From the backwaters of Alleppey to the tea hills of Munnar, here is where to spend your time in Kerala.
Kerala rewards travellers who slow down. These are ten places that appear on most first itineraries.
Backwaters and coast
Alleppey is the gateway to the backwaters, where houseboats drift past villages and paddy fields. Kumarakom offers quieter lakeside stays, and Varkala has cliff-top views over the Arabian Sea.
Hills and forests
Munnar is famous for tea estates, Thekkady for the Periyar sanctuary, and Wayanad for waterfalls and spice gardens.
Culture and cities
Fort Kochi mixes colonial buildings with galleries and cafes, Thrissur hosts spectacular temple festivals, and Kovalam is a classic beach town.
Seven days is comfortable for a first trip; add more if you want to include Ayurveda or Wayanad.
