Best Photoshoot Locations in Kerala
- Munnar – Tea Gardens and Misty Hills
- Varkala – Cliffs and Arabian Sea
- Fort Kochi – Heritage Streets and Colonial Architecture
- Alappuzha – Backwaters and Houseboats
- Athirappilly – Waterfalls and Forests
- Wayanad – Hills, Forests and Plantations
- Vagamon – Meadows and Rolling Hills
- Bekal – Fort and Coastal Landscapes
- Kumarakom – Backwaters and Village Scenery
- Muzhappilangad – Beach and Coastal Views
Kerala has no shortage of locations that can turn an ordinary photoshoot into something memorable. From mist-covered mountains and endless tea plantations to historic streets, dramatic cliffs, peaceful backwaters and tropical beaches, the state offers an unusually wide range of settings within a relatively small area. Kerala Tourism itself lists beaches, backwaters, hill stations, forests and historic monuments among the state’s major shooting locations.
Whether it is a pre-wedding shoot, fashion campaign, travel photoshoot, family portrait session or content for social media, the right location can completely change the mood of the pictures. Here are some of the best places in Kerala to consider.
1. Munnar – Tea Gardens and Misty Hills
Munnar remains one of Kerala’s most photogenic destinations. The rolling tea plantations, winding roads, misty mountains and changing shades of green provide a natural backdrop that works particularly well for portraits and pre-wedding photography.
Places around Top Station, Mattupetty and the tea-growing areas offer different perspectives, from wide mountain landscapes to intimate shots among the plantations. Top Station is especially known for panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Early morning is ideal if you want soft light and a misty atmosphere. Munnar is also a good choice for photographers looking for several different landscapes within one trip.
2. Varkala – Cliffs and Arabian Sea
Varkala offers a combination that is difficult to find elsewhere in Kerala: dramatic red laterite cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The cliffside gives photographers an elevated viewpoint, while the beach below provides a completely different setting. Sunset portraits, silhouettes and wide coastal frames work particularly well here.
Varkala Cliff is officially recognised as a scenic viewpoint, with broad views of the coastline and sea.
3. Fort Kochi – Heritage Streets and Colonial Charm
For a more urban and character-filled photoshoot, Fort Kochi is hard to beat. Old buildings, narrow streets, colourful walls, historic churches, cafés and the famous Chinese fishing nets create a visual style that feels very different from Kerala’s natural landscapes.
The area works especially well for fashion shoots, travel photography, couple portraits and editorial-style images. The mixture of heritage architecture and waterfront scenery also means photographers can create several moods without travelling far.
Fort Kochi has long been recognised as a major filming location because of its distinctive architecture and historical atmosphere.
4. Alappuzha – Backwaters and Houseboats
Alappuzha brings a softer, more relaxed mood to photography. Calm waterways, coconut palms, traditional boats, paddy fields and houseboats create naturally composed frames.
A houseboat photoshoot can add movement and depth, while smaller country boats can create more intimate photographs. The backwaters are particularly attractive around sunrise and sunset, when the changing light reflects across the water.
For couples and lifestyle photographers, Alappuzha offers plenty of opportunities to capture natural-looking photographs rather than heavily posed images.
5. Athirappilly – Waterfalls and Forests
Athirappilly is the place to choose when the shoot needs a dramatic natural backdrop. The powerful waterfall surrounded by dense greenery provides scale and movement, making it suitable for cinematic portraits, travel shoots and creative fashion photography.
The nearby Vazhachal area adds another layer of forest scenery. Both Athirappilly and Vazhachal are among Kerala Tourism’s recognised shooting locations.
During the monsoon and immediately afterward, the waterfall and surrounding landscape can look particularly impressive, although weather and site conditions should always be considered before planning a shoot.
6. Wayanad – Hills, Forests and Plantations
Wayanad is ideal for photographers who want a more earthy and natural setting. The district combines mountains, forests, plantations, valleys and viewpoints, giving photographers plenty of variety.
Lakkidi View Point is one of the standout options, with views across the Brahmagiri hills and surrounding valleys. Chembra Peak also offers spectacular mountain scenery for those prepared for the trek.
Wayanad works particularly well for outdoor portraits, adventure-themed shoots and travel campaigns.
7. Vagamon – Meadows and Rolling Hills
Vagamon has a quieter visual character compared with some of Kerala’s more popular tourist destinations. Open meadows, rolling hills, pine forests and mist create a peaceful setting for portraits and couple shoots.
The broad landscapes are especially useful for photographs where the location is meant to be as important as the subject. Kerala Tourism highlights Vagamon Meadows and nearby viewpoints as scenic photography locations.
8. Bekal – Fort and Coastal Landscapes
Bekal offers two strong photographic elements in one location: historic architecture and the sea.
The imposing Bekal Fort overlooks the Arabian Sea and provides plenty of opportunities for wide-angle compositions, architectural photography and portraits. The surrounding coconut groves and coastline add a distinctly Kerala feel.
The fort is also recognised by Kerala Tourism as an important shooting location, with views extending towards the beach and Arabian Sea.
9. Kumarakom – Backwaters and Village Scenery
Kumarakom is another excellent choice for a relaxed, elegant photoshoot. Its waterways, greenery, coconut trees and traditional village landscapes create a softer atmosphere than the dramatic hills or cliffs of Kerala.
It is particularly suitable for couple photography, lifestyle shoots and resort-based photoshoots. For those who want the beauty of the backwaters but prefer a quieter setting, Kumarakom can be a strong alternative to busier parts of Alappuzha.
10. Muzhappilangad – Beach and Coastal Views
Muzhappilangad in Kannur offers a different kind of beach photography experience. Its broad coastline and distinctive coastal landscape make it suitable for casual portraits, fashion shoots and travel photography.
The beach is among Kerala Tourism’s recognised shooting locations, alongside destinations such as Varkala, Cherai, Kovalam and Payyambalam.
The open shoreline also gives photographers plenty of space to experiment with movement, silhouettes and wide compositions.
Conclusion
Kerala’s biggest advantage as a photoshoot destination is its variety. A single state offers misty mountains, endless tea gardens, dramatic waterfalls, historic streets, golden beaches and tranquil backwaters.
For a romantic and scenic shoot, Munnar, Varkala and Alappuzha are strong choices. Those looking for heritage and character can consider Fort Kochi or Bekal, while Wayanad and Vagamon are better suited to natural, adventurous themes. Athirappilly is ideal when the aim is a more dramatic frame.
The best location ultimately depends on the mood, outfit, concept and type of photographs you want. With the right timing and composition, almost every corner of Kerala can become a memorable backdrop.
