Kerala Top Photography Spots 2025

Kerala: Landscape Views, Wildlife, and Instagram-Worthy Locations

Kerala, known for its stunning natural beauty, is a paradise for photographers. Whether you’re an avid landscape photographer, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone looking for the perfect Instagram shot, Kerala offers an abundance of breathtaking spots. From the serene backwaters to misty hill stations, the state’s diverse scenery provides endless opportunities to capture nature’s finest moments. This guide highlights the top photography locations across Kerala, ideal for everything from sunrise shots to hidden gems.

Best Places for Landscape Photography

1. Munnar
   • Munnar is one of Kerala’s most picturesque hill stations, with its rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see. The lush green landscapes make it a perfect place for panoramic shots.
   • Key spots: Tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Top Station, and Kundala Lake.
2. Alleppey Backwaters
   • The tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, with houseboats gently gliding over still waters, provide unique landscape photography opportunities. The reflections of palm trees and blue skies on the water create stunning imagery.
   • Key spots: Vembanad Lake, Kuttanad, and Punnapra Beach.
3. Athirappilly Waterfalls
   • Known as the “Niagara of India,” Athirappilly Waterfalls is a majestic sight, offering photographers the chance to capture cascading water amidst lush green forests.
   • Key spots: The waterfall itself, the surrounding forest, and nearby Vazhachal Falls.
4. Vagamon
   • Vagamon’s rolling meadows, pine forests, and mist-covered hills make it a haven for landscape photography. The tranquil atmosphere and foggy landscapes add a mystical touch to photos.
   • Key spots: Vagamon Meadows, Pine Hill, and Kurisumala.
5. Varkala Cliffs
   • The stunning red cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea in Varkala offer dramatic landscapes. Capture the contrast between the vibrant cliffs and the deep blue waters below.
   • Key spots: Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake, and Papanasam Beach.

Top Instagram-Worthy Spots

1. Fort Kochi
   • With its rich colonial history and charming streets, Fort Kochi is an Instagram favorite. The Chinese fishing nets, colorful murals, and quaint cafes make for photogenic scenes.
   • Key spots: Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, and St. Francis Church.
2. Jatayu Earth’s Center
   • The massive sculpture of Jatayu at Jatayu Earth’s Center is the world’s largest bird sculpture, offering stunning photo opportunities. The hilltop location also provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
   • Key spots: The Jatayu statue, adventure park, and hilltop views.
3. Wayanad Treehouses
   • The treehouses in Wayanad offer a unique, Instagram-worthy experience. Set amidst thick forests, these treehouses offer stunning views of the lush surroundings.
   • Key spots: Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, and Banasura Sagar Dam.
4. Marari Beach
   • Known for its serene beauty and less crowded shores, Marari Beach provides a perfect backdrop for sunset photos and tranquil ocean scenes. The palm-fringed beach is an idyllic setting for Instagram shots.
   • Key spots: Beachfront, fishermen’s boats, and coconut groves.
5. Kumarakom Backwaters
   • The picturesque backwaters of Kumarakom, with houseboats and coconut trees reflecting on still waters, provide plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.
   • Key spots: Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and houseboat cruises.

Best Places for Wildlife Photography

1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
   • Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady is one of Kerala’s top spots for wildlife photography. Home to elephants, tigers, deer, and an abundance of bird species, it offers ample opportunities to capture animals in their natural habitat.
   • Key spots: Periyar Lake, bamboo rafting, and forest trails.
2. Silent Valley National Park
   • Known for its biodiversity, Silent Valley National Park is a prime location for photographing rare and endangered species. The dense rainforest offers beautiful backdrops for wildlife shots.
   • Key spots: Forest trails, Kuntipuzha River, and viewpoints.
3. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
   • Wayanad’s lush forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and bears. Photographers can also capture vibrant birdlife in the sanctuary’s rich ecosystems.
   • Key spots: Tholpetty and Muthanga forest areas.
4. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
   • For bird photography, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a must-visit. It’s home to numerous species, including the Malabar grey hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, and the Indian pitta.
   • Key spots: Riverfront views, forest areas, and birdwatching towers.
5. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
   • Located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, Parambikulam offers photographers the chance to spot tigers, elephants, and gaur (Indian bison). The reserve’s dense forests and rolling hills create an ideal environment for wildlife photography.
   • Key spots: Kannimara teak tree, Parambikulam Lake, and treks through the forest.

Sunset and Sunrise Photography Locations

1. Munnar
   • Munnar’s hill stations offer breathtaking sunrise views, with misty mornings and tea gardens bathed in golden light. The high-altitude locations provide panoramic views of the rising sun.
   • Key spots: Kolukkumalai, Top Station, and Meesapulimala.
2. Alleppey Beach
   • Alleppey’s beaches are perfect for capturing sunsets, with the sun setting over the horizon of the Arabian Sea. The pier adds a dramatic element to sunset photos.
   • Key spots: Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, and Thottappally Beach.
3. Kovalam Beach
   • Kovalam Beach is known for its beautiful sunsets, with the iconic lighthouse creating a picturesque silhouette against the setting sun.
   • Key spots: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach.
4. Varkala Cliff
   • Varkala’s towering cliffs offer an unbeatable vantage point for sunrise and sunset photography. The views from the cliff, overlooking the sea, make for stunning shots.
   • Key spots: Varkala Cliff, Papanasam Beach, and Kappil Beach.
5. Kumarakom
   • The backwaters of Kumarakom provide tranquil settings for both sunrise and sunset photography. The reflection of the sun on the water creates mesmerizing images.
   • Key spots: Vembanad Lake, houseboat cruises, and bird sanctuary views.

Hidden Photography Gems

1. Idukki Arch Dam
   • Idukki is home to the world’s second-largest arch dam, surrounded by scenic forests and hills. It’s a hidden gem for those looking for unique landscape shots.
   • Key spots: The dam, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, and nearby trekking trails.
2. Poovar Island
   • This less-explored destination near Trivandrum offers golden beaches, serene backwaters, and beautiful estuaries, perfect for capturing Kerala’s unique landscapes.
   • Key spots: Floating cottages, beach views, and backwater boat rides.
3. Kakkathuruthu Island
   • Known as the “Island of Crows,” Kakkathuruthu is a hidden gem in the backwaters of Alappuzha. The untouched natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a great spot for landscape and nature photography.
   • Key spots: Sunset views, coconut groves, and traditional boats.
4. Agasthyakoodam
   • For photographers seeking a remote, untouched wilderness, Agasthyakoodam is an ideal spot. This hill station is part of the Western Ghats and is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
   • Key spots: Trekking trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
5. Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary
   • Located near Trivandrum, Neyyar Dam offers a peaceful setting for landscape and wildlife photography. The nearby wildlife sanctuary adds to the appeal with opportunities to capture various animal species.
   • Key spots: Neyyar Dam, Lion Safari Park, and trekking paths.

Kerala offers a wide array of photography locations, from iconic spots to hidden gems. Whether you’re a landscape lover, wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for the next Instagram-worthy location, Kerala’s diverse natural beauty provides endless opportunities to capture stunning photographs.