Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is a stunning state located on the southwestern coast of India. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Kerala has something to offer every traveller. Known for its backwaters, lush greenery, and unique culture, Kerala is a paradise for travellers. Here are 10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala:
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey, sometimes formally known as Alappuzha, is a charming seaside town in Kerala that is frequently referred to as the “Venice of the East” because of its vast canal system, lagoon system, and backwaters. It is a well-liked resort for people looking for a tranquil getaway amidst breathtaking scenery, nestled beside the Arabian Sea. Alleppey is well-known for its classic houseboat cruises, providing guests with a unique chance to float across the serene backwaters while passing picturesque towns, vivid paddy fields, and verdant surroundings.
The town is also well-known for drawing visitors worldwide to its yearly Nehru Trophy Boat Race, which takes place in August. Past the backwaters, Alleppey boasts immaculate beaches like Marari Beach, where guests may unwind and take in the soft waves and golden sands. The town’s thriving coir sector, which turns raw materials into sustainable goods, is another testament to its rich cultural past.
With its historic churches and temples, Alleppey is a destination of spiritual significance in addition to its natural beauty. Alleppey provides a unique experience for all types of visitors, whether their goals are to discover its rich cultural heritage, relax on a houseboat, or take in a sunset by the beach.
Munnar
Perched at an elevation of 1,600 meters in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a charming hill station in Kerala. With its undulating hills, verdant green tea plantations, and balmy atmosphere, Munnar is a paradise for both nature lovers and thrill seekers. Spreading tea gardens, mist-clad mountains, and thick forests characterize the town’s distinctive landscape, which makes it the ideal getaway from the bustle of the big city.
Munnar is also home to a number of magnificent vistas, like the Top Station, which provides expansive views of the far-off mountains and neighboring valleys. The adjacent Eravikulam National Park is well-known for housing the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr and for its unusual Neelakurinji flower bloom, which turns the hills blue once every twelve years.
Trekking, paragliding, and exploring the highest peak in South India, Anamudi Peak, are available activities for adventure lovers. The Attukal Waterfalls, Kundala Lake, and Mattupetty Dam enhance the allure of this tranquil location. Travelers can have an amazing time in Munnar, whether they’re looking for exciting outdoor activities or a relaxing getaway in the middle of nature.
Kumarakom
Situated on the shores of Vembanad Lake in Kerala, Kumarakom is a tranquil village renowned for its rich biodiversity and picturesque backwaters. It is a well-liked location for leisure and ecotourism since it provides a peaceful getaway into the great outdoors. Paddy fields, coconut palms, and lush vegetation surround the terrain, giving it a tranquil feel. A popular destination, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to a wide range of indigenous and migratory species, such as kingfishers, herons, and egrets.
Highlights include houseboat cruises around the backwaters, which provide a distinctive opportunity to take in the breathtaking scenery of the region. When floating over the serene waters, guests can savor the fresh seafood that is a specialty of Keralan cuisine. Kumarakom is renowned for its Ayurvedic wellness centers, which offer restorative therapies derived from age-old customs.
The town serves as a starting point for exploring Kerala’s rich cultural legacy, with neighboring temples and festivals providing an insight into local customs. Kumarakom blends natural beauty, cultural diversity, and leisure, making it a must-visit location in South India for anybody looking for a tranquil getaway. It’s perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers.
Thekkady
Thekkady, tucked away in Kerala’s Idukki district, is a wildlife and nature enthusiast’s paradise. Thekkady is well-known for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best tiger reserves in India. It provides visitors with a unique chance to see animals in their native environment. Elephants, tigers, bison, and several bird species call the refuge home. Boating on the tranquil Periyar Lake is a must-do activity since it provides a special vantage point to see wildlife.
Trekkers and adventure enthusiasts will also find paradise in Thekkady. The region’s rich flora and animals are introduced to guests on guided nature walks, and the region’s lush slopes, dense forests, and spice plantations provide for ideal trekking paths. For those who are interested in Kerala’s well-known spices, visiting the spice gardens is a lovely experience, especially for cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon.
Thekkady offers a glimpse of Kerala’s cultural legacy through ancient art forms like Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, which are displayed at local theaters, in addition to its natural beauty. Thekkady is a place that captures the hearts of all travelers with its cool climate, picturesque scenery, and abundant animals.
Wayanad
Nestled in Kerala’s verdant Western Ghats, Wayanad is a calm location renowned for its rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. This district, which is elevated between 700 and 2100 meters, is well-known for its mist-covered hills, expansive plantations of tea and coffee, and lush forests that serve as a haven for unique animals. Trekkers and environment lovers find Wayanad to be a refuge due to its temperate climate and pristine surroundings.
Numerous tourist destinations can be found in the area, including the breathtaking Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls and the historic petroglyphs seen in the Edakkal Caves. In the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors can witness tigers, leopards, and elephants living in freedom. Pookode Lake is a lovely freshwater lake that is encircled by lush woodlands and provides a tranquil haven.
Apart from its breathtaking scenery, Wayanad is also a cultural hotspot, with historical landmarks like the Wayanad Heritage Museum and native tribal groups providing insights into the area’s past. Offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding valleys, the Chembra Peak walk is a must-try for adventure seekers. Wayanad is the ideal location for a restorative vacation because of its unique combination of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural diversity.
Kochi (Cochin)
In the state of Kerala, on India’s southwest coast, lies the bustling port city of Kochi, sometimes referred to as Cochin. For ages, it has served as a major hub for trade, drawing explorers and traders from all over the world, resulting in a diverse fusion of cultures. Kochi, dubbed the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is distinguished by a distinctive blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences that may be seen in its customs, architecture, and food.
The city is well-known for its historic Fort Kochi neighborhood, where you may see colonial structures, historic churches including St. Francis Church, and the recognizable Chinese fishing nets.
While the colorful Paradesi Synagogue and Jew Town provide insights into Kochi’s Jewish past, Mattancherry Palace, sometimes referred to as the Dutch Palace, displays Kerala’s royal past with elaborate murals and exhibits.
Kerala’s beautiful flora and tranquil backwaters are also accessible from Kochi, which strikes a balance between the natural beauty and the bustle of the city. The vibrant cafes, art galleries, and spice markets give the city’s traditional charm a modern twist. Whether you’re looking for culture, history, or a tranquil getaway, Kochi offers a unique experience that skillfully combines old and new.
Varkala
Kerala’s tranquil seaside town of Varkala is well known for its unusual fusion of scenic beauty, deep spiritual significance, and laid-back vibe. Travelers seeking serenity and rejuvenation will find sanctuary at Varkala’s beach, which is perched on the brink of beautiful cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea and offers breathtaking sunsets. Famous Papanasam Beach is a favorite pilgrim destination because it is thought to have sacred waters that wash away sins.
Beyond its serene coastline, Varkala is the site of the venerable Janardana Swami Temple, a 2,000-year-old shrine to Lord Vishnu that attracts pious people from all across India. For individuals looking to find inner harmony, the town’s eclectic mix of yoga retreats, Ayurvedic clinics, and environmentally conscious cafes fosters a holistic wellness culture.
While nature lovers can explore the picturesque Kappil Lake or take boat trips through the mangroves, adventure seekers can partake in water activities like surfing and paragliding. Widely appealing to vacationers, Varkala’s laid-back charm, breathtaking scenery, and spiritual allure make it a must-visit location in Kerala. Varkala provides a remarkable seaside getaway, whether you’re looking for adventure, leisure, or spiritual fulfillment.
Bekal
Bekal is a sleepy town in Kerala’s north that is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and calm atmosphere. The magnificent Bekal Fort, one of Kerala’s biggest and best-preserved forts, is the focal point of the town. The fort, which is perched on a rock overlooking the Arabian Sea, is a must-visit location for both history buffs and nature lovers. It offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and neighboring regions.
Bekal’s immaculate beaches, including Kappil Beach and Bekal Beach, offer the perfect environment for unwinding and leisurely strolls. It is an ideal refuge for anyone looking to escape the busy cities because of its charming backwaters and verdant environs. In the gorgeous surrounds, adventure seekers can also partake in sports like cycling, trekking, and boating.
Bekal is renowned for its cultural legacy, which includes temples, ancient art forms, and colorful festivals that showcase the region’s diverse cultural fabric, in addition to its natural beauty. Bekal is a hidden gem in Kerala’s tourism scene because it provides a unique combination of history, outdoor experiences, and calm.
Athirapally Waterfalls
Tucked away in Kerala’s verdant Sholayar forest range, Athirapally Waterfalls is known as the “Niagara of India” because of its impressive 80-foot plunge and wide cascade. It is the biggest waterfall in Kerala and a popular destination for both nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. It is located on the Chalakudy River.
The Great Hornbill and other endangered species can be found at the falls, which are surrounded by dense forest cover. In addition to the natural beauty, the neighboring Vazhachal Waterfalls provide the ideal escape for guests looking to de-stress in the middle of the outdoors.
Athirapally is a great place for hiking and bird watching in addition to being a visual feast. The greatest time to go is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular and in full flow. Film aficionados may recognize the waterfall because it appears in numerous Indian films, such as the well-known Bahubali.
Athirapally is a must-see location that is conveniently close to Kochi (approximately 70 km away), offering guests a revitalizing getaway into nature’s abundance and captivating them with its pristine, unadulterated beauty.
Poovar
Poovar, a serene coastal village located near Trivandrum in Kerala, offers a perfect blend of beach, backwaters, and lush greenery. Nestled between the Neyyar River and the Arabian Sea, Poovar is an idyllic escape for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil getaway. The golden sands of Poovar Beach, accessible only by boat, make it a peaceful, uncrowded spot to relax and enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
During boat trips in the Poovar backwaters, you may observe unique species and get a taste of the local fishing culture, all while being surrounded by mangroves and coconut palms. Poovar is charming because of its floating villas and resorts, which provide distinctive lodging amid breathtaking scenery.
King Solomon’s day saw Poovar, a city rich in culture and history, emerge as a significant commerce hub. Now, it’s a tranquil haven far from the bustle of the city, providing guests with the ideal fusion of leisure, exploration, and cultural immersion. Poovar offers a tranquil getaway into nature’s embrace, whether you choose to explore the beautiful backwaters or just relax by the beach.
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