Kerala – God’s Own Country has some extremely beautiful tourist destinations getting tourist attention from all over the world. Known as the Spice Capital of India, Kerala has been the central destination for travelers worldwide. Families with kids prefer coming to Kerala for holidaying as the state offers so many activities for kids. From enjoying boating to elephant ride to houseboat stay to water activities, kids can feel pampered while in Kerala. There are many best places to visit in Kerala for family like hill stations, hamlets, backwaters, commercial cities, and many more places to explore.
There are numerous best places to visit in Kerala with family that are absolutely worthy to visit. All of the places mentioned below are family-friendly and are safest to travel with family.
11 Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Family Trip
- Alleppey
- Munnar
- Kumarakom
- Wayanad
- Thekkady
- Kovalam
- Bekal
- Kozhikode
- Varkala
- Kuttanad
- Kochi
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1. Alleppey
Why visit Alleppey with Family: Your family will feel mesmerized while floating on pristine backwaters, and a stay in a quaint houseboat is a worthy experience.
Alleppey is listed among the top family places to visit in Kerala. The backwater trips, houseboat stays, and serene locations make Alleppey one of the most popular places to explore. In fact, Alleppey is called the Venice of the East. Also while in Alleppey with family, don’t forget to book a houseboat for a stay which is the key attraction.
Activities for Kids: Buy Souvenirs, go for Nightwalk, Visit Temples, take part in the snake boat race, etc.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Punnamada Lake, etc.
Ideal Time to Visit: September – May
Best Tour itinerary:– 5 Nights 6 Days Kerala Houseboat Tour Package
Must Read: – 10 Best Places to Visit in Alleppey
2. Munnar
Why to visit Munnar with Family: Munnar is known as the tea capital of Kerala, and your family will love walking amidst the lush green forestation.
Munnar is a very popular hill station in Kerala. The most famous family destination in Kerala, Munnar is located at a height of 1600mts above sea level. Munnar is heaven due to endless tea gardens, narrow lanes, and spice-scented fresh air.
Munnar once was the summer capital for the British and is an ideal place for sightseeing. You can visit huge tea plantation areas here. Small bungalows, cozy homestays, and the presence of lavish hotels make Munnar one of the most romantic destinations in Kerala.
This little yet beautiful town attracts tourists from across the globe all through the year due to so many places for family trip in Kerala. The tea estates, Eravikulam national park, Mattuppetty Dam, etc. are just a few of the main attractions here that can be visited with family and kids.
Activities for Kids: Visit Echo Point, Plantation Resort, Kolukkumalai, Eravikulam National Park, etc. If you have kids of 15 years of age, paragliding and mountain biking at Anamudi Peak and Rajamala Hill are important activities to do in Munnar with family.
Near Tourist Attractions: Life of Pi Church, Meesapulimala, Blossom Park, Pothamedu ViewPoint, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, etc.
Ideal Time to Visit: October to March
Must Read: –
3. Kumarakom
Why visit Kovalam with Family: To enjoy some peaceful time under the shade of the coconut trees and for doing watersports activities.
Located near Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is a quiet little hamlet presenting alluring sceneries, pleasant weather, and a diverse range of flora and fauna. From backwaters to authentic Kerala cuisine to fresh coconuts, you can enjoy them to the fullest here. Don’t miss out on visiting waterways, lakes, aromatic coconut grooves, and fresh paddy fields, while in Kumarakom with your family members. Home to one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in Kerala, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread on more than 14 acres of land and is a major attraction here among kids.
Places to Visit: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kathakali Performance, visit Kovalam Beach, Samudra Beach, and Hawa Beach.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Juma Masjid, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, etc.
Best Time to Visit: September to May
4. Wayanad
Why visit Wayanad with Family: To have an unforgettable dining experience with your kids and at the stone age rock carvings on the Edakkal Caves.
Located amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats and Tamilnadu and Kerala’s borders, Wayanad is a picturesque plateau located at a height of 700 to 2100 meters above sea level
If you look for some greener family places to visit in Kerala, then Wayanad is the right place for a family trip. Enriched with godly beauty, serene surroundings, and rich culture, Wayanad presents the perfect blend of nature and man-made heritage. Being home to much lush green vegetation, Wayanad has many refreshing forest places.
Things To Do with kids: Visit Kuruva Island, Pookode Lake, Boating, Camping, etc.
Popular Tourist Attractions: Banasura Hill, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Thirunelli Temple, Lakkidi View Point, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, etc.
Best Time To Visit: October – May for adventure activities
Must Read: –
5. Thekkady
Why you should visit Thekkady with Family: Kids love nature walks in the forests, especially doing it on elephants. Also, they can explore a huge variety of flora and fauna here.
Thekkady is an ideal forest tourist place to see in Kerala with family. If you are a nature lover, you must visit Thekkady to see almost extinct species of animals like gaurs, tigers, sambars, etc. here. Thekkady has abundant beauty and exotic wildlife and is ideal for trekking. In fact, the path from Moozhiyar to Thekkady Gavi is a widely popular trail in South India.
The Periyar National Park near Thekkady is an amazing place to go with kids’ holidays. The park is located almost at a height of 900-1800 m (approx.) above sea level.
Things To Do with kids: Border Hiking, Thekkady Boating Tours, Bamboo Rafting & Hiking, Jungle Night Patrol
Popular Tourist Attractions: Elephant Junction, Periyar Lake, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Deepa World Spice, Ayurvedic Garden, Mullaperiyar Dam, etc.
Must Read: –
6. Kovalam
Why visit Kovalam with Family: To enjoy watersports activities like paragliding, swimming, surfing, and catamaran rides.
The lighthouse beach of Kovalam is a romantic gateway in Kerala. The Kovalam beach is popular for hosting New Year parties, Ayurvedic treatments, sunbathing fests, and numerous hosting water sports activities. The crescent-shaped coastline always remains full of buzzing activities and is among the best tourist places to visit in Kerala with family.
Located just 13 km away from Trivandrum, Kovalam has numerous popular tourist spots like the lighthouse, Karamana river, Kovalam art gallery, Vellayani lake, Valiyathura pier, Thiruvallam Parasurama temple, etc.
Things To Do with kids: Sightseeing tour, a night in the houseboat, adventure sports, etc.
Nearby Tourist Attractions The Lighthouse, Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Samudra Beach, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Halcyon Castle, etc.
Best Time to Visit: September to May
Must Read: –
7. Bekal
Why visit with family: For a relaxing holiday
Bekal is popular for its famous Bekal Fort, which is listed among the best places to visit in Kerala with family. The pleasant weather, vibrant surroundings, and good company make visiting Bekal a great experience. Bekal is among the top family friendly destinations in South India. The ancient fort, long beaches, and numerous estuaries all located in the rich cultural backdrop attracts tourists from all over the world.
Things To Do: Bekal Beach, Bekal Fort, Nityanand Ashram Caves, etc.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Bekal Fort, Ananthapura Temple, Bekal Beach, Kappil Beach, Mallikarjuna Temple, Chandragiri Fort, etc.
8. Kozhikode
Why Visit Kozhikode With Family: To explore the culinary culture of Kozhikode and to get a unique perspective of Kerala.
Kozhikode, which is also known as Calicut, is a leading commercial hub in Kerala and a popular family place in Kerala. The place is popular for its culture, historical places, educational institutions, and culinary experiences. You can see a strong influence of Dutch and British architecture in Kozhikode. The place is ideal for its authentic Malabar food, exotic spices, mouthwatering food, and much more.
Things To Do: Enjoy local food with your family, do shopping
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Kallayi, Tali Temple, Kappad Beach, Mananchira, Conolly Canal, Hilite Mall, Kozhikode Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, etc.
9. Varkala
Why Visit Varkala with family: To enjoy water sports and for trying the local Cuisine of Varkala.
Varkala is one of the most famous family places in Kerala seaside and the enticing coastline with cliffs is the main attraction here. With thousands of water-sport activities, this place is an ideal destination for kids and adventure enthusiasts. One can enjoy activities like boat riding, surfing, parasailing, horse-riding, jetting, etc. here. Also, Varkala is an important religious place in Hindu culture and has numerous Hindu temples here.
Things To Do: Water Sports, Varkala Culture Center, Yoga, Local Cuisine, etc.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Sivagiri Muth, Varkala Beach, Janardhan Temple, Kappil Lake, Papanasam Beach, Anjengo Fort, Janardan Swami Temple, Vishnu Temple, etc.
Must Read: –
10. Kuttanad
Located in the Alappuzha region, Kuttanad is another beautiful place in Kerala to explore with family. Here you can experience a rural landscape with charming villages, agricultural lands, backwaters, and rivers. Kuttanad is also famous internationally for the traditional Heritage Agricultural System of Kerala due to canals and inland waterways.
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Punnamada Lake and Pampa River
Things To Do: Savor the scenic view, Take Pictures
Best Time To Visit: October – March as the weather is quite pleasant.
11. Kochi
Visit Kochi with family to see the popular forts and monuments here.
Kochi which is also called Cochin is the urban face of Kerala. This coastal cosmopolitan city is located on the shores of the Arabian and Laccadive Sea. Kochi is also known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea and once was an important spice trading center on the west coast of India. Here you can experience a blend of Chinese, Portuguese, and British cultures. Visiting the historical towns of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, in itself is an incredible experience.
Place to Visit: Vasco House, The Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace, Pallippuram Fort, etc.
Activities To Do in Kerala with Family
1. Houseboat Cruise in the Backwaters
A houseboat travel through the backwaters is one of the most traditional things to do in Kerala with family. Visitors can take a conventional houseboat called a “kettuvallam” to enjoy the peaceful canals, rivers, and lakes. These houseboats have modern conveniences that will make your stay more pleasant. You will see lush green landscapes, cute towns, and lively wildlife as you float through the backwaters. Not only is the trip enjoyable, but you can also enjoy traditional Kerala food made by cooks on board.
2. Explore Wildlife Sanctuaries
Kerala has a lot of national parks and wildlife reserves that are great for family trips. Families love to visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, where they can take a boat ride on Periyar Lake and see elephants, bison, and many kinds of birds. Other great choices are Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park, both offering guided hikes and jeep safaris. These sanctuaries give kids and adults unique opportunities to learn about different plants and animals in their natural environments.
3. Visit Munnar’s Tea Plantations
The beautiful hill town of Munnar is known for its huge tea plantations. Families can learn new things and have fun when they visit these farms. In Munnar, the Tea Museum tells the background of the tea-making process. Tea estate trips are available for families to learn about growing tea and taste different kinds of tea. The cool weather, beautiful scenery, and lush green fields make Munnar the best place for a family vacation.
4. Relax on the Beaches
Kerala has some of India’s most beautiful beaches, making it an excellent place for families to have fun. Kovalam Beach is a great place for kids to swim and play because the water is small and the waves are calm. Building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, and taking long walks along the shore are other fun things for families to do at the beach. Varkala Beach is more peaceful. It is famous for its beautiful rocks and natural springs. Families can unwind at shacks on the beach, watch the sun go down, and eat fresh fish.
5. Experience Cultural Performances
Kerala has a lot of cultural history, so there are lots of chances for families to learn about native art forms. You can see Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama known for its fancy costumes and expressive moves. Many cultural centers in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram put on shows in the evenings that are fun and teach you something. Families can also enjoy Kerala’s rich culture by visiting local festivals and seeing traditional music acts and martial arts shows like Kalaripayattu.
6. Enjoy Ayurvedic Spa Treatments
Kerala is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments, and many resorts and health centers have great deals just for families. Parents can relax with massages and other therapies while their kids do things like yoga and nature walks. Ayurvedic treatments not only help people relax but also teach families about healthy living in a more complete way. You can even get a family package at some places, including personalized treatments, nutritious meals, and wellness consultations.
7. Adventure Activities
Kerala has many exciting things for families to do to get their hearts racing. A lot of people like to go trekking in the Western Ghats, go bamboo rafting in Periyar, and zip-line in Wayanad. Families can also do water sports like kayaking, paddling, and parasailing in some places. These activities are fun ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala and make memories that will last a lifetime.
8. Visit Historical Sites
Kerala has a lot of history and heritage and many historical places to visit. Fort Kochi is a place where families can go. It is famous for its royal buildings, Chinese fishing nets, and colorful street art. The Padmanabhapuram Palace is a beautiful wooden building that shows Kerala’s royal history. Everyone in the family can enjoy and learn from exploring these historical places.
Traveling Tips For Kerala Family Trips
Kerala, a tropical paradise, is great for families to find adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. To make sure your trip goes smoothly and is fun, read these essential tips:
1. Planning Your Trip
Pick the Best Time to Go: Kerala has three main seasons: summer, winter, and rainfall. Where you should go depends on what you like. The winter months, from November to February, are usually lovely. The summer season, from June to September, has many plants but can be rainy. From March to May, summer is hot and sticky. When picking the best time to visit, consider the weather and your family’s wants.
Plan a Well-Balanced Trip: Kerala has many things to do, such as visiting the peaceful backwaters, hiking through lush hills, and relaxing on beautiful beaches. Make a plan that includes things that everyone in the family wants to do, making sure that there is a mix of fun, relaxation, and learning. Make your kids feel excited about the trip by letting them help you plan it.
2. Accommodations and Transportation
Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations:
- Find resorts or hotels with family-friendly features like kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and large rooms.
- For a unique and memorable experience, think about living on a houseboat or in a villa by the beach.
- Before you go, consider the arrangements to ensure they meet your family’s needs and wants.
Choose Comfortable Transportation: Kerala’s transportation system is well-linked. Pick a way to get there that works best for your family and their comfort. Planes, trains, and buses are all easy ways to travel big distances. You can get around town with taxis, auto-rickshaws, and neighborhood buses. If you want more freedom and ease, you might want to rent a private car with a driver.
3. Safety and Health
Put health and safety first:
- Carry the medicines you need for allergies, bug bites, and other common illnesses.
- Talk to your doctor ahead of time.
- Be careful to keep yourself clean, especially around food and water.
- Avoid street sellers selling raw food and choose bottled water instead.
Stay Sun-Safe: Because Kerala is tropical, you must protect yourself from the sun. Bring sunblock, hats, and sunglasses for All of Your Friends. Tell your family to stay out of the sun for long periods and wear protective clothes, especially during peak hours.
4. Packing Essentials
Smart Packing:
- Bring clothes that are light, comfy, and right for the weather.
- Bring swimwear, relaxed clothes, and warm clothes for places in the hills.
- Remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, hats, sunglasses, comfy shoes, and travel adapters.
Keep Kids Busy: Bring books, games, toys, and electronics with you to keep your kids busy while you travel and when you have free time. You could download movies or TV shows to watch when you are not online.
5. Local Culture and Etiquette
Respect the local customs:
- When you go to temples and other religious places, dress modestly.
- Follow the habits and customs of the area.
- Take into account the area’s customs and manners to avoid any confusion.
Bargaining Tips: People often bargain in neighborhood markets. When you are negotiating, be nice and show respect. Set a price that is fair for everyone.
Photography Etiquette: When taking shots of people, especially in religious settings, you should ask permission first. When taking pictures, do not get too close to people’s privacy.
Additional Tips:
Try the local food: Kerala has a long history of cooking. Bring fish stew, appam, and sadya, which are all delicious local foods, to your family to try. For real tastes, check out the neighborhood markets and food stands.
Learn Some Basic Malayalam phrases: To communicate better with people in Kerala, you should learn some essential Malayalam words. It shows that you value their culture and can be helpful in many scenarios.
Capture Moments: Bring a camera or your phone to record special times. Tell your family to take pictures and movies to remember their adventures.
Flexibility is Key: Be ready for plans to change without warning. Have back-up plans and be open to changing your plans. Enjoy the trip and be open to events that come up at any time.
Conclusion
Kerala is the land of never-ending palm groves, pristine sandy beaches, tea plantations, lush and green hills, relaxing backwaters, and mouth-watering food. Located between the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, the state of Kerala is truly blessed with abundant geographical and cultural diversity.
With the above family-friendly tourist places in Kerala, you can reconnect with nature and get a chance to explore wildlife, get involved in fun-filled activities at beaches, and relax on a houseboat. So when there is no dearth of places to visit for all travelers in Kerala, make sure you include the most in the family places to visit in Kerala during your next visit and pamper your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about Best Places to Visit in Kerala with Family Trip? Check out our FAQs below.
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Which are some of the best places to visit in Kerala with family?
If you look for some amazing places to visit in Kerala with family with kids then visit Periyar National Park, Varkala Beach, Idukki Dam, Wonderla Amusement Park, and Kerala Folklore Museum. These places are highly recommended for families coming with children.
When can I visit Kerala with my family?
Kerala can be visited anywhere in the year. However, the best time to visit Kerala with family is during the winter season as during the winter season, one can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities.
Which is the No.1 tourist place to visit in Kerala with family?
Munnar is amongst the best places to visit in Kerala with family, followed by Alleppey, Kochi, and Wayanad.
Is Kerala good for kids?
Yes, Kerala is an ideal destination for families with kids. There are many family-friendly places in Kerala that will give you an unforgettable holiday experience.
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