Home to the ancient healing system of Ayurveda, visiting Kerala can be a wonderful way to rejuvenate you and cleanse your body, mind and soul. This incredible South Indian state is also home to vibrant energetic dance forms, sparkling backwaters, spectacular beaches, aromatic spices, amazing wildlife, scrumptious and flavorsome food, gorgeous rivers and rich history. A scenic destination in India, Kerala certainly makes the country proud. Both natives and travelers find this place a heaven on earth that truly gives them so many everlasting memories.
Why Kerala
Kerala is a favorite vacation destination for many holidaymakers and honeymoon couples for many reasons. This southernmost Indian state is blessed with surreal backwaters, long coastlines, immaculate beaches, exciting boat races, great art and architecture, a wide range of lively dance forms, exotic wildlife, revitalizing Ayurveda treatments, several aromatic spices, astonishing honeymoon destinations and multi-course flavorsome meal.
Kerala is popularly known as the ‘Gods Own Country’ which has some of the most popular tourist destinations in the country suitable for any kind of holiday. It is a beautiful land of backwaters, coconuts, plenty of elephants and rich culture and traditions. This state is among the most sought after holiday destinations for a lot of travelers from across the globe. It is interesting to know that Lonely Planet recommended Kerala Tourism as one of the must-visit family vacation destinations in the world.
From the superb hillside tea gardens in Munnar to the stunning backwater pathways of Kumarakom and Alleppey, the rich green nature, points of interest and people and their lifestyle draws plenty of tourists from different parts of world to Kerala. Here is a selection of some of the must-visit places in this state recommended by the holiday experts of Kochi Taxi.
With amazing views of the beautiful mountain slopes covered with extensive green tea plantations and misty valleys, Munnar is the most sought hill station in South India. The cool pleasant climate, plenty of awe-inspiring tourist attractions and great accommodation options make it a preferred tourist spot for many honeymoon couples and holidaymakers. Munnar was the summer home of many English settlers because of its suitable climate. They found that the alignment of hills, its slope and elevation are suitable for the farming of tea. The fantastic hiking routes and several gorgeous waterfalls also make it ideal for those seeking a little adventure. The old world colonial feel of this hill station is another attraction of this magnificent hill station.
Alleppey Backwaters
The backwaters of Alleppey are another must-visit tourist spot in Kerala because travelers do not get the experience of houseboat cruising through the sparkling backwaters anywhere else in the world. A houseboat vacation through the backwaters provides the opportunity for the travelers to enjoy plenty of landscape attractions such as rich green paddy fields, below the water levels, water lilies and duck in the water, small chapels and locals who practice fishing with netting. Fondly called as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey offers several tourist attractions in addition to houseboat cruising. Some of the popular places to visit in this place include the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple, Pathiramanal, Arthunkal Church and Alappuzha Beach.
Visiting the sleepy hamlet of Kumarakom is a dream of each holidaymaker who looks for a unique travel experience in Kerala. Situated near the Vembanad Lake, this tourist destination is blessed with beautiful nature and rare flora and fauna. It is an ideal place for people who wish to stay in a small village for enjoying sipping tender coconut water, experience the fresh air, cruise through the sparkling backwaters and taste authentic Kerala food. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a great attraction of this destination. Spread across more than 14 acres of area, this picnic spot houses varieties of local and migratory birds. A backwater cruising in a houseboat in Kumarakom gives you the breathtaking experience of watching the nature’s beauty and plenty of unique bird species.
A boat trip in the Thekkady Lake is probably the best way to enjoy the wildlife in Kerala in close quarters. Elephants are a common sight for the visitors to this tourist place. The renowned Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in this hill station preserves different species of animals such as elephants, tigers, the rare lion-tailed macaques, gaurs and sambars. Located on the scenic banks of Periyar, Thekkady fascinates tourists with its panoramic nature and rare wildlife. It has all kinds of wildlife from the mighty Indian elephant to the wonderful Indian tiger to bisons, deers and leopards.
Plan a trip to Wayanad in order to get an idea about the greener side of Kerala. Enriched with scenic nature, this tourist spot is calm and quiet and rich in tradition and wildlife. Once you visit, you will realize that Wayanad is a combination of heaven and nature and one of the best places to choose to spend during summer. This place is also famous for its agricultural abundance and rich tribal heritage. Even if this district is least populated, it is renowned for its scenic landscape and exoticness. There are many beautiful locations to explore in Wayanad such as Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Lakkidi, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sentinel Rockfalls, Tusharagiri Waterfalls and Kalpetta. This tourist place also offers excellent activities like trekking and mountain biking.
Fast and modern, Kochi is not only a great tourist destination in Kerala but also an excellent starting point for many of the tour packages in this state. This vibrant city is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and a great place to enjoy backwater cruising and shopping. The Fort Kochi area is a must-visit part of Kochi which is a mix of British, Dutch and Portuguese cultures. Located nearly 8 kilometers away from the Ernakulam town, this region has several charming imprints of the foreign heritage. Often referred as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Kochi is one of the best natural harbors in the world. Some of the famous tourist attractions of Kochi include Chinese Fishing Nets, Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry Palace and Dutch Cemetery.
Famous for its immaculate beaches, Kovalam is one of the most popular beach destinations in India. With three superb beaches, travelers can unwind and relax during their trip to Kovalam. It is a favorite spot for many foreigners because this destination offers everything for a relaxed vacation. In addition to relax in the sun, this destination also offers great opportunities for Ayuvedic treatments and deep strong massages. A great feature of this beach destination is its close proximity to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. It is only 16 kilometers away from this beach and convenient for travelers to explore this traditionally rich city.
The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a right blend of city life and serenity. This historically rich city has a lot of stories to tell and many points of interest. It owes to the elegant Padmanabha Swamy Temple for its name, charm and fame. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple with a mix of Kerala and Dravidian architectural style is located in the heart of the city. Since it has many mural paintings and ancient stone carvings, it is a favorite place for many art lovers. There are several breathtaking tourist spots to explore in this city such as Napier Museum, Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, Kovalam, Ponmudi and Veli Tourist Village.
With high cliffs and beautiful seaside, visiting the beach destination of Varkala can be a memorable experience. The high cliffs and natural charm of this destination entice many travelers from across the globe. Besides, this destination is well-known for many interesting activities like surfing, boat riding and bathing. Varkala is also famous for great Ayurvedic resorts and spas. This beach is relatively less crowded compared to the nearest Kovalam Beach. It features everything required for travelers such as long seaside attractions, fresh air, amazing resorts and fantastic spas for Ayurvedic massages and treatments. With some popular temples like Sree Janardhana Swamy Temple and Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala is also a renowned pilgrim center in Kerala.
Located only 2 kilometers away from the backwater destination of Alappuzha, Marari is a must-visit destination in Kerala. One of the great attractions of Marari is that travelers can combine a beach stay and backwater cruise during their trip to this fascinating tourist spot. Even if it has long stretches of white sandy beach bordered by sleepy fishing villages and palm trees, it is not crowded like the Kovalam and Varkala beaches. It shall be amazing to watch boats lined throughout the coastline and fishermen going to the sea in dawn to catch their daily fish. This tourist destination also has some of the best beach resorts in the state.
Vagamon is an enchanting hill station located across the Kottayam-Idukki border drawing visitors with the rhythm of nature in wild. It among the offbeat destinations in the state blessed with tea plantations, valleys, meadows and gardens. The fresh air, beautifully maintained lawns and majestic hills make it a promising holiday retreat of Kerala. Vagamon is also famous for religious harmony. With Kurisumala, Murugan Hill and Thangal Hill, it is a place where people of different religions live in harmony.
A favorite of many movie makers, Bekal is a beautiful tourist destination of Kerala located in the Kasargod district. The beauty of the Bekal fort is enhanced with the presence of the lovely Arabian Sea. It is one of the largest and best preserved forts in the country. The cool breeze and the green view from the fort give amazing experience for travelers. The nearest Anjaneya temple is also a great attraction of Bekal.
Nelliampathy
Nelliampathy is a scenic hill station in Palakkad with evergreen jungles, misty mountains, awesome valleys and extensive plantations of tea, cardamom, lemon and java. Plan a trip to this hill station during monsoon so that you can easily watch peacocks in dance. The serene and panoramic environment and beautiful nature make this destination a must-visit tourist attraction in Kerala. Nelliampathy also has several hiking paths and offers amazing adventure opportunities.
Kozhikode
Famous for outstanding cultural, historical, culinary and educational excellence, Kozhikode is among the most active commercial cities in the state. This destination used to be an important trading center for centuries. The famous explorer Vasco Da Gama reached here first in search of spices. Also known as Calicut, Kozhikode is famous for authentic Malabar cuisine. Kalummakaya, Dum Biriyani and Chatti pathiri are some of the mouth-watering dishes available in this city.
Malampuzha
Malampuzha is the second longest river in Kerala after Bharathapuzha and the place is famous for greenery and panoramic view. It is not only renowned for natural beauty but also for several man-made amusements. This enchanting township is located nearly 10 kilometers away from Palakkad town and the beauty of this place is spread over different small areas.
Thrissur is famous for its religious, spiritual and cultural abundance and known as the cultural capital of Kerala. The high sales of gold in every year make this city symbolized as the ‘Golden capital of Kerala’. Thrissur has the credit of doing well in business consistently over years. The spectacular Thrissur Pooram enhances the charm of this city. This festival draws a large number of tourists from different parts of the world.
Ashtamudi is a beautiful lake in Kerala with eight branches. Stretching a distance of nearly 16 kilometers, it is the second longest lake in the state where people love to enjoy backwater cruises. A houseboat cruising through this lake is an amazing way to enjoy the rich palm trees and coconut groves on the banks of the lake. Cruising through this lake also gives you the chance to enjoy Chinese Fishing Nets.
The world-famous National Geographic Traveler Magazine had included the beautiful Indian state of Kerala among their list of ‘Ten Paradises in the world’ for obvious reasons. This state holds everything that a tourist is looking for. The scenic nature, colorful cultural programs, exciting adventure activities and unique flora and fauna, a trip to Kerala certainly gives you fond memories that last for a long time. Many interesting things are waiting for you in this destination that worth your money, time and energy. No, doubt, Kerala is certainly one of the top tourist destinations in India. You can enjoy hassle-free trip to this state through Kochi Taxi.