Best places to visit in Kerala in one week December 24
Best places to visit in Kerala offers a delightful array of places to visit. Start with Kochi (Cochin) for its historic Fort Kochi area and vibrant art scene. Then, head to Munnar to enjoy the stunning tea plantations and scenic landscapes. Alleppey is perfect for experiencing houseboat cruises on the backwaters, while Kumarakom offers bird watching and tranquil lakeside views.
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Don’t miss Thekkady for jungle safaris in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and if you seek relaxation, Varkala and Kovalam boast beautiful beaches. End your trip by exploring the vibrant culture in Thiruvananthapuram, home to the iconic Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
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Kerala, often called “God’s Own Country,” is known for its lush greenery, backwaters, beaches, and vibrant culture. Visiting in December offers an excellent climate with cooler temperatures and relatively lower humidity. Here’s a well-rounded one-week itinerary covering some of Kerala’s top destinations, perfect for a balance of nature, culture, and relaxation:
Day 1 Best places to visit in Kerala: Arrival in Kochi (Cochin)
Fort Kochi: Wander around this charming old town with Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, and Santa Cruz Basilica.
Jew Town & Paradesi Synagogue: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
Mattancherry Palace: Known for its stunning murals depicting scenes from Indian epics.
Marine Drive: Enjoy a scenic evening walk along this promenade with a view of the backwaters.
Day 2: Munnar (Drive from Kochi – 4 hours)
Tea Plantations Best places to visit in Kerala: Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate or Tea Museum, offering scenic views and insights into tea production.
Mattupetty Dam and Lake: Take a boat ride and enjoy the natural beauty.
Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and offers excellent trekking options with stunning views.
Top Station: Offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats, especially scenic in winter.
Day 3: Munnar to Thekkady (Drive – 3 hours)
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Best places to visit in Kerala: Take a boat safari on Periyar Lake, where you might spot elephants, bison, and other wildlife.
Spice Plantations: Visit a local spice plantation to learn about the spices that Kerala is famous for, such as cardamom, pepper, and vanilla.
Cultural Performances: In the evening, enjoy Kathakali dance or Kalaripayattu martial arts shows.
Day 4: Alleppey (Alappuzha) Backwaters (Drive – 4 hours)
Houseboat Cruise Best places to visit in Kerala: Spend the day cruising through the serene backwaters in a traditional Kerala houseboat. Enjoy authentic Kerala cuisine on board while soaking in the views of villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
Explore Kuttanad: Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” the scenic backwaters here offer some great views and insights into local life.
Sunset Cruise: If you stay on land instead, consider a sunset cruise to enjoy the scenic beauty of the backwaters.
Day 5: Kumarakom and Bird Sanctuary
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: A paradise for bird watchers, where you might see migratory species like Siberian storks.
Vembanad Lake Best places to visit in Kerala: Relax by this beautiful lake, which is the longest in Kerala, or take a boat ride.
Ayurvedic Spa: Kerala is famous for Ayurveda; consider a rejuvenating massage or treatment in a local Ayurvedic center.
Day 6: Varkala (Drive from Kumarakom – 4.5 hours)
Varkala Beach Best places to visit in Kerala: Known for its unique cliffs with a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. A perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and swim.
Papanasam Beach: Known for its natural spring believed to have holy properties.
Cliffside Cafes: The cliff offers great cafes and restaurants, perfect for a laid-back evening watching the sunset.
Day 7: Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) – Day Trip
Padmanabhaswamy Temple Best places to visit in Kerala: This stunning temple, one of the richest in the world, is a must-visit for its architecture (entry is limited to Hindus).
Napier Museum: Explore the museum’s collection of artifacts, sculptures, and traditional Kerala art.
Kovalam Beach: About 30 minutes from Trivandrum, Kovalam is known for its serene beaches, lighthouses, and Ayurvedic massage centers.
Departure from Trivandrum Airport: Trivandrum has a major airport for easy connectivity.
Additional Tips Best places to visit in Kerala
Travel: Hiring a car with a driver is common and convenient for exploring Kerala’s diverse landscapes comfortably.
Clothing: December has mild weather, so light and breathable clothing is ideal, with a light jacket for Munnar’s cooler nights.
Cuisine: Don’t miss trying Kerala’s traditional dishes like appam and stew, Kerala parotta, and seafood curries.
With this itinerary Best places to visit in Kerala, you’ll get a taste of Kerala’s natural beauty, history, and cultural richness within a week. Enjoy your journey!
