Summertime in Kerala: Top 5 Destinations in India’s Sunshine State 

Backwater escapes, lush greenery, delectable cuisine and luxury resorts make summer in Kerala a dream come true. 

Beat the heat with an escape to ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala. Nature lovers will find themselves enveloped in serenity with verdant landscapes, pleasant tea gardens, blissful beaches and cascading waterfalls – a perfect summer holiday recipe. From national reserves to plantation stays, Kerala has something for everyone’s ideal summer break. Hike through tea plantations in Munnar, go wildlife spotting in Thekkady, and enjoy Ayurveda massages in Kovalam. Read on to find out what to do and where to stay in these enchanting towns during a summer in Kerala. 

Explore our Kerala escapes. 

Spot an elephant or two in Thekkady 

Thekkady, a quaint town home to dense deciduous forests and savanna grasslands, is perfect for travellers looking for summertime nestled in greenery and adventures. The main attraction, Periyar National Park, is a wonder to behold. Spot herds of elephants, mighty tigers, Nilgiri Langurs and exotic flora at every turn. The Periyar Lake, smack bang in the park’s centre, offers boating tours where passengers have the chance to see elephants playing tenderly with their calves. Thousand-year-old temples, rafting adventures, hidden waterfalls and more dot this town, making it an explorer’s delight. 
 
Where to stay? Check out Spice Village – CGH Earth. 

Postcard-perfect treks in Munnar 

Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala, known for amazing trekking trails, striking waterfalls, a tea museum and endless tea plantations. This evergreen escape is the ideal choice for a leisurely summer sojourn amid the hills. Choose to trek up a mountain, traverse mesmerising tea fields and a silent jungle, or visit the Pothamedu viewpoint – a perfect spot to take holiday snapshots and admire the landscape. Mattupetty Dam is also well worth a visit. Explore this solid gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala aboard a boat.  

For wildlife lovers, go in search of the rare Nilgiri Tahr (endangered mountain goat) at Eravikulam National Park, where over 700 of these rare species roam. 
 
Where to stay? Check out The Fog Munnar. 

Get your thrills in Kovalam 

This coastal town is a beach paradise. In Kovalam, explore the backwaters of Kerala aboard a traditional houseboat tour and admire rural villages and green paddy fields. Thrilling watersports will enthuse adventure-lovers. Surfing, parasailing, jet skiing, paragliding and more can be enjoyed at Lighthouse Beach by all aqua lovers. Catamaran rides at Hawah Beach (when the winds favour you) are a must-try! 

While in the birthplace of Ayurveda massages, be sure to treat yourself to relaxing therapies offered at the Ayurvedic centres of Kovalam. Kizhi, Vasthi, Kativasti and Thalam are some of the wellness therapies worth trying out for complete rejuvenation.  
 
Where to stay? Check out The Leela Kovalam. 

Lakeside beauty in Ashtamudi 

Known for its stunning lake, Ashtamudi promises a summer by the shimmering backwaters of Kerala. Explore the pristine Thirumullavaram Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in this town where the annual Karkidaka Vavubali rituals take place. For a touch of recreation, visit Asramam Adventure Park and enjoy endless fun activities such as boating and picnics, as well as a culturally rich experience at the art museum.  

A must-visit on your list is the 8 Point Art Cafe, the first international standard art gallery and cafe in the renovated heritage building, ‘Parambarya’. Feeling poetic? Catch the stunning sunset views at the Thangassery Beach lighthouse.  
 
Where to stay? Check out The Raviz Ashtamudi. 

History buffs will be wowed in Wayanad 

One of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala, Wayanad is for the slow-living, nature-loving, taking-it-easy travellers. A safari is a must while spending a summer here. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary will delight with its majestic four hill ranges and a large variety of wild animals such as gaur, Asian elephants, deer and tigers. Fun fact: The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary has the world’s largest recorded population of Asian elephants and tigers!  

Don your explorer’s hat and head to the Edakkal Caves which will wow you with ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Neolithic age. A trek to the famous Chembra Peak offers ample opportunity to take memorable snapshots to take home with you. Looking for more travel inspiration?  

Need more inspiration? Read The Best Summer Escapes in India.