20 Places to Visit in Kerala at New Year & Summer Vacations With Family

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Kerala with family this New Year or in Summer Vacations? 

Vast expanses of lush green valleys, winding backwaters, roaring waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries are a few features that make Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. 

If you are planning for some revival for your body and soul treatment through nature, then you must have to come to Kerala. It appears as if God descended to earth to create this beautiful state of Kerala. 

Other than the picturesque surroundings, this state has a lot of cultural and historical significance. 

With Thiruvananthapuram as its capital, this state is imbued in the Dravidian culture, offering a different proposition to its northern counterpart. 

Let’s take a look at the most picturesque places to visit in Kerala this New Year.

Places to Visit in Kerala at New Year & Summer Vacations

1. Alleppey

Alleppey is often called the ‘Venice of the East’ and is one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family. 

Its rich and unique food, interesting people, and a plethora of sports and activities will make your holiday a lot more fun. 

It offers some excellent options, especially with its luxury houseboats where you get all the pampering and you get to enjoy your best with your soulmate in between the beautiful lakes and rivers. 

You can go to some amazing beaches there and can hold the hand of your partner to enjoy the magical sunsets.

2. Bekal

Bekal is a small town in Kerala, perfect for a peaceful New Year holiday with your loved one. 

Famous for the Bekal Fort, the town consists of several small beaches scattered all over, where you can enjoy long walks in the sand, experience the waves thrashing at your feet or build sandcastles and play in the waves. 

You can go Kayaking with your beloved in the Nombili River and Indulge in a rejuvenating couple spa.

3. Munnar

Serene tea-planted hills, winding roads, deep valleys, and cool weather make Munnar one of the best places to visit in Kerala this New Year. 

The soothing ambiance, lofty clouds, rolling hills, and picturesque mountains make Munnar a haven for nature lovers. 

Canopied by lush green forests and never-ending tea plantations, Munnar is the best place to immerse in the breathtaking views of nature. 

Some of the prime attractions of Munnar include the Eravikulam National Park, Pothamedu View Point, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, Devikulam, Pallivasal, Blossom Park, TATA Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls and Vattavada. 

4. Idduki

With green valleys and breathtaking landscapes, Idduki offers enthralling views making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family. 

Idduki is surrounded by coffee plantations and rare flora and fauna. It is a hidden paradise for nature lovers with its various trekking tracks, beautiful waterfalls, and camping under-the-stars facilities amidst the coffee plantations.

5. Wayanad

Located in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a small town clad in a fog that gives it the appearance of a mysterious town set in clouds. 

Spectacular landscapes are all around you in Wayanad making it one of the most captivating places to visit in Kerala. 

This is one of the most scenic places in Kerala, where you will find waterfalls, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, offering a range of activities for romantic couples. 

Here you can do a lot of fun and adventurous activities like Trekking, Wildlife Safari, Cycling, Rafting, Boating, Camping, and Plantation Tour. 

6. Varkala

Varkala is the perfect place for beach vacations owing to its stunning landscape. Being a small town, it is not known to many and hence is less crowded. 

The clean beaches and the friendly locals add to the beauty and vibe of this place. The peace and the positive environment are prominent in this small town. 

Being home to the ancient practice of Ayurveda, there are several Ayurveda and yoga centers to provide a relaxing holiday experience with a healthy body and mind.

7. Kodaikanal

Bounded by the allure of lush green forests and centered around a beautiful lake Kodaikanal is one of the most scenic hill stations in Kerala. 

You can ring in the New Year at this place as it brings together the waterfalls and mist-covered manicured cliffs to create the perfect setting for a picturesque getaway. 

It has various trekking and biking trails where you can indulge in limitless adventures. Dolphin’s Nose and Green Valley View are the most famous viewpoints in Kodaikanal that give you a chance to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes.

8. Kottayam

Also known as the “Akshara Nagari” or “City of Letters” Kottayam is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kerala. 

It is situated on a hilltop, and thus has nature’s bounty, along with a lot of enthralling temples. The city is an excellent New Year vacation destination because of the alluring shrines and beautiful landscapes. 

It is rich in beautifully sculptured temples and thus is an important spot for religious people and pilgrims. There are many ancient temples, calm lakes, and a flourishing handicraft market in Kottayam. 

9. Thekkady

Thekkady is a must-visit place for nature lovers because of its forested lands and hill slopes. 

The key attraction of this place is Periyyar National Park which hosts a wide range of flora and fauna. The other places to visit are Periyyar Lake, Abraham’s Spice Garden, and Mandala Devi Temple.

10. Kochi

Kochi is one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family because of its gorgeous beaches, breathtaking backwaters, ancient temples, and far-reaching shoreline. 

The prized possession of Kochi is definitely the Kochi Fort beach which receives a huge crowd. The other places to visit here are Folklore Museum, Santa Cruz Basilica, Indo-Portuguese Museum, and Hill Palace. 

If you have kids, you can take them to Wonderla Amusement Park on New Year.

11. Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a small village located along the bank of the Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala. 

It is one of the best places to visit in Kerala this New Year to revel in the unadulterated beauty of nature. You will find beautiful houseboats along the canals where you can stay and enjoy the scenic beauty of this village.

12. Thrissur

Thrissur is known as the “cultural capital of Kerala”. It is one of the best places to witness the culture, tradition, and heritage of Kerala. 

The place has several Churches, and Temples of Vadakkunnathan. There are a myriad of relics of megaliths and dolmens of the Neolithic period. The vibrant Thrissur Pooram Festival is the major attraction of this place.

13. Vagamon

Vagamon is an enchanting hill station holiday retreat in India. Mystic Hills, perfectly maintained lawns, and fresh air make this destination one of the most enchanting places to visit in Kerala. 

It is a peaceful place where you can enjoy nature’s beauty. The tea garden, cascading waterfalls, pine forests, and mesmerizing meadows make Vagamon the perfect New Year getaway. 

14. Kovalam

Situated along the Arabian Sea’s coastline Kovalam is a beautiful beach town. This bustling beach destination has picturesque beaches, serene backwaters, and ancient temples. 

Kovalam has three main beaches: Grove’s Beach or Kovalam Beach, viz. Hawa Beach or Eve’s Beach and the Light House Beach. Visit the Kerala Arts and Crafts Village to buy souvenirs for your loved ones.

15. Kannur

Kannur is one of the most iconic places to visit in Kerala with family this New Year owing to its natural treasures, picturesque beaches, and folk art. 

You can visit the Kannur Fort, a captivating historical site that offers a glimpse into the colonial past of the city. Spot fascinating birds at Munderi Bird Sanctuary and soak in the sun at Payyambalam Beach.

16. Trivandrum

Give a fantastic start to your New Year by visiting Trivandrum which is built upon seven hills and has many historical and architectural places. 

It is a gateway to the beach towns of Varkala and Kovalam. The main attraction of Trivandrum is the Padmanabhaswamy temple, a sixteenth-century temple built by the rulers of the Travancore kingdom. 

Trivandrum also has some splendid galleries and museums including the Natural History Museum, Napier Museum, and Sri Chitra Art Gallery.

17. Kollam

Kollam is a port city in Kerala caressed by the Ashtamudi Lake. It is the best place to experience the indigenous traditions and cultures of Kerala. 

Fishing is one of the best things to do in Kerala during your trip to Kollam. If you’re a beach lover then you will be glad to know that Kollam has many beaches such as Tangasseri Beach, Kollam Beach, and Thirumullavaram Beach.

18. Kozhikode

Kozhikode is also known as the ‘City of Sculptures’ or ‘City of Spices’. The city is dotted with ancient buildings, religious sites, shopping complexes, nightclubs, street cuisine, calm beaches, high-end restaurants, and spice gardens. 

One of the most interesting things to do in Kerala is visiting the historical landmarks of Kozhikode. You can head to the Iringal Crafts Village where craftsmen and artisans sell handmade items to visitors.

19. Ashtamudi

Make this New Year memorable by visiting Ashtamudi, a quaint city situated on the outer side of the Ashtamudi Lake. 

While in this city, you can witness coir manufacturing plans, cashew processing, and traditional fishing. 

For a unique experience, you can stay in the floating cottages and admire the raw beauty of nature. You can also visit the Tangasseri lighthouse and enjoy the sunset views.

20. Guruvayur

Guruvayur is one of the best places to visit in Kerala this New Year because of its beautiful landscape and spiritual sites. 

The prime attraction of the town is the Sri Krishna Temple, India’s fourth largest Hindu temple. You can also attend famous festivals like the ChembaiSangeetholsavam and Guruvayur Ekadasi.