Kerala is one of the easiest places to explore in India when you want a peaceful and affordable trip. The state offers beaches, backwaters, hills, and small towns that you can cover without spending much. Most places are simple to reach, the food is budget-friendly, and the stay options fit every pocket. This updated guide gives you the best places to visit in Kerala and the activities that are worth your time and money.
Let’s get into the updated list of Best Places to Visit in Kerala at an Affordable Cost.
10 Best Places to Visit in Kerala
1. Munnar
Munnar is the most popular hill station in south India, located in the Idukki district. The best visiting time to explore Munnar city is between September to May. Munnar is famous for its tea estate, winding road, a blanket of mist, greenery, and many viewpoints. Munnar is situated at 1600mts above from sea level.
What to expect:
- Tea estates that stretch for miles
- Small waterfalls
- Misty mornings
- Budget homestays around the main town
2. Kovalam
If you are looking for beaches, Kovalam is the No. 1 beach area. Lighthouses, Valiyathura Pier, Karamana River, Thiruvallam Parasurama temple, Vellayani Lake, Kovalam art gallery, etc., are some places that attract tourists to visit Kerala. The best time to visit this tourist destination is from September to March.
What to expect:
- Lighthouse Beach
- Hawa Beach
- Sunset views
- Water activities
- Street food near the beach
The best time to visit is September to March.
3. Bekal
Bekal is a small town in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. The best time to visit this tourist destination is from October to March. This town has so many stories related to the past. Bekal Fort is 300 old fh in Bekal and offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea from its observation towers. The evening is the best time to enjoy the sunset and talk in the calming sea breeze.
What to expect:
- Scenic fort views
- Clean beaches
- Peaceful evenings
Best time to visit is October to March.
4. Kozhikode
Kozhikode is the commercial center of Zamorin Kingdom in its earlier days and is also known as Calicut: the Kozhikodan biriyani, Kozhikodan Halwa, Unnakkai Kallummakai, etc. famous cuisines of Kozhikode.
What to expect:
- Sweet street markets
- Local snacks
- Kozhikode Beach
- Historic sites
Best time to visit: October to March.
5. Alleppey
The official name of Alleppey is Alappuzha. This place offers houseboats for overnight stays, a network of canals, and lagoons with beautiful backwaters. The best time to visit this tourist destination is from November to February.
What to expect:
- Backwater villages
- Calm canals
- Coconut tree landscapes
- Budget shikara rides
6. Vagamon
Vagamon is located near Kottayam- Idukki Border. This place is well famous as Scotland of Asia. This tourist place offers adventure activities such as trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Cycling on the mountain is the next level of adventure that tourists can enjoy. This place welcomes their guest throughout the year.
What to expect:
- Misty hills
- Pine valley
- Calm surroundings
- Trekking routes
This place stays open all year.
7. Trivandrum
Trivandrum is the capital of Kerala. This is the central tourist hub in South India. This place offers historical and socio-cultural diversity. The richest temple in the world is Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
What to expect:
- Temples with ancient architecture
- Museum tours
- Beaches
- Budget-friendly food options
8. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is situated 16 km away from Kottayam in Kerala. This place is known as a Nature lover’s paradise. Kumarakom is the home of the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a bird sanctuary in Kerala spread over an area of 14 acres and a major attraction here.
What to expect:
- Lake views
- Backwater resorts
- Birdwatching
- Nature trails
This destination works for couples, solo travellers, and family groups.
9. Kochi
Kochi mixes culture and modern life. This is where you see fishing nets, old churches, art cafes, and busy markets. The old part of the city gives a strong heritage feel while the newer side has malls and modern nightlife.
What to expect:
- Fort Kochi
- Mattancherry Palace
- Jew Town
- Marine Drive
- Street art spots
The city is affordable if you use public transport and local eateries.
10. Varkala
Varkala sits on a cliff that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The views are straight out of a postcard. It is one of the few beaches in India with such natural cliff scenery. This place is popular among backpackers because food, stay, and transport are budget-friendly.
What to expect:
- Cliffside cafes
- Clean beaches
- Sunset views
- Small shops and yoga centres
- Stay options for every budget
Best time to visit: November to February.
Things to Do in Kerala Without Spending Much
Here are simple activities that don’t cost a lot and still give you a good travel experience:
- Enjoy backwaters on a shared boat
- Watch the sunset at beaches
- Explore small villages
- Try ayurvedic massage (short sessions are budget-friendly)
- Walk through tea gardens
- Taste Kerala dishes like appam, puttu, beef fry, and seafood
- Visit local markets
- Watch cultural shows in Kochi or Trivandrum
How to Travel Kerala on a Budget
You don’t need a high budget to visit Kerala. Use these practical tips:
- Pick public transport when possible: Bus and ferry services are cheap and easy to use.
- Stay in homestays over resorts: You get clean rooms, home-cooked food, and lower prices.
- Avoid peak holiday dates: Rates shoot up during long weekends and Christmas-New Year.
- Don’t book the first tour you see: Compare houseboat or cab prices before confirming.
- Eat local food: Local meals are cheap, fresh, and filling.
Conclusion
Kerala gives you beaches, hills, backwaters, forests, and culture in one single trip. The state stays calm and affordable if you plan it right. You don’t need a luxury budget to enjoy the main attractions. Pick the places that fit your style, travel in the right season, and use local transport. You’ll see more and spend less.
If you want a refreshing trip without noise or stress, Kerala will not disappoint you.
FAQs
A 5-day budget trip costs around ₹12,000–₹18,000 per person if you use homestays, public transport, and local food. Houseboats or private cabs increase the cost.
A houseboat is worth it only if you want a slow, relaxing experience. If you mainly want to see the backwaters, a 1–2 hour shikara ride gives the same views at a much lower price.
Pick Munnar if you want tea gardens and classic viewpoints. Pick Wayanad if you want waterfalls and trekking. Munnar is easier for first-time travellers.
Many beaches have strong currents. Varkala and Kovalam have safe zones with lifeguards. Always check the “red flag” warnings before entering the water.
Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance during October–February. Last-minute bookings get expensive, especially in Alleppey and Munnar.
They try to cover too many places in fewer days. Long travel hours drain most of the time. Stick to 2–3 destinations per trip.
Alleppey is better for houseboats and budget options. Kumarakom is quieter and ideal if you want peaceful lake views.
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