7 Best Tourist Places In South Kerala That You Must Visit For A Blissful Southern Getaway!

Tourist Places In South Kerala

Kerala is the southern tropical paradise of India that weaves together numerous travel tales of many travellers and globe trotters who live and breathe in the beauty of the most serenely beautiful state of India. The stunning 600km coast of the Arabian Sea channels back the glistening waters into the state of Kerala as forms of beautiful water bodies that are now a major tourist attraction of Kerala. While the entire state of Kerala is defined by a striking landscape of coconut palm trees, spiced plantations, glistening backwaters and verdant forests sprawling across the terrain of Kerala, the southern coast of Kerala, especially holds a significant eternal beauty that will enchant you and cast a magic spell on you. South Kerala reflects a certain charm on travellers and locals that will enhance your holiday experience in Kerala and set you on a soul-searching journey amidst the surreal sunsets and stunning marine life illuminated by historically evocative cities. Let’s have a glance at some of the most prominent tourist spots in South Kerala and why you need to enter them in your itinerary before planning a holiday to Kerala, the God’s Own Country.

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South Kerala includes some of the most prime tourist attractions and important cities of Kerala that are also some of the most important historical landmarks. Some of these cities date back to the Travancore reign. South Kerala is nothing short of magic as it will cast a spell on you! The beauty of this part of Kerala is that it’s dynamic in all aspects, it features some of the best beaches, stunning sunsets, backwaters, hills and historical cities that will captivate your mind and soul. Let’s have a closer glimpse at what these cities are and it’s main tourist attractions.

7 Best Tourist Places In South Kerala

The beaches near Kovalam are the main tourist attractions in South Kerala. From Kovalam to Trivandrum and Kanyakumari, South Kerala has ample of places to visit for a blissful holiday in Kerala. Let’s have a look at some of the best places to visit in South Kerala.

1. Kovalam

Kovalam, a beach lover’s first choice is a famous beach destination in South Kerala and it has been a favourite haunt for tourists for decades. Kovalam has been a hipster’s spot due to its beaches and the peaceful atmosphere ideal for a laidback holiday with friends and family. You can find multiple spots to relax and have fun under the sun, with plenty of shops selling tie-dye clothes. The hippie vibes and its location make Kovalam one of the most famous tourist places in South Kerala. You’ll find numerous food stalls and beach shacks, low-budget hotels and south Indian delicacies to relish whilst witnessing a breathtaking sunset.

Best time to visit: November to February

Tourist attractions: Samudra Beach Park, LightHouse Beach Road, Sagarika Marine Research Aquarium, Vizhinjam Lighthouse

 Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central

 Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

2. Varkala

Varkala is South Kerala’s most popular backpackers hangout spot, travellers come here to relax and spend hours donning a perfect tan, lazing on the beach and partying it out like there’s no tomorrow at one of the amazing beach shacks. Although, Varkala is considered as a holy town and it has peaceful vibes that travellers love exploring. Varkala is also famous for its natural mineral water springs and the waters of the Varkala beach is believed to purify your soul, washing away your sins with certain healing qualities. Varkala is also the hub of Ayurvedic treatments, Yoga and meditation. Many travellers come here to practice the art of yoga or to meditate amidst the serene beauty of south Kerala. While there are several reasons to travel to Varkala, we certainly think it tops our list of one of the best tourist places in South Kerala.

Best time to visit: October to March

Tourist attractions: Varkala Cliff, Varkala Beach, Janardanaswamy temple, Varkala Tunnel

 Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram

 Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram

3. Trivandrum

Kerala’s capital has a lot to offer than meets the eye. This dynamic city is located in South Kerala that is sprawling across low-lying hills with a laidback lifestyle and a modern touch to it. This urban city down in the south is a prime tourist spot for many travellers in South Kerala. From beaches to sightseeing places, there’s a cluster of historic landmarks like the Travancore palace and the Victorian Museum built in a striking neo-Keralan architectural style. 

Best time to visit: October to February

Tourist attractions: Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Napier Museum, Shangumugham Beach, Kuthira Malika

Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Pettah

 Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram 

4. Thenmala

An ecotourism site in Kerala, it is located just north of the Thenmala Dam, which sprawls across the Kallada River. Thenmala is the greenhouse town in south Kerala that is home to many wildlife species and the exotic wilderness that must be explored. Home to many native birds, the Palaruvi Falls that cascade into a deep pool is a major tourist attraction here. Being India’s first ecotourism destination, it has ten eco tourist spots that span the hills of Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts. Thenmala is also a favourite haunt for all the adventure enthusiasts as it boasts a range of activities from boat rides to nature walks, mountain and rock climbing. You could plan a day outing to Thenmala and spend your hours in the lap of nature for a surreal holiday experience. 

Best time to visit: May to November

Tourist attractions: Thenmala Dam, Leisure Zone, Deer Park

Nearest Railway Station: Shencottah

 Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

5. Poovar

Poovar is a tiny coastal island in South Kerala that is also a prime tourist spot which lies about 35 m from Trivandrum. It’s a beautiful island that is surrounded by the Neyyar River that originated from Agastyarkoodam Hills. The main attraction of Poovar is the backwater. You can stay at the Poovar Beach Resort for an ultimate tropical escape engulfed by the serene backwaters of Kerala on one side and the majestic Ghats. You can choose between floating cottages or land cottages for the accommodation. 

Best time to visit: August to May

Tourist attractions: Poovar Beach, Poovar backwaters

Nearest Railway Station: Dhanuvachapuram

 Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

6. Kochi

Kochi is the ideal weekend getaway spot that is a favourite haunt for many travellers who come here to explore the quaint atmosphere, Kochi Tourism exudes a certain old-world charm that lures many tourists. Explore the historic town of Kochi or spot the Chinese fishing nets and choose to dine in the arty cafes of Kochi for a relaxing holiday. The ancient mosques and the Portuguese-Dutch era houses are an addition to Kochi’s quaint vibes. Offering some of the most luxurious villas and homestays, Kochi should definitely be on your list of places to explore in South Kerala.

Best time to visit: October to March

Tourist attractions: Fort Kochi, Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Church of Saint Francis

Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction

 Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

7. Kollam

One of the oldest ports in Southern India, it lies on the malabar coast and is famous for being the trade hub for its spices and cashew trading. Currently, Kollam is home to Ashtamudi backwaters, often referred to as the dreamland of Kerala. Blessed with abundant nature, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday amidst the glistening backwaters and lush greenery. 

Best time to visit: October to February

Tourist attractions: Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam Beach, Thirumullavaram Beach, Tangasseri Lighthouse

Nearest Railway Station: Kollam Junction

Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport

We hope this list enticed you enough to book a holiday to Kerala and explore the stunning tourist places in South Kerala and experience it’s enchanting beauty. South Kerala is India’s most serenely beautiful places to visit and the places listed above will make sure you don’t miss out on Kerala’s pristine beauty. Enhance your holiday experience and witness the charming beauty with your naked eyes, relish authentic south Indian delicacies in the company of some of the most stunning views of the Arabian sea.