13 stunning destinations that make Kerala India’s most scenic state

Kerala has a way of leaving an imprint on every kind of traveller. It’s the sound of waves crashing against cliff-top shores, the smell of tea leaves drifting across misty hills and the quiet magic of backwaters where life moves at a gentler pace. From sculpture parks perched on rocky hills to lakeside villages that seem frozen in time, Kerala is a collage of landscapes that never repeat themselves. If you’re planning your next escape, here are 13 of the most epic places that reveal the state’s wild beauty, cultural depth and unmistakable charm.

1. Jatayu Earth’s Center, Kollam
Part art installation, part adventure park, Jatayu Earth’s Center is home to the world’s largest bird sculpture — a massive tribute to the mythical Jatayu. Set atop rugged hills in Chadayamangalam, it blends mythology, storytelling and panoramic skywalk views like nowhere else in Kerala.

2. Kavvayi Island, Kannur
Tucked near Payyanur, Kavvayi Island is a serene escape shaped by lagoons, quiet waterways and untouched backwater beauty. It’s the kind of place where kayaks replace cars, sunsets feel slower and solitude becomes a luxury you don’t have to chase. (Image: Kerala Tourism)

3. Alleppey Backwaters
If Kerala had a postcard, it would be Alleppey. Coconut trees, mirror-like waters and slow-moving houseboats define this dreamy backwater district. Whether you're drifting on a traditional kettuvallam or watching village life unfold on the banks, Alleppey is the essence of Kerala’s calm. (Image: Unsplash)

4. Munnar Tea Gardens
Munnar’s hills aren't just green — they’re an ocean of tea. Rolling plantations stretch across the horizon, interrupted only by fog, winding roads and the sweet smell of freshly plucked leaves. It’s one of the most photographed and peaceful corners of the Western Ghats.

5. Kadamakkudy Islands, Kochi
Close to Kochi yet worlds away in spirit, the Kadamakkudy Islands offer a glimpse of Kerala at its most authentic. These tiny islets are threaded together by backwaters, paddy fields and coconut groves. Life here moves gently: fishermen setting out at dawn, canoes gliding past homes and fields glowing gold at sunset.

6. Munroe Island, Kollam
Cradled between Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River, Munroe Island feels like it was sculpted out of water. Narrow canals, mangroves, traditional coir-making and rustic homestays make it the perfect place for travellers seeking unfiltered Kerala.

7. Varkala Beach
Varkala doesn’t look like any other beach in Kerala. Here, dramatic laterite cliffs plunge toward the Arabian Sea, creating one of the most striking coastal views in India. With its cafés, surf spots and fiery sunsets, Varkala blends boho charm with natural drama.

8. Athirappilly Falls, Thrissur
Often called the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly Falls roars down the Chalakudy River with thunderous power. Surrounded by dense rainforest, it’s one of Kerala’s most cinematic natural wonders — and a favourite filming location for Indian cinema.

9. Bekal Fort, Kasaragod
Bekal Fort isn’t just massive — it’s majestic. Sitting on a grassy hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, this centuries-old fort offers sweeping coastal views, winding pathways and a timeless, windswept stillness that photographers adore.

10. Kottayam
Known as the “land of letters, lakes & latex,” Kottayam is rich in culture, literacy and natural beauty. Its shimmering lakes, rubber plantations and old churches come together to create a district that feels both rooted and refreshing. (Image: Kerala Tourism)

11. Meesapulimala, Idukki
Kerala’s second-highest peak is a trekker’s dream. Meesapulimala’s trail cuts through high-altitude grasslands, rhododendron forests and mist-laced ridges. The views from the summit — layers of blue-green mountains fading into the horizon — feel almost otherworldly.

12. Edakkal Caves, Wayanad
A climb up Ambukuthi Hills leads to the ancient Edakkal Caves, home to Neolithic petroglyphs that are thousands of years old. These carvings offer a rare window into prehistoric life and make Edakkal one of India’s most intriguing archaeological sites.

13. Chembra Peak, Wayanad
Famous for its heart-shaped lake, Chembra Peak is one of Kerala’s most romantic and rewarding treks. The trail winds through dense forests and open meadows before revealing a summit view that feels like walking above the clouds.