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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.
Suggested itineraries featuring Kerala
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Kerala, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
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.
Read this guide -
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.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Kerala
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kerala. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Mundackal Plantation Homestay
Kothamangalam -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Neeleshwar Hermitage
Neeleshwar -
Tranquil Resort
Wayanad -
Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa
Kovalam -
The Leela Kovalam
Kovalam -
Heritage Madurai
Madurai -
The Bangala
Chettinad -
Visalam
Chettinad -
Philip Kutty's Farmhouse
Backwaters -
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
Coconut Lagoon
Backwaters -
Keralan Houseboats (Rice barges)
Backwaters -
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Backwaters -
Spice Village
Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary -
Shalimar Spice Garden
Thekkady & Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary -
Xandari Pearl
Mararikulam -
Marari Beach Resort
Mararikulam -
Windermere Estate
Munnar -
Spice Tree Munnar
Munnar -
Lockhart Bungalow
Munnar -
Malabar House
Cochin -
Brunton Boatyard
Cochin -
Old Harbour Hotel
Cochin -
Forte Kochi
Cochin -
Eighth Bastion
Cochin
Ideas for experiencing Kerala
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Kerala, and which use the best local guides.
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Keralan Houseboat/Rice Barge Keralan Houseboat/Rice Barge
Keralan Houseboat/Rice Barge
Locally known as 'kettuvallam', these craft have been converted into simple, furnished houseboats with en suite bedrooms, an open lounge and eating area, a deck and kitchenette.
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