‘God’s own country’ Kerala has many amazing destinations that will satisfy the traveler in you. From the beaches of Kochi to the hills of Munnar, the variety of geography in the tiny state can amaze anyone! If you are looking for some of the best places to visit near Kerala, we have curated one of the most sought-guides for exploring this majestic state.
The excitement and thrill of holidaying don’t stop at the borders of Kerala, it extends right into Karnataka and Tamil Nadu with their wealth of cultural and historical destinations. These extraordinary places to visit near Kerala can easily be covered on a trip to Kerala, even on a weekend vacation.
Explore-10 Worthy Places To Visit Near Kerala
Are you looking for the best places to visit near Kerala? Here are the top ten interesting escapes to plan a refreshing getaway with your loved ones:
1. Madikeri
Coffee plantations, scenic highways through hills and waterfalls, Madikeri is truly a nature’s paradise. The town is the district headquarters of Coorg and is accessible to all the popular destinations in the region. This makes it one of the best places to visit near Wayanad Kerala. In fact, many travelers make Madikeri their pit stop on their way to Kerala, while traveling from Bangalore. You can explore the natural beauty of Coorg through various activities like plantation walks, trekking, camping, and even river rafting.
Popular attractions near Madikeri: Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Talakaveri, Irupu Falls, Tadiandamol, Dubare Elephant Camp, Bylakuppe Namdroling Monastery
Distance from Wayanad: 129 KM
Time taken: 3.5 hours
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2. Mysuru
The regal and imposing palace of the Wodeyars has become the icon of Mysore. One of the biggest cities in Karnataka, it has a rich culture and history. The erstwhile kingdom of the Wodeyar dynasty, the city is among the best places to visit near Wayanad Kerala for an enriching holiday, especially for families with children. Explore the Mysore Palace, shop for Mysore Silk Sarees, and binge on the sweet Mysore Pak, there are a lot of unique things to check off your bucket list in Mysore!
Popular attractions in Mysuru: Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, Mysore Zoo, St. Philomena’s Cathedral
Distance from Wayanad: 137 KM
Time taken: 2.5 hours
3. Kodaikanal
Nestled in the Palani Hills at a chilling height of 7,000 ft, Kodaikanal is an escape from the heat of the plains. The hill station made popular by the British has been a favorite among tourists who enjoy the fresh mountain air and the picturesque landscapes. It is one of the places to visit near Thekkady Kerala to add the element of a mountain holiday to your Kerala itinerary. A contrast to the thick rainforests of Thekkady, the pine hills of Kodaikanal offer fantastic locations to relax and indulge in photography! This is amongst the best tourist places outside Kerala.
Popular attractions in Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, Silver Cascade Falls, Pillar Rocks Viewpoint, Pine Forest
Distance from Thekkady: 157 KM
Time taken: 3.5 hours
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4. Pollachi
Pollachi is an unassuming town in the state of Tamil Nadu but provides a gateway to the most pristine forests and hills of the Western Ghats. Pollachi is the starting point for access to Anamalai Hills and its many sanctuaries. Even the water coming in from the foothills of Annamalai creates dams that are spectacular to see and serve as great picnic spots. This makes it one of the best places to visit near Guruvayur Kerala.
Popular attractions near Pollachi: Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Valparai, Top Slip, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Azhiyar Dam, Solaiyar Dam, Pollachi Ayyappan Temple
Distance from Guruvayur: 134 KM
Time taken: 3 hours
5. Madurai
On the banks of River Vaigai lies the ancient city of Madurai. With a history dating back to 300 BC, it has been ruled by several kingdoms including the illustrious Pandyas, Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, and eventually the British. Each of these rulers has contributed vastly to the city but the most important attraction remains the magnificent Madurai Meenakshi temple, which dates back to the 14th century. One of the best places to visit near Kottayam Kerala, it has the right attractions for a memorable family vacation.
Popular attractions in Madurai: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Alagar Kovil, Koodal Azhagar Temple
Distance from Kottayam: 245 KM
Time taken: 5.5 hours
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6. Kanyakumari
The southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari has become a major tourist destination. It is not only the meeting point of the three seas of India – Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal – but also where the Eastern and Western coastal plains meet. The city has mythological, religious and cultural significance and is one of the easiest places to visit near Kovalam Kerala. Don’t miss the legendary sunset at the tip of India from here, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family.
Popular attractions in Kanyakumari: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam, Arulmigu Bhagavathy Amman Temple
Distance from Kovalam: 89 KM
Time taken: 2 hours
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7. Coimbatore
The industrial city of Coimbatore is famous for its textile production today, but it was always a trade destination even way back to the ancient Romans. An emerging metropolis, it is one of the best places to visit outside Kerala. Visitors often stop at Coimbatore to visit the nearby Palakkad and before heading on to the beach destination of Cherai and Kochi. It features among the top places to visit near Cherai Kerala primarily for its access to the rest of the country.
Popular attractions in Coimbatore: Marudhamalai, Siruvani Waterfalls, Monkey Falls, Black Thunder, Amaravathi Dam, Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Koniamman Temple
Distance from Cherai: 164 KM
Time taken: 3.5 hours
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8. Mangalore
Karnataka has some of the best coastal destinations after Kerala and Mangalore tops those places to visit near the Kerala border. Mangalore is a major port city of Karnataka and offers access to many smaller towns that are popular tourist destinations like Udupi, Manipal, Agumbe, and the pious temple town of Dharmasthala.
Popular attractions in Mangalore: Tannirbhavi Beach, Pilikula Nisargadhama, Panambur Beach, Gokarnatheshwara Temple, Mangaladevi Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, Ullal Beach
Distance from Kasargod: 55 KM
Time taken: 1 hour
9. Shravanabelagola
The glorious Gomateshwara Bahubali Statue has become synonymous with the small town of Shravanabelagola. The destination is an important tirtha or pilgrimage site of Jains and is among the popular places to visit near Kerala to gain an insight into the rich heritage of India. The town is also popular because of its proximity to other historical towns like Hassan, Halebidu, and Belur which have spectacular temples dating back to the Hoysala Empire.
Popular attractions near Shravanabelagola: Bahubali Statue, Chandragiri Hill, 1008 Bhagwan Adinath Digambar Jain Temple, Hoysaleswara Temple, Halebidu Archaeological Site
Distance from Kannur: 213 KM
Time taken: 5 hours
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10. Ooty
A popular destination thanks to the hundreds of Bollywood movies shot here, Ooty or Ootacamund has become a favourite honeymoon destination for a generation of Indians. The hill station retains its charm and is ideal for couples seeking a weekend holiday or honeymoon. With a variety of activities to indulge in, Ooty is among the most popular and one of the best places to visit in Kerala for couples.
Popular attractions near Ooty: Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta, St. Stephen’s Church, Toda Temple, Tiger Hills, Ooty Lake, Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake
Distance from Kozhikode: 157 KM
Time taken: 4.5 hours
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There you go! We hope we’ve given you plenty of awesome places to visit near Kerala for your next Kerala trip. Book a trip to Kerala with TravelTriangle and explore all these incredible holiday destinations.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit Near Kerala
Which is the best place for 2 days trip in Kerala?
The following are the best places to visit in Kerala on a 2-days trip - Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Eravikulam, Periyar, Wayanad, etc. You can choose your itinerary according to your preferences.
What can I see near Kerala?
Madikeri, Mysuru, Kodaikanal, Pollachi, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Mangalore, Shravanabelagola, etc. are the best places to visit near Kerala.
Is it safe to visit places near Kerala during Covid times?
You need to follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe travel experience. Complete both doses of vaccination before planning your visit and get an RT PCR test done as you may have to produce it at the entry and exit points. Maintain social distancing and remain masked while stepping out. Avoid visiting crowded places and gatherings. Keep sanitizing your hands regularly after touching surfaces.
Which is the most beautiful district in Kerala?
Idukki and Wayanad are the best districts in Kerala for nature-lovers. Both the places are home to lush greenery and impeccable escapes amid nature.
Which is the best time to go to Kerala?
June to August as well as between December to February is the best time of the year to enjoy pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery in Kerela.
Which is the best place for a one-day trip to Kerala?
Some of the most amazing places to explore near Kerela in one day are -
1. Madikeri
2. Mysuru
3. Kodaikanal
4. Kanyakumari
Which is the most beautiful place in Kerala?
A few of the best places to visit in Kerala with beautiful views are -
1. Alleppey – The Backwater Hot Spot
2. Munnar – Perfect For A Romantic Honeymoon
3. Kumarakom – One Of The Most Tranquil Places
4. Wayanad – The Land Of Heavenly Trails
5. Thekkady – For The Love Of Wildlife
6. Kovalam – For Some Beach Fun
How many days should you spend in Kerala?
Ideally, 4-5 days will be quite sufficient to explore all the popular tourist attractions in Kerela. However, if you wish to explore nearby places such as Munnar, or Allepey, you will require more than a week.
Which is the best time to visit Madikeri waterfall?
The best time to visit Madikeri is during the monsoon which is between July-September. It is the time when there is maximum water in the waterfall and you can see it in its full glory.
Is swimming in Kondikonal lake allowed?
Yes. Swimming is definitely allowed in the beautiful lake of Kondikonal. A few other activities that you can enjoy near this beautiful manmade lake are boating, fishing, and horse riding.
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