Rhituparna Das
You have always thought what heaven would look like right? Well set your feet on ‘God’s own country’ to witness the serene air of Kerala and the dreamy backwaters would take you on a gliding journey of peace and tranquility. Discover the 10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala.
1. Alleppey
Alleppey is also known as Alappuzha, is a city in Kerala having a population of 174,164. Strecthing away from Kochi from about 63 km, this serene place is known as the “venetian capital”, with the beauty of its lighthouse and the golden sand of the coast. Known for its backwaters, Alleppey is a perfect getaway for someone who loves getting lost in the nature. The luscious green fields, the coconut trees standing tall, being a protector of the shimmering water.
The most popular attractions near the spot is Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, and also Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The national highway 66 connects Panvel and Kanyakumari and crosses through the Alappuzha town. City buses run through routes which will take you to Alappuzha. Cochin International Airport is also the closest. So travelling is easy peasy! So come down to god’s own country and see for yourself.
2. Kochi (Cochin)
Cochin, aka Kochi, is the port city in the south-west coast of India. Known as the “queen of the Arabian sea”, it is best known for its financial, commercial and industrial efficiency. The headquarters of the southern naval command and the Indian navy lies in Kochi.
The monsoon in Kochi is very charming. It has a tropical monsoon climate. There are many highways which connect the roads to the various spots. The most famous places you can visit in Kochi are Mattancherry Palace, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kerala Folklore Museum, and many more.
3. Athirapally Waterfalls
This spellbinding waterfall, situated in the Thrissur district of Kerala, springs from the Western Ghats and opening at the Sholayar ranges, it is the largest waterfall in Kerala of about 80 feet. It is a 15 min walk to the magnificent interiors from the fall’s entrance.
Image Credit : Flick User – Random Explorer
The forest there is said to house many species namely Great Hornbill, Indian Grey Hornbill, Asiatic elephant, leopard, bison, lion-tailed macaque and many more. This enchanting place will calm your soul and relax your mind, transferring you to another alluring world of beauty and wilderness.
4. Wayanad
Located in the north east of Kerala state, Wayanad is an enticing hilly district. Its name means the land of paddy fields. The tribal environment and the wilderness of the place will give you a chill in the spine. You can find primitive drawings and pictorial depictions on the walls of the caves of Ampukuthimala.
This famous Kerala tourism spot is once in a lifetime experience, with the pleasant weather and the tribal ambiance will give you chills.
5. Periyar Jungle Jeep Safari
One of the exciting things you can try in Kerala is the jungle safari in Periyar in Thekkady in Idukki district of Kerala. The scenic backwater and the forest life are thrilling and it was also declared as the tiger reserve in 1978.
The jungle houses many kinds of wild animals like Asian Elephants, tigers, Nilgiri Langurs, wild boars, spotted deer, stripe necked mongoose, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bears, civet, sambars and many others. So take a ride to this jungle to experience the flaura and fauna at close-quarters!
6. Varkala Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
Lies in the Thiruvananthapuram district, this coastal town in Kerala is a dream place. The picturesque landscape is a soul warming spot. It is referred to as the Dakshin kasha which means “baneras of the south”.
The magical beach is one of the most visited sites in Kerala for the temples and shrines located near to the coast. The beach where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the warmth of the Kerala breeze, Varkala is the perfect getaway for a peaceful and calming trip.
7. Chembra Peak
The Chembra Peak is the highest peak of the Wayanad, located near the town meppadi. Being a part of the Wayanad hill range, the Chembra peak adjoins the Nilgiri hills and the Vellarimala in Kerala. One has to ascend the peak through the adrenaline boosted trek and reach the top the magnificent peak. It is only 2 hours trekking to the zenith.
But in the end, it’s worth it! The heart shaped lake is located at the very peak of the climb is worth a view! Guided tours are also available to climb the peak, and take back the glorious soul of the Chembra Peak.
8. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
If you are a wildlife lover and want to stimulate your wild side than head to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary. The place to witness thousands of bird species and their calls will linger in your ear. Located about 12km from Kothamangalam, this sanctuary is a wilderness roller coaster.
Houses about thousands of bird it includes Orange-headed thrush, Large-billed leaf-warbler, Indian cuckoo, Oriental darter, Whiskered terns, Collared Scops owl, Grey-fronted green pigeon, Jerdon’s Nightjar, Cormorants and hundreds more. So be all ears and visit this wild heaven of the bird sanctuary in Kerala.
9. Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station in the Meenachil Taluk District of Kerala. This is a tranquil and dreamy, without the hustle and bustle of humans, a calm town with meadows and fields stretching to the horizon.
The greenery and the range of flora the place bears, is breathtaking. If you imagine a green dream like landscape, Vagamon is a place looks like have sprouted from a Dreamscape!
10. Poovar
This tourist town in Trivandrum lies very close to Vizhinjam, a natural harbor. The waters of Poovar reflects the sun of Kerala. The serene backwaters along with the lake, rivers, sea and beach makes Poovar a natural wonder.
This stretch of sand and salt water looks like have been taken from any story book. This paradise land separates the river from the sea. Visit this portal to endless relaxation in Kerala.
