Best 10 Place To Visit In Kerala
Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler,[1] Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters.[2] Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
There is no dearth of places to visit for any traveller in this marvel of a land. Here are 10 of the most popular destinations in Kerala.
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.
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.
Athirapally
Located near Chalakudy, Athirappilly is a village famous for the Athirappilly waterfalls.
It is situated at 1000 feet above sea level on the Chalakudy river,with the falls itself of a height of 80 feet. Nicknamed the Niagara of India, these are the largest waterfalls in Kerala. Just 5kms away from from Athirappilly waterfalls are the Vazhachal waterfalls.
Popular among tourists, the surrounding Sholayar ranges of Western Ghats are home to a variety of endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna including, Asiatic elephants, bison, tiger, leopard, sambar etc.
Kovalam
The falcate shaped beach, its stunning blue waters and white sandy shore makes this place a must visit pit stop in your trip to Kerala. The waters are calm and is ideal for a swim or you could relax and sun bathe on one of the lounge chairs.
Apart from sightseeing swimming and enjoying the lip smacking cuisine, Kovalam also offers adventure sports such as diving, parasailing, windsurfing etc.
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.
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.
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.
Varkala
Varkala, situated in the outskirts of Trivandrum town is a calm and peaceful hamlet with several tourist attractions including the Varkala beach, the 2000- year old Vishnu temple and the Sivagiri Mutt ashram.
Varkala beach or the Papanasham beach is believed to have holy powers and a dip in its waters are said to wash away all sins in one’s life. It is the only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. The beach is ideal for sun bathing and swimming and attracts a number of religious visitors as well as tourists.
This destination is fast becoming an ayurvedic resort location of Kerala since a number of international tourists arrive here seeking traditional ayurvedic massages and treatments.
Thrissur
Known as the cultural capital of Kerala due to its rich cultural heritage and archaeological wealth, Thrissur is renowned for not just the Thrissur Pooram but also the number of tourist attractions of the district.
The historic, political and religious leanings of the district are evident through various monuments and museums in Thrissur. The shakthan thampuran palace, kodungalloor kovilakam, vilangan hills, Thrissur kole wetlands, archaeological and arts museum, zoo, bible tower, Guruvayoor temple, Vadakkunnathan temple, chettuva backwaters, athirappilly falls, chimmony wildlife sanctuary etc are just some of Thrissur’s many attractions.
Wayanad
Nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats and the borders of Tamilnadu and Kerala is a picturesque plateau at a height of 700 to 2100 meters above sea level. Known worldwide for its pristine natural beauty, the name Wayanad is believed to have been derived from the word “vayalnadu” meaning the land of paddy fields.
Nature has abundantly blesses this part of the state with mist covered mountains and verdant valleys. The Chembra peak, Neelimala, Meenmutty waterfalls, Banasurasagar dam, Edakkal caves, Kuruva islands, Pakshippathalam, Muthanga wildlife sanctuary etc. are justsome of what thisland has to offer.
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