The refreshing tea plantations, enchanting backwaters, beautiful sunsets, and enriching culture define Kerala as the most loved tourist destination in India. Popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, this abode to the Almighty is a heart keeper. A single visit to this state is enough to make you fall in love with it. Roaring rivers and depths of forests offer an experience which no other place than Kerala could provide.
From cool hills to sunny beaches, it has everything to leave you star struck. It is a relief for a sore eye, a backpacker’s paradise, a lover’s nest and friends’ adventure spot. When you’re on a Kerala tour, there are innumerable attractions, some known and others hidden, but there are a few that shouldn’t be missed on your trip to Kerala.
Presenting you with the top 10 tourist attractions in Kerala.
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1. Munnar
One of the most magnificent places in Kerala, Munnar gives you undulating views of hills touching the young skies. A perfect spot for trekkers and people seeking rejuvenation, it flanks at the Western Ghats. Gushing waterfalls, enigmatic viewpoints, lush green tea plantations, and serene lakes, Munnar has it all. You are to find an exotic collection of flora and fauna here. This place which once was an escape from the scorching heat for the British now is the same for Keralites and visitors.
Where to visit– Pothamedu View Point, Echo Point, Atukkad Waterfalls, Eravikulam National Park, Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea, Kundala Dam & Lake, Elephant Arrival Spot, and many more.
2. Alleppey
Renowned for its magical backwaters, Alleppey or Alappuzha gives you an exotic experience when it comes to cuisine, sightseeing and staying in houseboats. Known as the “Venice of the East,” the place has everything from beaches and lagoons to backwaters. Surrounded by the palms, the brackish canals of Alleppey have several stories to tell. It has always enjoyed a prominent name when it comes to maritime history. And, today it’s a home for boat races, backwater holidays, well-constructed resorts, and marine products.
Where to visit- Alappuzha beach, Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Kuttanadu, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, St. Andrew’s Basilica, Thottappally Beach, and many more
3. Wayanad
Stretching across the Western Ghats, it is a plush green mountainous region having a huge scenic appeal. Thick forests, coconuts trees in abundance, paddy fields and sky soaring peaks get together to form seamlessly beautiful landscapes of Wayanad. The place is famous for its warm home stays, wildlife spotting and exhilarating hikes.
Where to visit– Banasura Sagar Dam, Chembara Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Island and many more.
4. Poovar Island
Unexplored and Unspoiled, Poovar Island is a dreamy location in Kerala aka God’s Own Country. Surrounded by the tranquil backwaters it opens straight into the Arabian Sea. Poovar Island resort is a window to this heavenly place. A stay in floating bungalows over the Island, with a breath of fresh air and blue skies, what else someone needs to rejoice? Also, reaching here couldn’t be easier. It is 30 km away from Trivandrum Airport followed by a boat ride of 10 minutes on the river. So, in case you are searching for an altogether different experience, you know where to head!
5. Kannur
A coastal city in Kerala, Kannur was an ancient trading port in the bygone times. It played an important role in spice trading during the British Raj. Even today, the city has a rich collection of history in forms of museums and forts. Running alongside the Arabian Sea, it is a place one should not miss if looking for a blend of historical remnants and beautiful geographical location.
Where to visit– St. Angelo Fort, Arakkal Museum, Payyambalam Beach, Kannur Lighthouse, and Muzhappilangad Beach
6. Thrissur
Owing to its spiritual, religious and cultural leanings Thrissur is considered to be the cultural capital of the state. Having an array of temples and churches the place assures you a peaceful vacation. Apart from this, it becomes a favourite spot of Keralites during the festive season as it hosts grand celebrations. And, not forgetting the cuisine, you’ll get the tastiest dishes to treat your taste buds with.
Where to visit– Punnathur Kotta, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Vilangan Kunnu, Athirappilly waterfalls, Chavakkad Beach, Dolours Basilica, and many more.
7. Kovalam
As far as your eyes could spot, you’ll see lanes of coconut trees under the bright blue skies. Kovalam is an extremely mesmerizing place. The playful beaches, stone outcroppings and the much-named lighthouse become the USP for Kovalam. Born with a distinct charm, this coastal area offers its visitors a tranquil environment which suits all occasions and desires. Also, this little place is gaining popularity for its Ayurvedic healings from the past few years. So, coming here is a total win-win!
Where to visit– Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, Karamana River, Vellayani Lake, Halcyon Castle, Aruvikkara Dam, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, and many more.
8. Bekal
Located at a broad stretch of Malabar coastline, Bekal is famous for its serene backwaters, rustic forts and scenic landscapes. Despite being small in size, the place has proven to be big at heart hence also known for amazing hospitality. Away from the humdrum of cities, it is perfect tourist spot for the ones longing for a break. Spending a long weekend amidst the nature helps you revive your mind. Take pleasure of the eye soothing views, run across the waters, or lay leisurely on the grasses, do anything and everything thatyour heart says and enjoy being at Bekal.
Where to visit– Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, Kappil Beach, Chandragiri Fort, Pallikare Beach and Trikkannad Tryambakeshwara Temple
9. Ponmudi
Yet another hill station of the Kerala state, Ponmudi in Thiruvananthapuram runs across the Arabian Sea and is a part of Western Ghats. Local sin the city would describe it as the best place for a weekend getaway. Leaving you speechless with its unbound beauty, Ponmudi’s slopes shrouded in mist give an experience of amaze balls. Here you’ll find rare species of flora and fauna in abundance, two of them being wild orchids and unseen butterflies. Owing to such features, Ponmudi is becoming a hotbed of tourist activities.
Where to visit– Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary , Golden Valley, and Kallar River
10. Kumarakom
A cluster of tiny islands, Kumarakom finds itself on the Vembanad Lake. It is one of the most favorite destinations for backwater lovers. Waterscapes, coconut grooves, paboramic views of surrounding, and local cuisine define this place the best. Long and lazy boatrides in extreme solitude is the best activity one can opt when vacationing in Kumarakom. Dancing lily pads in freshwater lakes, luxurious houseboats, clear skies, and endless expanse of turquoise waters accompany you throughout the time you are here.
Where to visit– Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall , Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom backwaters, and many more.
The state castes upon you a magic spell! You are guaranteed to come back to this place everything you leave from here, it’s that charismatic.
Kerala is a melting pot of mystically beautiful destinations. It’s a tough choice when it comes to choosing between which one to visit. And, to make this task easier we have sorted the above list for you. Hope it works. Happy Travelling!
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Really, Kerala God’s own country thanks.