Tourist Places To Visit In Kerala: God’s Own Country, Kerala, wedged between Arabian Sea on the West and Western Ghats on the East is a marvel with enchanting hues. This paradise on earth hosts beautiful lagoons, backwaters, landscapes, colourful culture, heritage and lots more. Timeless beauty of the beaches, undulating hills, serenity of backwaters, forests and woods leaves you with an absolutely refreshing experience. This is what makes it a tourism delight and apart from that it is a perfect destination to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. People from around the world choose this beautiful coastal state as a retreat and spend a luxurious time with their loved ones. If you are also looking for some good tourist spots to see in and around Kerala, then this treatise is definitely going to be of a great help to you.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha is a district in Kerala that was formed in the year 1957 and consisted of seven taluks initially, but now the district comprises only six of them. The name “Alappuzha” was derived from physical features and surrounding geographical position. The interior of the district is cool and dry with a monthly temperature nearing 25°C.
Alappuzha beach is one of the popular tourist spots that embrace beautiful gardens and imposing buildings along the shoreline. A pier that is more than 140 years old extends into the sea and is a beautiful sight to see. Dense palm groves, Vijaya Park, Sea View Park and ancient towering light house are some spectacular sights that one should never miss. Apart from this, if you are holidaying with kids, then boating, toy train and cycling can be fun for your loved ones.
Krishnapuram Palace
Around 45 kilometres from Alappuzha, is a famous palace, Krishnapuram that was built in 18th century. The typical Kerala architecture of the palace is the main attraction and it also embraces a museum where antique sculptures, bronze articles and paintings have been preserved from years. Nearing to Alappuzha is Kuttanad region, Mullakkal Rajeswari Temple, PathiramanalIsland, Ambalapuzha temple, ChavaraBhavan, Champakulam Church, Karumadikuttan village, Maraikulamand many other enchanting spots that you can enjoy.
Amritapuri Ashram
If you are willing to experience a bit of spiritualism during your vacation, then Amritapuri Ashram is the right place for you. Located in the backwaters of Kerala, the ashram has a beautiful idol of Goddess Kali, carved in black stone. Here people spend days in the selfless service and devote time for prayers, meditation and other services in order to get mental peace.
Kannur
Kannur is a beautiful place with Kasargod in the North, Waynad district in South, Western Ghats in the East and Lakshadweep in the West. Apart from being akey contributor to the cultural and religious heritage, this place is also known for its rich history. Here you can enjoy the colourful folk art and folk music of Kerala, especially the stylish dance forms like Theyyam that are sure to make your vacation memorable. Visiting Kannur beach is also a good spot.
Kottayam
Kottayam is again an exotic backwater site on the list that attracts tourists throughout the year and hosts scenic landscapes, bird sanctuaries, temples, churches and lots more.
Kovalam
Along the picturesquecoast of Kerela is a small village, Kovalam that encloses beautiful palm fringed shores embellished with silver sand. Combination of three small beaches with sheltered natural bay and blue waters are a must watch spot on the list. From sun bathing, swimming, yoga and meditation to catamaran cruising,herbal body massage and delectable meals at beach resorts, there is a lot that you can revel in.
Kozhikode
Located in the south-western coast of India, Kozhikode or Calicut was once known as the capital of Zamorians and an important trade centre. Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad sea shore in the year 1498 and to commemorate this moment, a small stone monument was constructed by his 170 men. These days city continues to be a centre of domestic and international trade and main marketing centre for commodities like lemon grass oil, pepper, coconut, rubber and coffee to name a few.
Kumarakom
Like most of the places in Kerala, Kumarakom is a clean village and actually a cluster of small islands. There is a beautiful bird sanctuary spread across fourteen acres of land that houses different bird species including egrets, herons, darters, waterfowl, cuckoo, wild duck and teal to name a few. A boat trip around the island is the best way to enjoy every bit of the sanctuary. Apart from this, you can also enjoy boat races, canoeing, houseboat cruise and fishing, as well. If you are in Kumarakom for a honeymoon, then houseboat holidays in Kettuvallom are the best options for an unparalleled experience amongst the scintillating natural beauty. There are several museums religious structures, temples and wild life sanctuaries to see in and around Kumarakom.
Munnar
Popularly known as Kashmir of South India, Munnar is a popular hill station located at the confluence of three rivers namely Kundala, Nallathanni and Mudrapuzha. Being 1600 meter above the sea level, Munnar offers a cosy weather, beautiful landscape and extensive tea estates. Apart from that, there are enchanting beaches, flawless backwaters, diverse wildlife and much more to see around and enjoy. For honeymooners and nature lovers, Munnar is a paradise on earth that is sure to captivate their mind and soul in the first glimpse.
Nilambur
Nilambur is one of the most exciting towns in Malappuram district that is popularly known for having world’s first ever teak plantation raised in Conolly Plot. Established by Kerala Forest Department and Kerala Forest Research Institute, there is a teak museum which is worth watching as it hosts cultural, historical and artistic aspects of teak in a fine way. World’s oldest living teak tree stands in Parambikulam Wild Life Sanctuary and measures 47.5 metres in height and 642 cm in width. Apart from the teak museum there is teak plantation, Central Forest Nursery, Aruvacode, Nedumkavam rain forest and Adyanpara waterfalls to see in and around Nilambur.
Palakkad
Located at the foot of Western Ghats, this wonderful place is well known as the silo of Kerala. There are valleys, hillocks, mountain streams, rivers, dams, forests and many irrigation projects in and around Palakkad.The place was once a gorgeous stretch of forests that were covered with Pala trees and the entire forest was fragranced with its sweet scented flowers.
Ponmudi
If you are an adventure lover, then Ponmudi hill station is definitely the right place for you. Located at an elevation of 610 meters above the sea level, this beautiful hill station offers captivating scenic beauty, salubrious climate, extended tea gardens, serene woods and peaceful surroundings. Here you can visit the highest peaks of Western Ghats, Agasthyarkoo dam with the permission of Forest Department and enjoy visiting Meenmutty Falls to enhance your experience even more. Additionally, hiking and trekking are some good outdoor activities that you can get involved in.
Quilon
Quilon is an old sea port town that lies along the south-western Arabian Sea shoreline and is a major attraction for its architectural beauty. The 144 feet Thangassery Light House, Pullichira Church, Chinnakkada Palli mosque, Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Thirumullavaram beach and Ashramam Picnic village are some major attractions of this town. And if you are holidaying with kids, do not miss to visit the largest children’s traffic and Entertainment Park in Kerala, designed by NATPAC. Last but not the least is the adventure park in Quilon village that is located along the shores of Astamudi backwaters. Here you can enjoy cruising with luxury cruise boats or can also choose to ride on powerboats and motorboats that can be easily hired.
Thiruvananthapuram
Capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or commonly known as Trivandrum is a district bordered by Arabian Sea and Western Ghats. Thiruvananthapuram actually derives its name from deity at the famous temple, Sree Anantha Padmanabha Swamy, which is also a known landmark of the city. To see in and around the capital, there is an observatory to start with. Then there are palaces, 250 year old temples, museums and much more that are really worth a visit.
Varkala
These days, for most of the tourists, Varkala has become a favourite vacation spot, especially those who are out just for holidaying and nothing else. The exceptionally gorgeous landscapes, Varkala beach, towering cliffs, sparkling waters, cloudless skies, shining white sands and yellow green paddy fields accompanied by coconut trees make this placea true ecstasy. If you are looking for more of spiritualism, then Shornur Canal and Sivagiri Mutt is the right place for you.
