The backwaters of Kerala have made the world go crazy for their beauty. Besides this, there is a lot to offer: tea and spice plantations, traditional houseboats called Kettuvallams, ornate temples and beaches where you can spend hours. The state is known as God’s own country for all the right reasons. Wildlife enthusiasts can witness the fierce yet fascinating wildlife, adventure junkies can indulge in many activities such as parasailing, and those seeking peace, Yoga, and Ayurveda are to the rescue.
Make sure to add the places mentioned below to your priority list while planning your Kerala trip!
1. Munnar: the paradise of tea plantations in the south
Munnar, the former summer capital of the British, is carpeted with green tea, coffee and spice plantations. Overall, up to 80,000 area miles are covered with tea plantations in Munnar, which makes it seem like a dream. This is one of the best places to visit in Kerala, the best places to visit in Kerala, not only because of its scenic charm, but also because of the availability of exotic stay options and spas where you can find absolute peace.
Attractions: Tata Tea Museum, Life of Pi Church, Cheeyappara Falls, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Falls
2. Alleppey: one of the major backwater destinations
Alleppey, one of the hot spots for people who come to Kerala for the backwaters, is also known as the Venice of the East. The lakes are surrounded by coconut trees and fishing villages. This is a perfect place to get a closer look at Kerala culture, while eating local food served on banana leaves; and to snuggle in the lap of nature, while sailing through the quiet backwaters aboard a kettuvallam (traditional houseboat)
Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace and The Snake Boat Race
3. Wayanad: an impressive hill station
Often a highlight in most Kerala tour packages, Wayanad is a Malayalam word, translated as “land of rice paddies”. This is a lush hill station in Kerala where you can witness the mystique of nature, along with the rich tribal heritage of Kerala. Rolling green hills are kissed by billowing white clouds, and waterfalls gush out to make the scene even more enchanting.
Attractions: Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Papanashini River, Puliyarmala Jain Temple and Lakkidi Lookout
4. Kovalam – Stealing hearts with his coast
Boasting one of the best beaches in Kerala, Kovalam steals your heart with its red and white lighthouse. Not only do the beaches here boast scenic charm, they also have a lot to offer such as water sports, sunbathing festivals, and Ayurvedic treatments that can awaken energy in every one of your nerves, while also relaxing them. Just take a walk, settle on the beach and watch the sunset during a lovely evening in Kovalam.
Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Halcyon Castle, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Kovalam Jama Masjid, Vellayani Lake and Vizhinjam Fishing Port
5. Varkala: coastline with cliffs and much more
Varkala is considered a stunning beach location in Kerala, especially due to its coastline with steep cliffs. The beaches offer the most beautiful sunsets, and adrenaline junkies can enjoy water sports like surfing and parasailing. Varkala’s luxurious resorts make it one of the ideal places to visit in Kerala. There are also many religious landmarks here, such as the Janardhan Temple and the Sarkara Devi Temple.
Attractions: Varkala Beach, Kappil Lake, Papanasam Beach and Fort Anjengo
