These are the best places to travel this summer

Kerala

India Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
A young woman kayaks through the backwaters of Monroe Island in Kollam District, Kerala, South India.

Getty Images

LONELY PLANET’S RECOMMENDED eSIM

Stay connected in Kerala

with

Saily is an affordable eSIM service that helps you stay connected and secure, anywhere in the world.

Get your eSIM

Overview

For many travelers, Kerala is South India's most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 373 miles (600km) of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar. Just setting foot on this swathe of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the hectic action of the rest of India, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).

Must-see attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Tropical Kerala shines with palm-fringed backwaters and uncrowded beaches, then amazes with tea-covered hills and transfixing art forms.

Read article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Kerala