Kerala, also known as God’s Own Country, is a tropical paradise in the south of India. It is famous for its lush green landscapes, backwaters, beaches, hill stations, wildlife, culture, and cuisine. Kerala offers a variety of destinations for travelers of all kinds and budgets.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous trip, or a cultural immersion, you will find something to suit your taste and pocket in Kerala. Here are 11 best budget destinations in Kerala for the season that you should not miss. Top 10 Places to Visit in India during October
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Kochi is Best Budget Destinations in Kerala
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is the commercial and cultural hub of Kerala. It is a vibrant city that blends history, heritage, and modernity. Kochi has a rich colonial past that is reflected in its architecture, museums, churches, synagogues, and palaces. Kochi is also a cosmopolitan city that offers a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Kochi is famous for its Chinese fishing nets, spice markets, art galleries, and festivals. You can explore Kochi by taking a ferry ride, a tuk-tuk tour, or a heritage walk.
Best time to visit: October to February Visit during One day Kochi Local Sightseeing by Private cab
Places to visit: Mattancherry Palace, Chinese Fishing Nets, Paradesi Synagogue
Things to do: Watch a Kathakali performance, visit the Museum of Kerala History, shop at Lulu Mall
Munnar Most popular Budget Destinations in Kerala
Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala. It is located in the Western Ghats and is famous for its tea plantations, waterfalls, valleys, and wildlife. Munnar has a pleasant climate throughout the year and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, photographers, and honeymooners. You can enjoy the scenic beauty of Munnar by taking a jeep safari, a boating trip, or a tea garden tour.
Best time to visit: September to May Visit during One day Munnar Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
Places to visit: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam
Things to do: Visit the Tea Museum, trek to Anamudi Peak, spot wildlife at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Alappuzha
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is the Venice of the East. It is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, beaches, and temples. Alappuzha is one of the best places to experience the charm and tranquility of the Kerala backwaters. You can take a houseboat cruise along the palm-fringed canals and lagoons, enjoy the local cuisine and culture, and witness the rural life of Kerala. Alappuzha is also known for its snake boat races, coir industry, and ayurvedic treatments.
Best time to visit: November to February Visit during One day Alappuzha Local Sightseeing by Private cab
Places to visit: Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
Things to do: Stay in a houseboat, watch a snake boat race, visit the Coir Museum
Wayanad
Wayanad is a district in the north-east of Kerala that is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and culture. Wayanad is home to some of the oldest tribal communities in India and has a rich history and heritage. Wayanad is blessed with lush green forests, hills, waterfalls, caves, and lakes. Wayanad is a perfect destination for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts. You can explore Wayanad by taking a wildlife safari, a trekking expedition, or a cultural tour.
Best time to visit: October to May Visit during One day Wayanad Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
Places to visit: Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembra Peak
Things to do: Spot wildlife at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the Thirunelli Temple, experience the tribal culture at Wayanad Heritage Museum
Thekkady
Thekkady is a town in the Idukki district of Kerala that is famous for its Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve. Thekkady is one of the best places to see the wildlife of Kerala in its natural habitat. Thekkady is also known for its spice plantations, eco-tourism activities, and cultural shows. Thekkady is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, and nature lovers. You can enjoy Thekkady by taking a boat ride, an elephant ride, or a bamboo rafting trip.
Best time to visit: September to March Visit during One day Thekkady Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
Places to visit: Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Spice Gardens
Things to do: See wildlife at Periyar Tiger Reserve, watch a Kalaripayattu show, indulge in an ayurvedic massage
Kovalam
Kovalam is a beach town in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala that is famous for its three crescent-shaped beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Kovalam is one of the most popular beach destinations in India and attracts tourists from all over the world. Kovalam is also known for its ayurvedic centers, yoga retreats, and seafood restaurants. Kovalam is a ideal destination for sun seekers, surfers, and wellness seekers. You can relax at Kovalam by sunbathing, swimming, or surfing.
Best time to visit: September to March visit during One day Kovalam Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
Places to visit: Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple
Things to do: Surf at Kovalam Surf Club, enjoy a sunset cruise, rejuvenate at an ayurvedic center
Kannur
Kannur, also known as Cannanore, is a city in the north of Kerala that is famous for its rich culture, heritage, and art. Kannur is the land of looms and lore, as it is known for its handloom industry, folk arts, and rituals. Kannur is also blessed with natural beauty, as it has some of the finest beaches, islands, and hills in Kerala. Kannur is a great destination for history buffs, art lovers, and beach goers. You can discover Kannur by visiting its forts, museums, temples, and festivals.
Best time to visit: October to March Visit during One day Kannur Local Sightseeing by Private cab.
Places to visit: St. Angelo Fort, Arakkal Museum, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Things to do: Watch a Theyyam performance, visit the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, explore the Ezhimala Naval Academy
Trivandrum
Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the capital city of Kerala and the largest city in the state. It is a city that combines tradition and modernity, as it has many historical monuments, cultural centers, educational institutions, and technological hubs. Trivandrum is also a city that offers a variety of attractions for tourists, such as beaches, temples, museums, gardens, and zoos. Trivandrum is a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers, whether they are looking for culture, education, or entertainment. You can enjoy Trivandrum by visiting its palaces, art galleries, planetariums, and amusement parks.
Best time to visit: October to February Visit during One day Thiruvananthapuram Local Sightseeing by cab
Places to visit: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kovalam Beach
Things to do: See the mural paintings at Kuthiramalika Palace, watch the stars at Priyadarshini Planetarium, have fun at Magic Planet
Calicut
Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a city in the north of Kerala that is famous for its trade, cuisine, and culture. Calicut was once the capital of the Zamorin dynasty and a major trading port for spices, silk, and cotton. Calicut is also the city where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498 and opened the sea route to India. Calicut is a city that offers a glimpse of the rich history and heritage of Kerala. Calicut is also known for its mouth-watering delicacies, such as biryani, halwa, and kozhikodan chicken. Calicut is a destination that satisfies both your taste buds and your curiosity. You can experience Calicut by visiting its markets, mosques, beaches, and museums.
Best time to visit: September to March Visit during One Day Calicut Local Sightseeing Trip by Private Cab
Places to visit: Kappad Beach, Mishkal Mosque, Kozhikode Planetarium
Things to do: Shop at SM Street, taste the Calicut biryani, learn about astronomy at Regional Science Centre
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a village in the Kottayam district of Kerala that is famous for its backwater tourism. Kumarakom is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is surrounded by lush green paddy fields, coconut groves, and mangrove forests. Kumarakom is one of the best places to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Kerala backwaters. Kumarakom is also a haven for bird watchers, as it has a bird sanctuary that hosts many migratory birds. Kumarakom is a destination that offers you a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. You can unwind at Kumarakom by staying in a houseboat or resort.
Best time to visit: September to March One Day Kumarakom Sightseeing Trip by Private Cab
Places to visit: Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Things to do: Stay in a houseboat or resort, watch birds at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, see driftwood sculptures at Bay Island Driftwood Museum
Bekal
Bekal is a town in the Kasaragod district of Kerala that is famous for its fort, beach, and backwaters. Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala and offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. Bekal Beach is one of the most pristine and scenic beaches in Kerala and has a park with musical fountains and sculptures. Bekal Backwaters are a network of canals and lagoons that offer a serene and scenic experience. Bekal is a destination that offers you a mix of history, nature, and adventure. You can explore Bekal by visiting its fort, beach, and backwaters.
Best time to visit: September to March Visit during One Day Bekal Sightseeing Trip by Private cab
Places to visit: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters
Things to do: See the sunset at Bekal Fort, enjoy the musical fountains at Bekal Beach, take a houseboat cruise at Valiyaparamba Backwaters
FAQs
- Q: How to reach Kerala from other states or countries?
- A: Kerala is well-connected by air, rail, and road. You can fly to one of the four international airports in Kerala: Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, or Kannur. You can also take a train to one of the major railway stations in Kerala, such as Thiruvananthapuram Central, Ernakulam Junction, Kozhikode, or Thrissur. You can also drive or take a bus to Kerala from neighboring states, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, or Andhra Pradesh.
- Q: What is the best time to visit Kerala?
- A: Kerala has a tropical climate and experiences three seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. The best time to visit Kerala depends on your preference and the destination you choose. Generally, the winter season (October to March) is considered the best time to visit Kerala, as the weather is pleasant and dry. However, some destinations, such as Munnar and Wayanad, are also beautiful during the monsoon season (June to September), as the rain enhances the greenery and freshness of the landscape. The summer season (April to May) is usually hot and humid, but you can still enjoy some destinations, such as Kovalam and Bekal, that offer cool breezes and water activities.
- Q: What are the main attractions of Kerala?
- A: Kerala is a state that offers a diverse range of attractions for tourists of all kinds and budgets. Some of the main attractions of Kerala are:
- Backwaters: Kerala is famous for its backwaters, which are a network of canals, lagoons, lakes, and rivers that run parallel to the Arabian Sea. The backwaters offer a serene and scenic experience of the rural life and culture of Kerala. You can take a houseboat cruise or a canoe ride along the backwaters and enjoy the views of the coconut palms, paddy fields, fishing nets, and birds. Some of the best places to experience the backwaters are Alappuzha, Kumarakom, Kollam, and Kasaragod.
- Beaches: Kerala has some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in India that offer golden sands, blue waters, and palm trees. The beaches are ideal for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and enjoying the seafood and coconut water. Some of the best beaches in Kerala are Kovalam, Varkala, Marari, Cherai, and Bekal.
- Hill Stations: Kerala has some of the most picturesque and charming hill stations in India that offer cool climate, green valleys, tea gardens, waterfalls, and wildlife. The hill stations are perfect for nature lovers, trekkers, photographers, and honeymooners. Some of the best hill stations in Kerala are Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, Vagamon, and Ponmudi.
- Wildlife: Kerala has some of the richest and diverse wildlife in India that includes elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and fish. The wildlife can be seen in their natural habitat in the national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves. Some of the best places to see wildlife in Kerala are Periyar, Eravikulam, Silent Valley, Thattekad, and Kumarakom.
- Culture: Kerala has a rich and vibrant culture that reflects its history, heritage, and diversity. Kerala is known for its classical arts, folk arts, festivals, cuisine, architecture, and literature. You can witness the culture of Kerala by visiting its temples, churches, mosques, synagogues, palaces, museums, art galleries, and libraries. You can also watch a Kathakali or Theyyam performance, participate in an Onam or Thrissur Pooram festival, taste the Kerala cuisine or toddy, or read a Malayalam novel or poem.
Conclusion
Kerala is a state that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous trip or a cultural immersion you will find it in Kerala. Kerala is a state that will enchant you with its beauty charm and diversity. Kerala is a state that you should not miss visiting at least once in your lifetime.
