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, 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 offer 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 edition to Kerala’s offering is caravaning 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
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 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 the 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 the 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 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 Britishers 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 greens. 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 Britishers 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 greens. 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 itself. Tourists began coming in from all over the world and especially during the 1970’s 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.
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 itself. Tourists began coming in from all over the world and especially during the 1970’s 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 laid back holiday. Dotted with tea and coffee farms, the lush green mountains and mystique 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 unravels 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 mystique 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 unravels many exotic birds and you may witness a tiger in the wild. The elephant safari is especially enjoyable here. Many also visit the The Mangla 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, 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 best of 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 upto 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 best of 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 upto the fort apart from enjoying the natural beauty of the place.
Activities Not to Be Missed in Kerala
Ayurvedic Treatments in Kerala
Mouthwatering Meals of Kerala
Shopping at Kerala
When to visit Kerala
How to reach Kerala
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