Best Places to Visit in Kerala in December​: A Complete 2026 Travel Guide

December is considered the magical time to visit Kerala. Once the winter season starts and monsoon disappears, the whole place turns into lush green paradise, with clear skies, and the comfortable climatic conditions for traveling. Whether you’re after misty hill stations or quiet backwaters, golden beaches, or those wildlife kind of adventures, Kerala has something for every traveler, really.

People call it “God’s Own Country” and in December it pulls in visitors from all over the world, because the climate is basically perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities and cultural experiences. You get that cool breeze, a festive vibe around you, and the scenery feels extra alive, which makes it one of the best times to explore this southern gem of India.

So if you’re thinking about a winter getaway, these are the best places to visit in Kerala in December, along with the experiences that make everything unforgettable.

What are the Top Best Places to Visit in Kerala in December?

Kerala is one of India’s most beautiful places to visit in December, and it’s famous for lush greenery, quiet backwaters and misty hills plus a few golden beaches. It doesn’t matter if you’re into nature, or you like a bit of adventure, or you just want a calm little escape, Kerala kind of fits all. So, if you’re putting together your Kerala itinerary, here are some of the top spots you really should not skip.

Munnar

Munnar is one of Kerala’s most popular hill stations, well known for those endless tea plantations, rolling hills and a cool climate that kind of lingers in your mind. Honestly the whole scenic beauty of this place feels like it never runs out, so it’s a favorite for honeymooners, and also for people who just love being around nature. 

Best for: If you are traveling with your partner, maybe a nature lover, or frankly the best photographer type
Location: Idukki District, Kerala
Time Needed: At least 1-2 days
Travel Tip: If you are planning to visit the tea garden, then early morning is the great time. 

Alleppey or Alappuzha

This spot is kinda well-known for the backwaters and that houseboat cruise. Another name for this cozy little place would be the “Venice of the East”. Travelers can hop on a gentle slow glide along the coconut lined canals where they might catch little glimpses of the traditional hamlets in that beautiful state.

Best for: Perfect for families, couples, and people who just want to wind down
Location: Situated in the Alappuzha District of Kerala, you know that calm area
Time Needed: Usually about 1-2 days , depending on how slow you go
Travel Tip: Doing an overnight stay on a houseboat is the most genuine backwater experience, it feels like everything is moving in a different rhythm

Wayanad

Wayanad is like a paradise for travelers, who really enjoy nature and a bit of adventure. It’s all around with thick forests and waterfalls, plus wildlife and those spice plantations so it feels like a great mix of views, and outdoor fun. You can just wander, hike, and explore, without it ever getting boring.

Best For: Adventure lovers also wildlife enthusiasts
Place: Wayanad District in Kerala
Time it takes: around 2 days
Travel tip: Wear comfortable trekking shoes for the trek and beautiful waterfalls

Thekkady

Thekkady is kinda best known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary ,where visitors can do wildlife spotting boating and nature walks, kinda relaxed. It's one of the top places in Kerala which is known for its rich biodiversity. 

Best for: People who love wildlife and adventure
Location: Placed in Idukki District, Kerala
Time Needed: about 1 day
Travel Tip: Try to book an early morning safari, so you get better odds at spotting animals.

Kovalam

Kovalam is one of Kerala most well-known beach destinations. You get sandy beaches, clear waters, and this kind of low-key vibe that’s good for relaxing, and sort of letting your mind go a bit blank. It feels like the perfect place to unwind, without any rush. 

Best for: beach lovers ,and couples
Location: Placed in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Time needed: about 1 day
Travel tip: Go to Lighthouse Beach near sunset, for really stunning sea-side views.

Kochi

The city is a beautiful place for the ultra-modern attractions. It kind of merges the history and tradition of that place, like not fully separate you know, so it feels more alive. It also has many sights, like the lively market neighborhoods, the colonial style buildings, and those breathtaking waterfalls that basically give you a singular and unforgettable travel experience.

Best for: history lovers, and cultural explorers sort of vibe
Location: Ernakulam District, Kerala
Time Needed: about 1-2 days maybe
Travel Tip: Try to wander around Fort Kochi on foot, so you can really absorb that heritage charm, in a more natural way

Athirappilly Waterfalls

You might hear people call Athirappilly Waterfalls the “ Niagara of India,” and honestly it does kinda live up to that name. This location is known for its stunning waterfalls that are surrounded by the lush forests, and the view just looks breathtaking. The whole scenic view looks very alive and stunning from the beginning. 

Best for: nature lovers, photographers
Location: Thrissur District, Kerala
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Travel Tip: Try going after the monsoon season, because that’s when the waterfall turns out at its most impressive and full of power.

Vagamon

Vagamon is this calm hill station, it is sort of famous for rolling meadows and pine forests and scenic valleys, you know. It also feels a little less crowded than many other tourist spots, so it kinda suits those who want a quiet relaxing rest, without the rush, even if it’s still pretty known. The whole vibe is a bit laid back, like you can actually breathe.

Best for: couples and peace seekers in general.
Location: Idukki District, Kerala.
Time Needed: about 1 day, maybe more if you just wander.
Travel Tip: If you can manage early mornings you’ll get the best views of the mist covered hills, it’s really scenic.

Bekal

Bekal is kind of known for that old , seaside fort it just looms over the Arabian Sea, you know. You end up with this bit awkward mix of history and really pretty scenery, and also some genuinely decent beaches.

Best for: people into history and also families
Location: Kasaragod District, Kerala
Time Needed: about half day up to 1 day
Travel Tip: Try going in the evening, so you can enjoy that sea breeze, and catch the sunset views too.

Poovar

Poovar feels like a real hidden gem, where rivers, backwaters, beaches and the Arabian Sea seem to meet kinda naturally. The scenery is still very much untouched, and the whole place has a calm vibe around it. That’s why it shows up as one of Kerala’s most odd but beautiful destinations.

Best for : Those who love the outdoor activities & want some quiet time
Location: not far from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Time Needed: really about half day to 1 day, depending on how much you wander.
Travel Tip: Try a boat ride through the backwaters, so you can absorb the natural loveliness of the place more fully

The above destinations represent some of the best places to visit in Kerala in December with family, especially during December when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. 

What are the best places to visit in Kerala in December, within 2 Days? 

Everyone will not get the option to have a long weekend. So, this state offers some of the destinations that a traveler can explore comfortably in two days. Below is the list given: 

Munnar

If you are that person, who is actually searching for a relaxing hill station getaway, then this spot is pretty much the best place to visit. You can wander through the captivating tea plantation, peek into the local tea museums, spend time around Eravikulam National Park, stroll near the Mattupetty Dam, and catch the famous Echo Point. The weather is cool, and there are these breezy winds too, they make a smooth setup for traveling, really comfortable you know. 

Alleppey

If you're planning a two day trip to Alleppey, it feels ideal for travelers who want to relax, not really rush, you know. Take a mesmerizing ride on the traditional houseboat through the backwaters, and also taste the authentic and tasty cuisine of the state. 

Wayanad

Visitors can check out Edakkal caves, then also go for a look at a few well known waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam and the spice plantations too. There’s also a solid trekking plus snapshot vibe in December, you’ll feel it in the air.

Kochi

Kochi gives you this nice mix of history and something more up to date too. In a couple day, you can wander around Fort Kochi, see the Chinese Fishing Nets, visit Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town, plus take a stroll at Marine Drive. You’re also eating really tasty local seafood, it’s honestly a great little combo, and it feels easy enough even if your schedule is a bit tight. 

Thekkady

If wildlife, kind of grabs your attention, Thekkady is a solid weekend choice, honestly. You could do a boat safari at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, then sort of stroll through spice plantations, and after that join a guided nature walk pretty deep into the forests. It feels quite immersive, in that effortless way you know, like you’re just there.

Day Trips from Kerala

Kerala has this strategic placement that makes it sort of easy to pop over and explore nearby attractions, and neighboring spots, all through day trips. I mean it feels very doable, not like you have to rush all the time.

Athirappilly Waterfalls

People often call it the “Niagara of India” and yeah, Athirappilly Waterfalls is easily one of Kerala’s most spectacular nature sights. There’s this roaring cascade, all around thick greenery, and the view is pretty much jaw dropping.

Vagamon

This place is kinda well known for the quiet grasslands, also dense pine forests, and for those amazing valley views. If you want a peaceful setting that feels calm, then it is definitely the best spot to visit. 

Bekal

This place is well known for its historic fort sitting above the Arabian Sea. History plus scenic landscapes, and that coastal charm together, makes it an awesome day-trip choice.

Poovar

Near Kovalam, Poovar gives you backwater style experiences that feel truly different. It’s where rivers, lakes, beaches and the sea meet, and the whole scene looks like it was arranged on purpose.

Silent Valley National Park

For the nature lovers, you can spend an entire day wandering through one of India’s most untouched rainforests. It’s home to rare animals, plus rich biodiversity, so it’s more than just pretty trees.

What are the best things to do beyond sightseeing? 

Kerala is way more than just those scenic views you see in photos, it has this real charm that kinda sticks with you, because the experiences let you connect with its culture and long-standing traditions, plus the wild beautiful nature.

Chilling through the Alleppey backwaters on a houseboat, is one of those truly unforgettable moments you can have, if you go with the flow a bit. Spend your night on the calm water waves and the coconut trees floating within the views. 

Ayurvedic Spa Therapy in the State

Kerala is known all over the world for Ayurveda. So visitors can take part in traditional massages, wellness therapies, and those kind of rejuvenation treatments you usually find at certified Ayurvedic resorts.

Taste Authentic Kerala Cuisine

Honestly, you can’t really call it a trip if you don’t taste the local food, like :

• Appam with vegetable stew
• Kerala fish curry
• Malabar Parotta
• Puttu and Kadala Curry
• Banana Chips
• Payasam

And it’s not just one style either, every region in Kerala brings its own flavors, so you end up noticing little differences each time.

Traditional Dance Performances: 

Check out a Kathakali performance, it’s basically one of those moments you wont really forget. Kerala classical dance drama, with all those elaborate costumes and super controlled facial movements, feels like living inside a story. The whole storytelling energy really shows the states deep artistic heritage, in a way that hits different. It’s almost like you’re watching something alive, not just a performance, you know.

Take a trip to a spice plantation

Kerala is called the land of spices for good reasons, and maybe a few. If you join a guided plantation walk you’ll learn the simple things about cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon and cloves plus nutmeg. Honestly the scent itself, that fresh aroma coming from the trees, makes the visit feel special, even when you do nothing. It just feels like, you know, everything there is kind of awake, slightly alive.

Go trekking around

For adventure types, there are scenic trails you can explore in Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady and Vagamon. December’s cool air helps a lot trekking becomes calmer, more breathable, and way more enjoyable.

Shop for local handicrafts

Kerala’s markets are full of handmade treasures: coir products, bundles of spices, sandalwood pieces, traditional sarees, wooden handicrafts, and even homemade chocolates. They make really good souvenirs, you know, the kind you actually want to bring back.

Best Time to Visit Kerala

The best time to drop by Kerala is usually between October and March. The weather keeps a fairly moderate vibe so doing outdoor stuff feels easy and the thrilling adventures too. December is the one that really stands out, since the temperatures hover close to 18°C up to 30°C, with rainfall that is quite minimal , and the skies are mostly clear. Also , the Christmas and New Year celebrations change the whole travelling mood, quite a lot.

Different Seasonal Changes of Kerala

The table given below depicts the different seasonal changes of the state: 

How to Reach Kerala from Delhi? 

Reaching Kerala from Delhi is quite easy. You can take various modes of transportation that are mentioned below: 

By Air

Getting to Kerala is usually the quickest through flight, you know. There are direct flights from Delhi to various states. The trip will take 3 to 4 hours depending on which aircraft you are choosing. 

By Train

There are multiple long-distance trains that link Delhi to key cities in Kerala. Even if the whole ride takes more time, it turns into a kind of relaxed journey ,with pleasant scenery along the way.

By Road

The distance by road is almost 2,500 kms. If you are planning a slower and adventurous trip, then this option is the best they can also cover other destinations with this option. 

Different Staying Options in Kerala- Special For You

Kerala kinda offers lodging options that fit every budget, and almost any travel style you can imagine.

Luxury Resorts

For honeymooners , and also for those chasing a more upscale vibe, these resorts usually come with private villas, infinity pools, Ayurvedic spa sessions and those jaw dropping natural views around you.

Houseboats

Staying on a houseboat in Alleppey or Kumarakom feels like one of Kerala’s most recognizable travel moments.

Homestays

With homestays you can meet local hospitality up close, plus you get home-cooked meals and day to day traditions, more personal then most other stays.

Budget Hotels and Hostels

For backpackers, and people traveling on a tighter plan, you’ll find lots of budget friendly options spread across the main tourist areas.

Which neighborhood of Kerala Works Best? 

Fort Kochi

It’s kind of like this calm nudge for culture lovers, history fans and food explorers, you know.

Marine Drive, Kochi

Pretty awesome if you’re into waterfront stays, shopping, and nighttime hangs, it all kinda blends together.

Munnar Town

Good location for tea garden strolls, panorama lookouts, and the local markets.

Kumarakom Lakefront

Really great for classy resorts and backwater moments, feels very smooth overall.

Varkala Cliff Area

Nice place for simple beach access, wellness retreats, and small cafés.

Thekkady Town

The go-to for wildlife safaris and spice plantation visits, don’t skip it.

How many days are required to reach Kerala?

The ideal amount of time kinda depends on your travel plans, and yeah it matters a lot.

• 2 Days: Try to focus on just one spot, like Munnar, Alleppey, or Kochi.
• 4-5 Days: You can visit two or three destinations at an easy pace, mostly without stress.
• 6-8 Days: Get a proper mix of hill stations, backwaters, beaches, plus wildlife.
• 8-10 Days: Go for a full Kerala experience, where you won't feel like you are rushing from one attraction to another.

If it’s your first trip, then a 6 to 7 day plan feels just right, between sightseeing and downtime.

Important Tips and Safety Measures to be taken

If you follow a couple practical tips, your Kerala trip can get smoother and at the same time feel more enjoyable, even when the days start to get busy. 

• Try to book your hotels or your houseboats early as you can, especially when it is peak time. 
• Don’t leave without your key medicines, an emergency kit too, and a reusable water bottle you can just keep refilling. 
• Also take a mosquito repellent with you, particularly near the forests, or when you’re hanging around the backwaters. 
• Make sure you bring all your necessary cotton and woolen clothes with you for the coastal and hilly regions, somehow. Keep yourself hydrated as much as possible, especially when you are trekking or during an outdoor excursion.
• Respect the local customs and wear the costumes issued by the authorities while visiting the temple. 
• Follow the safety guidance issued by the government for boating, wildlife safaris, and trekking, like don’t skip the basics even for a short trip.
• Keep all your travel papers handy, passports, permits, and such.
• Use authorized taxis or trusted transport services, specially for late night journeys, because that extra care really matters.

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