Kerala's Finest: Exploring The Best Places To See In India's Southern Paradise
Kerala, a state located on the southwestern coast of India, is known for its beautiful beaches, backwaters, and rich cultural heritage. Some of the finest places to visit in Kerala include:
Munnar: A hill station is known for its tea plantations and picturesque landscapes.
Wayanad: A district is known for its dense forests, tribal culture, and various trekking options
Alappuzha (Alleppey): A town is known for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and beaches.
Thekkady: A town is known for its wildlife and Periyar National Park.
Kochi (Cochin): A coastal city is known for its mix of Indian and colonial architecture, as well as its Jewish community.
Kovalam: A seaside town is known for its beaches and Ayurvedic treatments.
Varkala: A seaside town is known for its cliff-top temples, beautiful beaches, and Ayurveda retreats.
Kumarakom: Another backwater destination known for its mangrove forests and bird sanctuary.
Thrissur: also known as the cultural capital of Kerala, is known for its temples, festivals, and traditional art forms.
Kozhikode (Calicut): Known for its rich history, temples, and beautiful beaches.
These are just a few of the many beautiful and diverse places to visit in Kerala, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions.
1 Munnar is a hill station located in the Western Ghats of the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated at an altitude of around 1,600 meters (5,200 feet) above sea level and is known for its picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and cool climate.
One of the main attractions of Munnar is the tea plantations. The area is one of the largest tea-growing regions in South India, and visitors can take guided tours of the tea factories and learn about the process of tea production. The scenic rolling hills and valleys covered in tea plantations are also popular spots for hiking and trekking.
Munnar is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can go on safari tours to see the wildlife in its natural habitat or visit the Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr (a type of mountain goat).
Another major attraction in Munnar is the Mattupetty Dam, which is located on the outskirts of the town. Visitors can take boat rides on the dam and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Dam is also home to a number of adventure activities like paragliding, parasailing, and rock climbing.
Munnar's scenic beauty also makes it a popular spot for photography, and it has many viewpoints such as Echo point, Top Station, Lock heart Gap and so on that offers stunning vistas of the valley.
The town also offers many opportunities to learn about the culture and traditions of the local people, through visits to tribal settlements, temples, and churches.
In summary, Munnar is a popular tourist destination known for its tea plantations, wildlife, beautiful landscapes, trekking and adventure activities, and culture. It is a perfect destination for a nature-lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
2 Wayanad is a district located in the northeastern part of the Indian state of Kerala. Known for its dense forests, tribal culture, and various trekking options, it is a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of Wayanad is its natural beauty. The district is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can go on safari tours to see a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, and a wide range of bird species.
Wayanad is also known for its scenic trekking routes, which offer visitors the opportunity to explore the district's rugged terrain and natural beauty. Popular trekking spots include the Chembra Peak, Pakshipathalam, and the Banasura Sagar Dam.
The district is also rich in culture and history. Visitors can visit the many ancient temples and shrines located in Wayanad, such as the Thirunelli Temple and the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. The district also has a large population of tribals, and visitors can learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life by visiting their settlements.
Another major attraction of Wayanad is the Edakkal Caves, an ancient cave complex that has a rich history and ancient carvings, these carvings have made the caves a popular spot for archaeologists, history buffs, and archaeo-tourism enthusiasts.
Wayanad is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, such as Soochipara falls, Meenmutty falls, Kanthanpara falls, and Chethalayam falls, which are popular spots for picnics and swimming.
In summary, Wayanad offers a perfect blend of nature, adventure, history, and culture. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, trekkers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and people interested in the culture and history of the area.
3 Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a town located in the Indian state of Kerala, on the southwestern coast of India. Known for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and beaches, it is a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of Alappuzha is its backwaters, which are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that run parallel to the coast. Visitors can take boat trips on the backwaters to see the local villages and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The most popular activity to experience the backwaters is by staying overnight on a traditional houseboat, where visitors can relax, enjoy the views and take in the local culture.
Another major attraction of Alappuzha is its beaches. The Alappuzha beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset. The beach also has an old lighthouse and a sea-view park for visitors. Marari beach is another popular spot that is known for its quiet, secluded stretches of sand and calm waters.
The town is also known for its traditional art forms such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, classical dance-dramas that are popular in Kerala. Visitors can see live performances of these dances at cultural centers and auditoriums in the town.
Alappuzha is also famous for its coir industry, the town is known as the "coir capital" of Kerala, and the coir products made here include door mats, mats, mattings, coir geotextiles, and a wide range of coir fiber-based products. Visitors can learn about the process of making these products and even purchase them as souvenirs.
In summary, Alappuzha is a beautiful town known for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, beaches, traditional art forms, and coir industry. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and history, making it a popular destination for nature lovers, beachgoers, and culture enthusiasts.
4 Thekkady is a small town located in the Indian state of Kerala, on the Western Ghats. It is known for its wildlife and Periyar National Park, and it is a popular tourist destination.
The Periyar National Park, also known as Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, is the main attraction in Thekkady. It is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, leopards, bison, and a wide range of bird species. Visitors can take guided safari tours through the park, where they can see the animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers a boat ride, where visitors can observe the wildlife from the comfort of a boat while it sails on the Periyar Lake.
The park is also a popular spot for hiking and trekking, with several well-defined trails that wind through the dense forests. Visitors can also explore the park on their own and discover the many plants and animals that call it home.
Thekkady is also known for its spice plantations, where visitors can learn about the different types of spices that are grown in the region and see them being harvested and processed. Visitors can also purchase spices to take home as souvenirs.
The town also offers cultural experiences, such as Kathakali, the traditional dance-drama of Kerala, and Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala, which visitors can watch live performances.
In summary, Thekkady is a popular destination known for its wildlife and Periyar National Park, hiking, trekking, and the spice and cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy nature, discover a variety of plants and animals and learn about local culture and traditions, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts.
5 Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a coastal city located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its mix of Indian and colonial architecture, as well as its Jewish community, and it is a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of Kochi is the Fort Kochi area, which is known for its colonial-era buildings and European architecture. Visitors can see the Dutch Palace, which was built by the Portuguese and later renovated by the Dutch, and the Santa Cruz Basilica, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Visitors can also see the St. Francis Church, which is the oldest European church in India, and the Chinese fishing nets, which are unique to the region and have been in use for centuries.
The city is also known for its backwaters, and visitors can take a boat trip along the backwaters to see the local villages and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The Marine Drive is another popular spot in the city, a promenade that offers views of the backwaters and the city skyline.
Kochi also has a rich cultural heritage, visitors can experience Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala, and Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala. Visitors can also see live performances of traditional music and dance.
In summary, Kochi is a city with a rich history and culture, offering visitors a chance to explore its colonial architecture, Jewish heritage, backwaters, and its traditional art forms. It's a perfect destination for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and people looking to explore the unique blend of Indian and colonial influences.
6 Kovalam is a seaside town located in the Indian state of Kerala, on the southwestern coast of India. It is known for its beaches, and Ayurvedic treatments, and it is a popular tourist destination.
The main attraction of Kovalam is its beaches, particularly the three main beaches known as Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, and Samudra Beach. Lighthouse beach, the southernmost and most popular of the three beaches, is home to a 35-meter-tall lighthouse and offers a good view of the sea. Hawah beach also known as Eve's beach is a crescent-shaped beach that is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Samudra beach is less crowded and offers a more secluded experience. These beaches offer a variety of activities such as sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Kovalam is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments, which are based on traditional Indian medicine and involve the use of natural herbs and oils. Visitors can experience a variety of Ayurvedic treatments, such as massages, yoga, and meditation, at the many Ayurvedic centers and resorts located in the town.
Kovalam also offers visitors an opportunity to explore the traditional and cultural life of the region. Visitors can see the numerous local temples and shrines, as well as the traditional markets, where they can purchase souvenirs and try local foods.
The town also offers activities such as paragliding, parasailing, and rock climbing for adventure enthusiasts. For art lovers, Kovalam beach holds the annual International Sand Art Festival, where local and international sand artists showcase their skill and talent in creating sculptures using sand.
In summary, Kovalam is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, Ayurvedic treatments, and its blend of traditional and modern activities. It offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beach, as well as to explore the local culture and tradition. It is a perfect destination for beach-goers, health and wellness seekers, and adventure enthusiasts.
7 Varkala is a seaside town located in the Indian state of Kerala, on the southwestern coast of India. It is known for its cliff-top temples, beautiful beaches, and Ayurveda retreats and it is a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of Varkala is Papanasham Beach, also known as Varkala Beach, a picturesque beach that is located on the base of a high cliff. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sunset. The beach is also a sacred spot for Hindu devotees as it is considered as the only one of the "Divine Beaches" in Kerala.
Another major attraction in Varkala is the Janardanaswamy Temple, which is located on the cliff top and offers a panoramic view of the beach and the sea. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered as one of the most ancient and important Vishnu temples in Kerala.
Varkala is also known for its Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats. Visitors can experience a variety of Ayurvedic treatments, such as massages, yoga, and meditation, at the many Ayurvedic centers and wellness retreats located in the town. Visitors can also take classes and workshops in yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic cooking.
Varkala is a great place for adventure activities as well. Visitors can try paragliding, parasailing, or take a banana boat ride, also visitors can try different water sports like Kayaking and paddleboarding, also visitors can explore the surrounding area on a bicycle.
In summary, Varkala is a beautiful coastal town known for its beach, temples, Ayurveda and adventure activities. It offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the beach, as well as to explore the local culture and tradition and taking care of their physical and mental well-being through Ayurveda and other wellness practices. It is a perfect destination for beach-goers, culture enthusiasts, and wellness seekers.
8 Kumarakom is a small village located in the Indian state of Kerala, on the southwestern coast of India. It is known for its backwaters, mangrove forests, and bird sanctuary and it is a popular tourist destination.
The main attraction of Kumarakom is the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a 14-acre bird sanctuary located on the banks of Vembanad Lake. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of migratory birds, including cuckoos, owls, egrets, herons, and kingfishers, making it a popular spot for bird watching. Visitors can take boat rides on the lake to get a close-up view of the birds and their natural habitat.
Another major attraction in Kumarakom is the backwaters, a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that run parallel to the coast. Visitors can take boat trips on the backwaters to see the local villages and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and also can stay overnight in a traditional houseboat to experience the serene beauty of the backwaters.
The village is also known for its mangrove forests, which are a unique ecosystem, and visitors can take boat rides to see the mangrove forests and the diverse range of aquatic life that they support.
Kumarakom is a peaceful and serene destination, visitors can relax in the many Ayurvedic resorts and spas that are scattered around the village and experience traditional Ayurvedic massages and treatments. Visitors can also explore the village and visit the traditional markets and temples.
In summary, Kumarakom is a village known for its backwaters, bird sanctuary, mangrove forests, and peaceful atmosphere. It offers visitors a chance to relax and explore the natural beauty of the area and also to experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, bird-watchers, and people looking for a peaceful getaway.
9 Thrissur, also known as Trichur, is a city located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is considered as the cultural capital of Kerala and known for its temples, festivals, and traditional art forms, and it is a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of Thrissur is the Vadakkumnathan Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, which is over 1000 years old, is known for its beautiful architecture and is a major center of the Hindu religion in Kerala. Visitors can see the traditional rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple and learn about the Hindu religion.
Another major attraction in Thrissur is the Pooram Festival, an annual festival that is celebrated in the city, usually in the month of April or May. The festival is known for its colorful and vibrant processions, which feature decorated elephants and traditional music and dance performances. It is considered as one of the most colorful and spectacular temple festivals in Kerala.
Thrissur is also known for its traditional art forms, such as Kathakali, a traditional dance-drama of Kerala, and Theyyam, a ritual dance of North Malabar, which is performed in the temple during the Pooram festival, and other occasions. Visitors can watch live performances of these traditional art forms and learn about the culture and traditions
10 Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and its vibrant markets, making it a popular tourist destination.
One of the main attractions of Kozhikode is the Kappad beach, a historic beach where the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is said to have landed in 1498. Visitors can see the Kappad Beach Memorial, which marks the spot where he landed, and learn about the history of the region.
Another major attraction of Kozhikode is the regional history and culture, the city was an important trading hub in the medieval era and it was known as a center for the spice trade, this rich history is evident in the many ancient monuments, temples, and museums in the city, for example, the Pazhassiraja Museum, which displays ancient artifacts and sculptures.
The city is also known for its vibrant markets and street food, visitors can explore the bustling streets of Kozhikode and indulge in the local delicacies such as the traditional "Malabar biryani" or "thali". Visitors can also purchase traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs from the local markets.
Kozhikode is also a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts as it offers opportunities for Trekking, paragliding, and also scuba diving, for example, Beypore beach is a popular spot
Conclusion Tourists can experience the natural beauty and serenity of the backwaters in places like Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Varkala, where they can explore the local villages, enjoy boat trips on the backwaters and stay overnight on a traditional houseboat
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