This simple guide shares 15 best places to visit with your loved ones—from peaceful hills to fun beaches—so everyone from kids to grandparents can enjoy and make happy memories together.
Kerala stands as one of India’s most beautiful states for family vacations. When planning a trip with your loved ones, choosing the right places to visit in Kerala with family becomes crucial for creating lasting memories. This tropical paradise offers something special for every family member, from grandparents to young children.
Different families have varying preferences and needs. Families with elderly members often choose comfortable hill stations like Wayanad, whereas those with young children might prefer beach destinations like Kovalam. Budget-conscious families can explore numerous Kerala tour packages that offer excellent value for money.
This comprehensive guide will help you discover the best tourist places in Kerala for family trips. We’ll explore 15 carefully selected destinations, each offering unique experiences suited for family bonding. From practical location details to specific attractions, this blog covers everything you need to plan your perfect Kerala family vacation.
1. Munnar
Munnar captivates families with its rolling tea gardens and cool mountain air. The hill station offers numerous family-friendly activities, including tea plantation tours, elephant rides, and easy nature walks. Children love spotting wildlife while parents enjoy the scenic beauty. The pleasant climate makes it comfortable for all age groups, and the town provides excellent accommodation options for families.
Location: 130 km from Kochi, situated in the Western Ghats
Famous for: Tea plantations, cool climate, nature walks, wildlife spotting
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey stands as the backwater capital of Kerala, offering unique houseboat experiences perfect for families. The calm waters provide safe boating opportunities while floating through coconut groves and paddy fields. Traditional Kerala meals served on houseboats introduce families to local cuisine. The peaceful environment allows quality family time away from city distractions.
Location: 53 km from Kochi, on the Arabian Sea coast
Famous for: Houseboat stays, backwater cruises, traditional Kerala cuisine, peaceful environment
3. Kovalam
Kovalam beaches provide safe swimming areas and exciting water sports for families. The three crescent-shaped beaches offer different experiences, from quiet relaxation to active beach games. Lighthouse visits and Ayurvedic treatments add variety to beach activities. Kovalam remains one of the best tourist places in Kerala for family beach vacations.
Location: 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city center
Famous for: Beach activities, lighthouse visits, Ayurvedic treatments, safe swimming areas
4. Wayanad
Wayanad offers families a perfect combo of adventure and relaxation in lush green surroundings. The district features numerous trekking trails suitable for children, wildlife sanctuaries, and spice plantations. Cave explorations and waterfall visits add excitement to family trips. The best time to visit Kerala hill stations like Wayanad is during the winter months for pleasant weather.
Location: 76 km from Kozhikode, in the Western Ghats
Famous for: Wildlife sanctuaries, trekking trails, spice plantations, cave explorations
5. Thekkady (Periyar)
Thekkady provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities through boat safaris on Periyar Lake. Families can spot elephants, deer, and various bird species while enjoying boat rides together. Spice plantation tours educate children about different spices while parents learn about cultivation methods. Thekkady also has comfortable resorts with family-friendly amenities.
Location: 114 km from Kottayam, in the Cardamom Hills
Famous for: Wildlife boat safaris, spice plantation tours, elephant spotting, nature education
6. Varkala
Varkala is one of the places to visit in Kerala with family, seeking both relaxation and adventure. Varkala combines spiritual experiences with beach fun, making it ideal for diverse family interests. The dramatic cliffs provide stunning sunset views while beaches offer safe swimming areas. Ayurvedic treatments help parents relax while children enjoy beach activities.
Location: 42 km from Thiruvananthapuram, on the Arabian Sea coast
Famous for: Cliff-top views, spiritual experiences, Ayurvedic treatments, beach activities
7. Kumarakom
Kumarakom attracts families with its bird sanctuary and peaceful backwater environment. The destination offers shorter houseboat trips perfect for families with young children. Bird watching activities educate children about local wildlife while parents enjoy serene surroundings. Traditional fishing experiences and village walks provide cultural insights for the entire family.
Location: 16 km from Kottayam town, on the Vembanad Lake shores
Famous for: Bird sanctuary, short houseboat trips, traditional fishing, village walks
8. Vagamon
Vagamon presents families with untouched natural beauty and peaceful hill station experiences. This hidden gem remains one of the places to visit in Kerala for families seeking offbeat destinations. It has easy trekking trails perfect for children and elderly family members. Rolling meadows provide ideal picnic spots while pine forests offer cool walks.
Location: 64 km from Kottayam, in the Western Ghats foothills
Famous for: Rolling meadows, pine forests, easy trekking trails, picnic spots
9. Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi offers families a perfect introduction to Kerala’s rich history and culture. The city features numerous museums, historic sites, and cultural performances suitable for all ages. Chinese fishing nets provide unique photo opportunities while spice markets offer sensory experiences. Modern amenities and diverse dining options make it comfortable for families.
Location: Major port city in central Kerala
Famous for: Historical sites, Chinese fishing nets, cultural performances, museums
10. Athirappilly
Athirappilly waterfalls create magical experiences for families visiting during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The powerful cascades provide spectacular photo opportunities while the surrounding forests offer nature walks. Families can enjoy picnics near the falls while children learn about water conservation. Althirappilly ranks among the best tourist places in Kerala for family nature trips.
Location: 60 km from Kochi, on the Chalakudy River
Famous for: Spectacular waterfalls, nature walks, picnic spots, photography opportunities
11. Bekal
Bekal captivates families with its pristine beaches and historic fort explorations. The well-preserved fort provides educational experiences while beaches offer safe play areas for children. The destination remains less crowded, allowing peaceful family time. Backwater cruises and traditional performances add cultural value to beach vacations.
Location: 12 km from Kanhangad, in northern Kerala
Famous for: Historic fort, pristine beaches, backwater cruises, traditional performances
12. Thrissur
Thrissur introduces families to Kerala’s cultural heart through temple visits and traditional performances. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, providing colorful experiences for children. Museums and art galleries offer educational opportunities while parks provide play areas. The destination serves as one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family for cultural immersion.
Location: 75 km from Kochi, in central Kerala
Famous for: Cultural festivals, temple visits, museums, traditional performances
13. Kollam
Kollam offers families diverse experiences combining backwaters, beaches, and cultural sites. The town provides shorter backwater cruises perfect for families with time constraints. Cashew processing units offer educational tours while beaches provide relaxation opportunities. Traditional boat races during festival seasons add excitement to family visits.
Location: 71 km from Thiruvananthapuram, on the Arabian Sea coast
Famous for: Backwater cruises, cashew processing tours, boat races, beach relaxation
14. Nelliampathy
For places to visit in Kerala with family looking for quick escapes, this one should be on your list. Nelliampathy provides families with cool climate and panoramic mountain views perfect for weekend getaways. The hill station offers orange plantation tours and easy nature walks suitable for all ages. Trekking trails provide adventure for older children while scenic viewpoints offer relaxation for parents.
Location: 60 km from Palakkad, in the Western Ghats
Famous for: Orange plantations, mountain views, trekking trails, cool climate
15. Kannur
Completing the list of best tourist places in Kerala for family cultural exploration with Kannur. It offers families unique cultural experiences through traditional art forms and historic sites. The region features beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and spice plantations, providing diverse activities. Theyyam performances introduce children to local traditions while parents appreciate cultural richness.
Location: 92 km from Kozhikode, in northern Kerala
Famous for: Theyyam performances, historic temples, spice plantations, cultural traditions
1. Which is the most visited place in Kerala with family?
A. Munnar is the most visited family destination in Kerala. Its cool climate, tea plantations, and family-friendly activities like elephant rides and nature walks make it perfect for all age groups seeking memorable experiences.
2. Where to visit in Kerala for 3 days with family?
A. For 3 days, visit Kochi (1 day) for history and culture, Munnar (1 day) for hill stations and tea gardens, and Alleppey (1 day) for backwater houseboat experiences. This covers Kerala’s main attractions efficiently.
3. Is Kerala good for family trips?
A. Yes, Kerala is excellent for family trips. It offers diverse experiences like backwaters, hill stations, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries. The state has family-friendly accommodations, safe environments, and activities suitable for all ages.
4. Where to go in Kerala with kids?
A. Best places with kids include Munnar for cool weather and tea gardens, Thekkady for wildlife safaris, Kovalam for safe beaches, and Kumarakom for bird watching. These destinations offer educational and entertaining experiences for children.
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