Places to Visit In Kerala

The beautiful spring came; and when nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also.-Harriet Ann Jacobs

In the hustle and bustle of the life, we often miss out the beauty of our own surroundings, so pack a bag, switch on your travel mode and explore the beauty of God’s own country. The beautiful god’s own country, Kerala is located between 580 Km long shoreline of the Arabian Sea to the west and diversity rich Western Ghats from the east, the inland backwaters, and a swathe running land with rich soil which hosts the paddy fields, black pepper, and other spices. The captive and alluring Kerala is also known as the Venice of the East, and certainly, you don’t want to miss the scenic beauty of Kerala.

Let Kerala be your next vacation!

Here’s how you can make the most of your trip and fulfill your spirit bohemian when in Kerala.

The best time to visit Kerala is from monsoon season to winters as during summers the heats waves and humidity takes all over Kerala. To experience the lush green landscapes at their best the appropriate time would be during monsoons. It is also a great time to visit as most of the local festivities and carnivals like boat races happen during this period.

Here are the places to visit in Kerala.

North Kerala

The long Malabar Coast of northern Kerala consists of beautiful coastal villages and blissful beaches. Kerala is the perfect getaway to feel alluring nature and wildlife, so we have come up with a list of the most charismatic places to visit in Kerala.

• Kannur
  

                                                                                                 Kannur:- One of the best places to visit in Kerala

Formerly known as cannanore is very famous for its beautiful beaches, Kannur has attractive beaches, to escape mainstream tourist places you can visit the villages for real authentic Kerala experience. To see historical tourist attraction and other major attraction of Kannur ,this city is one the best places in Kerala for tour.

• St. Angelo’s fort

                                                                                                                    St. Angelo’s fort

Also known as Kannur fort. This fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, it is built in the early 1500s by Dom Francisco de Alameda, and he was the first Portuguese Viceroy of India.

• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

                                                                                                                   Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Is spread over 55 sq. Km of tropical forest along the Western Ghats Mountains, you can do nature camping and jungle trekking, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is rich with flora and fauna, It is famous for bird watching, 188 species of can be seen at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, some interesting animals like flying squirrel also found at the sanctuary.

• Pythala Mala
  It is a place where you can feel true mesmerizing nature of the Western Ghats, it is the best place to do trekking, it is situated 65 Km from Kannur. Pythal Mala has one of the highest peaks in Kannur; it is interspersed with rare endemic species, mesmerizing waterfalls, and scenic landscapes.
• Calicut (now known as Kozhikode)
  Kozhikode is one of the historic seaports of Kerala. Previously the traders from Arab, China and Africa converged for business in Kozhikode. This town houses lush green countryside, white beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuary, rivers, hills, and hustling bazaars that are filled with whiff of historic tales. It also happens to be an important city as it is a central point from where tourists can travel to beautiful secluded countryside for a relaxing laid back vacay.
• Bekal in Kasargod
  This quaint little place has following must visit places- Bekal fort, Bekal beach, Kappil beach, Bekal hole aqua park, Valiyaparamba backwaters. The most wonderful part of Bekal is its seclusion. It’s well preserved countryside gives the air of serenity and get away we all are looking for.

Wayanad

                                                                                                                    Wayanad

If you’re a nature lover then Wayanad is the perfect place to visit. Wayanad is famous for beautiful waterfalls and enchanting landscapes. The Major tourist attraction of Wayanad are:

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  It is a place for those people who love sustainable tourism; Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat of numerous atypical and endangered flora and fauna and is a wonderful getaway for nature lovers.
• Mudumalai National Park
  This beautiful national park is located in beautiful Nilgiri mountains range, It’s major attraction is wildlife safari, Mudumalai National park is home for 50 species of fish, 21 species of amphibians, 34 species of reptiles, 227 species of birds and 55 species of mammals, the national park is covered with dense tropical forest which creates the ecosystem for the flora and fauna.
  
• Soochipappara Waterfall
  If you’re a lover of scenic beauty and natural peace, Soochipappara waterfall is the perfect destination for you to visit. These waterfalls gush from a height of 50 to 100 meters. The view of the deep valley, beautiful Western Ghats and the amalgamation of Soochipappara waterfall will give you a soulful peace to your mind.

All of these spots make Wayanad one of the most alluring places in Kerala for the tour.

Central Kerala

The Bewitching beach towns, filled with coconut trees, the inland backwaters, alluring wildlife and a touch of a European architect central Kerala is full of attractive and culturally rich destination that attract to the travelers, places to visit in Centre Kerala.

Kochi

                                                                                                                    The beautiful Kochi

Formerly known as Cochin, from the 14th century Kochi was the trade hub of South India, Kochi was the first European colony in the colonial period of India. In 1503 the city was occupied by Portuguese and later it occupied by Dutch and then by Britisher, Kochi was highly influenced by the European culture and architects, the metropolitan city of Kerala is the hub for traveler because of its scenic beauty and tons of tourist attraction, here are some major attraction and the places to visit in Kochi.

• Fort Kochi
  Is the only places in the world where you can find the unique Chinese net fishing outside of China, thanks to the Chinese trader of Kubala Khan who brings this thing during the 14th century if you visit the beach line of Fort Kochi you will find the dotted line along the beach line of the Fort Kochi. You can also visit the St. Francis Church, it is one of the oldest built by European in India and another tourist attraction in this area is Vasco house where Vasco Da Gama is believed to have lived in the olden days.
  
• Cherai Beach
  This beautiful beach located in Cherai, the suburban area of city Kochi. Cherai Beach is one of the most visited beaches in the State, most of the tourists captivated by the calmness, quietness, and coziness of this beach.
  
• Santa Cruz Cathedral
  One of the finest and impressive churches in India and visited by the tourist the whole year round due to its historic significance, endowed with architectural and the gothic style of the church, If you love history and Gothic architecture then this place is a must-visit for you.

Munnar

                                                                                          Munnar – One The Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Kerala

The mesmerizing Munnar town is located in the beautiful Western Ghats range. It is also known as the Kashmir of the South. It’s a popular destination among honeymoon couples. Munnar City is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala.

• Pothamedu
  The lush green mountain and rolling hills in Pothamedu are some of the major tourist attraction; you can view the tea, coffee and cardamom plantation in Pothamedu and in Devikulam which is 7 km away from Munnar, you can have a rare experience the enchanting beauty of the hill station with its silky lawns, exotic flora and fauna and cool a breeze of the mountain.
• Eravikulam National Park
  If you love nature and wildlife then Eravikulam National Park is a perfect getaway for you. The National Park is about natural beauty and riveting landscapes, this national park isn’t a tourist place in Kerala it is also home to a number of endangered and vulnerable species in the world. So on your way to central Kerala tour, don’t forget to make Munnar, one of the most scenic places to visit in Kerala, your holiday spot.

South Kerala:

The Southern part of Kerala includes the district of Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. Earlier these areas belonged to the Travancore Kingdom. The royalty ruled most of the areas of today’s South Kerala from the city of Trivandrum. In the Southern part of Kerala, you can find tons of tourist attraction and
places you can visit in Kerala.

• Thiruvananthapuram
  It is one of the oldest cities in India and is also one of the most frequented tourist spots which makes it one of the most panoramic places to visit in Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram is also a heritage and cultural hub of Kerala, also the most populated city of Kerala. “City of Lord Anantha” historically it was a trading center for the spices, sandalwood, and ivory. Here are some major attractions in Thiruvananthapuram that you can visit.
• Padmanabha Swamy Temple
  One of the holiest temples in Trivandrum is located inside the East Fort. This temple is dedicated the Lord Vishnu, The temple is famous for having the deity in the eternal sleep posture.
  
• Kovalam Beach
  The long stretch of palm trees along the shoreline, the beautiful sunset and refreshing ocean breeze is enough to attract you to this mesmerizing beach. Perfect for sunbathing and resting spots can be easily found while enjoying the scenic beauty of Kovalam beach.
  
• Poovar Island
  This beautiful Island is located on the southern tip of Trivanduram. In early time this island was used as the trading centre because of the perfect combination of backwaters and island, which gives the splendid beauty to this island and you, would really want to spend your entire day on this Island.
  
• Napier Museum
  This museum is named after Former Madras Governor- General, John Napier, It is located in the heart of the city, if you are into art, natural history and loves the architectural work then you should definitely visit the Napier Museum.
  

Kottayam:

                                                                                                                    Kottayam

You can find a handful of places to visit in this charming and rustic city of Kerala, Kottayam has the abundance of naturally beautiful places, churches, nearby hill stations, refreshing waterfalls, and picnic spots. The Western Ghats and the backwaters add charming and calming nature to the beauty of this city. Kottayam city is one of the most
visited places in Kerala.

• Elaveezha Poonchira
  Poonchira is surrounded by three hills and known for its beautiful and charming scenic landscapes, because of that it’s very famous among the trekkers and picnic lovers. Poonchira is around an hour away from Kottayam city.
• Nattakom and Panachikkad
  The alluring and rustic beauty of both villages, is so enchanting, both villages are known for their heritage and religious value, which gives soulful peace to the travellers, if you like desiness (The rural and exotic side of Kerala) this is a perfect getaway for you.
  
• Periyar National Park
  Periyar National Park is situated in Thekkady, Kerala; this wildlife park is home for the Tigers, Elephants, Sambar deer, leopard and Indian Bison. The National park covers around 357 sq. miles of land. Pamba and Periyar rivers run through the national park which supports the wildlife and acts as a lifeline for all species of animals and plants found in the park. If you love adventure and thrills, this is the one of the most alluring places to visit in Kerala. River rafting, wildlife and other adventurous activity are some major attractions among the tourist, you can also visit Sabarimala and Mangla Devi temple in this park, these ancient temples located in the park, are important spots for the pilgrims. The scenic beauty and spiritual peace of these temples give soulful peace to the mind.
• Alappuzha
  Alappuzha or formerly known as Alleppey city is located 46 km away from Kottayam city. Alleppey is one of the cleanest cities and oldest planned city of India is an epitome of the beauty, a city with canals, backwaters, beaches and lagoons was described by Lord Curzon as the Venice of East. Alappuzha is one of the places to visit in Kerala.
• Backwaters of Alleppey
  The Emerald green water, white lilies and pink lilies, the mild smell of sea breeze and the green paddy field stretched both sides of the backwaters; beautiful houseboats and small canoes add an extra dimension the natural beauty to the backwaters. These backwaters are a magnificent place for bird watching.
• Alappuzha Beach
  One of the most visited beaches in Kerala, ancient lighthouse and combining of the sea, canals, lagoons and freshwater rivers at one place adds the charm to this beautiful place. This beach is a paradise for visitors who like adventures sports like parasailing and surfing.
• St. Mary Forane Church
  One of the oldest and beautiful churches in India, It is the most beautiful palace to visit in Alleppy, The stunning sculpture and murals and the backwaters flowing adjacent to the Church gives the alluring view of this place.
• Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna temple
  This temple is built around 790 AD, this temple is also known as the “Dwarka of the South”. This temple is famous for the ‘palpayasam’, a delicious sweet rice pudding made of milk and rice offered to Lord Krishna and as Prashad to the Bhakts. This temple is the must visit place in Alappuzha.

Must have unique experiences in Kerala

Ayurvedic and Yoga retreats in Kerala

Charai, Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar, Punnamada Lake are the best Top 5 Rejuvenating Kerala Ayurvedic destinations.

Some of the relaxing and destressing ayurvedic treatments you can look up for are:-

• Immunization of the body and treatment for longevity which is referred to as Kayakalpa Chikitsya
• Sudation of the body or the Sweda Karma
• Slimming of the body
• Beauty care therapies
• Therapies for physical as well as mental well-being includes meditation and yoga
• Therapies for overall treatment which is the panchakarma treatment

Experience the rich culture and traditions of Kerala

                                                                                            Kathakali – The Culture and Tradition of Kerala

The unique and traditional culture of Kerala can be witnessed at its most during the monsoon and harvest season of August to mid-November. Almost all of the major festivities like Onam, Diwali and Dussehra take place during this time. These festivals are celebrated with grandeur. There are fairs and contests for people to indulge in. The floors are decorated with flower designs; there are dances for celebration. These activities are a huge celebration and representation of their culture.

Here are some of the elements of Kerala culture that you can explore:

• Food of Kerala
• Clothing and Traditional Dresses of Kerala
• Architecture of Kerala
• Folk Dance and Music
• Literature of Kerala
• Art and Craft in Kerala
• Festivals of Kerala
• Religion in Kerala
• Occupation of Kerala
• Rituals of Kerala
• Importance of Elephants
• Modern society
• Tourism in Kerala

Cruise through backwaters of Kerala on houseboats

                                                                                         Backwaters Houseboat – The Most Unique Experience

Staying at a houseboat in Kerala is one of the most unique and remarkable experiences one mustn’t miss during the Kerala trip. Houseboats are luxury boathouses that slowly cruise through the waters giving you an exotic and leisure experience that cannot be duplicated.

You can find houseboat resorts at-

• Thiruvananthapuram
• Kollam
• Kottayam
• Alappuzha (formerly known as Alleppey)
• Ernakulam
• Thrissur and
• Kasaragod

So, we have come to an end of this beautiful journey and we shall meet again on some another exciting voyage…!!! Till then en voyagent.