Top 10 Tourist Places in Kerala: A Comprehensive Guide:
Contents
Kerala, often referred to as the “Gold Loan Country,” is one of the most beautiful states in India. Known for its lush vegetation, pristine beaches, serene backwaters, and diverse landscapes, Kerala attracts millions of tourists every year. If you’re planning a trip to this stunning state, here are the top 10 tourist places you must visit.
1. Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
- Capital of Kerala: Known for its colonial legacy and deep-rooted heritage.
- Architectural Beauty: The city is built on seven hills and is famous for its mix of architecture and urban charm.
- Key Attraction: Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the richest and most mysterious temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Ananthashayanam form.
- Other Attractions: Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple, Kuthiramalika Palace, and Napier Museum.
2. Vagamon
- Offbeat Hill Station: Located at an altitude of 3,600 feet, offering a pleasant climate throughout the year.
- Natural Beauty: Famous for tea gardens, pine forests, waterfalls, and lush greenery.
- Adventure Activities: Known for trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding. Hosts an International Paragliding Festival every March-April.
- Best Time to Visit: March-April for the paragliding festival.
3. Kovalam
- Coastal Town: Just 20 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is a popular coastal destination.
- Attraction for Tourists: Famous for its crescent-shaped beaches and stunning sunset views.
- Historical Significance: Developed as a tourist destination by the Travancore Maharani, Sethu Lakshmi Bayi, who built a beach resort here.
- Places to Visit: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, Samudra Beach, Halcyon Castle, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Kovalam Art Gallery.
4. Thekkady
- Hill Station: Known for its forest reserves and rich flora and fauna.
- Periyar Tiger Reserve: India’s largest tiger reserve, popular for tiger and bird watching, jungle safaris, and elephant rides.
- Other Attractions: Cardamom, tea, and coffee plantations, Mangala Devi Temple, Murugan Temple, and Periyar Lake.
- Activities: Trekking, rafting, and exploring the dense forests.
5. Varkala
- Scenic Coastal Town: Famous for its unique cliffs and panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
- Pristine Beaches: The beaches in Varkala are clean and serene, making it a popular spot for tourists.
- Water Sports: Enjoy activities like scuba diving, boat riding, parasailing, and jet skiing.
- Ayurvedic Resorts: Numerous resorts offering Ayurvedic treatments, known for their health benefits.
- Must-Visit Spots: Varkala Beach, Varkala Lighthouse, Anchuthengu Fort, Kapil Lake, Janardhan Swami Temple.
6. Kochi (Cochin)
- Commercial Hub: One of Kerala’s most important cities with a rich history as a major port city.
- Cultural Heritage: A blend of colonial architecture and modern urbanity.
- Breathtaking Backwaters: Kochi’s backwaters are among Kerala’s most famous, offering picturesque views of coconut groves and serene waters.
- Must-Visit Spots: Mattancherry Palace, Fort Kochi, Kerala Kathakali Centre, Cherai Beach, Bolgatty Palace, Marine Drive.
7. Kumarakom
- Backwater Paradise: Located near Vembanad Lake, known for its serene backwaters and houseboat experiences.
- Bird Sanctuary: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to numerous species of migratory birds.
- Luxury Houseboats: Explore the beautiful backwaters while staying in luxurious, traditional houseboats.
- Other Attractions: Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Kumarakom Beach, St. Mary’s Church, and Ayurvedic spas.
8. Wayanad
- Lush Landscape: Famous for its waterfalls, historical caves, spice plantations, and wildlife.
- Spice Garden of India: Known for the distinct aroma in the air due to spice plantations.
- Adventure Activities: Trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, and camping.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Other Attractions: Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Thirunelli Temple, Jain Temple.
9. Alappuzha (Alleppey)
- Venice of the East: Known for its picturesque backwaters, canals, and houseboats.
- Vembanad Lake: One of the largest lakes in Kerala, offering stunning views and houseboat experiences.
- Other Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Marari Beach, and Punnamada Lake (famous for the Nehru Trophy Boat Race).
10. Munnar
- Popular Hill Station: Located at an altitude of 5,200 feet, known for its lush greenery, tea plantations, and scenic waterfalls.
- Former British Summer Resort: Once the summer resort for British India, now a top tourist destination.
- Tea Gardens: Explore the expansive tea gardens, a must-see in Munnar.
- Adventure Activities: Trekking routes and the highest peaks in Kerala, Anamudi and Meesapulimala, offering breathtaking views.
- Other Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Attukal Waterfalls, and Top Station.
Conclusion
Kerala offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure. From serene backwaters to stunning hill stations, each destination in Kerala has its unique charm. If you’re looking to explore these wonders, plan your trip to Kerala and immerse yourself in the diverse experiences this state has to offer.
