If you are seeking tranquillity and serenity, and wondering where to go for such a whole new experience? Well here’s an answer to the question, head to God’s own country, Kerala. Here is a list of the top 12 places to visit in Kerala.
12 Places To Visit In Kerala
1. Kozhikode
Erstwhile known as Calicut, Kozhikode is an exquisite city along the Malabar coast of Kerala. It is known to hold the centuries-old colonial rich heritage which way back to the discovery of trade routes for Europeans by Vasco De Gama in the late 15th century. It served as a trading port.
The city was declared India’s first UNESCO “City of Literature” which adds more to the city’s cultural heritage. You can also experience exciting water-based sports and activities at Beypore Beach, which recently hosted Beypore International Water Fest.
2. Munnar
Munnar is one of the most famous places to visit in Kerala. It is located where three mountain hills Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala merge. A hill station that is 1600 meters above sea level in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is famous for its picturesque landscape amidst the lush greenery that holds the legacy of tea plantations in India.
Munnar is also near the Eravikulam National Park, famous for the endangered species of Nilgiri tahr. The highest peak in South India, Anaimudi with a height of over 2700 meters is located in the middle of the Eravikulam Park. Surely, Munnar is a tryst for the Green Panthers.
3. Wayanad
If you are a history freak then located in the Western Ghat, Wayanad is the perfect place for you. Wayanad has a powerful history of human life dating back to the 10th B.C. or New Stone Age. The pieces of evidence can be seen in the caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictorial writings and wall paintings that will amaze you.
Pembra Park which is known for its trek trails and adventure tourism, Phantom Rock best place for nature lovers, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, Banasura Dam which is India’s largest Earthen Dam, and Eddakal Caves for its breathtaking beauty are among the other tourist places.
4. Kochi
Kochi aka Queen of Arabian Sea is situated in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is also called the Industrial and Commercial capital of Kerala. Kochi is renounced for its nature’s bounty. It is endowed with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and also tells the tales of the colonial past.
The waves entangling the shore of Fort Kochi Beach are a treat to your eyes. Here you can visit St. Francis Church, one of the oldest churches in India, which was built in 1503 by the Portuguese. This church is an excellent example of the perplexity of European architects in India. You can also witness the legacy of trading connections between India and China at the Chinese Fishing Net center, during your visit to Kochi.
5. Alappuzha
Visit Alappuzha will fascinate you with the scenic beauty and does not need to require extra effort for attention. A heritage city by the palm-fringed backwaters, Alappuzha is known as the Venice of the East. Alappuzha is world famous for its Nehru Trophy Boat Race on the backwater of Punnamada Lake near Alappuzha. It is held on the second Saturday of August annually. The main attraction of the Boat Race is the Chundan (snake boat) that you have seen in many movies.
Alappuzha town too has an irresistible old-world charm with its colonial factories, warehouses, and coir retting firms. The singularity of this land however is the region called Kuttanad – a land of lush paddy fields referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level.
6. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a small village located in the Kottayam district of Kerala. It is a wonderland comprising many small islands in the backwaters. It is famous for its houseboat cruises and migratory birds. Take a canoe ride through the Vembanad Lake, one of the largest lakes in the country, to witness the brilliant shimmer and appreciate the backwaters in close quarters.
7. Ayyampara Hill
It is one of the most famous places to visit in Kerala. Legend claim that it was in the Ayyampara Hill that the Pandavas, the five brothers from the epic story of Mahabharata, hid during their years of exile.
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8. Varkala
A hidden paradise where beach therapy meets Ayurveda therapy, just as the sea meets its mighty red laterite cliffs. Varkala is a coastal city in Thiruvananthapuram district. The Varkala Beach or Papanasam Beach’s prime attraction is the crystal clear water, which is surely a haven for sunbathing and swimming. Here you can enjoy water-based activities such as scuba diving, banana boats, paragliding, and jet skiing. Ayurvedic treatments offered in Ayurvedic resorts are always on the bucket list of visitors.
Varkala is a popular tourist destination in India known for its ancient Janardana Swami Temple. This temple, which is over 2,000 years ancient, is a significant shrine for Vaishnavaite devotees and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi or “Benares of the South.” The temple is located near the Papanasam beach, which is renowned for its holy water.
9. Kovalam
20 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram, is the beautiful coastal city of Kovalam. It is Internationally renounced for its pristine beaches and is one of the popular places to visit in Kerala. The leisure options at this beach are plenty and diverse. Sunbathing, naturopathy, swimming, herbal body toning massages, ayurvedic treatments, special cultural programs, and catamaran cruising are some of them on the magnificent beaches.
10. Light House
(15 km from Thiruvananthapuram) Amaze your way up to the rim of the lighthouse to witness the season’s sky and its mood swings. With the sea fretting beneath you and the breeze threatening to drag you away to the crescent shoreline surged in silver sand, you will glimpse the panoramic view of the surroundings.
11. Vagamon
Situated 64 kilometres from Kottayam, Vagamon is an offbeat hill station with pleasant weather, a stretched tea plantation, and a pine forest. Amidst waterfalls and lush greenery, Vagamon is undoubtedly a trekker paradise. There are many adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding, etc. In March-April, the International Paragliding Festival is also held here.
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12. Thekkady
Buzz along with the winged friends from distant lands. Take your senses for a treat in any of the spice shops in the town. Explore Thekkady on your chords. Beloved by sightseers and backpackers alike, Thekkady has something treasured for every traveller. Thekkady is part of the Periyar National Park, a protected Elephant and Tiger Reserve in Kerala. Named after Kerala’s longest river, the Periyar Park houses many endangered species including the Bengal Tiger.
Boating in the Thekkady lake is one activity that should be noticed. Drifting leisurely in the tranquil blue waters along the alluring wilderness is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. A trip to Thekkady is never complete without the Spice plantation visit. Explore the variety of spice cultivations with a guided tour. You can also get handcrafted souvenirs and high-quality spices from the local market
Few Final Words
Spend time by the sea, or up in the hills, safari through jungles, or soak in the serenity of the backwater whatever your heart desires, you’ll find it in Kerala. Visit Kerala for an incredible and lifetime experience and make sure to cover these 12 places to visit in Kerala.
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