Kerala’s backwaters have made the world go gaga over its beauty. Beside this, there’s so much on offer – tea and spice plantations, traditional houseboats called Kettuvallams, ornate temples and beaches where you can spend hours. The state is known as God’s Own Country for all the right reasons. The wildlife-enthusiasts get to witness the ferocious yet fascinating wildlife, adventure-junkies can indulge in many activities like parasailing, and those seeking peace there’s Yoga and Ayurveda to the rescue.
Make sure you add the below mentioned places to your priority list while you plan your trip to Kerala!
1. Munnar – The tea-plantation paradise in the South
The former summer capital of the British, Munnar is carpeted with verdant plantation of tea coffee and spices. Overall, as much as 80,000 miles of area is covered with tea plantation in Munnar, making it look like a dream. This is one of the best places to visit in Keralabest places to visit in Kerala, not just because of its scenic charm, but also due to availability of exotic stay options, and spas where you can find utter peace.
Attractions: Tata Tea Museum, Life of Pi Church, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park, and Attukal Waterfalls
2. Alleppey – One of the important Backwaters destinations
One of the hotspots for the people coming to Kerala for the backwaters, Alleppey is also referred to as the Venice of the East. The lakes are surrounded by coconut trees, and fishing hamlets. This is a perfect place to get a closer look of Kerala’s culture, as you eat local food served on banana leaf; and to snuggle in the lap of nature, as you cruise through the tranquil backwaters aboard a kettuvallam (traditional houseboat)
Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and The Snake Boat Race
3. Wayanad – A stunning hill-station
Often a highlight in most Kerala tour packages, Wayanad is a Malayalam word, translated to ‘ land of paddy fields’. This is a lush hill-station in Kerala where one can get to witness nature’s mystique, alongside the rich tribal heritage of Kerala. The rolling green hillocks are kissed away by the swaying white clouds, and waterfalls gush to make the panorama even more enchanting.
Attractions: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Papanashini River, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, and Lakkidi View Point
4. Kovalam – Stealing hearts with its coastline
Boasting of having one of the best beaches in Kerala, Kovalam steals the heart with its red and white lighthouse. The beaches here not only flaunt a scenic charm, but also have a lot to offer – such as watersports, sunbathing festivals, and Ayurvedic treatments that can spark energy in each of your nerve, while also relaxing them. Simply just go around, settle yourself by the beach and watch the sunset during a lovely evening in Kovalam.
Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Halcyon Castle, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Kovalam Jama Masjid, Vellayani Lake, and Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor
5. Varkala – Cliffed shorelines and a lot more
Varkala is regarded as a stunning beach location in Kerala, especially because of its coastline with steep cliffs. The beaches make for most beautiful sunsets, and the adrenaline-junkies get to indulge in watersports such as surfing, and parasailing. The luxurious resorts in Varkala make it one of the ideal places to visit in Kerala. There also are many religious landmarks here like Janardhan Temple, and Sarkara Devi Temple.
Attractions: Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake, Papanasam Beach, and Anjengo Fort