They often think of Kerala as “God’s Own Country” and it is home to Attractions in the southwest corner of India, along with beautiful white-sand beaches, romantic backwaters, green tea estates, mountains and a rich cultural background.
Kerala offers a wealth of sights that will please everyone, whether they enjoy hiking, exploring, or delving into history. We present the most famous tourist destinations in Kerala here so that you can plan an unforgettable holiday.
1. The Venice of the East is what people often call Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Because of its canals and lush surroundings, Alleppey is often called the “Venice of the East.” For most, this coastal town is famous for its calm backwaters, houseboats and wonderful scenery. A backwater boat house tour should be part of any trip to Kerala.
Surrounding the backwaters of Alleppey are canals, lagoons, traditional communities and lush traditionally farmed fields. You can book a houseboat for just one day and check out the waterways at your leisure.
Apart from the famous fishing canals, Alleppey is home to beaches and Alappuzha Beach is a nice place to catch the evening sunset. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race which forms an important part of Kerala’s tradition, takes place annually in Alappuzha each August.
2. Munnar is a part of Amongst the Hills
Because of its tea estates, great scenery and good weather, Munnar is a top hill station in the Western Ghats region. Because it is higher than 1,600 metres above sea level, Munnar offers a calm break from the heat and humidity down on the plains.
The park in Munnar attracts people because it’s an important home for Nilgiri Tahrs which are endangered. Stunning trails through the park can take you to the highest point, where you’ll see beautiful colours of the adjoining lands.
Aside from Eravikulam, you can also see the Mattupetty Dam, enjoy boating and see what goes on in a tea factory at the nearby Tea Museum. Besides its attractions, people know the town for Attukal Waterfalls and Nyayamakad Waterfalls.
3. Kumarakom houses a peaceful area on the backwaters
Kumarakom’s backwaters are a big part of what draws people to Kerala. Surrounding Kumarakom, a little village by Kerala’s main lake, are delicate beauty and peaceful tranquilly.
To discover Kumarakom properly, join a boat cruise down the backwaters and check out paddy fields, palm trees and villages from close by. Being in Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary allows visitors to spot migrating birds at the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
A lot of people plan a trip to Kumarakom for its lovely, luxurious hotels and the Ayurveda treatments they offer. There’s an abundance of peace and romance here in Kumarakom.
4. Kochi (Cochin) Brings Together Many Various Cultures
Most know it as Cochin, but Kochi is greatly admired for its past, its culture and the wonderful views around the city. The Netherlands, India, Portugal and Great Britain are the reasons Bath has a unique kind of architecture, fashionable foods and customs.
The best place to begin is in Fort Kochi because you’ll see nice old architecture, nice streets and Chinese fishing nets. You’ll find the Santa Cruz Basilica, St. Francis Church and the Dutch Palace here which all explain Cochin’s colonial history.
It’s important to visit Jew Town because you can see the impressive Paradesi Synagogue, plus buy antiques, spices and jewellery. You shouldn’t miss out on the seafood in Kerala and one of the best places to find it is at restaurants near the water.
People know Kochi for being a centre of art and culture. Sometimes, you can attend a Kathakali presentation and check out the city’s art galleries.
5. The beach at Varkala is counted among India’s biggest yet unrecognised beaches
Many people find Varkala one of the prettiest beaches in Kerala, yet tourists number is still low. Varkala Beach lies 50 kilometres north of Thiruvananthapuram and it is famous for its tall and dramatic cliffs above the Arabian Sea. You’ll discover stunning coasts, bright sands and the most lovely blue waters once you experience how ageing changes your favourite beach.
On the list of special Hindu places is the Papanasam Beach in Varkala. Many worshippers come to the Papanasam beach because they believe holy waters wash away their sins. The Janardhana Swamy Temple, which overlooks the ocean, is a second place of spiritual significance.
Yoga programmes, Ayurvedic medicines and meditation classes are the main attractions of wellness retreats in Varkala. You’ll find the best option for waterfront relaxation and yoga or massage at Varkala.
6. A nature lover’s favourite place is Wayanad
Wayanad should interest nature fans and those craving adventure, as it’s tranquil and not widely known in the north of Kerala. The area’s many misty mountains, vast forests and pretty waterfalls lead to a lot of trekking spots being available around Wayanad.
The petroglyphs found within the Edakkal Caves which stand at 1,200 metres above sea level, are thought to date to the Neolithic period. Not far from the caves, you’ll find a lovely forest and taking the route there lets you see some wonderful scenery.
The Meghamalai Waterfalls and Soochipara Waterfalls are excellent waterfalls in Wayanad and are beautiful to see. Visitors to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary may find elephants, tigers and a variety of types of birds.
Both Pookode Lake and the Banasura Sagar Dam should be part of any peaceful trip to Kerala. You can do some of your best hiking and bird watching here in nature.
7. You will see both wildlife reserves and many spice plantations when you are in Thekkady
In the Idukki district, you’ll see Thekkady which is famous for the many forms of life there, especially its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India’s largest parks. Between the Periyar Lake and the landscape in its reserve, there are many elephants and a wide variety of wild animals, including tigers, wild boars and bison. Hop aboard a boat and see animals enjoying themselves where they should be.
It’s also interesting that Thekkady offers the chance to visit spice plantations where you can watch the pepper, cardamom, vanilla and other spices being grown. Attending a tour on a spice plantation means you can sample and purchase some very fresh spices.
Along with what nature offers, Thekkady also attracts people who like adventure thanks to its bamboo rafting, various trekking routes and long walks through its forest. Since weather in Thekkady is generally calm and filled with fog, residents there bond easily with nature.
8. Thiruvananthapuram is the way into Kerala
History, culture and beautiful nature come together in Thiruvananthapuram, I It is the Dravidian style and its dedication to Lord Vishnu that make The Padmanabhaswamy Temple the best known tourist attraction in Trivandrum.
Priceless artefacts, sculptures and paintings are held inside the Napier Museum. Anyone who loves beaches shouldn’t pass up on seeing Kovalam Beach, with its natural curve and gently moving waters.
Planning a trip to the Kerala backwaters? Thiruvananthapuram is the right place to set off from.
Conclusion
Found in Kerala are beautiful backwaters, exciting urban centres, lovely mountainside zones and marvellous beaches. If what you desire is comfort, excitement or insight into local traditions, you’ll find a trip to match in Kerala. These attractions reflect the rich varieties of beauty you can find in this south Indian area. You can float in a houseboat in Alleppey and hike in Wayanad and no matter what you’ll find each unforgettable.
