This study assessed urbanization-driven land cover changes in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts in Kerala, India, over the last decade (2013–2023) using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI). Analysis of Landsat satellite data revealed contrasting land cover dynamics across the districts, emphasizing the environmental impacts of rapid urban growth. Thrissur experienced a 211.8% increase in built-up areas but only a slight 1.9% reduction in vegetated and water-covered areas. However, it also saw an alarming 85.8% decrease in dense vegetation, indicating significant deforestation. In contrast, Ernakulam’s built-up areas surged by 264.7%, along with a more substantial 3.8% decline in vegetation and water cover, reflecting intense urban pressure. Despite this, Ernakulam also recorded an 81.9% increase in dense vegetation, likely due to reforestation efforts, while Thrissur showed minimal recovery of vegetation. These findings highlighted the necessity for sustainable urban planning. Rapid urbanization in Ernakulam posed threats to ecological stability, while Thrissur’s loss of vegetation risked biodiversity and ecosystem services. This research emphasized the urgent need for green infrastructure, reforestation, and sustainable land use policies to balance development and conservation in Kerala’s rapidly urbanizing areas.