10 Must See Places in Kerala
Kerala, or "God's Own Country," is an Indian southern state with rolling landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and an exquisitely elaborate cultural history. This is a place that is perfect for travellers, with picturesque backwaters, tea-growing gardens, and vibrant festivals. If you are planning for a tour of this beautiful state, have a look below at the top ten most-visited destinations that exhibit the best of Kerala regarding Nature, Culture, and Adventure:
1. Munnar: Hill Station in Pictures
Munnar is a beautiful hill station part of the Western Ghats, predominantly known for its broad tea plantations, favourable climatic conditions, and wonderful topography.
Things to Do in Munnar:
Tea Gardens: Enter the lush tea estates and understand how tea is produced. The Tea Museum on display shows the history of tea cultivation in the region.
Eravikulam National Park: It is a home for one of the most endangered species, the Nilgiri Tahr. It offers a breathtaking view of rolling hills and valleys.
Top Station: It provides a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys; hence, it is a wonderful site for photography.
Visiting Tips of Munnar:
The best time of touring: September to March for congenial weather.
How to Reach: Cochin would be the nearest airport, which is around 110 km away; and the nearest railway station would be Aluva, around 108 km from Munnar.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha): The Paradise of Backwater
Popularly known as the "Venice of the East", Alleppey is famous for its interconnected backwaters with canals, houseboat cruises, and landscape beauty.
Things to Do in Alleppey
Houseboat Ride: Experience the serenity of Kerala backwaters through a ride on a houseboat, through green environs. Gain an insight into local life with local cuisine.
Alappuzha Beach: Lose yourself in the soft sandy shores, visit the ancient lighthouse, and catch a beautiful sunset.
Nehru Trophy Boat Race: If you ever happen to come here in August, then do not forget to attend the prestigious boat race—another major happening event in the area.
How to Reach Alleppey:
Visit ideally from: September to March.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin, about 75 kilometres from Alleppey; well connected by train and road.
3. Kumarakom: By the Backwater Lake Serenity
Kumarakom is one of those beautiful places in Kerala known for its backwater experience.
Take simple cruises and enjoy the mesmerising view of backwater with a canoe ride or cruise in a houseboat.
Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Enriched with migratory birds, this sanctuary provides ample opportunities for bird-watching. Have a great time at the luxury resorts lining the backwaters: relish their amenities of Ayurvedic treatments and spa services.
Tips to visit Kumarakom:
Best time to visit: November to February, in the cooler and pleasant climate.
How to reach: Kumarakom is situated 16 km away from Kottayam, which hosts the closest railway station and is well-connected by road.
4. Kochi (Cochin): The Cultural Hub
The bustling city of Kochi, steeped in history, mingles a colonial past with modernity. It is a melting pot of cultures, with shades of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial periods.
Things to Do in Kochi:
Take a visit to Fort Kochi: Spend some time exploring the history-filled lanes of Fort Kochi, and explore the Dutch Palace, St. Francis Church, and the world-renown Chinese fishing nets.
Visit the Jewish Synagogue: It is this ancient synagogue located in the Jew Town area, finely embellished with Chinese tiles, and boasts of an impressive collection of antique artefacts.
Enjoy the many Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances in local theatres, representing ancient dance and martial arts, respectively.
Some useful information which may further assist one in visiting Kochi
Best Time to Visit: The best time considered for visiting Kochi is from October to March for cooler weather.
How to Reach Kochi: Easy accessibility, an international airport as well as a major railway station are available in Kochi hence it is well connected by air and rail.
5. Wayanad: The Hidden Gem
Wayanad is one of the most beautiful ghat areas in the Western Ghats, comprising aesthetic landscapes, waterfalls, and sanctuaries.
Things to Do in Wayanad
Visit Edakkal Caves: Enter into these ancient caves with rock engravings that have been dated back to the Stone Age.
Explore Pookode Lake: Go boating amidst the serenity of this freshwater lake surrounded by lush forests.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Embark on a wild safari to explore animals such as elephants, tigers, and deer along with a diversity in its natural habitat.
Tips for Visiting Wayanad:
Best Time to Visit: September to March when it offers pleasant weather.
How to Get There: The nearest airport is located in Calicut, at a distance of about 90 km, whereas the closest railway station is in Kozhikode.
6. Varkala: The Cliffside Haven
It is renowned for its beautiful cliff-side beaches and natural beauty. This is a great place to relax, enjoy the beach, and local culture.
Things to do in Varkala
Relax at Varkala Beach: Enjoy its sand shores, dramatic cliffs, and take in the dramatic views of the Arabian Sea.
Janardhana Swamy Temple: An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and located near the beach.
Pamper yourself with a dip in the sacred Papanasam Beach, which they say washes away sins.
Visiting Tips for Varkala:
Best Season to Visit: Comfortable weather prevails between September and March.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram and is 50 km
away. One can reach Varkala easily via roadways and railways also.
7. Thekkady : Spice Garden
The most sought-after Spice plantations, wild-life sanctuary, and scenic landscapes-one would never leave this spot- Thekkady.
What to do in Thekkady:
Visit Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Visit this wildlife sanctuary by forests or water and see elephants, tigers, along with a myriad of birds.
Spice Plantations: Some of the spice estates dot this region. Tour the spice estates to get the idea of cardamom, pepper, and other kinds of spices.
Bamboo Rafting: Take up bamboo rafting at Periyar Lake for an unforgettable experience amidst blooming nature.
Tips for Travelling to Thekkady:
Best Time to Visit: Pleasant weather from September through March.
How to reach: The nearest airport is at Madurai, which is about 140 km away. And Thekkady is well connected by road from major cities in Kerala.
8. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum): The Capital City
Thiruvananthapuram has the status of being the capital city of Kerala, a beautiful combination of historical structures, cultural places, and beaches.
Things to do in Thiruvananthapuram:
Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is one of the major temples in India and was built for Lord Vishnu. The architecture and history behind this temple are marvellous. Kovalam Beach is the place where one will find golden sand and crystal-clear water, and is basically used for sunbathing and water sports. Napier Museum has ancient collections of sculpture, coins, and paintings.
Tips for Visiting Thiruvananthapuram:
Best Time to Visit: During the months of October to March, the weather remains cool.
How to Reach There The place is easily accessible as it has an international airport and a major railway station.
9. Bekal: The Beauty Of The Coast
Bekal is in northern Kerala, popular for its virgin beaches.
The beauty of this area also encompasses ancient forts and tranquil backwaters.
What to do in Bekal
Bekal Fort: This fort from the 17th century is built with an imposing structure and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Unwind at Bekal Beach: Spend some nice and peaceful time here by the beautiful coastline; this place is just apt for a leisurely getaway.
Visit Bekal Hole Aqua Park: Experience the fun of a water park with VR rides and different kinds of rides and many more forms of entertainment.
Tips for Travelling to Bekal:
Optimal Time to Visit: October–March for the best weather conditions
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Mangalore, located at a distance of approximately 60 km, and Bekal is connected by road.
10. Palakkad: The Gateway to Kerala
Palakkad, lying along the border of Tamil Nadu, is a land of scenic beauty, historic significance, and cultural importance.
Things to Do in Palakkad:
Visit the Palakkad Fort: This historic fort, presented by Hyder Ali in the 18th century, holds ancient architecture with a lush surrounding garden.
Silent Valley National Park: Visit this national park to explore its biodiversity and house a number of wildlife species, enjoying dense forests.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Enjoy the beauty of a tiger reserve by taking up a wildlife safari drive in this home to tigers and elephants among other exotic animals.
Palakkad Travel Tips:
Best time to visit Palakkad: September to March for good weather.
How to Reach: The closest airport is Coimbatore, approximately 55 km away from Palakkad. By road and rail, it has very good connectivity.
Conclusion
Each place in Kerala, be it the serene backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, the misty tea plantations of Munnar, or the historical monuments of Thiruvananthapuram, presents something different. From adventure and relaxation, a deep experience of the culture-all the way to lifetime experiences and a greater regard for this land of beauty and enchantment-end.
