If you are planning a summer trip, choosing the right destination can make a significant difference to your experience. Hill stations such as Munnar and Wayanad provide greener landscapes and mountain scenery, while Alleppey and Kumarakom are known for their backwaters. Varkala and Kovalam offer coastal experiences, and Thekkady combines forest scenery with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
This guide explores some of the best places in Kerala to visit in summer, along with what makes each destination worth considering and how to plan a comfortable trip.
Why Visit Kerala in Summer?
Summer can be a rewarding time to explore Kerala if you plan your itinerary around the region and activities you enjoy. The state offers considerable geographical variety within relatively manageable travel distances, making it possible to combine mountains, forests, backwaters, and beaches in one trip.
For travelers looking for greener scenery and comparatively cooler surroundings, Kerala’s hill regions are particularly attractive. Visitors interested in relaxing can choose backwater destinations, while travelers who prefer coastal scenery can build an itinerary around Kerala’s beaches.
Before deciding where to go, consider the type of experience you want, the amount of time available, and your tolerance for heat and humidity.
1. Munnar
Munnar is one of the most popular hill destinations in Kerala and a natural choice for travelers seeking mountain scenery during summer. Located in the Western Ghats, the region is surrounded by tea plantations, forested hills, winding roads, and scenic viewpoints.
The landscape is especially appealing to photographers and nature lovers. A Munnar itinerary can include tea gardens, viewpoints, waterfalls, nature walks, and nearby attractions. The area’s elevation also makes it a useful alternative for travelers who prefer mountain environments over hotter lowland destinations.
Things to Do in Munnar
- Explore tea plantations and viewpoints.
- Visit scenic waterfalls and mountain areas.
- Take nature-focused excursions.
- Enjoy photography among the Western Ghats landscapes.
- Plan relaxed drives through the surrounding hills.
Travelers interested in scenic destinations can also explore other nature-focused travel ideas when building a broader itinerary.
2. Wayanad
Wayanad is another excellent option for a summer trip to Kerala. The district combines forested hills, plantations, waterfalls, caves, viewpoints, and rural landscapes, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to spend time outdoors.
Its natural environment makes Wayanad particularly suitable for travelers who want a slower trip centered on scenery and outdoor exploration. Depending on your itinerary, you can combine sightseeing with short walks, plantation visits, wildlife experiences, and time at a peaceful accommodation.
Because Wayanad covers a large area, it is useful to group attractions geographically instead of trying to see everything in a single day.
3. Thekkady
Thekkady is an appealing choice for travelers who want to combine Kerala’s greenery with wildlife and forest experiences. The destination is closely associated with the Periyar landscape and offers opportunities to explore a lush environment surrounded by hills and forests.
Wildlife-oriented activities can be a major part of a Thekkady itinerary. Visitors can also enjoy nature walks, scenic drives, local cultural experiences, and time around the forested landscape.
If wildlife is a priority, allow enough time for activities rather than treating Thekkady as a quick stop between other destinations.
4. Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is one of Kerala’s best-known backwater destinations. Its network of waterways, canals, lagoons, villages, and palm-lined landscapes creates a very different experience from the state’s hill stations.
A houseboat journey is one of the most recognizable experiences associated with Alleppey. Travelers can spend time moving through the backwaters while enjoying views of village life and tropical scenery.
For couples and families, a relaxed backwater itinerary can be an enjoyable alternative to a schedule packed with sightseeing. If you are particularly interested in Alleppey, you can also explore this related guide to places to visit in Alleppey for couples.
5. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is another strong option for travelers who want a peaceful backwater experience. Located around Vembanad Lake, the area is known for waterways, tropical vegetation, birdlife, and resort-style stays.
Compared with an activity-heavy itinerary, Kumarakom works well for travelers who want to slow down. You can combine a stay with boating, nature observation, local sightseeing, and relaxed meals overlooking the water.
The destination is particularly suitable when the goal is rest rather than covering a long list of attractions.
6. Varkala
Varkala offers a different side of Kerala with its dramatic coastal cliffs, beach scenery, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere. The destination can work well for travelers who want to combine beach time with a more scenic coastal setting.
Visitors can spend time at the beach, walk along the cliff area, enjoy the surrounding food scene, or use Varkala as a base for exploring nearby attractions.
Summer visitors should plan outdoor activities around the hotter parts of the day and stay hydrated, particularly when spending extended periods outdoors.
7. Kovalam
Kovalam is another popular coastal destination in Kerala. Its beaches and established tourism infrastructure make it a convenient option for travelers who want a traditional seaside holiday.
Kovalam can suit different travel styles, from relaxed beach stays to short sightseeing trips around the surrounding area. Travelers who enjoy combining coastal destinations with broader travel itineraries may also find inspiration in summer destinations for couples.
8. Vagamon
Vagamon is a quieter hill destination characterized by rolling hills, green valleys, meadows, and a peaceful atmosphere. It can appeal to travelers who prefer less urbanized surroundings and a slower pace.
The destination is suitable for scenic drives, photography, outdoor activities, and relaxing stays surrounded by greenery. Its landscape also makes it an interesting alternative for travelers who have already visited Kerala’s more established hill destinations.
9. Bekal
Bekal combines coastal scenery with one of Kerala’s most recognizable historic landmarks, Bekal Fort. The fort overlooks the Arabian Sea and provides a distinctive setting for sightseeing and photography.
A trip to Bekal can combine heritage exploration with beach time, making it useful for travelers who want more variety than a conventional beach holiday.
If you enjoy combining historic attractions with destination exploration, broader ideas can be found in guides such as peaceful places around the world and interesting destinations around the world.
10. Kochi
Kochi is a practical starting point for many Kerala itineraries and offers a combination of history, culture, waterfront scenery, food, and urban attractions. Fort Kochi is particularly popular for its colonial-era streets, historic buildings, art spaces, cafés, and coastal atmosphere.
Spending time in Kochi before or after visiting the hill stations can add cultural variety to a summer itinerary. It also provides a convenient contrast to the quieter environments of Munnar, Wayanad, and Thekkady.
11. Athirappilly
Athirappilly is known for its impressive waterfall and surrounding forest landscape. It is a popular choice for travelers who enjoy dramatic natural scenery and want to add a waterfall destination to their Kerala itinerary.
The surrounding area can be combined with other attractions depending on your route. Travelers should allow enough time for the journey and sightseeing rather than treating the waterfall as a rushed photo stop.
12. Poovar
Poovar offers a distinctive combination of waterways, coastal scenery, and tropical surroundings. Its location makes it attractive to travelers looking for a quieter experience away from the busier parts of Kerala’s major tourist centers.
A Poovar stay can focus on boating, relaxation, scenic views, and time near the water. It is especially useful for travelers who want to finish a longer Kerala journey with a peaceful coastal experience.
How to Choose the Best Kerala Destination for Summer
The best destination depends on what you want from your trip. Instead of choosing a location simply because it is popular, match the destination to your preferred travel experience.
- For mountain scenery: Choose Munnar, Wayanad, or Vagamon.
- For backwaters: Consider Alleppey or Kumarakom.
- For beaches: Varkala, Kovalam, Bekal, and Poovar are options to consider.
- For wildlife: Thekkady is a natural choice.
- For history and culture: Kochi and Bekal offer strong heritage elements.
- For waterfalls and nature: Athirappilly is worth considering.
If you are building a larger travel plan, related destination guides such as places to visit with friends, top places to visit in the Northeast, and top spring destinations can provide additional itinerary inspiration.
Tips for a Comfortable Summer Trip to Kerala
Plan Around the Weather
Kerala’s summer conditions can vary between coastal areas, inland destinations, and higher elevations. Check the expected weather before traveling and choose activities accordingly.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water when sightseeing and take regular breaks during outdoor activities. Lightweight clothing and sun protection can also make daytime exploration more comfortable.
Book Accommodation Strategically
Choose accommodation based on your planned activities and transportation route. Staying closer to the attractions you want to visit can reduce unnecessary travel time.
Leave Room for Relaxation
Kerala is particularly enjoyable when the itinerary is not overloaded. Give yourself enough time to enjoy the scenery, local food, backwaters, beaches, and natural surroundings.
For travelers planning international trips as well, guides covering European destinations, Southeast Asian destinations, and New Zealand destinations can help with future travel planning.
Sample Kerala Summer Itinerary
A one-week trip can combine several different experiences without making every day a long travel day. One possible structure is to begin in Kochi, continue toward Munnar, spend time around Thekkady, and then finish with a backwater experience in Alleppey or Kumarakom.
Travelers with additional time can extend the trip toward Varkala, Kovalam, Bekal, or Wayanad depending on their interests and route.
For more general travel planning inspiration, you can also explore travel tips for exploring the world and summer travel ideas for couples.
Final Thoughts
Kerala offers plenty of choices for a memorable summer getaway. Munnar and Wayanad are well suited to travelers looking for green hills and outdoor scenery, while Thekkady offers a forest and wildlife-focused experience. Alleppey and Kumarakom provide peaceful backwater settings, and destinations such as Varkala, Kovalam, Bekal, and Poovar bring coastal experiences into the itinerary.
The key is to choose destinations according to your preferred activities, available time, and comfort with summer weather. With a balanced itinerary and enough time to slow down, Kerala can provide a varied journey that combines mountains, forests, waterways, beaches, and culture in one trip.
