Discover the Most Beautiful Islands in Kerala – A Complete Travel Guide
God’s own country, Kerala, is a vibrant state of India. Mesmerising hills, stunning backwaters, the lush greenery, and beautiful islands all make up the state. While hills and backwaters are pretty popular, the state is much more than that. The islands of Kerala are equally breathtaking. Coconut trees, calm water, fishing villages, eco-friendly stays, and more, the islands in Kerala offer a lot.
Kerala islands are a perfect spot for photographers, travellers, nature lovers, and couples. These islands let you explore the coastal beauty of Kerala in a whole different way. In this guide, we will discuss famous islands in Kerala which can be your next travel destination.
Why Explore the Islands in Kerala?
Beyond the famous backwaters and hills of Kerala, there lie the untouched charms, the islands of Kerala. Each of these islands has its own uniqueness.
- Kerala’s islands have a beautiful mix of soothing backwaters and sea views
- Usually, islands in Kerala are less crowded which makes them quite preferable among travellers who are looking for calm and serene vibes
- If you are someone who likes slow travel, birdwatching, exploring fishing villages, or simply being around nature, these islands could be perfect spots
- Islands in Kerala not only offer scenic beauty but are also known for boating, kayaking, and many other water adventures
- The vibrant local culture and natural beauty of Kerala are reflected in all its islands
- You may also combine your trip with backwater cruises and houseboats to make it even more exciting and memorable.
List of Famous & Lesser-Known Islands in Kerala
You may have already heard a few names of islands in Kerala. Here we have a list of famous and also lesser-known beautiful islands of Kerala.
1. Munroe Island, Kollam
At the meeting point of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River lies the popular Munroe Island in Kollam. The island is known for quiet canals and traditional village life. Travellers also get to witness coir-making and paddy farming. Canoe rides at sunrise/sunset reflect the beautiful and serene backwaters and lush greenery of Munroe Island.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Canoe rides, village walks, photography, and fishing demonstrations
- Food to try: Tapioca with fish curry, Kerala-style vegetable stew
- How to Reach: You may take a train to reach Kollam and then a short boat ride to Munroe Island
2. Pathiramanal Island, Alappuzha
If you are looking for a small and peaceful island, Pathiramanal Island on Vembanad Lake can be the best choice. It has 90+ bird species, including migratory birds. The island is well accessible by boat. It is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to enjoy houseboat cruises and serene nature.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Birdwatching, nature walks, photography, picnic on the lake
- Food to try: Fresh fish curry, tapioca, steamed rice with local vegetables
- How to Reach: You may reach by taking a boat from the Alappuzha or Kumarakom jetty
3. Vypin Island, Kochi
The largest island of Kerala by area, Vypin Island (also known as Vypeen Island), is a beautiful mix of beaches, history, and fishing villages. Here, you may walk around Cherai beach and enjoy sunbathing and dolphin spotting. For a historical walk, you may go to Pallipuram Fort. This island in Kochi is a perfect day trip.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Beach visits, cycling, fort exploration, photography
- Food to try: Kerala seafood delicacies, fried fish, coconut-based curries
- How to Reach: You may take bridges from Ernakulam or book a ferry to reach Vypin Island.
4. Poovar Island, Thiruvananthapuram
An island where lake, river, sea, and beach meet is the Poovar island in Thiruvananthapuram. The island is famous for floating cottages and Ayurvedic resorts. You can also enjoy backwater cruises here and nature walks to refresh your mood.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Fresh seafood, Kerala-style curries, tropical fruits
- Food to try: Fresh seafood, Kerala-style curries, tropical fruits
- How to Reach: Via road or air, you may reach Thiruvananthapuram. From here, take a short boat ride to Poovar town
5. Dharmadam Island, Kannur
Dharmadam island is one of those with tides. During low tide, the island is accessible on foot as well. Beautiful coconut groves and waters surround Dharmadam island. Comparatively, this island is less crowded and can be great for short hikes and photography.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Walking on the sandbar, photography, short hikes, beach relaxation
- Food to try: Fresh coastal fish, Malabar parotta with curry, coconut-baa dishes
- How to reach: From Kannur, you may walk to the island when it’s low tide or you may also book a boat
6. Kadamakkudy Islands, Kochi
Kadamakkudy Island is unique as it is a group of tiny islets (a very small island). This island in Kochi has become a popular spot for cycling, photography, and for those who want to experience authentic island life. You can enjoy the calm retreat here, far from the noise of cities. The scenic landscapes, calm water, and local fishing communities are all unique experiences here.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Cycling between islets, photography, village walks, birdwatching
- Food to try: Fresh fish curry, tapioca dishes, local snacks from village eateries
- How to Reach: You can book a short boat ride from Ernakulam or also travel by road via bridges
7. Willington Island, Kochi
Willington island is famous as one of the largest man-made islands in India. It houses Kochi Port, a naval base, and luxury hotels as well. The island has a colonial charm and gives a historical vibe to travelers here. It is a mix of an urban set-up and an island.
- Best time to visit: October to March
- Activities to do: Port view sightseeing, historical exploration, photography, strolls along the waterfront
- Food to try: Seafood delicacies, Kerala snacks, dishes at waterfront cafes
- How to Reach: The island is easily reachable by road from Kochi. You may also book a ferry to reach Wellington Island.
Offbeat Island Experiences in Kerala
Do you want to get some offbeat Island experiences, the ones lesser known? From village stays on islands to floating cottages, there’s a lot to explore.
- The calmness of backwaters in Munroe islands and Poovar on a Kayak offers amazing experiences. The quiet and soothing beauty of coconut groves and the village life along the banks of the islands gives a vibrant view.
- The hospitality of Kerala is truly experienced on its islands. The village lets you stay close to nature, get to know the locals, interact with them, and learn the vibrant culture of Kerala islands. It is an experience you may never forget.
- The authentic taste of seafood and island dishes is not a thing to miss. The spicy curries with seafood, steamed tapioca, and fresh toddy give a wholesome taste of island flavours.
- Evenings are quite serene and beautiful in the floating cottages—the unforgettable stay when the cottage is just swaying over moonlit waters.
- Birdwatching is yet another exciting yet lesser-known activity on the Kerala islands. At dawn, you can go birdwatching or roam around through mangrove forests, watch wildlife, or wander along the islands and serene landscapes.
Best Time to Visit the Islands in Kerala
Islands are a perfect weekend escape and even for extended stays. While monsoon can be tricky on islands for travellers, winters are pretty pleasant.
The perfect time to visit the Kerala islands could be October to March. During October to March, the weather is pleasant. If you want to go boating on islands, October to March is the best time for it.
You must avoid June-September because this is the monsoon time. During the monsoon, most islands are not ideal for travellers. However, some islands like Munroe can be pretty beautiful during monsoons. The lush greenery post-monsoon looks breathtaking.
Tip: In the month of January, you may also enjoy the Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is one of the most awaited water festivals of Kerala. In this festival, the locals showcase the vibrant culture and spirit of Kerala.
Curated Island Tour Packages in Kerala
We handcraft tour packages to ensure you experience the best and every type of traveller can find their perfect package.
| Package Details | Backwater & Island Bliss | Romantic Island Getaway | Island Adventure & Culture |
| No. of Days | 5 days | 4 days | 6 days |
| Route | Kochi–Vypin–Munroe–Alappuzha | Poovar Island–Varkala–Thiruvananthapuram | Kochi–Kadamakkudy–Dharmadam–Kannur |
| Stay At | Houseboat stay | Floating cottage in Poovar | Stay at a traditional homestay |
| Tour Highlights | Munroe canoe tour Cherai Beach visit Cultural village walk | Beach sunset at Varkala Ayurvedic spa session Private backwater cruise | Island cycling tour Low tide walk to Dharmadam Visit to the Theyyam performance in Kannur |
| Ideal For | Couples Families Photographers | Honeymooners Wellness travellers | Offbeat travellers Solo explorers Cultural tourists |
| Average Cost | INR18,000 – INR35,000 | INR25,000 – INR45,000 | INR30,000 – INR50,000 |
Tips for Visiting Islands in Kerala
Visiting the Islands in Kerala could be one of the most memorable trips for you. Whether you have a long weekend or want a few days’ escape from regular life, islands can be the best partners. Before you plan the trip, read on for some tips that can be helpful during your trip:
- Light Clothes
Islands are about fun enjoyment and days can be humid and hot. So, it is advisable to have pairs of light and breathable clothes to feel lighter and freer.
- Carry Cash
Although it is a time of UPI and online payments, it is best to carry enough cash when on a trip. Sometimes, connectivity on islands may not be robust and online payments may decline. To avoid such a situation, it is best to have some cash with you.
- Local Customs
Local customs and traditions of the Kerala islands are beautiful to know and follow. As tourists, it is our responsibility to respect their village customs and follow societal norms. It makes them feel valued and your trip even more memorable.
- Island Ecosystems
Ecosystems on islands can be fragile at times. Unlike plains, islands have different environmental requirements, and it is best to use eco-friendly products on your trip.
- Maintain Cleanliness
As tourists, it is equally important to contribute to the cleanliness and maintenance of an island. So, one must only use dustbins to throw garbage and maintain proper cleanliness around.
- Local Guides
If you cannot correctly understand the island’s language or are visiting for the first time, you may take help from a local guide. The guide is fluent in communication and can help you understand the beauty of the islands. They also help in understanding the deeper cultural insights.
Conclusion
Kerala’s islands are among the state’s greatest beauties. Whether you are looking for a weekend escape or a long holiday, the islands of Kerala can be the perfect choice. Each island has its own unique character and offers a mix of backwaters, cultural beauty, beaches, local life, and more. Plan your next holiday trip to Kerala with Travel Triangle and get the best prices with customised itineraries.
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FAQs About Islands In Kerala
Are the islands in Kerala suitable for family travel?
Yes, all the islands of Kerala are a perfect fit for families. The most popular among families are Munroe, Dharmadam, Poovar, etc. Can I stay overnight on any islands?
Yes, many islands offer village stays, floating cottages, etc., where you can spend nights on islands and on the water as well. Popular ones are Pathiramanal, Poovar, etc. How do I reach these islands?
Islands in Kerala are well-connected. You may take trains to the nearest railway stations and then book a short boat ride, ferry, or canoe to the nearby island. Which island is best for birdwatching in Kerala?
Pathiramanal Island is famous for birdwatching in Kerala. It is full of coal species and migratory birds. Munroe can also be another good option. Is island-hopping possible in Kerala?
Yes, many islands are located nearby and so, you may visit multiple islands one by one. Popular routes are Alappuzha-Pathiramanal-Munroe Island-Kumarakom Poovar-Vizhinjam-nearby small islands Kochi-Willington Island-Vypin Island Which is the biggest island in Kerala?
Vypin island near Kochi is the largest island in Kerala. It is around 27 km in length. How many islands are in Kochi?
There are around 10 major islands in Kochi and most of these are accessible by bridges or short boat rides. Popular islands are Vypin, Willington Island, Bolgatty, Fort Kochi, Ramanthuruthu, etc.
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