Kerala, also known as God’s own country, is a beautiful state located in the southern part of India. It is known for its scenic beauty, backwaters, beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Kerala has something to offer to every kind of traveler, be it a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or a foodie. In this article, we will explore the top 5 places to visit in Kerala.
Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. It is a popular destination for honeymooners, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. Munnar is known for its tea plantations, lush green valleys, and misty hills. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level and is surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and streams. Some of the must-visit attractions in Munnar are:
• Mattupetty Dam: It is a popular picnic spot located in the Mattupetty district. The dam is situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
• Echo Point: It is a beautiful spot located 15 km from Munnar. It is known for its natural echo phenomenon and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
• Tea Museum: The museum is located in the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar. It showcases the history of tea plantations in the region and provides an insight into the tea-making process.
• Top Station: It is the highest point in Munnar and offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
Alleppey
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a popular destination in Kerala. It is known for its backwaters, houseboats, and beaches. Alleppey is situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake and is a hub for the backwater tourism industry. Some of the must-visit attractions in Alleppey are:
• Backwaters: Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, which are a network of canals, lagoons, and lakes. The best way to explore the backwaters is by taking a houseboat ride.
• Beaches: Alleppey is home to some beautiful beaches, including Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, and Andhakaranazhi Beach.
• Krishnapuram Palace: It is a 16th-century palace located in Alleppey. The palace is known for its mural paintings and architecture.
• Pathiramanal Island: It is a small island located in the backwaters of Alleppey. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and offers stunning views of the surrounding backwaters.
Thekkady:
Thekkady is a beautiful town located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. It is famous for its scenic beauty and the Periyar National Park. Here are some of the top places to see in Thekkady:
- Periyar National Park: Spread across an area of 925 square kilometers, the Periyar National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thekkady. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and many species of birds.
- Periyar Lake: The Periyar Lake is located within the Periyar National Park and is a popular spot for boating. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the park.
- Mangala Devi Temple: The Mangala Devi Temple is a popular pilgrimage site located in the vicinity of the Periyar National Park. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mangala Devi and is believed to have been built in the 9th century AD.
- Kadathanadan Kalari Centre: The Kadathanadan Kalari Centre is a martial arts training center located in Thekkady. Visitors can watch live demonstrations of the ancient martial art form of Kalaripayattu.
- Abraham’s Spice Garden: Abraham’s Spice Garden is a popular tourist attraction located in Thekkady. The garden is home to a wide variety of spices and herbs and offers visitors an opportunity to learn about their cultivation and usage.
- Chellarkovil: Chellarkovil is a scenic waterfall located in Thekkady. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Vandiperiyar: Vandiperiyar is a small town located near Thekkady. The town is famous for its tea and coffee plantations and offers visitors an opportunity to learn about their cultivation and processing.
- Pullumedu: Pullumedu is a picturesque hill station located in Thekkady. The hill station offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys and is a popular spot for trekking and hiking.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Thekkady has to offer. The town is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Kochi
Kochi (also known as Cochin) is a vibrant city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It has a rich history and is known for its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, and bustling markets. Here are some of the must-see places in Kochi:
- Fort Kochi: This historic neighborhood is known for its beautiful colonial-era buildings, quaint streets, and atmospheric cafes. It’s a great place to take a stroll and soak up the city’s unique ambiance.
- Chinese Fishing Nets: These iconic fishing nets are one of Kochi’s most famous sights. They’re thought to have been introduced to the area by Chinese traders centuries ago and are still in use today.
- Mattancherry Palace: Also known as the Dutch Palace, this historic building dates back to the 16th century and features beautiful murals depicting scenes from Indian mythology.
- St. Francis Church: This historic church was originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is the oldest European church in India. It’s also the final resting place of the explorer Vasco da Gama.
- Jew Town: This colorful neighborhood is known for its antique shops, spice markets, and historic synagogues.
- Hill Palace: This museum complex is located on the outskirts of Kochi and features a beautiful palace, gardens, and a museum showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
- Marine Drive: This scenic promenade offers stunning views of Kochi’s coastline and is a great place to take a leisurely walk or enjoy a sunset.
- Bolgatty Palace: This beautiful palace is located on an island in Kochi’s harbor and offers stunning views of the city skyline. It has been converted into a hotel and is a popular spot for tourists.
- Cherai Beach: This beautiful beach is located just outside the city and is a great place to relax, swim, or take a boat ride.
- Kerala Kathakali Centre: This cultural center offers performances of Kathakali, a traditional form of dance-drama that originated in Kerala. It’s a great way to experience Kerala’s vibrant culture firsthand.
Palakkad
Palakkad, also known as Palghat, is a beautiful city located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The city is blessed with natural beauty, rich culture, and heritage. Here are some of the places to see in Palakkad:
- Palakkad Fort: This 18th-century fort was built by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, and later renovated by the British. The fort has a beautiful garden, a Hanuman temple, and a mosque.
- Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: This is a popular picnic spot in Palakkad, known for its beautiful gardens and boating facilities. The dam offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats.
- Silent Valley National Park: Located in the Nilgiri Hills, this national park is a biodiversity hotspot and home to many endangered species of plants and animals.
- Nelliyampathy: This hill station is known for its tea and coffee plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails.
- Dhoni Waterfalls: This scenic waterfall is located near the Palakkad town and is surrounded by lush green forests.
- Kalpathy Heritage Village: This village is known for its annual Ratholsavam (chariot festival), which is a major cultural event in Kerala. The village also has many ancient temples and traditional houses.
- Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is home to many endangered species of animals, including tigers, elephants, and leopards. Visitors can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Ottappalam: This town is known for its ancient temples, including the famous Sree Viswanatha Swamy temple. The town is also known for its handloom industry and the Ottappalam Nercha festival.
- Kollengode Palace: This palace was built in the 1900s and is known for its beautiful architecture and mural paintings.
- Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple: This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy and is known for its ancient architecture and intricate carvings.
Kovalam
Kovalam is a beautiful coastal town located in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Here are some of the must-visit places in and around Kovalam:
- Lighthouse Beach: This is the most popular beach in Kovalam, known for its beautiful views and the lighthouse located at the edge of the beach.
- Hawa Beach: Also known as Eve’s Beach, this is another beautiful beach in Kovalam where you can enjoy swimming and water sports.
- Samudra Beach: This is a quieter beach in Kovalam and is a great place to relax and unwind.
- Vellayani Lake: This is a serene freshwater lake located about 7 km from Kovalam. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Karamana River: This is another beautiful water body in Kovalam where you can enjoy a boat ride or go fishing.
- Valiyathura Pier: This is a historic pier located in Thiruvananthapuram, about 10 km from Kovalam. The pier offers beautiful views of the sea and is a popular spot for fishing.
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: This is a famous temple located in Thiruvananthapuram and is known for its stunning architecture and religious significance.
- Napier Museum: This is a popular museum located in Thiruvananthapuram where you can learn about the history and culture of Kerala.
- Kovalam Art Gallery: This is a small art gallery located in Kovalam that features the works of local artists.
- Aruvikkara Dam: This is a beautiful dam located about 20 km from Kovalam. The dam offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and is a popular picnic spot.
Wayanad
Wayanad is a beautiful hill station located in the northern part of Kerala. It is known for its natural beauty and wildlife sanctuaries. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit place, where you can spot some rare species of animals and birds. The Edakkal Caves are also worth visiting, which are believed to be around 8000 years old. You can also visit the Soochipara Waterfalls, the Pookode Lake, and the Chembra Peak.
