Photography tour of Kerala by Green Earth Trails
- Benjamin John
- May 29, 2019
- 13 min read
Updated: Jul 31
The beautiful state of Kerala - often referred to as 'God’s Own Country', is a dream canvas for any photographer. With its rivers, hills, forests, beaches, and tranquil backwaters, this region is abundantly blessed with natural charm and diversity. Whether you're a hobbyist or a seasoned professional, Kerala promises a magical experience through the lens.
As a boutique tour operator based in Kerala, Green Earth Trails specialises in niche and curated travel experiences. Our personalised photography tours are guided by professionals who are not only seasoned photographers but also deeply familiar with the region. They’ll help you discover the most photogenic corners of Kerala, ideal for portraits, landscapes, culture, and candid storytelling.
"Don't shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like" - David Alan Harvey
Kerala is a paradise for photographers, a land where vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and raw natural beauty come together. From mist-covered mountains and tea plantations to coastal villages, backwaters, and traditional rituals, every frame tells a story. At Green Earth Trails, we curate photography-focused journeys that immerse you in Kerala's most picturesque and authentic locations.
With its unique geographical features ranging from a long coastline and the towering Western Ghats to an intricate network of canals, lagoons, and backwaters. Kerala is a photographer’s dream. Beyond its natural beauty, the state is steeped in culture, tradition, and artistic expression, making it an endlessly inspiring destination for photography enthusiasts. From mist-covered mountains and tea plantations to coastal villages, backwaters, and traditional rituals, every frame tells a story.
I’m an amateur photographer myself, based in Cochin, and have traveled extensively across Kerala. Having participated in several photography workshops, I've developed both a passion and a deeper understanding of this creative craft. Kerala boasts over 15 unique locations that hold incredible potential for creating contest-worthy photographs. While this blog serves as a starting guide, there’s so much more to uncover if you're willing to explore the full map of this beautiful state.
Why Choose Kerala for a Photography Tour?
Kerala offers incredible variety for photographers:
Landscape Photography: Munnar's tea gardens, the Western Ghats, waterfalls, and lakes.
Wildlife Photography: Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, and the backwaters.
Cultural Photography: Kathakali performances, temple festivals, traditional homes, and fishing villages.
Street & People Photography: Fort Kochi's colonial streets, vibrant markets, and local artisans.
Each region of Kerala offers its own palette of colours, moods, and textures. The soft morning mists of Munnar, the golden hour light by the backwaters, or the expressive faces of Kathakali artists, all create opportunities for powerful visual storytelling.
What to Expect on a Green Earth Trails Photo Tour
Our photography tours are designed for both amateur and professional photographers.
They include:
Curated routes for optimal lighting and subject variety
Assistance with permits for restricted areas (where applicable)
Experienced guides who understand photographer's needs & perspectives
Comfortable transport and stay in picturesque locations
Whether you’re into nature, people, or travel photography, we tailor the experience to match your interest and pace. You’ll have time to pause, observe, and capture, rather than just pass through.
15 Must-Visit Photography Locations in Kerala (Starting from the North)
Bekal – Coastal Forts & Backwater Estuaries
Let's begin our journey in North Kerala with the majestic Bekal Fort, a striking coastal structure that blends historical charm with ocean views. The fort’s keyhole-shaped bastions and rocky outcrops extending into the Arabian Sea offer dramatic coastal frames, similar to the vibe of Fort Aguada in Goa. Nearby, you'll find a serene beach and the tranquil backwaters of Neeleshwaram, where estuaries and palm-lined canals provide excellent opportunities for golden hour landscape shots.
Muzhappilangad Beach – Drive-in Coastline & Sunset Frames
Located near Kannur, Muzhappilangad Beach is Kerala’s only drive-in beach, offering a unique opportunity to photograph cars cruising along a long stretch of sand, set against a spectacular coastal backdrop. This location is especially rewarding during sunset, when golden light reflects beautifully off the wet shoreline. While it is a popular local hangout, the relaxed energy and vibrant scenes add to the charm. There's also a small island nearby that's accessible during low tide, while not visually striking, it offers an additional walking experience for those seeking a broader frame.
Theyyam – Ritual Art Form & Dramatic Portraiture
Theyyam is one of the most visually captivating temple rituals of North Kerala, rich in colour, costume, and expression. Typically performed between February and May, it is not a public event but a sacred ritual conducted in temples or adjoining sacred groves known as Kaav. These performances are deeply religious and traditional, and not intended as public entertainment.
Due to increasing crowds and disruptions, temple authorities have become cautious about allowing photographers. However, at Green Earth Trails, we work closely with local communities to arrange special photography permissions, ensuring minimal disturbance and a respectful environment. We also provide access to exclusive vantage points, allowing you to capture the Theyyam in its full glory, vivid makeup, elaborate headgear, and powerful expressions, without interfering with the ritual.
Festivals in Kerala are also another interesting theme where you get multiple elements in one place, from temple percussions to elephants to colourful settings, everything together makes a vibrant experience.
Wayanad – Hills, Wildlife, and Plantation Vistas
Tucked away in the lush hills of Northern Kerala, Wayanad offers crisp weather, sweeping landscapes, and a rich mix of natural beauty and heritage. It's a paradise for landscape and wildlife photographers. You’ll find two major wildlife reserves here - Muthanga and Tholpetty Sanctuaries - home to elephants, Indian gaurs, and sambar deer. For bird lovers, Kuruva Island is a must-visit, accessible by bamboo raft and filled with native bird species ideal for long-lens photography.
Wayanad is also home to sprawling tea and coffee estates, colonial bungalows, and tribal communities. One of the highlights is a visit to Parisons Estate, where both the plantation and its charming bungalow offer nostalgic, vintage visuals. The combination of rolling hills, mist, and morning light makes Wayanad one of Kerala’s most photogenic hill regions.
Calicut (Kozhikode) – Street Scenes, Shipyards & Martial Arts
Moving southward, Calicut (Kozhikode) offers an entirely different photographic energy with its vibrant streets and coastal character. SM Street, or Mittai Theruvu (Sweet Street), is a buzzing marketplace perfect for street photography, featuring colourful storefronts, local vendors, and authentic Kerala life.
Close to the city lies the Beypore Shipyard, one of India’s oldest boat-building yards. Here, you can document skilled craftsmen constructing massive wooden Uru boats, an age-old tradition rooted in maritime history. The nearby harbor brims with fishing boats painted in bright hues, making it an excellent location for action and detail shots.
Don’t miss the partially ruined sea bridge at Calicut Beach, especially during golden hour. The rusted structures and gentle waves form a moody yet artistic backdrop for sunset frames.
For those interested in action photography, Calicut is also home to traditional Kalaripayattu martial art schools. Practice sessions usually take place early in the morning or evening and can be arranged for close-up captures of dynamic movements, stances, and traditional weaponry. Similar martial arts schools are also available near Cochin for alternate planning.
Athirapally Waterfalls – Cascading Majesty Amidst Rainforests
Often dubbed the ‘Niagara of South India’, Athirapally Waterfalls is a must-visit for landscape photographers. Plunging from a height of 80 feet over the Chalakudy River, the falls are nestled within the pristine Shola rainforests of the Western Ghats, making it an ideal destination for dramatic nature photography.
You can capture the grandeur of Athirapally from multiple vantage points, from above, where the waters rush powerfully before tumbling over the rocks, or from the base, where mist, sunlight, and rainforest foliage come together to form ethereal frames. Morning hours with soft natural light or golden hour sunsets offer perfect conditions to work with long exposures and wide-angle compositions.
One exclusive angle that photographers love is the view from the Rainforest Resort, which offers a private, panoramic look at the waterfalls framed by the green canopy. However, note that the resort typically does not entertain non-resident visitors, even for meals. Advance arrangements are needed if you're looking to gain access to this perspective during your tour. The drive from Athirapally to Valaparai offers great scope for wildlife photography.
Fort Kochi – Colonial Charm, Street Life & Cultural Frames
Roughly 100 km south of Athirapally lies Fort Kochi, an old port town steeped in colonial history and vibrant local life. It’s a paradise for street photographers, offering everything from Dutch and Portuguese architecture, old churches, and synagogues to vibrant markets and graffiti-laced walls left behind by past Kochi-Muziris Biennales. The year 2025 is the 6th edition of Kochi Muziris Biennale, from mid of December to 31st March 2026
Wander through the local neighbourhood to capture candid moments of daily life. The Chinese fishing nets, beaches, and bustling ferry jetties provide dynamic frames, especially during the golden hours. You can also hop onto local boats that connect the mainland to nearby islands, offering glimpses of fishing boats, massive cargo ships, and estuary views, perfect for long-lens or drone photography.
Just east of Fort Kochi, nestled within the backwaters, lies the serene cluster of Kadamakudy Islands—a hidden gem for photographers. Comprising 14 small islands, only the largest is accessible by bridge. The region offers breathtaking sunset vistas, making it one of the best spots in Kochi for golden hour photography. The landscape is a harmonious blend of paddy fields, mangroves, coconut palms, inland waters, and scattered hamlets, offering ample inspiration for scenic and rural life photography.
For those looking to explore the area from the water, private electric boat cruises are available in Kadamakudy, offering quiet and sustainable access to this untouched beauty. Alternatively, the Kochi Water Metro now operates between High Court and Chittoor, a tranquil 40-minute ride that glides past fishing villages and scenic backwater stretches.
Cultural photography enthusiasts will enjoy the evening Kathakali performances, where you can photograph both the elaborate makeup process and the dramatic storytelling that follows. Short-format performances are common and accessible, and some theatres also host other traditional Kerala art forms such as Mohiniyattam, Chakyar Koothu, and Koodiyattam.
Andhakaranazhi – Coastal Life, Fishing Boats & Lighthouse Landscapes
Not far from Fort Kochi lies the coastal fishing village of Andhakaranazhi, located en route to Alleppey. If you’re an early riser, this spot offers fantastic opportunities to photograph the vibrant chaos of the morning fish auction, where local fishermen return from the sea with their overnight catch. Dozens of colourful boats, nets being pulled in, and the hum of bargaining voices create an authentic slice-of-life visual narrative.
The beach also features a quaint lighthouse, making it a serene location for seascape and landscape photography. You can capture dramatic long-exposure shots during sunrise or experiment with silhouettes during twilight. Andhakaranazhi is easily accessible and can be visited as a half-day photo excursion while staying in Fort Kochi.
Kodanad Elephant Kraal - [Abhayaranyam] & Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – Wildlife & Avian Wonders
Moving inland from the coast, Abhayaranyam at Kaprikkad offers an intimate look into Kerala’s elephant conservation efforts. Managed by the Government of Kerala, this elephant care centre houses elephants that have strayed into human habitats. Earlier there was early morning photogenic bathing rides, where the mahouts walk their gentle giants down to the banks of the Periyar River for a refreshing bath. It’s a captivating moment to capture: splashes of water, the playful antics of baby elephants, and the deep bond between animal and caretaker. The Konni Elephant and Eco tourism camp is another interesting place in South India where elephants taken cared of.
Just a short drive away lies the Thattekad Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, one of India’s richest biodiversity zones for birding. Nestled near the foothills of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary is a paradise for bird photographers. From rare endemics like the Malabar Grey Hornbill and White-bellied Treepie to migratory species, your lens will be spoiled for choice. A guided nature walk is highly recommended, not only to avoid getting lost in the dense forest trails, but also to spot hidden species you might otherwise miss.
Munnar – Tea Gardens, Misty Peaks & Rolling Grasslands
No photography tour of Kerala is complete without a visit to Munnar, a hill station famed for its sweeping tea plantations, mist-laden valleys, and cool mountain air. Munnar's gentle light and dramatic landscapes make it especially popular with young and amateur photographers eager to experiment with wide shots and layered compositions.
One of the most photogenic routes is the drive toward Top Station, where you’ll find endless frames of emerald tea gardens stretching over rolling hills. For more adventurous landscapes, treks to Meesapulimala and Rhodo Valley open up vistas of grassy plateaus, mist-covered peaks, and dramatic light transitions - ideal for landscape photography.
Another gem is Kolukkumalai, home to the world’s highest tea plantation and orthodox tea factory. The sunrise views here are surreal, casting a golden hue over the rugged slopes and distant ridge lines of the Western Ghats. Whether you're photographing plantation workers in action or capturing vast scenic panoramas, Munnar offers one of the richest photography environments in all of South India.
Gavi – Wilderness, Scenic Roads & Elephant Encounters
A short drive from Thekkady lies Gavi, a secluded gem tucked within the forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve. This offbeat destination is a paradise for nature and wildlife photographers, offering a tapestry of lush valleys, sparkling streams, winding forest roads, and mist-draped hills.
Gavi’s remote setting and unspoiled landscape provide incredible opportunities to capture untamed wilderness, especially during the monsoon, when the forest turns a deeper shade of green. Elephants are frequently sighted here, often appearing against a cinematic backdrop of dense jungle or by the roadside. While they make for captivating subjects, do maintain a safe distance, there have been instances of elephants charging when disturbed.
Whether you're shooting from a lookout point, capturing mist rolling across treetops, or waiting quietly for wildlife sightings, Gavi promises raw, immersive frames that celebrate Kerala’s wild soul.
Kumarakom – Backwaters, Village Life & Cultural Frames
As we travel south, we reach Kumarakom, a serene backwater village nestled along the banks of Vembanad Lake. This region offers a peaceful yet immersive photography experience, perfect for capturing the rhythm of rural Kerala life, with its narrow canals, paddy fields, coconut groves, and traditional homes.
The best way to explore Kumarakom through your lens is by signing up for a Backwater Village Tour run by the Responsible Tourism Mission. These guided tours offer a window into the daily lives of the locals, you’ll photograph toddy tappers, canoe fishermen, coir-making women, and agricultural practices that have remained unchanged for generations.
Beyond scenic landscapes, Kumarakom allows you to build a powerful visual narrative of community, culture, and coexistence with nature. It’s not just about beauty, but about capturing stories that resonate.
Alleppey – Houseboats, Canal Life & Snake Boat Culture
Next on your photography journey is the iconic backwater town of Alleppey (Alappuzha), often referred to as the “Venice of the East.” Aboard a traditional Kerala houseboat, you’ll have the space and flexibility to move around and experiment with different shooting angles as you cruise through the labyrinth of canals and shimmering waterways.
The canals are brimming with life, children paddling to school, villagers tending to paddy fields, ancient churches and temples, and fishermen in canoes navigating their daily routines. Each turn reveals a new story worth capturing.
If you’re visiting during July or August, you’re in for a visual treat. This is the season of the famed Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race. In the weeks leading up to the event, you’ll witness teams of oarsmen in long, majestic snake boats practicing in sync, a spectacle of energy, rhythm, and tradition that's truly a photographer’s delight. A month before the race you could see practice sessions in the backwaters, which I have always felt more graceful than the race itself
Varkala – Cliffside Views & Coastal Vibes
It is one of Kerala’s most photogenic coastal destinations, ideal for wide-angle beach photography. The unique feature here is the towering red laterite cliff that runs parallel to the shoreline, lined with cafés, restaurants, and boutique stays, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Down on the sand, you’ll find rows of sunbeds, colourful parasols, and beachgoers enjoying the relaxed vibe. Although surfing was once a popular activity, the waves tend to be mild and inconsistent. Still, the dramatic cliff-and-coastline combination makes Varkala a fantastic spot for capturing both seascapes and candid beach life. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins playing in the distant surf during early mornings or late afternoons.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Sacred Grandeur in the Capital City
Located in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, the Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands as one of the most iconic and revered temples in South India. While photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple complex, its majestic exterior architecture, intricate carvings, and spiritual ambiance make it an ideal subject for temple photography from the outside.
Please note that entry is restricted to Hindus, and a traditional dress code is mandatory - men must wear a dothi, and women must be in a saree or traditional attire. Compared to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Kerala has fewer large-scale temples of grand architectural scale. For those interested in temple architecture and heritage photography, Tamil Nadu’s massive temple complexes may offer more elaborate visuals. However, Padmanabhaswamy Temple remains a cultural and spiritual landmark worth visiting, even if just to admire and photograph its stately facade.
Popular Photography Routes in Kerala
Munnar & Marayoor – Landscapes, tea workers, tribal villages
Thekkady & Periyar – Wildlife, spice plantations, elephant corridors
Alleppey & Kumarakom – Houseboats, backwaters, fishing culture
Fort Kochi – Architecture, portraits, colonial charm
Athirapally & Valparai – Waterfalls, forests, birdlife
Plan Your Photography Tour
The best time for photography in Kerala is from September to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the natural light is excellent.
We offer:
Multi-day guided tours with logistical support
Private, small group, or custom photo itineraries
Local insights and storytelling angles
Let Green Earth Trails take you on a journey behind the lens, where every day is a new frame waiting to be captured.
📩 Interested? Reach out to us with your travel dates, photography interests, and equipment details. We'll help you plan a journey filled with images you'll never forget.
Green Earth Trails is a Kerala-based travel company specialising in immersive cultural and nature-based tours for international travellers, with a focus on responsible travel, local experiences, and curated storytelling journeys
Plan Your Photography Journey with Us
We hope this guide has given you a glimpse into the endless photography possibilities in Kerala. From misty hilltops and serene backwaters to vibrant rituals and coastal villages, every frame here tells a story. But remember—this is just a starting point. To truly understand why Kerala is called “God’s Own Country,” you’ll have to experience it through your own lens.
Whether you're a passionate shutterbug, a nature enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the art of storytelling through images, Kerala will leave you inspired.
If you're considering a photography tour of Kerala, we'd be delighted to help craft a personalised itinerary that suits your style and interest. Reach out to us at 📧 hello@greenearthtrails.com.
Green Earth Trails is a boutique travel company based in Kerala, run by a passionate team of local specialists who curate meaningful, immersive, and hassle-free journeys across Kerala and South India - Let your lens explore the heart of Kerala with us.
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