Kerala is the land of unending palm groves, pristine sandy beaches, sprawling tea plantations, rolling green hills, calming backwaters, mouth-watering cuisine and much more. Situated between the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, this land is blessed with abundant geographical and cultural diversity. How this tiny strip of land holds such divine natural beauty and cultural heritage is a wonder in itself.
1. Munnar
Munnar needs no introduction to the seasoned traveller. The most favoured destination in Kerala, Munnar is situated at a height of 1600mts above sea level. Located in Idukki district, it is a slice of heaven with endless tea gardens, winding narrow lanes between the mist covered mountains and the spice scented fresh air.
This little town attracts tourists from around the globe all through the year. The tea estates, Mattuppetty Dam, Eravilulam national park etc. are just some of its attractions.
Above everything else is the calm and relaxed quality of this land that engulfs you in its arms leaving you with a desire to experience more of Munnar, and that is why one bids adieu to this place with a promise to visit again.
2. Thekkady
Known for being home to the country’s largest Tiger Reserve, Thekkady is one of the most sought after jungle vacation destinations in Kerala. Located near the Kerala – Tamilnadu border in Idukki district, Thekkady is frequented by domestic and international tourists alike.
The sanctuary is the most important attraction in Thekkady. Spread over an area of 777 kilometer square, periyar Wildlife sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The reserve is accessed by trekking, boating and Jeep safari. These evergreen jungles house a number of species of plants and animals including more than 60 species of mammals, 265 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians etc.
Bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaperiyar Dam, hiking in the wilderness, night trekking, boating etc. are experiences of a lifetime.
3. Bekal
Bekal,a small town in Kasaragod district,is not just a known tourist location of the state but also a land with many stories of the past. The ancient fort, extensive beaches, numerous estuaries all set in the rich cultural backdrop, attracts tourists and travelers alike.
Situated in Bekal is Bekal Fort,the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. The 300 year old fort built in the shape of a giant key hole offers an amazing view of the Arabian Sea from its observation towers.
The beach surrounding the fort is perfect to spend an evening taking in the calming sea breeze, watching the breathtaking sunset. One can take a walk along the walkway built for tourists to enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort. This sleepy little town is thus an emerging tourist hotspot.
4. Alleppey
Also known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters. With its picture perfect lagoons, mirror still backwaters, calm beaches, it is a land of watery wonders.
Its intricate grid of canals and how the life here is deeply interlinked with its waterways is just amazing. Home to thousands of house boats, Alleppy is the best location to spend a weekend floating in its waters, witnessing the breath-taking beauty this land is blessed with and enjoying the freshly cooked fish and duck in authentic Kerala style.
If enjoying some down time from the bustle of the city is what you need, Alleppey is just the place for you.
5. Vagamon
Located on the Idukki – Kottayam border,vagamon is an enchanting little hill station complete with religious mysticism and European legacy. The cool mountain air and the green grassy hills everywhere you look will no doubt mesmerize you. Away from the buzzing tourist crowd at 1100 meters above sea level, Vagamon is the perfect offbeat hill station to unwind.
The place not only offers picturesque pine forests, story book meadows and beautiful waterfalls, it is also one of the few paragliding hotspots in the country.
6. Kochi
Kochi also known as Cochin is the urban face of Kerala. This coastal cosmopolitan city on the shores of the Arabian and Laccadive Sea is part of Ernakulam district of Kerala. Famously known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, it was once an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India.
Ranking first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala, it is a land of an amazing blend of Chinese, Portuguese and British influences. Visiting the historical towns of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, relishing the undeniable remnants of the colonial past will be an experience in itself.
The Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House, Dutch Palace, Pallippuram Fort etc are only few of the many places one must not miss in Kochi