Kerala, also known as God’s own country, is where nature and culture coexist—surrounded by serene backwaters, misty hills, beautiful beaches, and vibrant traditions. Kerala is sure to give some memorable travel experiences in India. So if you want to escape the city life, Kerala can be the best option for weekend getaways. The beautiful places promise peace, adventure or a mix of both. Here is a list of seven places to visit in Kerala for weekend getaways.
Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats, popular for its tea gardens, cool climate, and beautiful scenery. Just a few hours from Kochi, this is a lovely place for those seeking a peaceful retreat amid nature. Walk through the sprawling tea estates, even visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region’s heritage, or go hiking or trek to the viewpoints, Top Station, and get those panoramic views for your eyes.
And when you are there, don’t miss the Ervaikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, and a beautiful Mattupetty Dam, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride. This is the best place for couples and even solo travellers, just wanting to unwind in the lap of nature.
Alleppey
Ever wondered or dreamt of gliding through tranquil waters on houseboats? Well, Alleppey is the place where this dream can come true. It is famous for the vast network of backwaters, which is lined with coconut palms and lush paddy fields. You can opt to spend a weekend on the traditional kettuvallam, which is a houseboat, you can experience the rural heritage, fishermen at work, try the authentic Kerala dishes, no matter who you are travelling with or even if solo, Alleppey offers a true escape.
Wayanad
For those nature seekers who like adventure wrapped in nature, this can be your best weekend getaway, mainly due to the thick forests, stunning waterfalls, spice plantation and the wildlife.
While here, you can trek to Chembra Peak, quite popular for its heart-shaped lake, and explore the Edakal Caves with the stunning rock engravings. The Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls are the best places to dip after the hike. Hence, this can be perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Varkala
If beaches are your thing, Varkala offers beautiful beaches with its unique coastal experience in a cliffside setting. The cliffs overlook the Arabian Sea and have various cafes, yoga retreats and small shops.
The Varakala beach, also known as the Papanasm Beach, has holy water that is known to wash away sins. You can relax on the beach, watch the sunsets, and visit the 2000-year-old Janardanaswamy Temple if you like. Varakala is perfect for solo travellers who are on a spiritual journey.
Thekkady
Thakkady is located in the Idukki district and is also home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. For anyone looking for wildlife, this is the best place to spend your weekend in Kerala. The best part about this place is the boat ride at Periyar Lake, where you can spot elephants, deer, and different species of birds in their natural habitat. But that’s not it; you can even explore spice plantations, take up bamboo rafting, or go on a guided jungle trek. Thekkady is a perfect escape from the wifi to wildlife and nature. Suppose you are planning your trip during the rainy season. In that case, you can also check out the best places to visit during monsoon season in Karnataka for travel inspiration. Both locations offer stunning landscapes and a unique experience during the monsoon.
Kumarokam
Kumarokam is another gem in Kerala’s backwaters. It is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is mainly famous amongst the bird watchers. The bird sanctuary also hosts migratory species like Siberian cranes and herons. You can experience your life by kayaking through the canals and enjoying the lakeside resorts’ seafood, or just relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. Kumarokam is an ideal place to visit if you want a more slowed-down, backwater experience.
Kovalam
Last but not least, Kovalam is just 16km away from Thiruvananthapuram for a more coastal vibe. The beach destination is famous for its crescent-shaped coastline, lighthouses, and water sports. Every place, including Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, or Samudra Beach, has its beauty. No matter what you are looking for, surf, swim, or relax by the shore. These beachside restaurants serve delicious seafood, and the Ayurvedic Spas can be a great way to relax and unwind during your weekend here. Kovalam is an excellent place for family trips, groups of friends and even solo travellers.
Final Thoughts
Kerala has something for everyone: serene backwaters of Alleppey, cool hills with vibrant views of Munnar, and beautiful beaches in Kovalam. As you explore these destinations, you will see how rich and diverse South India. While planning your trip, don’t be disheartened if it is expensive; these places are within budget for a weekend getaway, and you can also check popular travel booking websites like Agoda, MakeMyTrip etc. You can get exclusive discounts and coupons on hotel and flight bookings through platforms like CouponzGuru. Comparing various travel sites can help you save more while enjoying a weekend getaway.
Kerala truly is a treasure trove for weekend escapes. From the tranquil backwaters to the misty tea gardens, each of these weekend escapes offers its own magic. It’s the kind of place where even a couple of days can feel like a complete rejuvenation; nature, culture, and flavours all in one beautiful package.