11 Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Family

Kochi

Located on the southwest coast of India and colonially known as Cochin, Kochi is flanked by the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats on the east. This city is also referred to as the gateway to Kerala. It boasts royal palaces, ancient forts, towering temples, and heritage sites, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. Kochi is a perfect place to get a glimpse of the rich colonial past of Kerala.

Tourist attractions in Kochi:

Things to do in Kochi:

Best time to visit Kochi:

October to March

How to Reach Kochi:

• Cochin International Airport is the primary airport that serves Kochi.
• The nearest and primary railway station to Kochi is Ernakulam Junction.

[ Browse our best Family Holiday In Kerala ]

Munnar

Set at an altitude of 1,600 m above sea level in the Western Ghats, Munnar is renowned as ‘Kashmir of South India’. This quaint little hill town is located on the bank of three rivers namely Madupatty, Nallathanni, and Periavaru. Munnar boasts about the expanse of tea estates, craggy peaks, and lush green rolling hills. The pristine lakes, rocky terrains, and stunning valleys make it among the best family holiday destinations in Kerala. It is a popular retreat among nature lovers.

Tourist attractions in Munnar:

Things to do in Munnar:

Best time to visit Munnar:

September to March

How to reach Munnar:

• Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport (110 km).
• The nearest railway station that serves Kochi is the Aluva railway station (110 km) and the nearest major railhead is Ernakulam Junction (130 km).

[ Also read: Munnar Tour Packages ]

Alleppey

Fondly addressed as ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is home to a huge network of backwaters, beaches, and lagoons. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, Alleppey is popular for palm-fringed canals, green paddy fields, beautiful avifauna, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. It is among the popular tourist destination in Kerala and a perfect place to spend some quality time amidst the nature bounties

Tourist attractions in Alleppey:

Things to do in Alleppey:

Best time to visit Alleppey:

October to February

How to reach Alleppey:

• Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport (60 km).
• The nearest and primary railway station that serves Alleppey is the Alappuzha railway station.

[ You may also like: Alleppey Tour Packages ]

Kovalam

Popular for Ayurvedic treatments, sunbathing fests, deep massages, and water sports, Kovalam is a quaint little town that is bordered by the Arabian Sea. It is famous for the crescent-shaped coastline, which offers a plethora of adventure activities. The pristine beaches of Kovalam are considered famous tourist attractions in Kerala. Ancient Hindu temples, grand churches, and majestic mosques add charm to the spiritual experience during the tour to Kovalam.

Tourist attractions in Kovalam:

Things to do in Kovalam:

Best time to visit Kovalam:

September to March and June to August (for Ayurvedic treatments)

How to reach Kovalam:

• Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport (15 km).
• The nearest and primary railway station that serves Kovalam is the Trivandrum railway station (15 km).

[ Must read: 11 Things to do in Kovalam that must include in your itinerary ]

Thiruvananthapuram

Renowned for undulating terrains, lush green hills, historic monuments, spectacular palaces, ancient temples, and wonderful plantations, Thiruvananthapuram is commonly known by its former name – Trivandrum. It is a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage and colonial legacy as well as a perfect blend of contemporary and modern styles. The splendid architecture and natural marvels make it a famous family holiday place to visit in Kerala. This capital city of Kerala is renowned for the sacred temples flocked by a large number of tourists.

Tourist attractions in Trivandrum:

Things to do in Trivandrum:

Best time to visit Trivandrum:

October to February

How to reach Trivandrum:

• Trivandrum International Airport is the primary airport that serves the capital city.
• Trivandrum Central railway station is the primary railhead.

[ Useful Link: 15 Amazing Places to Visit in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)]

Kumarakom

Nestled on the bank of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, Kumarakom is a tiny hamlet with beautiful scenery and pleasant weather. It is a popular backwater tourist destination, which makes it one of the most sought after family holiday places to visit in Kerala. It is a hotspot for adventure lovers as well as there are a plethora of kid-friendly activities. Beautiful landscapes, lush greenery, and a wide network of backwaters make it a perfect escape from the hustle-bustle.

Tourist attractions in Kumarakom:

Things to do in Kumarakom:

Best time to visit Kumarakom:

September to March

How to reach Kumarakom:

• Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport (85 km).
• The nearest and primary railway station that serves Kumarakom is the Kottayam railway station (15 km).

Thekkady

A paradise for nature lovers and home to the largest tiger reserve in India – Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady boasts about rich flora and fauna. In summers, wildlife species gather near water bodies due to which is the best place to visit in summer in Kerala for wildlife lovers. Jungle safari and bamboo safari are the perfect way to catch the glimpse of endangered species including tigers, sambars, gaurs, and long-tail macaques.

Tourist attractions in Thekkady:

Things to do in Thekkady:

Best time to visit Thekkady:

September to March and March to May (for wildlife tour)

How to reach Thekkady:

• Madurai Airport is the nearest airport (105 km).
• Kottayam railway station is the nearest railhead (115 km).

[ Also read: Famous Hill Station in Kerala ]

Wayanad

Blessed with lush greenery, distinct flora and fauna, scenic vistas, and jaw-dropping locales, Wayanad is one of the most beautiful hill stations in the country. The pleasant weather and natural bounties make it among the perfect places to visit in the summer in Kerala. Wayanad is home to some of the magnificent tourist places including Banasura Dam – India’s largest Earth dam and Asia’s second-largest Earth dam, Edakkal Caves – Neolithic Age, Thirunelli Temple, and long spread plantations. It is a hub of adventure activities and a paradise for nature lovers.

Tourist attractions in Wayanad:

Things to do in Wayanad:

Best time to visit Wayanad:

October to May

How to reach Wayanad:

• Kozhikode Airport is the nearest airport (95 km).
• Kozhikode railway station is the nearest railhead (100 km).

[ Must read: Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala ]

Malappuram

A renowned place for Hindu-Vedic learning and Islamic philosophy, Malappuram is popular for its spectacular temples, grand mosques, and cultural festivals. Boasting about historical monuments, and diverse natural attractions, it is one of the offbeat places to visit in Kerala in summer. Locally translated as ‘land atop the hill’, Malappuram is enclosed by Nilgiris and the Arabian Sea. This amazing hill town is enriched by three rivers flowing through it – Bharathapuzha, Kadalundi, and Chaliyar.

Tourist attractions in Malappuram:

Things to do in Malappuram:

Best time to visit Malappuram:

July to March

How to reach Malappuram:

• Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport (38 km).
• Angadipuram railway station is the nearest railhead (16 km).

Kottayam

Bordered by the Western Ghats on the east and Vembanad Lake on the west, Kottayam is located in the basin of Meenachil River. It is among the best places to visit in Kerala during winter due to its spectacular landscapes and verdant fields. Dotted with ancient shrines, spice plantations, and paddy fields, Kottayam is a culturally rich and naturally blessed tourist destination. Houseboats and freshwater fishes are the major attractions of Kottayam.

Tourist attractions in Kottayam:

Things to do in Kottayam:

Best time to visit Kottayam:

September to February

How to reach Kottayam:

• Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport (86 km).
• Kottayam railway station is the primary railhead that serves this town.

[ Must read: 12 Must Visit Places in Kottayam for a Memorable Holiday ]

Poovar

A quaint little town with unexplored beaches and most serene backwaters, Poovar is located at the point where the Neyyar River joins the Arabian Sea. Home to golden sandy beaches, the best picnic spots, and classy resorts, Poovar offers spectacular views of the formation of backwaters.

This coastal village is one of the best family holiday places to visit in Kerala to spend quality time with your loved ones. Also, do not forget to indulge in boating trips to witness the enchanting beauty of the backwaters and get a glimpse of mesmerizing sunsets.

Tourist attractions in Poovar:

Things to do in Kottayam:

Best time to visit Kottayam:

November to February

How to reach Kottayam:

• Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport (38 km).
• Trivandrum railway station is the primary railhead that serves this town (35 km).

[ Browse our best Mini Escape to Poovar Tour ]

Now you might have understood why Kerala is known as ‘God’s own Country’. Blessed with immense natural beauty and jaw-dropping landscapes, Kerala surely entices you to pack your bags and embark on a voyage to visit the popular places with your family. Let us know, which place attracts you the most, and do not forget to share your experiences with us!

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