10 Places That You Must Visit In Kerala
Jump to a Heading
- 1 1. Alleppey: It’s beautiful Backwaters!
- 2 2. Munnar: One of the places that you must visit in Kerala
- 3 3. Thekkady: Beauty to Behold
- 4 4. Kumarakom: Birdwatchers Paradise
- 5 5. Wayanad: Heart-shaped Lake!
- 6 6. Varkala: Breathtaking beaches!
- 7 7. Thrissur: Cultural Center of Kerala
- 8 8. Thiruvananthapuram: The capital
- 9 9. Kozhikode: Old World Charm
- 10 10. Kochi: Chinese Fishing nets!
1. Alleppey: It’s beautiful Backwaters!
Alleppey is known for its scenic beauty and the mirror like backwaters. Although it is a small place but Alleppey tops the chart of the must visit places in Kerala. There are many things that you can do in Alleppey. The most alluring and exciting thing to do in Alleppey is exploring the serene backwaters.Alleppey is the center of the backwaters of Kerala which are an intertwined art of many rivers and lakes. The best way to enjoy this is through taking a ride in one of the boathouses. Yes! they have boathouses that you can rent and then you can go and explore the backwaters. These boathouses can be booked for a night and you can spend an amazing night looking at the stars while sailing silently.
2. Munnar: One of the places that you must visit in Kerala
Munnar is most famously known for the sprawling green tea plantations and it is one of the places that you must visit in Kerala. There are quite a few varieties of tea that adorn the tea plantations of Munnar. Munnar’s scenic beauty cannot be described in words. The green hills and the plantations make you feel that you are already in heaven. Munnar is also a home to rare varieties of flora and fauna.The blooming of Neelakurinji flowers is one such phenomenon which makes you believe that Munnar is true heaven. These flowers bloom once in twelve years and when they bloom on the hillocks of Munnar, the hills are completely transformed.
3. Thekkady: Beauty to Behold
Nestled in the thick foliage of greens, Thekkady is a beauty to behold. When you will see the green forests and the rolling hills you will feel that you come in nature’s lap. Thekkady is also a must visit place when you are touring in Kerala. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary in Thekkady is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India which houses many rare varieties of fauna. The wildlife sanctuary also has a Tiger Trail Program. This program allows the visitors to explore the thick forests and the wildlife. You can capture rare photos of various animals in their natural habitat in Periyar.
The Spring Valley Mountain is one of the most visited tourist locations in Thekkady. There are many lakes where boat rides can be taken and also many hills that allow you to trek and go on nature trails. Deeply revered in Thekkady, it is believed that the Pancha Pandavas spent their years of exile in the forests of Panchalimedu.
4. Kumarakom: Birdwatchers Paradise
Kumarakom is famed for its delicious cuisine. The local delicacies are a delightful combination of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, though both have a generous sprinkling of spices. Apart from that Kumarakom is surrounded by radiant backwaters, picturesque beaches, and alluring boathouses. Kumarakom is known not only for its picturesque beauty but also for the thick coconut plantations, mangroves, and the rolling green hills. It is also the birdwatchers paradise. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in India. With migratory birds from Siberia, you’re likely to see bird species like Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoos, and Wild Ducks. An ideal picnic spot, the Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls.
Pathiramanal is an island on the famous Vembanad Lake and is hardly 10 acres in size. The island is home to many rare varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world and is a must visit when in Kumarakom. Kumarakom is also famous for coconut lagoons and plethora of colorful birds.
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5. Wayanad: Heart-shaped Lake!
Wayanad is yet another example of how beautiful and serene nature is. It is certainly one of the best places that you must visit in Kerala. The first and most important place that you must visit is the Chembra Peak. It is one of the best place to trek and the view from the top peak is totally mesmerizing. There is a heart shaped lake at the peak which is a major tourist attraction. Wayanad has the most beautiful and romantic climate that fills you with enthusiasm and happiness. Thirunelli Temple is also a must visit, it is known for its beauty and the elaborate carvings.
One of the many things that you can do in Wayanad is the Night Camps. You can plan a trip along with your buddies and you can enjoy a night in the open and green hilltops of Wayanad. Stargazing and bonfire will complete your camping experience. You can also go and explore the Edakkal Caves which is adorned with prehistoric carvings and drawings.
6. Varkala: Breathtaking beaches!
Varkala is well known for its beaches and these beaches will guarantee you solitude. Set amidst the beauty of the coconut trees and far away from the buzz of the city, Varkala beach grants you the much-needed solitude. The beach is very clean and you feel very fresh when you take a dip in the cool calm ocean water. Another such amazing beach is the Edava beach. untouched and unspoiled by tourists, Edava beach is the stretch of land where the sea water runs parallel to the backwaters of Kerala. Varkala is also famed for its mouth watering cuisines and also the handmade clothes.
Surfing is also a must-do activity when you visit Varkala. You can try Yoga and Ayurvedic healing as well. Another must visit location in Varkala is the Janardhana Swami Temple. Janardhana Swami temple is a 2000-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the only shrine dedicated to Vishnu in the name of Janardhana in this part of the country.
7. Thrissur: Cultural Center of Kerala
Thrissur is also known as the “Cultural center of Kerala“. It has a variety of temples, mosques, and churches along with some learning centers, cultural centers, and cultural festivals. The best place to visit in Thrissur is the Vadakkunnathan Temple. The Hindu Puranas mention the origins of the temple. The Hindu deity Parasurama built a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva as atonement after killing the Kshatriyas at this place. The best time to visit the Vadakkunnathan Temple is during the festivities of Thrissur Pooram.
Bible tower is one of the most remarkable churches in Thrissur. Many other historical and cultural locations in Thrissur are Koodalmanikyam Temple, Triprayar Sri Rama Temple, and Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple. Remember to visit these places when you visit Thrissur.
8. Thiruvananthapuram: The capital
Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the southern state of Kerala. The place has idyllic beaches and rich culture because of which it draws tourists from all over the country. Trivandrum is also one of the cleanliest cities in India. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is inside the East Fort in the heart of Trivandrum is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is famous for having the deity in the eternal sleep posture. Being the most famous beach of Kerala, Kovalam beach surely is a prime attraction for the travelers.
The swaying palm, a long coastline, a lighthouse on the shore, clear waters and far away horizon is the perfect description for this place. Snorkeling and scuba diving are some of the fun activities that you can do at the Kovalam Beach.
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9. Kozhikode: Old World Charm
Kozhikode is another such location in Kerala which is known for its beaches. The Kozhikode beach is next to the town of Kozhikode. It has an old world charm and a natural beauty. The beach has two crumbling piers that stand toward the middle of the sea and each of them is more than hundred years old. Another beach that you must visit is the Kappad Beach. The popularity of the Kappad Beach is owing to the fact that it was the place where Vasco da Gama, the famous world explorer first set his foot. The stone monument on the beach to commemorates the significant historical event.
Kozhikode also houses the famous street known as Mitthayi Theruvu. This street sells an assortment of sweets. Mitthayi Theruvu means the Sweet Meat Street and is the place to be if you are in a mood to indulge your sweet tooth. The Tali Temple is also a must visit location, not because of its architecture but due to its annual festival as well. Each year the festival celebrated here consists of various intellectual as well as cultural events. Revathy Pattathanamand is a famous annual festival of the temple.
10. Kochi: Chinese Fishing nets!
The vibrant and thriving culture describes this port city in Kerala known as Kochi (Cochin). As a tourist attraction, Kochi has it all. It has famous churches, mosques, and temples. Nature buffs can capture the sparkling colors of wildlife at the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary. To complete your holiday experience Kochi also offers you with the exquisite local cuisine. It certainly packs a punch when it comes to shopping as well. Vypeen Island Zone is one of the most beautiful paintings by nature on the canvas of Cochin. It comprises of a small group of islands, which soars out at the point where the ethereal Vembanad Lake merges with the Arabian Sea.
Chinese Fishing nets have been the face of Kochi and also unique to Kochi. Other than China, Kochi is the only place which uses these fishing nets. It is certainly a sight to behold. The Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village and the Mastyafed Milky-Way Aqua-Tourist Village are two of the eco-tourist villages that should definitely find a place on your itinerary when visiting Kerala.
