"Stunning emerald backwaters, fringed with tall coconut-palm trees; Sailing amidst in a small houseboat, your soul will definitely feel free."Kerala, with its serene beaches and lush greenery, its vibrant culture and exotic beauty can serve the whims of every traveler. From the picturesque view of Kumarakom to the rustic setting of Kalpetta; from the tranquility of Poovar to the hustle bustle of Kochi, Kerala is in true sense a blend of rich history and contemporary metropolis served on the platter of enchanting natural beauty. Apart from the rich natural setting, the Kathakali plays here would get you grooving while the world-famous ayurvedic spa would awaken your senses. This southern state does have something for everyone in its store thus, doing justice to its title, 'Gods Own Country'.Whether you are planning a family trip or a honeymoon, a friends' outing or just solo traveling; Kerala will not be a disappointment for anyone. Below we have discussed some of the main destinations to be visited in Kerala below. So, just have a look at them and plan your itinerary accordingly.
Kumarakom is a small village in the backdrop of the Vembanad Lake that will enchant all the visitors with its rustic natural charm. Famous for its backwaters, this village has several resorts lined by the lake that offer a mesmerizing view of nature. A visit to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a must for all the bird lovers. This island village is just 16 km from Kottayam and offers excellent water activities like boating, yachting and fishing. Visit this place during Onam to enjoy the scenic boat race that is held here every year.
Alleppey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. Spending vacations in the picturesque backwaters of Alleppey in a houseboat will be a divine experience. With serpentine canals, beaches glistening with golden sand and the alluring view of sunset, everything about this place will definitely awe your senses. Dont miss out on the Ambalapuzha Temple, Krishnapuram Palace and Karumnadi Kuttan Statue when you visit Alleppey.
Entitled as one of the best hill stations in Kerala, Munnar will sway every tourist off their feel with its natural picture book setting. Mountains and hills draped in the green of trees, rivers flowing in their heavenly pace and the lush greenery of the tea estate, these beautiful environs will act as a treat to the eye and food for the soul. Put on your exploring shoes and discover the hidden gems in both Old as well as New Munnar.
Wayanad is a part of the forest reserve and is located on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This tourist destination is replete with flora and fauna. Some of the common tourist attractions in this district are the Kalapetta area, Banasura Dam, Pookot Lake, Edakkal Cave, Kuruva Dweep and Chembra Peak. Once here, one should definitely visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to catch a glimpse of Indian bison, tiger and elephants.
Kochi or Cochin is a commercial port in the Ernakulam District of Kerala. This major sea port has been attracting tons of tourists because of its amazing mix of various tourist spots. The years old Chinese fishing nets, the St. Francis Church bestowed with Portuguese history, the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace and the Museum of Kerala History offer the perfect mix of various cultures that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.
Vasco Da Gama landed on Kozhikode while he was on his search for spices. Today, the same area serves as a calm and tranquil getaway destination for all the peace lovers out there. The Kozhikode beach and the Kappad beach will cast a spell on every tourist by offering a picturesque view of the sunset. Kallumekaya, also known as mussels, must be tried here as it is one of the best seafood delicacies available in abundance at countless food stalls. The two old lighthouses and the Dolphins point would be the best retreat for all the nature lovers as well.
Thrissur is a historically rich city which witnessed many cultures and religious as well as spiritual learning. This culturally rich history has crowned Thrissur with the title of Keralas Cultural Capital. This city is known for hosting several festivals throughout the year that attracts many tourists; the Thrissur Pooram Festival being the most popular and colorful. The Archeological and Arts Museum, Mural Art Museum and Vallathol Museum are an initiative to protect the dying Kerala traditional art form and must be visited to witness the same.
Kannur has had a rich connection with Romans, Greeks as well as the Arabs because of its trading options. At present, it is a hidden gem in the lap of nature. The undisturbed beaches like the Payyambalam Beach and the Meenkunnu Beach will amaze you like no other beach. The Arakkal Museum, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park and the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary must be on your itinerary while you visit Kannur.
Housing the Bengal tiger is the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the greens of Thekkady. One can enjoy a plethora of tourist activities in this small city. You can have fun at boating, jungle expedition, nature walks, trekking and bamboo rafting. This place is blessed with numerous natural scenic beauties. The Spring Valley Mountain, Pandikuzhi, Panchalimedu, Chellarkovil, Vandiperiyar and Abrahams Spice Garden must not be missed to enjoy the beauty of Thekkady at its best.
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala is a city that is the best example of the urban life in Indias South. Still commonly called by the old Colonial name Trivandrum, this city offers numerous sightseeing destinations to all the travelers. This city, which today boasts of an excellent urban metropolis, is actually built over seven hills. While traveling to this place dont forget to visit the Kovalam beach, Kuthiramalika (Puthenmalika) Palace Museum, Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Napier Museum and the Poovar Island.
Located around 17 km from the capital city, Kovalam is an amazing destination in the Sothern parts of Kerala. The boat cruises offering the enticing views of the waters would be the perfect way to enjoy a romantic getaway with your spouse. The famous Lighthouse Beach, Vellayani Lake, Veli Tourist Village and Hawa Beach are amazing natural escapes in the bag of Kovalam. The Artificial Offshore Coral Reef should also be visited here to enjoy surfing in this area.
Located in the Kasargod District of Kerala, Bekal is another natures jewel in this Gods Own Country. The mystical backwaters and the keyhole shaped fort attract innumerable tourists from different parts of the country to this place. The Bekal Fort Beach, Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Hosdurg Beach, Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Nityanandashram Caves and Nileswaram are some other attractions that would definitely be a delight to the eye.
Nestled in the rolls of lush green beach hills and dotted with pristine lakes, forts and lighthouses, Varkala is an amazing tourist destination in the Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala. As it is not that popular among the tourists, this place serves as the perfect destination for honeymooners to spend time alone in this natural paradise. Dont miss out on the Varkala Beach, Thiruvambadi Beach, Edava Beach, Anjengo Fort, Vishnu Temple and Janardhanaswamy Temple while you enjoy your stay here.
The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1973 and is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It houses the largest population of pachyderms and many elephants can be seen taking their routine stroll in herds. An amazing place for wildlife photographers, this sanctuary is covered with lush greenery of moist deciduous forests. One can also see tigers, deer, monkeys and variety of colorful butterflies, insects birds etc. Visit this place to enjoy elephant rides in the lush greenery.
Located around 151 km from the capital city Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam is a small town placed amid the Western Ghats and the backwaters of Kerala. It boasts as the media publishing hub for Kerala with 80% of books, magazines and newspapers published here. The stunning backwaters, green rubber plantation and amazing mountains provide it a scenic natural beauty that will definitely enchant every traveler.
This unexplored land, nestled in the backwaters of Kerala, offers the perfect getaway destination from the humdrum of the city life. The gentle breeze of the water and the tranquil surrounding would be the best way to calm the restless mind. While you enjoy your stay here, you should also have a tour of the Poovar Beach, Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam and the Fishing Village.
The untouched beauty of Vagamon can be a respite for your wandering mind. the green meadows, lush green tea estates, enchanting hillocks covered with a sheet of mist and the cascading waterfalls, everything about Vagamon seems like taken out from the best nature picture-book. With three beautiful hills and the enchanting pine forests, this place is a sight to behold. For those in search of some adventure, this place also offers mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing and paragliding.
Also known as Gods Own District, Idukki is nestled in the Western Ghats and covered in thick dense forest. It still has the remains of Vembolinad Kingdom, Chera Dynasty and the European plantation. Housing the countrys largest arch dam and Anaimudi, Idukki is a must visit place for all those who love to experience the true beauty of nature. The Hill View Peak, Nandukani, Painavu and Keezharkuthu Falls are excellent sightseeing spots in this region.
The Palakkad district, also known as Palghat, has many attractions to lure the heart of every traveler. The Palakkad Fort built by Hyder Ali has a jail, which still functions and a Hanuman Temple. There are many other places in Palakkad like Kalpathy, Malampuzha Dam and Gardens and the Jainimedu Jain Temple. Other places to be seen around Palakkad are the much-talked Fantasy Park, Dhoni, Kollengode, Lakkidi and Siruvani.
Lying on the coast of Arabian Sea, Kasargod is a small municipality town in the Kasargod District of Kerala. The mesmerizing beauty of nature fused with the rich culture and religious importance, this town has been a popular tourist destination for the people visiting Kerala. Cheruvathur, Manjeshwar, Nileshwar, Kumbala, Chandragiri Fort and Valiyapramba offer amazing views to all the tourists. One should definitely visit this place to have a closer look at nature and history alike.
Relish the flavor of delicious Konkani food, relaxing in the lap of nature and enjoying the breathtaking view of the mystical mountains and amazing coffee plantations; this is how Kalpetta welcomes all its guests. The Karapuzha Dam, Vaduvanchal, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and the Banasura Sagar Dam will enchant you with the breathtaking views and rustic nature. Other hidden gems in its store are Kanthanpara Waterfalls and Meenmutti Waterfalls that will cast a spell on you with their picturesque beauty.
Having served as an international emporium of trade in the past, Kollam still holds the title of one of the commercial centers of the state. It is located on the shores of the Ashtamudi Lake and is lined with several temples and mosques. The tall palm trees, rich cashew plantation and the rustic aura of the villages will lure any traveler into visiting this place again and again. Pathanapuram, Punalur, Oachira and Karunagappally are some important destinations in this small town of Kerala.
Who would want to miss out on such natural beauty that not only treats the eye but also provides solace to the restless soul? Kerala has been gaining the position of popular tourist destination for travelers from India as well as the world. With so many beauties in store, Kerala is rightly called Gods Own Valley.