Best places to visit in Kerala with Family
Kerala, popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” is one of the most scenic and relaxing travel destinations in India. Famous for its lush greenery, serene backwaters, palm-lined beaches, misty hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, Ayurveda retreats, and rich culture, Kerala offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.
This complete Kerala travel guide covers the best places to visit in Kerala, including beaches, hill stations, backwaters, temples, wildlife parks, family attractions, and offbeat destinations.
Why Visit Kerala?
- Beautiful backwaters and houseboat cruises
- Green hill stations and tea plantations
- Clean and peaceful beaches
- Ayurveda & wellness tourism
- Rich culture, dance forms & festivals
- Perfect for families, couples & nature lovers
Kerala is ideal for honeymooners, families, solo travelers, wellness seekers, and photographers.
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions in Kerala
- Kochi (Cochin)
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Alappuzha
- Kumarakom
- Munnar
- Wayanad
- Thekkady
- Varkala
👉 Read more: Major Tourist Cities in Kerala
Backwaters & Houseboat Destinations
Kerala’s backwaters are its most famous attraction.
- Alappuzha Backwaters
- Kumarakom Backwaters
- Vembanad Lake
- Ashtamudi Lake
- Kuttanad
Popular activities include houseboat stays, canoe rides, village tours, and sunset cruises.
👉 Read more: Kerala Backwaters & Houseboat Guide
Hill Stations & Scenic Mountain Places
Kerala’s hill stations are perfect for cool weather and nature lovers.
- Munnar – Tea gardens & viewpoints
- Wayanad – Waterfalls & wildlife
- Vagamon – Meadows & mist
- Ponmudi – Near Trivandrum
- Peermade
👉 Read more: Hill Stations in Kerala
Beaches in Kerala
Kerala has peaceful and clean beaches with stunning sunsets.
- Varkala Beach
- Kovalam Beach
- Marari Beach
- Cherai Beach
- Bekal Beach
👉 Read more: Best Beaches in Kerala
Temples, Churches & Spiritual Places
Kerala is spiritually diverse with ancient temples and churches.
Temples
- Sabarimala Temple
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple
- Guruvayur Temple
- Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
Churches & Mosques
- St. Francis Church, Kochi
- Santa Cruz Basilica
- Cheraman Juma Masjid
👉 Read more: Religious Places in Kerala
Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks
Kerala is rich in biodiversity and wildlife experiences.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Silent Valley National Park
- Eravikulam National Park
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
👉 Read more: Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
Waterfalls, Lakes & Nature Spots
- Athirappilly Waterfalls
- Vazhachal Waterfalls
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
- Pookode Lake
- Periyar Lake
👉 Read more: Waterfalls & Nature Places in Kerala
Family-Friendly & Leisure Attractions
- Wonderla Amusement Park, Kochi
- Kerala Folklore Museum
- Spice plantations
- Tea factory visits
- Village tourism experiences
👉 Read more: Family Places to Visit in Kerala
Offbeat & Less Crowded Places in Kerala
- Gavi
- Thenmala Eco Tourism
- Marayoor
- Nelliyampathy
- Thusharagiri
👉 Read more: Offbeat Places in Kerala
Best Time to Visit Kerala
- October to March: Best weather for sightseeing
- April to May: Warm but good for hill stations
- June to September: Monsoon season, ideal for Ayurveda
How to Reach Kerala
- By Air: Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut airports
- By Train: Well-connected rail network
- By Road: Good highways from Tamil Nadu & Karnataka
Kerala Travel Tips
- Carry light cotton clothes
- Respect local traditions and temple rules
- Book houseboats in advance
- Avoid plastic to support eco-tourism
Final Thoughts
Kerala is a perfect blend of nature, culture, spirituality, and relaxation. Whether you want peaceful backwaters, misty hills, beach sunsets, or wildlife adventures, Kerala promises a refreshing and memorable travel experience.

