Best cities in Kerala

The God's Own Country, Kerala (Keralam) is a destination renowned for its lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage.

Beyond its natural beauty, the state is home to several fascinating cities that showcase the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.

Some of the best cities in Kerala that deserve a place on every travel itinerary are-

1. Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum

Trivandrum is the capital and largest city of Kerala, India. It is located on the country's southwest coast. It has plenty of coconut & palm trees and its name means ‘The City of Lord Anantha.’ It is known as the "Evergreen City of India". It perfectly balances historic royalty with natural beauty. Thiruvananthapuram is a major commercial engine for the state and is home to India’s first and largest IT park, Technopark.

The city is also a unity of diverse religions, with temples, churches, mosques, and other places of worship that harmonize together in the cityscape. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, the Palayam Juma Masjid, and the St. Joseph's Cathedral are among the prominent religious landmarks that reflect the city's religious pluralism and cultural tolerance.

This city perfectly blends a rich heritage from the Travancore Kingdom with a modern, cosmopolitan lifestyle. The city has a rich historical past and now is the academic center of Kerala state. It was a trading post for spices, sandalwood, and ivory.Trivandrum is mostly recognized for Medical tourism in Kerala, as it holds many recognized Ayurvedic centers all around the city.

The best time to visit Thiruvananthapuram is from November to February. The worst time to visit is May to November as these months have monsoon rains. Heavy, continuous rainfall and high humidity can disrupt sightseeing and outdoor activities.

This city offers a rich culinary landscape. The food here combines traditional Kerala taste, Arabic delicacies, and seafood. Foods that you cannot miss are Kerala Sadhya, and Kerala Appam and Stew.

How to reach Thiruvananthapuram?

• The nearest airport to Thiruvananthapuram is Trivandrum International Airport, it is just 6 km away from the city centre.
• Trivandrum Central (TVC) is the primary station connecting the city to the rest of the country.
• Trivandrum is highly accessible by bus or car via National Highway 66.

Must-visit attractions near Thiruvananthapuram-

• Kovalam
• Varkala
• Kuthiramalika Palace
• Ponmudi
• Agasthyakoodam

2. Munnar

Munnar is known as the ‘Kashmir of South India.’ It has endless tea plantations, hazy valleys, and cascading waterfalls. This hill station is situated 1,600 meters above sea level in Kerala's Western Ghats. The place has emerald-green tea plantations, misty rolling hills, and crisp mountain air. Munnar is very budget-friendly. It is also one of the top honeymoon destinations in India.

The place is endlessly covered with green tea plantations. Munnar is named after a word in Malayalam that translates to three rivers. It is the confluence of the Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala rivers.

Munnar is famous for its amazing beauty. Munnar is one of the few places where the Neelakurunji, which is a rare plant that blooms only once in 12 years. This hill station becomes more beautiful in the 'Kurinji season.' In this time, the hills and valleys get bathed in the blue hue of the little flower. The bloom typically lasts for about three months, peaking between late August and October, and the last full bloom cycle was in 2018 and the next one will be in 2030.

Munnar has the Tata Tea Museum which gives us insight into the development of the Munnar tea trade. The scent around is just lovely. It has a collection of historic objects, pictures, and historic objects. You will see old processing machines and get to taste fresh teas.

The best time to visit Munnar is from September to March when the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for exploring tea plantations and waterfalls. The worst time to visit is during the peak monsoon months of July and August, when heavy downpours can cause landslides.

Munnar’s culinary scene is a perfect blend of robust Malabar spices, fresh coconut, and mountain-grown produce. Some foods to try are Puttu with Kadala Curry, Kerala Parotta and Meen Pollichathu.

How to reach Munnar?

• Cochin International Airport is the nearest to Munnar, situated around 125 kilometres away.
• The nearest major railway station to Munnar is Aluva, located about 110 km away.
• The main highway connecting to Munnar is National Highway 85 (NH 85).

Top attractions near Munnar-

• Eravikulam National Park
• Tea Estates & Museum
• Mattupetti Dam & Lake

3. Kozhikode

Kozhikode or Calicut is a major coastal city in Kerala. It is located on the Malabar Coast and it is the second-largest city in the state. In history, the city was known as "City of Spices." Kozhikode is recognized as India's first UNESCO City of Literature. It was the landing site of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.

Kozhikode district offers tranquil hill stations. Vythiri, located in the Wayanad district adjacent to Kozhikode, is a popular destination known for its lush greenery, gushing waterfalls, and spice plantations. The mist-covered peaks and dense forests of these hill stations provide a refreshing retreat for nature enthusiasts.

With its legendary history, vibrant culture, scenic coastline, rich cuisine, and warm hospitality, Kozhikode offers a travel experience that is both enriching and memorable.

The best time to visit Kozhikode is from October to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and ideal for beach hopping and sightseeing. The worst time is April to May, you will find stifling heat and high humidity that makes outings exhausting.

Kozhikode (Calicut) is a cultural crossroads shaped by Arab, European, Persian, and Keralan influences. Some of the best dishes you can try in Calicut are Kozhikodan Biryani, Calicut Halwa, Kallummakkaya Fry, and Aval Milk.

How to reach Kozhikode?

• The closest airport to Kozhikode is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), also known as Karipur Airport.
• The main station, Kozhikode Main Railway Station, is centrally located in Palayam
• Kozhikode (Calicut) is primarily connected to the rest of Kerala and neighboring states by three major National Highways, NH 66, 966 and 766.

Top attractions near Kozhikode -

• SM Street
• Kozhikode & Kappad Beaches
• Beypore
• Mananchira Square

4. Alappuzha

Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is a scenic coastal district in Kerala. It is famous for its calm backwaters, intricate canal networks, and houseboat cruises. Alappuzha is famously known as the ‘Venice of the East.’ The region is known for its coconut fiber (coir) industry, and vibrant marine life.

Alappuzha is an important tourist destination in India. The Backwaters of Alappuzha are the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a delightful experience. It connects Kumarakom and Cochin to the North and Quilon to the South.

Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, on the second Saturday of August every year. The Alappuzha Beach Festival is a vibrant annual carnival and cultural event held at Alleppey Beach in Kerala. The fest usually peaks during the summer and again during the year-end holiday season, featuring live music, food stalls, flower exhibitions, and rides.

The best time to visit Alleppey is from November to February, when cool, dry, and pleasant weather makes cruising the backwaters perfect. The worst time to visit is from June to August, due to heavy monsoon rains that can restrict outdoor activities, cause flooding, and disrupt boat tours.

Alleppey is famous for its fresh seafood. Must try dishes are Karimeen Pollichathu, Appam with Alleppey Fish Curry, and Chemmeen Ularthiyathu.

How to reach Alleppey?

• Cochin International Airport (COK) is the nearest airport to Alleppey. It is located approximately 75 to 85 km away, and the journey typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours by taxi or bus.
• Alleppey’s station is Alappuzha Railway Station and about 5 km from the famous Alappuzha Beach.
• The major highway connecting to Alappuzha is National Highway 66.

Best things to do in Alappuzha-

• Houseboat Cruise
• Explore Kuttanad - Rice Bowl of India
• Visit Alappuzha Beach
• Visit Karumadikkuuttan

5. Thrissur

It is the cultural capital of Kerala and is located in the central part of the state.This place has a rich spiritual heritage. Thrissur is a destination that captivates the imagination and inspires the soul. It serves as the financial hub of Kerala. Thrissur hosts the spectacular annual Thrissur Pooram festival at the Vadakkumnathan Temple.

The city is home to the Kerala Agricultural University, the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and the Sree Kerala Varma College, among others. Thrissur is an important educational and commercial center in Kerala.

Thrissur is also called the ‘Gold Capital of Kerala.’ Thrissur produces roughly 70% of the state's plain gold jewelry. The city acts as the primary manufacturing and ornament-designing hub, supplying jewelry to major retail brands not just locally, but across the country.

The best time to visit Thrissur is from October to February, when cool, dry weather makes sightseeing and temple tours highly enjoyable. The worst time is from June to September due to relentless, heavy rainfall and flooded paths.

Thrissur is a paradise for food lovers, and you should try Masala Dosa, Malabar Biryani, and Kuzhalappam.

How to reach Thrissur?

• The nearest airport to Thrissur is Cochin International Airport (COK) in Nedumbassery. It is 50–55 km south of Thrissur.
• The main and busiest hub is the Thrissur Railway Station. It is located right in the heart of the city.
• The major highway that connects Thrissur is National Highway 544.

Top attractions in Thrissur -

• Athirappilly Waterfalls
• Guruvayur Temple
• Thrissur Zoo and Museum

6. Kottayam

Kottayam is a culturally vibrant city in central Kerala. This city is known as the "Land of Letters, Legends, Latex, and Lakes," because the city has a 100% literacy rate and is India’s natural rubber hub. It is the first town that reached 100% literacy rate. It has amazing natural beauty.

The city is the birthplace of Kerala's print media and book publishing industry, with an estimated 70% of the state's books published there, that’s how it got the name ‘Land of Letters.’

Nurtured by the Western Ghats, the region features extensive, well-kept rubber plantations. Kottayam is the primary trading center for natural rubber in India and is the headquarters of the Indian Rubber Board. So this is how this town got the name ‘Land of Latex.’

The town has amazing legends to offer and they are; Epic viewpoints from Illikkal Kallu, Kottayam Cheriapally (church), Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, and Kumarakom Backwaters on Vembanad Lake. Thus the name ‘Land of Legends.’

Kottayam's most famous lake is Vembanad Lake. It is India's longest lake. It is the epicenter of the region's backwater tourism, popular for houseboat cruises, the migratory birds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and traditional snake boat races. Thus the name ‘Land of Lakes.’

The best time to visit Kottayam is October to February, when the weather is cool and dry, perfect for exploring the backwaters. The worst time is June to August, due to heavy, disruptive monsoons.

Kottayam has a unique blend of Syrian Christian and backwater cuisines. Some foods you have to try are Pidi and Chicken Curry, Appam with Karimeen Mappas, and Kappa and Meen Mulakittathu.

How to reach Kottayam?

• The nearest airport to Kottayam is Cochin International Airport (COK) in Nedumbassery. It is located approximately 90 kilometers north of Kottayam.
• The major railway station in Kottayam is Kottayam Railway Station, which is located in Nagambadom, right in the heart of the city.
• The primary and most vital route connecting to Kottayam is National Highway 183.

Top attractions-

• Vembanad Lake & Kumarakom
• Sabarimala Temple
• Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
• Mannanam Church
• Hill stations like Ilaveezhapoonchira and Illikkal Kallu

Explore the best cities in Kerala, from the serene backwaters of Alleppey to the misty hills of Munnar, with specially curated Kerala Tour Packages designed for every type of traveler.