KERALA TOURISM DESTINATIONS MAP: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO GOD'S OWN COUNTRY

Planning a trip to Kerala? Let's take you on a virtual journey through 15 breathtaking destinations that make this southern Indian state a traveler's paradise.

Kerala isn't called "God's Own Country" without reason. From misty hill stations to serene backwaters, from pristine beaches to exotic wildlife sanctuaries, this coastal state offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to explore more, having a clear map of Kerala's top destinations will help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Why Kerala Should Be on Your Travel Map

Before we dive into the specific destinations, let's talk about what makes Kerala so special. The state's unique geography—sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats—creates diverse ecosystems that support everything from tropical beaches to cool mountain retreats. Our carefully curated list of 15 destinations showcases the very best of what Kerala has to offer.

The Complete Kerala Tourism Map: 15 Must-Visit Destinations

1. Gavi: The Hidden Gem of Kerala

Location: Pathanamthitta District, Periyar Tiger Reserve
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Kottayam: 110 km (3.5-hour drive)

Tucked away in the heart of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Gavi is one of Kerala's best-kept secrets. This eco-tourism destination offers pristine wilderness, cardamom plantations, and incredible biodiversity.

Gavi highlights:

• Gavi Lake and dam

• Cardamom and pepper plantations

• Sabarimala viewpoint

• Trekking through dense forests

• Wildlife spotting (elephants, tigers, deer)

• Bamboo rafting on Periyar Lake

2. Alleppey Backwaters: Venice of the East

Location: Alappuzha District, Central Kerala
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Distance from Kochi: 85 km (2-hour drive)

The crown jewel of Kerala's backwater network, Alleppey backwaters offer an enchanting maze of canals, rivers, and lakes. This is where the famous houseboat experience comes to life.

Alleppey backwater experiences:

• Traditional houseboat stays (kettuvallams)

• Canoe rides through narrow canals

• Village backwater tours

• Kumbakonam boat races (snake boat races)

• Toddy shops and local cuisine

• Pathiramanal Island bird watching

3. Athirappilly Waterfalls: The Niagara of India

Location: Thrissur District, Chalakudy River
Best Time to Visit: June to January (post-monsoon for full flow)
Distance from Kochi: 78 km (2.5-hour drive)

Often called the "Niagara of India," Athirappilly is Kerala's largest waterfall, cascading down 80 feet in a spectacular display of nature's power.

Athirappilly attractions:

• Main waterfall viewpoints

• Vazhachal Falls (nearby smaller cascade)

• Sholayar ranges trekking

• River bathing spots

• Tribal village visits

• Wildlife spotting in surrounding forests

4. Bekal Fort: Kerala's Largest Fort

Location: Kasaragod District, Northern Kerala
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Mangalore: 74 km (2-hour drive)

This magnificent 17th-century fort, built by Keladi Nayakas, stands majestically on the Arabian Sea coast and is Kerala's largest and best-preserved fort.

Bekal Fort highlights:

• Historic fort architecture and bastions

• Bekal Beach (pristine and less crowded)

• Sunset views from fort ramparts

• Hosdurg Beach nearby

• Traditional fishing village experiences

• Backwater cruises at Kappil

5. Fort Kochi: Colonial Heritage Hub

Location: Kochi, Ernakulam District
Best Time to Visit: October to March
International Airport: 45 km (1.5-hour drive)

Fort Kochi is a fascinating blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, making it Kerala's most historically rich destination.

Fort Kochi must-sees:

• Chinese fishing nets (Cheena vala)

• St. Francis Church (India's oldest European church)

• Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace)

• Jewish Synagogue and Jew Town

• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica

• Traditional Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances

• Spice markets and antique shops

6. Kadamakkudy: Backwater Island Paradise

Location: Ernakulam District, near Kochi
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Distance from Kochi: 25 km (45-minute drive)

Kadamakkudy is a cluster of eight small islands offering an authentic, less commercialized backwater experience away from the crowds.

Kadamakkudy experiences:

• Island-hopping by boat

• Traditional village homestays

• Organic farming tours

• Fishing with local fishermen

• Mangrove forest exploration

• Peaceful canal cruises

7. Kumarakom: Luxury Backwater Haven

Location: Kottayam District, Vembanad Lake
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Distance from Kochi: 85 km (2.5-hour drive)

Set on the shores of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom offers a more upscale backwater experience with luxury resorts and the famous bird sanctuary.

Kumarakom highlights:

• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary (migratory birds)

• Luxury backwater resorts and spas

• Sunset cruises on Vembanad Lake

• Traditional fishing experiences

• Ayurvedic wellness treatments

• Village walks and toddy tapping

8. Marari Beach: Pristine Coastal Beauty

Location: Alappuzha District
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Kochi: 90 km (2.5-hour drive)

Named after the local fishing village Mararikulam, this unspoiled beach offers tranquility and natural beauty without commercial crowds.

Marari Beach experiences:

• Pristine, uncrowded beaches

• Traditional fishing village life

• Coconut palm groves

• Beach volleyball and water sports

• Fresh seafood from local fishermen

• Ayurvedic beach resorts

9. Munnar: Tea Garden Paradise

Location: Idukki District, Western Ghats
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Kochi: 130 km (4-hour drive)

Perched at 1,600 meters above sea level, Munnar is Kerala's most famous hill station, known for its rolling tea plantations and cool climate.

Munnar attractions:

• Tea Museum and plantation tours

• Eravikulam National Park (Nilgiri Tahr habitat)

• Mattupetty Dam and Indo-Swiss Project

• Top Station (panoramic viewpoint)

• Anamudi Peak (South India's highest)

• Rose Garden and spice plantations

10. Periyar National Park: Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Idukki District, Thekkady
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Distance from Munnar: 90 km (3-hour drive)

One of India's most famous wildlife sanctuaries, Periyar is home to tigers, elephants, and diverse flora and fauna around the scenic Periyar Lake.

Periyar National Park activities:

• Boat safaris on Periyar Lake

• Guided jungle treks

• Elephant spotting and photography

• Bamboo rafting adventures

• Night wildlife watching

• Tribal heritage walks

11. Thekkady: Spice Capital

Location: Idukki District, near Tamil Nadu border
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Distance from Kumily: 4 km

Thekkady town serves as the gateway to Periyar National Park and is renowned for its spice plantations and adventure activities.

Thekkady specialties:

• Spice plantation tours (cardamom, pepper, cinnamon)

• Martial arts demonstrations (Kalaripayattu)

• Elephant training centers

• Jeep safaris through spice gardens

• Traditional Ayurvedic treatments

• Local spice shopping

12. Vagamon: Meadows in the Sky

Location: Idukki District, bordering Kottayam
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Distance from Kottayam: 64 km (2.5-hour drive)

Vagamon is an emerging hill station known for its rolling grasslands, pine forests, and serene atmosphere, often called the "Switzerland of Kerala."

Vagamon highlights:

• Vagamon Meadows (vast grasslands)

• Pine Valley and forests

• Thangal Hill (pilgrimage site)

• Murugan Hill (scenic viewpoint)

• Paragliding and adventure sports

• Kurisumala Ashram (spiritual retreat)

13. Varkala Cliff: Dramatic Coastal Beauty

Location: Thiruvananthapuram District
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Distance from Trivandrum: 51 km (1.5-hour drive)

Unique among Indian beaches, Varkala features dramatic red laterite cliffs that drop directly into the Arabian Sea, creating a stunning coastal landscape.

Varkala Cliff experiences:

• North Cliff and South Cliff walks

• Papanasam Beach (holy beach)

• Janardanaswamy Temple (2000 years old)

• Natural mineral springs

• Cliff-top restaurants and cafes

• Yoga and Ayurvedic retreats

• Sivagiri Mutt (spiritual center)

14. Wayanad: Western Ghats Wilderness

Location: Northern Kerala, Western Ghats
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Distance from Calicut: 76 km (2.5-hour drive)

Wayanad district offers Kerala's most pristine natural experiences with dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient archaeological sites.

Wayanad attractions:

• Chembra Peak (heart-shaped lake trek)

• Edakkal Caves (prehistoric petroglyphs)

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

• Soochipara Waterfalls (three-tier falls)

• Meenmutty Waterfalls

• Pookode Lake (freshwater lake)

• Banasura Sagar Dam (largest earthen dam)

Regional Clustering: Plan Your Route Efficiently

Northern Kerala Circuit

• Bekal Fort → Wayanad → Vagamon

• Duration: 4-5 days

• Best for: History buffs and nature lovers

Central Kerala Backwater Circuit

• Fort Kochi → Kadamakkudy → Kumarakom → Alleppey Backwaters

• Duration: 4-6 days

• Best for: Cultural experiences and backwater relaxation

Hill Station Circuit

• Athirappilly Waterfalls → Munnar → Thekkady/Periyar → Gavi

• Duration: 5-7 days

• Best for: Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers

Southern Kerala Beach & Heritage Circuit

• Marari Beach → Varkala Cliff → Fort Kochi

• Duration: 4-5 days

• Best for: Beach lovers and heritage enthusiasts

Your Complete Kerala Tourism Map

These 15 carefully selected destinations represent the very essence of Kerala's diversity. From the colonial charm of Fort Kochi to the wilderness of Gavi, from the backwater serenity of Alleppey to the cliff-top drama of Varkala, each location offers unique experiences that contribute to Kerala's reputation as one of India's premier travel destinations.

Whether you're seeking adventure in Periyar National Park, tranquility in the tea gardens of Munnar, spiritual solace at Varkala Cliff, or cultural immersion in the backwaters of Kadamakkudy, the travel planners at Kerala.au has something extraordinary for every type of traveler.

Start planning your Kerala journey with us. The beauty of these destinations lies not just in their individual appeal, but in how they weave together to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences that showcase why Kerala truly is God's Own Country.

Begin Your Kerala Escape

Ready to explore these incredible Kerala destinations? Contact us to plan your perfect Kerala adventure, customizing your itinerary based on your interests, travel duration, and preferred experiences.