Top 20 places to visit in Kerela
Kerala, also known as ‘God’s Own Country,’ is an Indian state in the southern part famous for its beautiful terrain, calm backwaters, unspoiled beaches, and rich traditions. It is a place for every nature lover, history lover, and spiritual person. These are the must-visit places in Kerala, which offer great scenic views and historical and cultural aspects.
Munnar
Munnar is a hill resort in the Western Ghats famous for its vast tea plantations, valleys amidst thick clouds, and pleasant climate. The landscape is breathtaking with the rolling hills planted with tea. Places to be visited include Eravikulam National Park which houses the rare Nilgiri Tahr, Anamudi Peak which is the highest point in South India as well as the Mattupetty Dam. Trekkers, adventurers, and children can enjoy playing in the tea estates and the tea museums when they are put on exhibitions in Munnar.
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alappuzha also known as the ‘Venice of the East’ is a city with a backdrop of some placid backwater. No Kerala trip would be complete without enjoying a houseboat float through the backwaters on the way to Alappuzha which is surrounded by coconut trees, farmland, and small houses. Visit here during the annual Godéros Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race held in the Punnamada Lake.
Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi or Cochin, is a harbor and modern city steeped in history. A fair number of hotels are available in the area of Fort Kochi, which is distinguishable by the colonies’ mariner’s architecture, Chinese trammels, and active studios. Don’t forget to visit the Jewish Synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and the gorgeous St. Francis Church. The city so is famous for its spice markets and for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, an international exhibition of contemporary art held every two years.
Wayanad
Wayanad is a valley that is located on the border of the Western Ghats and is filled with forests, waterfalls, and animals. Some of the famous tourist destinations include the Edakkal Caves with prehistoric carvings and the calm Pookode Lake. The highest point of mountains in Wayanad, Chembra Peak, provides a trek with great
views. A nature enthusiast will enjoy the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is inhabited by a line of elephants, tigers, and many birds.
Thekkady
Thekkady has the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary inside its borders. It is a stunning wildlife sanctuary and one of India’s largest. Tourists are likely to have a wonderful sight of the dams-made lake where people can watch elephants, tigers, and other animals on board during the boating activity. Reputed spice farms located here deserve to be visited as well. One can find out where Kerala’s much sought-after spices grow, like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Varkala
Varkala is a small town along the coast with exquisitely beautiful beaches on the edge of cliffs and a certain domineering calmness. There is Papanasam beach which is well known for its color red cliffs that flow endlessly into the Arabian sea. The Janardhana Swamy Temple is an ancient temple that has been around for 2000 years and is visited by devotees and tourists. Varkala is famous for its yoga centers Ayurvedic resorts and tropical beach cafes.
Kumarakom
Backwater tourism is one of the key attractions in Kumarakom, situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake. It is popular for its bird sanctuary and attracts many bird watchers from several countries. There is nothing more relaxing than a cruise in a houseboat in the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom.
Kovalam
Kovalam is the most adored beach town of Kerela due to its crescent-shaped beaches. Out of all the available beaches, Lighthouse Beach is the most famous for the beach goers with an excellent view of the beach shore from the top of its tower. This place is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and even undergoing Ayurvedic treatments. It is a nice area where picture-perfect sunsets in the Arabian Sea can be enjoyed.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Often dubbed as the ‘Niagra of India’, the Athirappilly Waterfalls is the largest waterfall in the state of Kerala. The Thrissur district where the waterfall is situated is greatly assuaged with green shrubs and bushes with lovely landscapes good for recreation like eating and taking pictures. Even the Vazhachal Water Falls are
complimentary to the aura of the area hence, it is a great place for loved ones of nature.
Vagamon
A scenic hill station Vagamon is surrounded by grass-covered hills, pine trees, and hilly regions filled with fog. It is a trekker’s and adventure enthusiasts’ paradise as one can try activities like paragliding or rock climbing among other adventures. Vagamon Meadows, Thangalpara, and Pine Hill are some other sights that you should visit as you will appreciate the green scenery.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Thiruvananthapuram the capital of the state of Kerala is famous for the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the richest temple in the country, and a Dravidian style architecture. Other notable attractions include the Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Palace, and Kovalam Beach which is more popular.
Bekal
Bekal is notable for the equally popular Bekal Fort which happens to be the most prominent seaside fort in India overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort keyhole shape seats the occupants with a mast at the center with an endless view of the coast all around. A picturesque stretch of land is the Bekal Beach which is ideal for a stroll along the quiet waters of the shore. Owing to Palmora beach in Bekal also, became a popular destination for couples on holiday.
Guruvayur
Among the various places in Kerala for tourism purposes, Guruvayur holds a special place as a pilgrim center and has the famous temple of Guruvayurappan which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Every single day the temple is inundated with devotees and is famous for its rituals and cultural shows. Further Kujiram and Punnathur Kotta, are home to temple elephants and striking places.
Kanaar
Rawanya is a maritime settlement that has a splendid past and various blending communities, especially how Theyyam is an earlier performing art form. The attractions range from Kannur Fort, Payyambalam Beach, to St. Angelo’s Fort. The town gives an insight into the handloom industry of the state of Kerala in its traditional manner.
Thrissur
Thrissur is a city that is also known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Kerala’ owing to various festival celebrations that prevail there. The festival offers decorated elephants, drum performances, and fireworks all make Thrissur couram festival all the more. The city also offers old Historical Sites and Contemporary art monuments as well as galleries, these include the Kerala Kalamandalam which is one performing arts institution.
Palakkad
Palakkad is a border city of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and it is famous for its Greenery and Vishu. The Palakkad Fort built by Hyder Ali was an impregnable stronghold of British rule. One of the attractions of Silent Valley National Park is the impressive diversity of flora and fauna and the different activities are great for people who love nature.
Malappuram
Malappuram is a town rich in history and culture. The area around the town is famous for landscaping with peaceful backwaters, hilly terrain, and Kottakkunnu Park. Visitors can also enjoy the delicate flavors of the traditional Moplah dishes, which makes it an attractive place for the foodies.
Poovar
Poovar is a quiet and picturesque village at the southern end of Kerala. It is best known for the estuary of the Neyyar River with the Arabian Sea. Poovar Beach is suitable for leisure time as well as to enjoy the scenic beauty. Staying at the floating cottages and cruising through misty backwaters is a rare experience offering soothing tranquility.
Kollam
Kollam or Quilon is another backwater spot that is nice to visit. Ashtamudi Lake, Thangassery Lighthouse, and old Mahatma Gandhi Beach are some of the places that catch the eyes of every visitor. The beauty of Kollam is accentuated by cocoa cultivation well known for cashew nut trees.
Nelliampathy
Nelliampathy is a lesser-known hill station in Kerala blessed with evergreen forests and coffee gardens. It is ideal for visitors who wish to get away from crowded places and enjoy lesser-known areas. Well, the beauty of the Nelliampathy hills is the sand
slopes combined with steeped hills a little drive on the hairpin bends of the Western Ghats is a story of its own. It’s a perfect place for all nature admirers and trekkers.
Kerala has an abundance of different landscapes and a variety of cultures. No matter who you are and what your interests are, if you come to Kerala, you will stay upright, be it nature lovers, adventure freaks, or spiritual souls. A journey through these twenty destinations will no doubt end with lovely memories in God’s own country.