One-Day Trip Places in Kerala | Kerala Popular Places
Kerala is a land of nature, where you can enjoy the tranquil backwaters, lush green tea plantations, and natural beauty. It is one of India’s most famous tourist places, known as “God’s Own Country.” Due to its natural diversity, Indian and international tourists come here to explore lush greenery, backwaters, ancient temples, culture, and beautiful beaches. Apart from natural attractions, it’s famous for classical arts such as Kathakali dance, Mohiniyattam, and more. If you plan a one-day trip to Kerala, find our list of One-Day Trip Places in Kerala in this blog post.
1. Alleppey
It is one of the most famous places to visit in Kerala for a one-day trip. It is a place of backwaters where you can enjoy houseboat cruises, a delightful experience. These houseboats give you a different and tranquil way to explore Alleppey, the Venice of the East. Apart from all that, it is the best weekend spot in Kerala. Alleppey also offers the best homestays and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts, which make your Alleppey trip more memorable.
Best time to visit | The Best time to visit Alleppey during the winter months is from November to February. |
Dishes to Eat in Alleppey | Karimeen Pollichathu, Appam with Stew, Kerala Parotta with Chicken Curry, and more |
Best Places to Eat in Alleppey | Harbour Restaurant, Dreamers Restaurant, Cassia and more |
Best Tourist Attractions in Alleppey | Alleppey Backwaters, Alleppey Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake and more |
Things to do during your visit to Alleppey | Houseboat Cruise, Alleppey Beach, Explore the Backwaters, Visit Marari Beach, Alleppey Lighthouse, Explore Alleppey Town and more |
Wayanad
Wayanad is the most essential part of your one-day trip to Kerala because it is the only place famous for its lush greenery, dense forests, and rich biodiversity. Whether you are a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Wayanad offers something for everyone. It is also an ideal place for solo travellers, honeymooners, and families. You can also explore Edakkal Caves, known for rock carvings, Soochipara Falls, known for lush green forests, and Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, famous for trekking enthusiasts.
Best time to visit | Choose the Winter Season from November to February, it is ideal for exploring Wayanad. |
Dishes to Eat | Some of the famous dishes are Appam with Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Karimeen Pollichathu, Meen Curry (Fish Curry), Payasam and more |
Best Places to Eat | Some popular places to eat in Wayanad are ClayHut – A Village Restaurant, Jubilee Restaurant, Udupi Pure Veg Restaurant, The Bungalow Restaurant, The Royal Hotpan and more. |
Best Tourist Attractions | Explore some of Wayanad’s famous tourist attractions, including Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls, Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, and more. |
Things to do during your visit | During the Wayanad Trip, some of the best activities are seeing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, exploring the rich biodiversity of Wayanad, boating, Bamboo Rafting, and more |
Idukki
Idukki, famous for its misty hills and valleys, dense forests, tea gardens, and mountains, is also counted as the most visited place in Kerala. For a day trip, Idukki is a beautiful place in Kerala and offers Asia’s largest arch dams. Apart from natural beauty, this place also provides wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, such as the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary and the Eravikulam National Park. If you are an adventure seeker, this place adds more value to your trip.
Best time to visit | To enjoy Idukki to the fullest, plan your trip during the winter season from November to February. |
Dishes to Eat | Some popular Idukki Dishes are Puttu and Kadala Curry, Appam with Stew, Kerala Prawn Curry, Spicy Chicken Fry, and more. |
Best Places to Eat | The top restaurants of Idukki are Athidhi, Sun Mount View, and Mahaveer Veg Restaurant. |
Best Tourist Attractions | During the Idukki trip, must visit some of the famous tourist places like Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Arch Dam, Calvary Mount, Thommankuthu Waterfalls and more |
Things to do during your visit | During the Idukki tour, you can make your trip more memorable by taking the best things to do such as Exploring the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Visiting the Idukki Arch Dam, Trekking, Boating at Periyar Lake, Bird Watching and Homestay Experience. |
Thrissur
Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, is famous for rich cultural events, temples, festivals, and classical art forms. This is the only place where culture and history meet together. One of the most famous ancient temples, Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a place to explore in Thrissur. Pooram’s most famous festivals in Kerala are also conducted at Vadakkunnathan Temple. Some other tourist destinations to explore one-day trip places in Kerala such as Kerala Kalamandalam, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Marottichal Waterfalls, Chavakkad Beach, Thrissur Zoo and State Museum, and many more.
Best time to visit | Plan to explore Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, choose winter months between October and March to make your trip more memorable. |
Dishes to Eat | You can not leave Thrissur before trying their famous dishes such as Sadhya, Puttu, Vellayappam, Meen Porichathu, Parota, and more |
Best Places to Eat | Some famous restaurants are Hotel Bharath, Zam Zam Restaurant, Luciya Restaurant, Pooram International, and Hotel Sri Anandapuri. |
Best Tourist Attractions | If you are visiting Thrissur, you can’t miss these places: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours, Paramekavu Bhagvathy Temple, Kerala Kalamandalam, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, and more. |
Things to do during your visit | Explore Ancient temples, Tour the Kerala Kalamandalam, Attend a Kathakali Performance, Visit the Archaeological Museum, Explore the Athirappilly Waterfalls and more |
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a popular destination on Vembanad Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala. It is known for its houseboat cruises, allowing anyone to enjoy Kerala’s natural beauty. While exploring the Kumarakom, you can’t miss the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which offers birdwatching and lush greenery, making a delightful experience for everyone. It is the best place for your one-day trip, which gives you a chance to explore the rich diversity of flora and fauna, the beautiful scenery of Kerala and a tranquil escape into nature, apart from all that you can also enjoy some adventure activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
Best time to visit | September to March is the best time to explore Kumarakom. |
Dishes to Eat | Try these popular dishes from Kumarakom: Karimeen Pollichathu, Meen Moilee, Appam with Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Tapioca and Fish Curry, Duck Roast, and more. |
Best Places to Eat | Visit popular Restaurants in Kumarakom such as Lake Palace Family Restaurant, Coconut Lagoon, Tharavadu Family Restaurant, Ettukettu – Kumarakom Lake Resort and Lime Tree – The Zuri Kumarakom to enjoy delicious food. |
Best Tourist Attractions | While Exploring Kumarakom, visit famous tourist places such as the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, and more. |
Things to do during your visit | During your Kumarakom trip, you must try famous activities, such as Houseboat rides, Bird Watching, Attending Kathakali Performances, Trekking, Seeing the Snake Boat Race, and more. |
Ponmudi
It is the only place to enjoy scenic views, lush greenery, tea plantations, and misty landscapes. It is the ideal destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Ponmudi Peak is also referred to as the “Golden Peak.” This natural wonder offers various activities like trekking, birdwatching, and camping. The calm and tranquil atmosphere gives you a delightful experience, and tourists come from around the world. Ponmudi Peak is worth visiting, and it is an ideal palace for a one-day trip to Kerala.
Best time to visit | To fully enjoy Ponmudi, Plan a trip from October to March. |
Dishes to Eat | Ponmudi is famous for its dishes, such as Appam with Stew, Puttu and Kadala Curry, Fish Curry, Karimeen Pollichathu, Ada Pradhaman, and more. |
Best Tourist Attractions | Here you can explore Golden Valley, Ponmudi Hill Station, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Meenmutty Falls, Kallar River, Deer Park, and more. |
Things to do during your visit | During the Trip to Ponmudi, you must try these activities: Scenic Drive, Trekking, Visiting the Golden Valley, Visiting the Butterfly Garden, Photography, and more. |
Kannur
Visit Kannur to explore the combination of cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty in one place. It is also known as the “Land of Looms and Lores.” This Kannur hub is the traditional handloom industry. Due to its long history dating back to ancient times, Kannur influenced various civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Portuguese, which makes it different from others. The old fort and museums are the perfect places to see the old history and unique architecture. Kannur also has the longest drive-in beaches in Asia, which attracts tourists worldwide to explore golden sands, clear waters, and a calm environment.
Best time to Visit | Winter Season from November to February is the best time to visit Kannur. |
Dishes to Eat | Try some popular dishes in Kannur such as Thalassery Biriyani, Pathiri, Neypathal, Meen Curry, Puttu, Payasam, and more. |
Best Places to Eat | Raandhal, Odhen’s Hotel, Hotel Blue Nile, MVK Restaurant, Paris Presidency, and Sahib’s Grill Kitchen are famous places to eat in Kannur. |
Best Tourist Attractions | During the Kannur Trip, Visit some of the famous places such as Payyambalam Beach, St. Angelo Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Thalassery Fort, Dharmadam Island, Ezhimala Hill and more. |
Things to do during your visit | During the Kannur Trip, Visit some of the famous places such as Payyambalam Beach, St. Angelo Fort, Muzhappilangad Beach, Thalassery Fort, Dharmadam Island, Ezhimala Hill, and more. |
Thekkady
Thekkady is one of the most famous places in Kerala. It has the largest wildlife reserves in India and is also known for its scenic beauty and spice plantations. This natural wonder offers trekking, bamboo rafting, nature walks, and elephant rides, the most exciting things to do in Thekkady. Apart from all that, tourists can also attend the classic Kerala dance, “Kathakali.” Thekkady is a place worth visiting for your One-day trip.
Best time to visit | Plan Your Thekkady trip from October to February, when the weather is calm and wonderful. |
Dishes to Eat | Try some of the popular dishes such as Appam with Vegetable Stew, Puttu with Kadala Curry, Idiyappam with Egg Curry, Kerala Sadya, Kappa with Meen Curry, Pazham Pori and more. |
Best Places to Eat | Try some of the popular dishes such as Appam with Vegetable Stew, Puttu with Kadala Curry, Idiyappam with Egg Curry, Kerala Sadya, Kappa with Meen Curry, Pazham Pori, and more. |
Best Tourist Attractions | Visit Periyar National Park, Kumily, Cardamom Hills, Mangla Devi Temple, Murikkady, Peermedu, and Pandikuzhi are the famous tourist attraction of Thekkady. |
Things to do during your visit | Must try the best things to do in Thekkady such as Explore the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Boat Safari, Spice Plantation Tour, Nature Walks and Trekking, Bamboo Rafting, Ayurvedic Massage and Spa, and more. |
Kottayam
Kottayam is also known as the “Land of Letters, Lakes, and Latex.” This place offers the most beautiful backwaters, where you can enjoy houseboat cruises and scenic boat rides. Kottayam is the trading center of spices and commercial crops such as rubber plantations, contributing significantly to Kerala’s rubber industry.
Best time to visit | The Winter season from October to February is an ideal time to visit Kottayam when the weather is calm and pleasant. |
Dishes to Eat | Here, you can try famous Kottayam dishes such as Churuttu, Putto, Appam, Vellappams, Chouru, Kanji, and more. |
Best Places to Eat | Visit famous restaurants in Kottayam such as Nalekattu, Hotel Suryaas, Indian Coffee House, Meenachil, and Thali. |
Best Tourist Attractions | While exploring Kottayam, Must visit famous tourist attractions such as Kumarakom, Vembanad Lake, Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kallara, and more. |
Things to do during your visit | During the Kottayam trip, try the best things to do, such as Exploring the Tea Gardens, Visiting Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Experiencing Kerala Cuisine, Attending a Kathakali Performance, Taking a Houseboat Cruise, and Exploring the Archaeological Museum. |
Kochi
Kochi, also known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea,’ offers a perfect blend of history and culture. If you plan to visit Kerala, you can’t miss adding Kochi to your bucket list. The biggest city in Kerala is a must-visit place for a one-day Trip. You will get to explore the rich trade culture. Apart from all that, You will explore Fort Kochi to explore colonial architecture; Paradesi Synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues of the 16th century, and visit Mattancherry Palace to see exhibits of the Cochin royal family and Hindu temple art.
Best time to visit | Visit Kochi during the Winter Season from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for tourists. |
Dishes to Eat | Must try famous Kochi dishes such as Dosa, appam and stew, idiyappam with curry, idli sambhar, Kerala puttu kadala, Kerala parotta, and more. |
Best Places to Eat | For delicious dishes, visit Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant, Vasantha Vihar Pure Veg Restaurant, Sky Grill Lounge Bar and Restaurant, Fort House Restaurant, and Barbeque Nation. |
Best Tourist Attractions | Santa Cruz Basilic, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Veeranpuzha Beach, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Fort Kochi, and more are the famous tourist attractions of Kochi. |
Things to do during your visit | During your Kochi Trip, Don’t miss famous things to do in Kochi, such as Exploring the historic Fort Kochi, Visiting this Portuguese palace, visiting St. Francis Church (the oldest European church in Indi ), Attending a Kathakali performance, Relaxing and unwinding at Cherai Beach, and more. |