Beyond Munnar: Beautiful Places to See in Kerala in December
Author : James Quil | Published On : 17 Aug 2026
December is one of the most enjoyable months to explore Kerala, with comfortable weather, greener landscapes, calm backwaters, and excellent conditions for sightseeing. While Munnar is a popular choice, the state offers much more, including beaches, wildlife reserves, hill stations, historic towns, and peaceful backwater destinations. Travelers searching for places to see in kerala in december can combine several regions to experience Kerala's diverse landscapes in one trip. For customized itineraries and holiday assistance, contact MyVacationVibes at +91 9090-4848-50.
12 Beautiful Places to Visit in Kerala in December
Kerala has a destination for almost every travel style in December. You can spend your mornings exploring tea plantations, cruise through palm-fringed backwaters in the afternoon, and finish the day beside the Arabian Sea.
1. Munnar – Misty Mountains and Tea Gardens
Munnar is an obvious starting point for a December trip, thanks to its cool climate, rolling tea plantations, waterfalls, and spectacular viewpoints. Visit Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and the tea estates around the town.
December is particularly appealing for travelers who enjoy pleasant mountain weather without the intense monsoon conditions experienced earlier in the year.
2. Alleppey – Kerala's Famous Backwater Escape
Alleppey, or Alappuzha, offers one of Kerala's most memorable experiences: spending time on a traditional houseboat surrounded by canals, coconut palms, villages, and tranquil waterways.
December's comfortable weather makes it a great time for a relaxed backwater cruise. A one-night houseboat stay can also fit easily into a short Kerala itinerary.
3. Wayanad – Forests, Waterfalls and Wildlife
Wayanad combines mountains, forests, plantations, caves, and wildlife, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Explore Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The region is particularly attractive for families and nature lovers who prefer a quieter atmosphere away from major tourist centers.
4. Thekkady – Wildlife and Spice Plantations
Thekkady is home to the famous Periyar landscape and is ideal for combining wildlife with plantation experiences. Visitors can enjoy boating, guided nature activities, spice plantation tours, and forest excursions.
December's pleasant conditions make outdoor exploration more comfortable, although wildlife sightings always depend on natural conditions.
5. Kumarakom – Peaceful Backwaters and Village Life
Kumarakom offers a quieter alternative to the busier backwater routes. Its waterways, bird-rich wetlands, coconut groves, and lakeside resorts create a relaxing setting for couples and families.
A sunset cruise or leisurely stay beside Vembanad Lake can be the highlight of a December holiday.
6. Kovalam – Beach Time in Comfortable Weather
Kovalam is one of Kerala's most popular coastal destinations, known for its crescent-shaped beaches, palm trees, seaside resorts, and relaxing atmosphere.
December is a good time for beach activities and coastal sightseeing. Visitors can also combine Kovalam with nearby Thiruvananthapuram attractions.
7. Varkala – Clifftop Views and Arabian Sea
Varkala stands apart for its dramatic laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. The beach below, cliffside cafes, shops, and relaxed atmosphere make it popular with couples, solo travelers, and international visitors.
The famous Papanasam Beach and Janardhana Swamy Temple add cultural interest to the coastal experience.
8. Kochi – History, Culture and Food
Kochi is ideal for travelers who want to experience Kerala's history and urban culture. Explore Fort Kochi, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry, Jew Town, and the historic churches and colonial-era streets.
Food lovers can also sample Kerala seafood, traditional vegetarian dishes, snacks, and locally inspired cuisine.
9. Vagamon – A Quiet Hill Station
Vagamon is a peaceful alternative to better-known hill stations. Its rolling meadows, pine forests, valleys, and surrounding hills provide an excellent setting for a relaxed getaway.
It is particularly suitable for travelers who want scenic landscapes without the busy atmosphere found at some popular tourist destinations.
10. Bekal – Forts, Beaches and Coastal Scenery
Bekal is best known for the impressive Bekal Fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. The surrounding coastline offers beautiful views, beaches, and peaceful places to unwind.
It is a good choice for travelers exploring northern Kerala and wanting to experience a less crowded side of the state.
11. Kannur – Beaches and Traditional Culture
Kannur offers a combination of long beaches, historic attractions, handloom traditions, and Kerala's distinctive cultural heritage. December can be a rewarding time to explore the region at a comfortable pace.
Travelers interested in local traditions may also look for Theyyam performances, although dates and availability vary by location and season.
12. Athirappilly – Kerala's Famous Waterfall
Athirappilly is known for its spectacular waterfall surrounded by dense forest. Although the waterfall is especially dramatic during the rainy season, the surrounding landscape remains attractive in December.
It works well as a stop on a broader Kerala itinerary, particularly for travelers who enjoy photography and nature.
Which Part of Kerala Is Best to Visit in December?
The best part of Kerala depends on what you want from your holiday. Central Kerala works well for first-time visitors because Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, and Kumarakom can be connected conveniently. South Kerala is ideal for combining beaches, culture, and backwaters through destinations such as Varkala, Kovalam, and Thiruvananthapuram.
For a more peaceful holiday, northern Kerala around Bekal and Kannur offers beaches, heritage attractions, and a less commercial atmosphere.
Which Is the Mini Switzerland of Kerala?
Vagamon is often popularly described as the “Mini Switzerland of Kerala” because of its rolling green meadows, pine forests, hills, and peaceful scenery. Located in the Idukki region, it offers a very different atmosphere from the tea-covered slopes of Munnar.
Visitors can enjoy viewpoints, nature walks, paragliding in suitable conditions, and relaxed stays surrounded by hills. It is an excellent option for travelers looking for an offbeat mountain experience.
How to Plan a Kerala Trip in December?
Planning your trip around different regions is the easiest way to experience Kerala without spending too much time on the road. A classic itinerary can begin in Kochi, continue to Munnar and Thekkady, move toward Alleppey or Kumarakom, and finish at Varkala or Kovalam.
For shorter holidays, focus on one geographical route instead of trying to cover the entire state. Book hotels and houseboats in advance because December is a popular travel period. Keep some flexibility for weather, traffic, and local sightseeing conditions.
Kerala Trip Ideas for Families
Families looking for the best places to visit in keral in december with family can consider Munnar, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kovalam. These destinations offer a mixture of nature, sightseeing, relaxed stays, wildlife experiences, and activities suitable for different age groups.
A family itinerary should avoid packing too many destinations into a few days. Spending two nights in selected locations usually creates a more comfortable and enjoyable holiday.
Kerala in 2 Days: What Can You Cover?
If you have limited time and are searching for places to visit in kerala in december within 2 days, choose destinations that are relatively close to your arrival point rather than attempting to cover both the hills and coast.
For example, travelers arriving in Kochi can spend two days around Kochi and Alleppey, or choose Munnar for a focused hill-station experience. Starting from Thiruvananthapuram makes Varkala and Kovalam practical choices for a short coastal break.
What to Eat During a December Trip to Kerala?
Kerala's food is an important part of the travel experience. Try appam with stew, Kerala-style fish curry, puttu and kadala curry, Malabar biryani, banana chips, and traditional vegetarian sadya when available.
Seafood lovers should look for locally prepared fish, prawns, and other coastal dishes. Food preferences and spice levels vary, so ask restaurants about ingredients and preparation if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is December a good time to visit Kerala?
Yes. December generally offers comfortable weather and is a popular period for exploring Kerala's hill stations, backwaters, beaches, wildlife areas, and cultural attractions.
2. How many days are enough for a Kerala trip?
Five to seven days can provide a good introduction to Kerala, while shorter two- or three-day trips work better when focused on one region.
3. Which is better in December, Munnar or Alleppey?
They offer completely different experiences. Munnar is better for cool mountain scenery and tea plantations, while Alleppey is ideal for backwaters and houseboat experiences.
4. Is Kerala crowded in December?
December is part of Kerala's popular travel season, so major destinations can become busy, especially around holidays. Advance accommodation planning is recommended.
5. Which Kerala destination is best for couples in December?
Munnar, Kumarakom, Varkala, and Alleppey are popular choices for couples because they combine scenic surroundings, relaxing stays, and memorable experiences.
Conclusion: Experience More Than Just Munnar
Kerala in December is about much more than misty tea plantations. From Munnar's mountains and Wayanad's forests to Alleppey's backwaters, Varkala's cliffs, Kovalam's beaches, and Kochi's heritage, the state offers remarkable variety within a relatively compact region.
The key to a successful December holiday is choosing destinations that match your available time and travel style rather than trying to see everything in one trip. For personalized Kerala itineraries and holiday assistance, contact MyVacationVibes at +91 9090-4848-50 and plan your journey with confidence.
Author: James
James is a professional travel writer creating practical destination guides, insightful travel tips, and inspiring holiday content for modern travelers.
