqua park.
Best time to visit Bekal: Weekend trip or September to April is the best time to visit Bekal.
What to carry to Bekal: Wear cotton clothes, a cap, sunscreen, and a bottle of water.
Where to stay in Bekal: Resorts are expensive here and may cost you more than Rs 7000. You may pick a beachside homestay property for Rs 2000 onwards
How to Reach Bekal: The nearest railhead would be Kanhangad or Kasaragod. Nearest Airports are Mangalore and Kannur International Airport.
Tyndis recommends Bekal: If you are looking for quick weekend tourist places in Kerala from Bangalore, it would be Bekal. If you are travelling by road, start your trip early in the morning on the Bangalore-Mysore Madikeri route or Hassan-Sakleshpur route. You can easily reach Bekal and spend a lovely weekend here, the closest beach from Bangalore. For sightseeing in Bekal, choose one of the Tyndis North Kerala Tourism Packages – Bekal Fort Tour with a storyteller. For a houseboat experience, take a houseboat ride to Nileshwar with lunch on board or an evening cruise to Nileshwar.
Now that you have a ready list of 22 top tourist destinations in Kerala, explore all of those awe-inspiring tourist places in Kerala. Reach out to us by filling this Enquiry Form and we will get back to you with tailor-made Kerala Tour Packages or group Kerala Tourism sightseeing packages.
