Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is one of the most beautiful states in India. It is known for its scenic beauty, serene backwaters, lush green forests, and diverse culture. May is a great time to visit Kerala as the weather is pleasant, and there are many festivals and cultural events that take place during this time. In this guide, we will take a look at the top 10 best places to visit in Kerala during May.
Table of Contents:
- Munnar
- Alleppey
- Kumarakom
- Wayanad
- Kovalam
- Varkala
- Kochi
- Thekkady
- Thrissur
- Kozhikode
1. Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is known for its sprawling tea plantations, misty hills, and serene atmosphere. Munnar is a great place to visit in May as the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in full bloom. Some of the must-visit places in Munnar are the Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and the Tea Museum. Visitors can also enjoy trekking, boating, and paragliding in Munnar.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, which is about 110 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Munnar from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Tea Museum
Romantic things to do: Take a romantic stroll through the tea gardens, go for a picnic by the river, watch the sunset from a hilltop.
Tips: Carry warm clothing as the temperature can drop at night. Don’t miss out on trying the local cuisine
2. Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a popular backwater destination in Kerala. It is known for its picturesque canals, lagoons, and houseboats. May is a great time to visit Alleppey as the weather is pleasant, and there are many cultural events that take place during this time. Some of the must-visit places in Alleppey are the Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and the Marari Beach. Visitors can also enjoy a backwater cruise and explore the local villages.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Alleppey is Cochin International Airport, which is about 85 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Alleppey from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Marari Beach
Romantic things to do: Take a romantic cruise on a houseboat, watch the sunset over the backwaters, indulge in a couples spa.
Tips: Carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen. Book a houseboat in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
3. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a scenic village located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. It is known for its backwaters, bird sanctuary, and coconut groves. May is a great time to visit Kumarakom as the weather is pleasant, and there are many migratory birds that can be spotted during this time. Some of the must-visit places in Kumarakom are the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, and the Vembanad Lake. Visitors can also enjoy a houseboat cruise and explore the local villages.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Kumarakom is Cochin International Airport, which is about 70 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Kumarakom from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Vembanad Lake
Romantic things to do: Take a romantic boat ride on the backwaters, enjoy a candlelit dinner by the lake, go for a romantic walk in the bird sanctuary.
Tips: Carry mosquito repellent and comfortable footwear. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine.
4. Wayanad
Wayanad is a picturesque district located in the northern part of Kerala. It is known for its scenic beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, and hill stations. May is a great time to visit Wayanad as the weather is pleasant, and the waterfalls are in full flow. Some of the must-visit places in Wayanad are the Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, and the Banasura Sagar Dam. Visitors can also enjoy trekking, camping, and wildlife safaris in Wayanad.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Wayanad is Calicut International Airport, which is about 100 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Wayanad from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves, Banasura Sagar Dam
Romantic things to do: Go for a romantic hike in the hills, enjoy a picnic by the waterfall, stargaze at night.
Tips: Carry warm clothing as the temperature can drop at night. Book accommodation in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
5. Kovalam
Kovalam is a popular beach destination located in the southern part of Kerala. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and seafood. May is a great time to visit Kovalam as the weather is pleasant, and the water is warm. Some of the must-visit places in Kovalam are the Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, and the Hawa Beach. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, Ayurvedic massages, and beachside dining in Kovalam.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Kovalam is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 15 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Kovalam from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Kovalam Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach
Romantic things to do: Watch the sunset over the sea, take a romantic walk on the beach, enjoy a couples massage.
Tips: Carry sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn. Don’t miss out on trying the local seafood.
6. Varkala
Varkala is a beautiful coastal town located in the southern part of Kerala. It is known for its scenic beaches, cliffs, and temples. May is a great time to visit Varkala as the weather is pleasant, and the water is warm. Some of the must-visit places in Varkala are the Varkala Beach, Janardanaswamy Temple, and the Sivagiri Mutt. Visitors can also enjoy water sports, Ayurvedic treatments, and cliffside dining in Varkala.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 50 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Varkala from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Varkala Beach, Janardanaswamy Temple, Sivagiri Mutt
Romantic things to do: Enjoy a romantic dinner by the beach, take a romantic walk along the cliffs, watch the sunset over the sea.
Tips: Carry comfortable footwear as the terrain can be rocky. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine.
7. Bekal
Bekal is a scenic coastal town located in the northern part of Kerala. It is known for its beaches, forts, and backwaters. May is a great time to visit Bekal as the weather is pleasant, and the water is warm. Some of the must-visit places in Bekal are the Bekal Fort, Kappil Beach, and the Bekal Hole Aqua Park. Visitors can also enjoy backwater cruises, beachside dining, and Ayurvedic massages in Bekal.
How to reach: The nearest airport to Bekal is Mangalore International Airport, which is about 60 km away. Visitors can also take a train or bus to Bekal from major cities in Kerala.
Places to visit: Bekal Fort, Kappil Beach, Bekal Hole Aqua Park
Romantic things to do: Take a romantic walk on the beach, enjoy a candlelit dinner by the fort, watch the sunset over the sea.
Tips: Carry sunscreen and a hat to avoid sunburn. Don’t miss out on trying the local seafood.
FAQs
Q. What is the best time to visit Kerala?
A. The best time to visit Kerala is from September to March when the weather is pleasant and dry.
Q. Is it safe to visit Kerala during May?
A. Yes, Kerala is safe to visit during May. However, visitors should take necessary precautions against the sun and carry mosquito repellent.
Q. How many days are enough to visit Kerala?
A. Ideally, visitors should plan to spend at least 7-10 days in Kerala to explore the major tourist destinations and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.
Q. What is the local cuisine of Kerala?
A. The local cuisine of Kerala is known for its use of spices, coconut, and seafood. Some popular dishes include appam, puttu, fish curry, and biryani.
In conclusion, Kerala is a beautiful state with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore a range of destinations, from hill stations to beaches, backwaters, and wildlife sanctuaries. May is a great time to visit Kerala as the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are relatively low. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, Kerala has something for everyone. Just don’t forget to carry comfortable footwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and an appetite for local cuisine.