Northern Kerala
Overlooked by Bekal's majestic fort, the beachfront encompasses a grassy park and a long, beautiful stretch of gold-tinged sand that gets busy on weekends…
Must-see attractions in Kerala
Kerala
Devotees make offerings at this 400-year-old Vishnu temple, 2km southwest from Tiruvalla (28km south of Kottayam), in the form of regular, traditional all…
Kerala
Opening behind a baroque facade, the 1814 Marth Mariam Church forms the headquarters of India's Chaldean Syrian community; it's unique in its complete…
Munnar
Constructed in neo-Gothic style in 1911, with granite imported from the UK, Munnar's oldest church contains a series of plaques commemorating prominent…
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours
Kerala
Recognisable by its towering, pure-white spires and neo-Gothic splendour, this Catholic church was established in 1925. Its sweeping interior is said to…
Kannur
At this traditional-arts training academy overlooking Chirakkal Pond, 6km north of Kannur, you can see vibrantly coloured folklore costumes in the museum…
Kerala
Red-and-white stripes adorn Kollam's imposing 1902-built, 43m-tall barber-pole lighthouse. Take the lift or climb the 195 spiralling steps for wraparound…
Northern Kerala
The 13th-century Jain temple on the western edge of Sultanbatheri has splendid stone carvings and is an important monument to the region’s strong…
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
One of Trivandrum's major churches, the Roman Catholic St Joseph's is a whitewashed neo-Gothic creation from 1873, topped by a soaring bell tower added in…
Kerala
Just back from Ashtamudi Lake, 1.5km north of the jetty, this elegant 1810 building blending Keralan and European styling was once the home of the British…
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Dedicated to the goddess Bhuvaneshvari, this major Hindu temple in central Alleppey has a soaring, rainbow-coloured Tamil Nadu–style gopuram.
Vizhinjam Marine Research Aquarium
Kovalam
About 500m northwest of Kovalam's lighthouse, this small series of tanks displays fish from Kerala's waters, including lionfish and eels.
Kozhikode (Calicut)
Dating back to the 14th century but restored in the 18th century, Calicut's major temple is dedicated to Shiva and open only to Hindus.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Built for the royal family of Travancore, this early-20th-century palace is now mostly a venue for cultural events and performances.
Kochi (Cochin)
Just southwest of Mattancherry's synagogue, the undisturbed Jewish Cemetery contains ancient tombstones marked with Hebrew script.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Towards the north end of MG Rd stands this fine neo-Gothic Anglican church, notable for its stained glass and 19th-century tombs.
Varkala
This gold-hued stretch of sand, around 1km north of the North Cliff, makes a peaceful alternative to Varkala's main beach.
Kozhikode (Calicut)
The former courtyard of the Zamorins, this large central park still preserves its original spring-fed tank.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
A red-brick neo-Gothic construction, built in 1900 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Kovalam
Popular with domestic day trippers, Hawa Beach is a busy sandy strand just north of Lighthouse Beach.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
A Hindu temple dedicated to Mahaganapati, a form of Ganesh, in Trivandrum's East Fort area.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
A graceful landmark church, 450m west of Trivandrum's Zoological Gardens, dating from 1906.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
The brilliantly white neoclassical Secretariat building was founded in 1939.
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
One of Alleppey's most popular Hindu temples, in the busy bazaar area.
Kerala
Kollam's main beach, 2km south of town, is a bit tatty but worth an evening stroll for its sunsets and the colourful local fish market at the harbour to…
Northern Kerala
Around 3km southwest of Vythiri (10km southwest of Kalpetta), Pookot Lake is a beautiful mirror framed by forest. With well-maintained gardens, a cafe, a…
Kerala
Around 1.5km north of Kollam's boat jetty, this lakeside park is popular with families for its playground, picnicking, motorboating (₹95 per person),…
Kozhikode (Calicut)
The city beach, 1km west of the city centre, is enjoyable for a sunset promenade stroll but not really a place for swimming.
Ticket Counter (Zoo & Museums)
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Main ticket counter for Trivandrum's Zoological Gardens and surrounding museums.
Kochi (Cochin)
One of Fort Cochin's Catholic churches, modern and white-walled.
