Best Kerala Destinations for the Months of February and March 2026: Munnar, Varkala & Backwaters
Best Kerala destinations for February and March 2026 include Munnar for misty hills, Varkala for cliffside beaches, and the backwaters for slow houseboat escapes. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer monsoon disruptions, and ideal conditions for sightseeing, making them the perfect window to explore Kerala’s most scenic and diverse landscapes.
If you’re searching for the Top Kerala Destinations during the late winter and early summer transition, this guide breaks down exactly where to go, what to expect, and how to plan a trip that balances comfort, culture, and natural beauty.
In this Blog
Why February and March 2026 Are Ideal for the Best Kerala Destinations
February and March mark one of the most rewarding travel seasons in Kerala. The monsoon has long passed, humidity is manageable, and landscapes remain lush. Daytime temperatures are warm without being exhausting, especially in hill stations and coastal areas.
For travellers looking at places to visit in Kerala, these months strike the perfect balance. You can explore tea plantations without rain interruptions, enjoy beach sunsets without peak summer crowds, and cruise the backwaters in comfortable conditions.
Munnar: Among the Best Kerala Destinations for Hills and Romance
When listing the best Kerala destinations, Munnar consistently tops the charts. Located in the Western Ghats, this hill station offers rolling tea gardens, winding mountain roads, and mist-covered mornings that feel cinematic.
February and March are particularly magical here. The cool climate makes it one of the best places to visit in Kerala for couples, especially those seeking peaceful mountain escapes. Early mornings are crisp, afternoons are bright, and sunsets turn the hills golden.
Best Places to See in Kerala: Munnar Highlights
Munnar is not just scenic, it’s immersive. Among the best places to see in Kerala, Eravikulam National Park stands out for its biodiversity and panoramic views. Mattupetty Dam offers boating with mountain reflections, while Top Station gives sweeping valley vistas.
For those looking for adventure places in Kerala, Munnar offers light trekking trails, jeep safaris, and plantation walks. It balances relaxation with gentle activity.
Why Munnar Works in February & March
These months bring stable weather and blooming landscapes. Tea gardens are vibrant, wildlife sightings are more frequent, and photography conditions are ideal. It’s also a comfortable time for families, making Munnar one of the best tourist places in Kerala for family trips.
Varkala: One of the Best Kerala Destinations for Beach Lovers
If hills aren’t your style, Varkala offers a completely different coastal energy. Among the best Kerala destinations, Varkala stands out for its dramatic cliff views overlooking the Arabian Sea.
Unlike other beach places in Kerala, Varkala combines spirituality, cafés, and relaxed seaside charm. February and March bring sunny days and calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, cliff walks, and sunset dining.
Beach Places in Kerala: Why Varkala Is Unique
What makes Varkala one of the unique places to visit in Kerala is its cliff-top promenade. You can wake up to sea views, spend afternoons at Papanasam Beach, and enjoy live music at beachside cafés in the evening.
For couples, Varkala is among the best places to visit in Kerala for couples, offering romantic seaside settings without Goa-like chaos. For families, the clean beach and manageable crowd levels add comfort.
Kerala Backwaters: The Most Timeless of the Best Kerala Destinations
No guide to the best Kerala destinations is complete without the backwaters. Regions like Alleppey and Kumarakom define Kerala’s identity with tranquil lagoons, coconut-lined canals, and houseboats drifting slowly through still waters.
February and March are peak months for backwater cruises. The skies are clear, humidity is controlled, and sunsets over the water feel almost unreal.
Tourist Spots in Kerala: Backwater Experiences
Among the top tourist spots in Kerala, backwater houseboat stays are iconic. But beyond houseboats, village walks, canoe rides, and birdwatching offer immersive experiences.
Families often consider the backwaters one of the best tourist places in Kerala for family vacations, while honeymooners see them as deeply romantic escapes.
Beyond the Big Three: More Best Kerala Destinations to Explore
While Munnar, Varkala, and the backwaters dominate the list of best Kerala destinations, a few nearby spots deserve attention if you’re extending your trip.
Wayanad: Among the Most Unique Places to Visit in Kerala
Wayanad brings together forests, waterfalls, and prehistoric caves. It’s one of the more adventurous tourist spots in Kerala, ideal for travellers who prefer nature-heavy itineraries. Trekking trails, wildlife sanctuaries, and hidden viewpoints make it one of the top adventure places in Kerala.
Thekkady: Where Wildlife Meets Landscape
Thekkady offers boat safaris across Periyar Lake and spice plantation tours. It’s one of the best places to see in Kerala if wildlife sightings and jungle ambience excite you.
Kovalam: Classic Beach Destination
Another highlight among beach places in Kerala, Kovalam offers crescent-shaped beaches and a relaxed coastal vibe. It’s structured and accessible, making it a favourite among international travellers exploring Top Kerala Destinations.
How to Plan a 5-Day Trip Covering the Best Kerala Destinations
Day 1–2: Munnar – Tea estates, viewpoints, Eravikulam National Park
Day 3: Drive to Alleppey – Evening houseboat cruise
Day 4: Backwaters to Varkala – Relaxed coastal evening
Day 5: Beach time & departure
This route efficiently connects three of the best Kerala destinations, balancing hills, water, and coast.
Romantic & Comfortable Stays Near the Best Kerala Destinations
When exploring the best Kerala destinations like Munnar, Varkala, or the backwaters in February and March 2026, accommodation can elevate the experience from good to unforgettable.
For couples seeking privacy, scenic views, and spaces designed for meaningful time together, StayVista villas in Kerala offer exactly this kind of stay. Nestled close to romantic hubs like the misty hills of Munnar or the serene backwaters near Alleppey, these villas provide a perfect balance of comfort and intimacy — ideal for the best places to visit in Kerala for couples.
Families and groups can also enjoy spacious living areas, private patios, and curated local insights that make trips feel more personalised than traditional hotels. Whether you’re unwinding after a day wandering tea estates or watching the sun set over Varkala cliffs, these villas give you a home base that feels as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Paradise Valley, Munnar
Titha Villa, Munnar
Rivera, Wayanad
Aqua Vista, Kochi
FAQs: Best Kerala Destinations in February & March 2026
Munnar, Varkala, and the backwaters are the best Kerala destinations due to pleasant weather and clear skies.
Yes. March offers warm but manageable temperatures, making it ideal for beaches, hills, and backwaters.
Munnar’s hill views, Varkala’s cliffs, and backwater houseboats are among the best places to visit in Kerala for couples.
Yes. Munnar and the backwaters are especially considered the best tourist places in Kerala for family trips.
Choosing the Best Kerala Destinations for Early 2026
The beauty of Kerala lies in its diversity. Hills, beaches, and tranquil waters coexist within short distances, giving travellers multiple moods in one journey.
Exploring the best Kerala destinations in February and March 2026 means enjoying ideal weather, scenic landscapes, and experiences that feel both relaxing and immersive. Whether you prefer misty mornings in Munnar, golden sunsets in Varkala, or peaceful houseboat nights in the backwaters, Kerala offers a rhythm that matches every kind of traveller.
If you’re planning your early 2026 escape, now is the time to start mapping out your itinerary, because the best journeys begin long before the suitcase is packed.
Banner image credits: SHANTANU DU via Flickr
