God’s own country, Kerala, is such an enticing destination in terms of an experience that one wonders what to add and what to skip, simply failing to do the latter. The state beautifully amplifies its own culture, setting a perfect example of Indian hospitality. Pick any destination in this state, and you'll see yourself finding a new meaning to words like beautiful, charismatic, mesmerizing, breathtaking, captivating, alluring, among others. Kerala enchants you with its perfect blend of picturesque postcards and adventurous experiences that are bound to leave you in awe of this country. From the backwaters in Alleppey, wildlife in Wayanad, tea plantations in Idukki, waterfalls in Valara, hiking in Munnar, each destination within
God’s own country, Kerala, is such an enticing destination in terms of an experience that one wonders what to add and what to skip, simply failing to do the latter. The state beautifully amplifies its own culture, setting a perfect example of Indian hospitality. Pick any destination in this state, and you'll see yourself finding a new meaning to words like beautiful, charismatic, mesmerizing, breathtaking, captivating, alluring, among others. Kerala enchants you with its perfect blend of picturesque postcards and adventurous experiences that are bound to leave you in awe of this country. From the backwaters in Alleppey, wildlife in Wayanad, tea plantations in Idukki, waterfalls in Valara, and hiking in Munnar, each destination within the state stands out for an experience unlike any other. Everything from the villages in the backwaters to tree houses in the hills and wellness resorts offers a peaceful vacation for you. Visiting the Thrissur Zoo to see Kerala's flora and animals, as well as the Wayanad Heritage Museum, Blossom Park, the Triveni Floating Market, and the Lockhart Gap ViewPoint, slowly more things are added to your itinerary that you don’t want to miss on. The state tourism board has beautifully crafted experiences be it monsoons, beaches, cuisines, culture, Ayurveda, village life, festivals, in a way that you can customize a trip best suited to your time and budget. A latest addition to Kerala’s offering is caravanning across the state, where you can enjoy the state at your own pace. So here is a list of all the major attractions and what not to miss when in Kerala.
Eye-Catching Places to Visit in Kerala
When all locations are equally alluring, it becomes difficult to choose where to start. Kerala does that to you. Very well known for its distinct cultural and geographical features you may pick a simple wellness experience by the backwaters or an adventurous backpacker’s journey across the tea plantations.
Cochin
Cochin, an important port city since the 19th century, always held strategic and industrial importance in the state. Blessed with backwaters, perfect to begin exploring the diversity and beauty of Kerala. A short drive across the city will take you from the backwaters to the beaches and the traditional spice markets. One of the most popular beaches, Fort Kochi, right beside the Arabian Sea, is a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the sea breeze. The Chinese fishing nets are also a sight to capture because of their aesthetic backdrop of the sea. Then there is Cherai beach where
Cochin, an important port city since the 19th century, always held strategic and industrial importance in the state. Blessed with backwaters, perfect to begin exploring the diversity and beauty of Kerala. A short drive across the city will take you from the backwaters to the beaches and the traditional spice markets. One of the most popular beaches, Fort Kochi, right beside the Arabian Sea, is a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the sea breeze. The Chinese fishing nets are also a sight to capture because of their aesthetic backdrop of the sea. Then there is Cherai beach where one can also spot dolphins if lucky. Many also visit the Mattancherry Palace, built by the Portuguese in 1555, and the Hill Palace Museum. There churches and synagogues here hold important Significance due to their origins, you can also witness the same at Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, among many others.
Alleppey
Often called the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is home to the largest network of backwaters, with the beautiful houseboats waiting to give you an experience of a lifetime. A private hotel room on moving waters surrounded by the lush green expanse of foliage is truly bound to take your breath away. The houseboats found here are actually renovated versions of traditional Kettuvallams that were used to transport tonnes of rice and spices in the old times. Going beyond the backwaters, one can also witness the toddy shops, village life, and immerse in a local’s life who
Often called the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is home to the largest network of backwaters, with the beautiful houseboats waiting to give you an experience of a lifetime. A private hotel room on moving waters surrounded by the lush green expanse of foliage is truly bound to take your breath away. The houseboats found here are actually renovated versions of traditional Kettuvallams that were used to transport tonnes of rice and spices in the old times. Going beyond the backwaters, one can also witness the toddy shops, village life, and immerse oneself in the life of locals who thrive on fishing. Moving on, the Alappuzha beach is magical, with a 137-year-old pier extending into the sea and an antique 17th-century lighthouse built by the Portuguese. Staying in a houseboat in Alleppey is a perfect start to your journey across Kerala.
Munnar
Set amidst the Western Ghats, this charming town used to be the summer retreat for British during the colonial period. Located at an elevation of 6000 feet in the Idukki region, it calls out to every traveller with its lush woods and endless stretch of tea farms. The rich and diverse flora and fauna are the reason it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. It is also home to the endangered species Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr, often spotted in the expanse of green. Many also visit to simply enjoy short hikes across the region because of the mesmerizing views. Many
Set amidst the Western Ghats, this charming town used to be the summer retreat for British during the colonial period. Located at an elevation of 6000 feet in the Idukki region, it calls out to every traveller with its lush woods and endless stretch of tea farms. The rich and diverse flora and fauna are the reason it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. It is also home to the endangered species Neelakurinji and Nilgiri Tahr, often spotted in the expanse of green. Many also visit to simply enjoy short hikes across the region because of the mesmerizing views. Many Treks and camping spots take you through hidden spots that elevate the hiking experience. Further adding to the natural charm are the three rivers Mattupetti, Periavaru, and Nallathanni passing through Munnar. Top things to do also include a safari trip to Eravikulam National Park and a Shikara ride on Kundala Lake.
Kovalam
A beautiful beach town overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, Kovalam receives the maximum number of tourists looking for a beach vacation. However, many do not know that the coastal town has a rich historical heritage, with its first resort established in the year 1920. Tourists began coming in from all over the world, and especially during the 1970s, it became a hippie destination. There are numerous beach resorts to sit back and relax, and for those wanting to explore more, there are ancient Hindu temples, cathedrals, and mosques that add that traditional local touch to the trip.
A beautiful beach town overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, Kovalam receives the maximum number of tourists looking for a beach vacation. However, many do not know that the coastal town has a rich historical heritage, with its first resort established in the year 1920. Tourists began coming in from all over the world, and especially during the 1970s, it became a hippie destination. There are numerous beach resorts to sit back and relax, and for the ones wanting to explore more, there are ancient Hindu temples, cathedrals, and mosques that add that traditional local touch to the trip.
Thekkady
Unexplored forests blessed with diverse flora and fauna give Thekkady an attractive charm that often goes unnoticed by many. The place enjoys nice cool weather throughout the year, making it ideal for visitors to have a lovely holiday. Dotted with tea and coffee farms, the lush green Mountains and mystical waterfalls make it all the more interesting to explore this side of Kerala. Our country’s largest Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve, is also located in Thekkady. A jungle safari reveals many exotic birds, and you may witness a tiger in the wild. The elephant safari is
Unexplored forests blessed with diverse flora and fauna give Thekkady an attractive charm that often goes unnoticed by many. The place enjoys nice cool weather throughout the year, making it ideal for visitors to have a laid-back holiday. Dotted with tea and coffee farms, the lush green mountains and mystical waterfalls make it all the more interesting to explore this side of Kerala. Our country’s largest Tiger Reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve, is also located in Thekkady. A jungle safari reveals many exotic birds and you may witness a tiger in the wild. The elephant safari is especially enjoyable here. Many also visit Mangala Devi Temple or the local markets, as the destination is famous for its spice markets. The plantations surrounding Odamade, Murukkady, and Vellaramkunnu are also worth seeing. In the little village of Chellarkovil, you may also get some much-needed leisure.
Wayanad
Another pristine location known for its unspoiled woodlands, misty mountains, and sprawling plantations. Wildlife sanctuaries are the most popular attractions here. However, apart from wildlife sanctuaries, other attractions like Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s largest and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Chembra Peak, and Meenmutty waterfalls lure travellers with their unbound scenic grace. Wayanad is also known as India's spice garden, with several tourist attractions and extensive orchards of spices such as cardamom, black pepper, star anise, fenugreek, black cumin,
Another pristine location known for its unspoiled woodlands, misty mountains, and sprawling plantations. Wildlife sanctuaries are the most popular attractions here. However, apart from wildlife sanctuaries, other attractions like Banasura Sagar Dam, India’s largest and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Chembra Peak, and Meenmutty waterfalls lure travellers with their unbound scenic grace. Wayanad is also known as India's spice garden, with several tourist attractions and extensive orchards of spices such as cardamom, black pepper, star anise, fenugreek, black cumin, and others. Due to its prime location set in the mountains, it has become a hub for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, camping, and other adventure activities. The list doesn't end there; Edakkal Caves offer the opportunity to visit Neolithic-era caves. You'll come across some petroglyphs, which are prehistoric rock engravings that were used as a form of communication at that time. Furthermore, sites such as Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, and Old Jain Temple are excellent examples of ancient architecture and religious beliefs.
Bekal
A small town located on the eastern coast of Kerala, it is primarily known for the Fort, pristine backwaters, mesmerizing beaches, and the best resorts. Pink sunsets over sandy beaches with the sound of heavy waves splashing rocks nearby are how one should picture a vacation in Bekal. The old Bekal Fort, shaped like a large keyhole, offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea from its lofty observation towers, which were once manned by massive cannons. You can simply sit at the beach, trek up to the fort, apart from enjoying the natural beauty of the place.
A small town located on the eastern coast of Kerala, it is primarily known for the Fort, pristine backwaters, mesmerizing beaches, and the best resorts. Pink sunsets over sandy beaches with the sound of heavy waves splashing rocks nearby is how one should picture a vacation in Bekal. The old Bekal Fort, shaped like a large keyhole, offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea from its lofty observation towers, which were once manned by massive cannons. You can simply sit at the beach, trek up to the fort, apart from enjoying the natural beauty of the place.
Activities Not to Be Missed in Kerala
Ayurvedic Treatments in Kerala
For almost a thousand years, Ayurveda has been cultivated on these shores, and the world is slowly awakening to the practical applications of this ancient type of treatment. Kerala has been the ideal location for practising the same since time immemorial, with a vast selection of Treatment and Research Centers. Ayurveda focuses on an individual’s overall holistic growth and well-being, and these illustrations will help you comprehend the vast range and scope of its medicines.
Mouthwatering Meals of Kerala
Arising from the mix of Malabari, French, and Arabian cuisine, the variety of flavours in Kerala will surely leave you craving for more. Travellers not only enjoy their meals here but are also happy to experiment with the rich gravies and dishes. Malabar parathas, fish curries, Idiyappam curry, pumpkin and lentil stew, puttu and kadala curry, appam, ghee roast dosas, there are numerous dishes inspired by the country’s rich history that bring all the cultural flavour in your mouth. From biryanis to mussel stir fry, chicken curries, the richness in taste is simply an explosion of taste.
Shopping at Kerala
The state is also known as the ‘Spice Capital of India’ with its vast plantations of unique herbs and traditional Indian spices. So, apart from the conventional coffee and banana chips, you should pick some herb oils and spices to carry back home from a memorable trip. Kerala is well-known for its excellent Malabar Monsoon Coffee, which is also a great option to consider.
This coffee bean powder, which is rich in flavour, scent, and colour, is a terrific item to buy in Kerala not only for yourself, but also as a souvenir or gift for your friends and family. The Nilgiri tea grown here is made from exceptional tea leaves with a delicate flavour. This tea’s delicate and smooth flavour and colour are truly stunning. Kerala is known for its Ayurvedic treatments, which are used for everything from healing illnesses to cosmetic surgeries. In Thekkady, Kumili, or Kochi, you’ll find high-quality scent oils of many sorts that are utilised for various reasons. The warm and humid climate here is perfect for the cultivation of a variety of rich spices like cardamom, star anise, black pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, clove, etc. You can buy your stock of spices at competitive prices in Munnar, Periyar, or Thekkady. Same goes for good quality cashews. You can also pick the traditional Mundu (Indian clothing), jewellery, or handicraft items from the local stores.
When to visit Kerala
Like most other southern states, winter is the best time to experience the place when the weather is pleasant, and you can avoid scorching summer heat. Being a tropical region, there is humidity, too. The summer months from April to May see many shifting their focus to the hill stations, so you may also plan your trip accordingly. The best time to visit the backwaters in Kerala is from November through February, as monsoons make it difficult to explore. However, known for its Ayurvedic treatments, many visit the state during monsoons as it is best suited for that season. Every season showcases Kerala in a new light, and no matter when you plan to visit, Kerala’s beauty is bound to make you crave a longer stay.
How to reach Kerala
Being one of the top Indian destinations on the international traveller’s list, Kerala is accessible in all ways. It is India’s only state with four airports that run both domestic and international flights due to its prime location and tourist footfall. They are at Trivandrum, Cochin, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Each location makes it ideal to explore different regions of Kerala. Many also move locally either by bus or train. Special train journeys offer splendid views of the lush green scenery that otherwise goes unnoticed. The network is incredible, with trains running from all major Indian cities — as far as New Delhi or as close as Karnataka.
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