15 Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Kerala During Winters

Gleaming with pride and beauty, this fabulous coastal destination of India called Kerala heals one’s broken heart and shattered souls, plus, the winter months cannot get any better here. Whether you are traversing less visited places or the often stomped hotspots where the tourists attractions are still at their might, the beauty of Kerala will certainly keep you in awe. Needless to say, the coastal tourist places even act as a protective winter shield for those who sing the frenzy Blues and, oh boy! Days vacationing in these fabulous winter destinations is such a treat to your body, mind, and soul. Come down south in the land of Kerala and explore the rejuvenating places with amazing things you can indulge in! And it is by far one of the best holiday places your compass can point towards in India.

Here are top places to visit and activities to enjoy during winters in Kerala:

Trivandrum/Thiruvananthapuram

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The state capital, the city of Trivandrum is also noted to be one of the cleanest cities in India. It also offers some amazing beaches that are visited by travellers and locals day in and day out, offering itself as a balm to smooth the dry skin. That’s not all, this city hosts International Film Festival of Kerala during the month of December, apart from this, there are many places you can visit during winters in Trivandrum like Napier Museum, Science and Technology Museum, Thiruvananthapuram Zoo, Akkulam Tourist Village, Madre-de-Deus Church, and Shanghumukham Beach.

Things to Do

During your holidays in Trivandrum, you can start your day by exploring the city and drinking aromatic coffee. Delve into a religious ambience of the temples and churches. You can also take a relaxing ayurvedic massage and sight wildlife in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Boating activity in Neyyar Dam and skydiving at AMAS (Academy for Mountaineering and Adventure Sports) are also the best things you can do while here.

Kozhikode

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Calicut, an alternative name for Kozhikode is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. A place offering beautiful and wide beaches where you can spend toasting your body under the winter sun. Besides, during your tour at Kozhikode other must-visit places that can stir your heart are Mananchira Square, Sarovaram Biopark, Beypore, Dolphin’s Point, Tali Temple and Thusharagiri Waterfalls. Often this place is considered as a weekend getaway from nearby places like Bengaluru, ‘lucky them’ but you can always fly down anytime but make sure to plan ahead to get fair flight tickets fare.

Things to Do

As you traverse the many places in Kozhikode, visit the Beypore Beach where you can explore the city’s ancient port. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is an amazing place to visit for bird watching activity. It is here you may be able to see varieties of migratory and local birds. You can also go witness the exhibits in a science museum and learn about solar system by visiting the Regional Science Centre and Planetarium in Kozhikode.

Varkala

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Holiday in one of the most scenic destinations of Kerala, Varkala, where you will be surrounded by tranquility and a bliss of nature, is such a nice idea. Tourists come from across the globe to Varkala to indulge in an Ayurvedic massage that relaxes senses. As a matter of fact, Varkala has a few well known ayurvedic treatment centers as well as spa facilities. What all the free things you can do while here is the good ol’ strolling along the shore of Varkala at Papanasam and Edava. Apart from that, other tourist interest places you have to visit are Varkala Tunnel, Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala Temple, Kappil Lake and Janardana Swami temple.

Things to Do

All the good things you can do as a tourist is starting from pampering your body with a hot ayurvedic oil massage. Besides, the adventure souls can go for a boat ride to Ponnumthuruthu Island that also houses a beautiful Hindu temple.

Kovalam

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Despite being a small town, Kovalam earns its reputation by its beautiful beaches and elegant lighthouse, in fact, that is all I picture when I think of Kovalam. The swinging of tall coconut trees as the calming breeze pass through them, creating an ultimate bliss; this is such a picture perfect scenario that you have to come down south to witness it. Kovalam has some amazing attractions to visit such as the iconic Halcyon Castle and the Vizhinjam Village which is famed for ayurvedic centers and rock-cut temples. Also, a noteworthy visit is the 214-meter long Valiyathura pier along with Karamana River and Vizhinjam mosque.

Things to Do

Your Kovalam trip is incomplete without partaking in some exuberant activities, excluding the sun toasting session which we all enjoy doing, the coastal town of Kovalam offers more than that. You can go for an excursion tour around the town and experience spending a night in its beautiful houseboats. For adventurers, you can take a catamaran ride at the Hawah Beach as well as try surfing and parasailing at the vibrant Lighthouse Beach.

Kochi

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Always a go-to-destination in Kerala, Kochi is such a vibrant place, it will mend even the broken hearted by its elegance and beauty. This rejuvenating getaway has some of the best attractions that have glorious history to narrate whether you are exploring the fishing town on a boat or by foot. And some of the best places to visit in Kochi are Folklore Museum, Sahodaran Ayyappan Museum, Hill Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo-Portuguese Museum and many more. However, there is no denying that fact that, Kochi Fort Beach always receives a large number of visitors, it is clearly the prized possession of Kochi. Come and slowly unwind your tired body and mind by witnessing the beautiful sunset.

Things to Do

Kochi during winters is even more alluring and pretty with many things to do. You can start off by exploring the city itself, by foot. It offers a different experience of seeing a destination, hopping from place to place. While here, you can hang out at the famed Marine Drive; calm your senses by taking an ayurvedic massage; and also experience a ferry ride. In addition, one thrilling activity you can do is bathing an elephant at the Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary.

Munnar

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We can all agree that the heart of Kerala is at Munnar, it is one such destination that breathes and ooze freshness and a blissful ambience. In fact, a visit here during the winter season is even better if you enjoy the scenic view from the clean narrow roads overlooking the misty hills covered in tea plantations. Since Munnar is located in the Western Ghats, you can find a few protected areas that house rare and beautiful flora and fauna. As a matter of fact, to see such wonderful species you can visit Eravikulam National Park, but if you are a nature fanatic, visit sites like Echo Point, Muniyara Dolmens, Atukkad Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam and Marayur.

Things to Do

While the destination can bring peace to your soul, it offers such wonderful things you can do to make your holiday here memorable like staying in a treehouse, an eco-accommodation. Other best thing you can do is spend a day roaming around the tea estate of Kolukkumalai and spotting rare species in their various sanctuaries. You can also venture out for cycling along the narrow roads of Munnar and go for trekking to Top Station and Echo Point.

Thekkady

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What Thekkady offers is the incredible forested land that gives an opportunity for nature lovers to explore its dense hill slopes and unique flora and fauna. In fact, if you visit Thekkady during winters, you can find lushness all around, since the season falls right after the pleasant and invigorating monsoon season. There are many places of interest here but the key attraction is the Periyar National Park. Besides wildlife exploration, you can visit other hotspots like Mangla Devi Temple, Abraham’s Spice Garden, Periyar Lake. Murikkady is also an ideal place to visit to see its spice plantations and coffee gardens. Kumily and Chellarkovil are also two charming places to visit during your trip to Thekkady.

Things to Do

One of the best things to do while in Thekkady is to learn the martial art form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu in Kadathanadan Kalari Centre. Also, you can drive to Pandikuzhi for a relaxing sightseeing day and for a picnic, also if you happen to visit Periyar Lake, make sure to go for boating in the calm lake.

Kumarakom

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While some vacationers visiting Kerala are looking for an action-packed destination, there are some who long for a rather soothing and calming holiday. And one such place in existence that offers all that calmness is in Kumarakom. Visit here and you will know why it’s palm trees that stand erect along the narrow roads are a worthy sight to see! In fact, this place also offers other interesting places to visit like the calm Vembanad Lake, sandy Kumarakom Beach, heart-warming Kumarakom Backwaters, peaceful Pathiramanal Island and amazing Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. You can as well go see the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, and Juma Masjid.

Things to Do

A houseboat ride in the backwaters of Kumarakom is a definite thing to do during your vacation here that sails through jaw-dropping scenic places. You can also indulge in an Ayurvedic massage, which most probably is every holidayer wish. Another interesting thing you can do while in Kumarakom is seeing a live performance of Kathakali. For nature lovers, go for bird watching at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

Alappuzha

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Alappuzha or Alleppey is all about that beautiful backwaters, palm trees, and houseboats that tickle your feet to explore more. This fabulous destination’s key attractions are the Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Punnamada Lake and Revi Karunakaran Museum. You can also delve into history and culture by visiting places like Krishnapuram Palace, Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple, Mannarasala Temple and granite statue of Buddha, Karumadikkuttan. But, the holidayers visit this destination mainly in search of solitude and peace, and of course, a staycation on a houseboat where you can rejuvenate, meditate and admire the beauty of Kerala’s Alleppey.

Things to Do

In Alleppey, pamper your body with an ayurvedic massage but also by relaxing on a houseboat by taking a cruise along the backwaters of Alleppey. Visit the Pozhiyoram beach to see the sunset and see rare sculptures, mural paintings inside the 18th century Krishnapuram palace. Also to see rare artworks and a collection of Swarovski crystal visit Revi Karunakaran Museum.

Wayanad

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Visiting Wayanad during the winter season will make you witness one of the auspicious festivals called Karthigai, it is the festival of lights. You can see beautiful lit earthen lamps in every household, basically, it resembles the popular festival in India, Diwali. However, the tourist spots in Wayanad are the Soochippara Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, Meenmutty Falls, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal caves, Pazhassi Raja Tomb, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and Kuruva Island.

Things to Do

During your trip to Wayanad, you can trek to Chembra Peak that owns a beautiful heart-shaped lake, you can also visit Edakkal Cave to see the prehistoric inscriptions of Mesolithic age. Boating on a freshwater lake of Pookode is certainly calming and a bamboo rafting in Kuruva Island offers an authentic experience to a traveller. Besides that, hike to the Lakkidi View Point and see a dramatic sight of hills surrounded by mist and also enjoy a lovely picnic with family at the Banasura Sagar Dam.

Vagamon

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Romanticize this winter in another charming destination of Kerala, Vagamon. This exuberant land will make you want to stay here amid the cascading waterfalls, peaceful valleys and breezy mountain air. Some of the major attractions here are the Pine Hill, Vagamon meadows, Thangal Para, Pullikkanam Estate, Kurisumala and Kurisumala Ashram. However, visiting during December will offer just a different vibe as compared to other seasons. The surroundings remain moist, misty, emerald, and glowing. As a matter of fact, most of the tourists visit during these winter months to take amazing shots and to partake in some adventure activities.

Things to Do

The pine forests and tea estates in Vagamon remain fresh throughout the winter months, thus making it even more perfect time for some adventure activities like paragliding. Besides that, you can always hike amid the pine forest and tea estates around Vagamon.

Thrissur

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Our Lady of Dolours Basilica is perhaps that crowd pulling attraction in Thrissur that illuminates its Gothic style of architecture, as a matter of fact, this church happens to be the third tallest in Asia. Nevertheless, a stay in this cultural capital of Kerala will have you traverse many pilgrimage places. Vadakkunnathan Temple is a fascinating attraction dedicated to Lord Shiva, its white carved walls are a must see here. Other pilgrims, you have to visit are Paramekkavu Bagavathi Temple and Cheraman Juma Masjid. Besides that, spending a calm afternoon in the Snehatheeram Beach is always a great idea to relax and admire the view of the sea, a visit to Archaeological Museum is also a worthy place to visit.

Things to Do

Visit a village of Chettuva and take a boat ride in the wide backwater surrounded by mangroves and palm trees. Go explore the artifacts in Archaeological Museum which is places inside the age-old Sakthan Thampuran Palace. You can as well go hike in the forested land and see the Athirapally Waterfalls and visit Viyyur Jail Park in Thrissur.

Malampuzha

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Malampuzha is a small picturesque town surrounded by natural creations of forest and lakes. During your vacation here, you can visit one of the treasured places, Malampuzha Dam. Often families visit this dam because the surroundings are ideal for a picnic. Ropeway is certainly the best way to see the surroundings, just pray the weather remains clear. Apart from these places, consider a visit to other attractions as well such as Thread Garden, Malampuzha Garden, Rock Garden, Snake Park, Japanese Park and Fantasy Park.

Things to Do

While in Malampuzha, explore the rare flora and fauna by visiting the Japanese park and witness unique artwork prepared by waste materials in Rock Garden. If you are holidaying with kids, venture on thrilling and fun rides in Fantasy amusement park.

Nelliyampathy

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To spend a vacay this winter, come down to Nelliyampathy. As exclusive the name of this place may sound, it holds some scenic sights of farmlands, dense forests, misty mountains and offbeat trekking routes. For the wanderlust, Nelliyampathy can’t be a better place to exist in. While holidaying here, you can do nothing except admire the different farms of lemon, java, tea, and cardamom. You can also go for trekking to various hills and valleys, two of the best places are Nelliyampathy Hills and Raja’s Cliff. Besides, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Padagiri, and Palagapandi estate are also some must visits.

Things to Do

Holidaying in Nelliyampathy can be as different as the name sounds, here, all things that will surround you are nature. You can go for long treks to various places and the routes you will take are always scenic and calming. You can also visit tea estates and explore the process of tea making.

Ponmudi

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Ponmudi is Kerala’s another treasured hill destination that must be visited during winters for its enchanting sunrise, romantic sunset and all afternoon of piercing sun. This place is a haven for trekkers and it possesses some trails for every adventure enthusiast. In fact, the entire landscape of Ponmudi is surrounded by beautiful tea gardens and hairpin roads, making a winter vacay even more breathtaking and soothing. In Ponmudi, the major tourist places are Ponmudi Rock, Braemore Marigold Estate, and Mankayam Waterfalls.

Things to Do

Ponmudi has a number of tea estates perfect for leisure walks, smell the leaves and see tea pluckers do their chores. Also, due to its rich natural surroundings, it serves as a home to around 280 bird species, and it increases yearly, it thus serves as a perfect place for birding.

Spending your winter holiday in a state that attracts tourists from across the globe, Kerala is the best place to exist if you are looking for a calming vacation in India especially during winters. Its coastal destinations and hill stations offer exuberant places of interest and I am sure, you must have found your best places to go to during your winter holiday this year. Might just add a tiny detail that, vacations can get pretty expensive with family, that too on a winter break so if any assistance is needed, feel free to give us a call at +91-8744012050 or send us your queries at info@tourmyindia.com. We will get back to you as soon as we can with best deals and tour packages that could save your time and money.

About Abhishek Gurung

Abhishek Gurung is a writer whose passion for food and travel is an unending affair. He likes going on treks and camping in the woods, loves exploring forts and architecture, he is a cycle enthusiast who likes to contribute something to the environment, travel photography and videography is another interest as he sees life in a cinematic point of view. He likes the idea of living in offbeat destination where the mode of communication is to interact with each other. Coming from Nagaland, he has visited some beautiful valleys and remote villages and appreciates nature as it is and as it should be.