Kerala, often endeared to as the “coastal paradise”, is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. Snuggled peacefully between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats in the southern part of India, Kerala is always at the top of a traveler’s list. It is the perfect place for those who love to trek, meditate, and go on solo vacations, honeymoon, adventure and family tours.
Here are 10 enticing places to visit in Kerala; these places showcase the best of this coastal heaven:
Visiting the Venice of East – Alleppey
Alleppey often tops the list of places to visit in Kerala because of the magical backwater experiences that it delivers. Rice fields, houseboat travels and beach sojourns are the major activities that tourists indulge in. And of course, the typical Kerala style meal delivered in all its pomp and show is not to be missed.
Travelling in a houseboat and staying in it for the night would be a unique experience. You get to see scenic landscapes, the quaint villages, coconut groves, lily ponds, ducks in the waters, people indulging in their day-to-day activities and plenty more when you travel in the houseboat.
A Paradisaical Beach – Kovalam
Kovalam is a piece of paradise that you must visit when you are in Kerala. It really makes the state live up to its name of coastal paradise. Apart from hanging out at the beach, you can check in to one of the Ayurveda resorts and have a rejuvenating holiday. Kovalam was a calm fishing village once upon a time, but when the tourists started exploring the scenic beach with the swinging palm groves, it became a hot spot for visitors.
Rendezvousing at a Houseboat – Kumarakom
Kumarakom single-handedly attracts a chunk of tourists even year. The scintillating emerald-blue peninsula juts lethargically into the effervescent Vembanad Lake, making it the perfect destination to spend an unorthodox vacation. Kumarakom is located just 13 kilometres away from Kottayam, and is literally a small paradise stocked with mangrove forests, coconut trees and green paddy fields.
Kumarakom, according to National Geographic Magazine, is one of the must-see places in a lifetime. Houseboats are the most unique attractions of this village, and tourists book cruises to enjoy a trip in the backwaters and relish the typical Kerala cuisine. You can also visit the bird sanctuary if you love wildlife.
Pleasing and Soothing Beauty – Kasargod
The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasargod is mainly famous for its coir, handloom industry and fishing. Hills, beautiful forts, magnificent temples, rivers and forts; you have a lot to explore in Kasargod. There is a man-made forest on the outskirts of Kasargod that you must visit. Spanning 32 acres, the forest was created by Mr. Abdul Kareem, and is a favourite spot for nature lovers and environmentalists.
Exploring the Charm and Picturesque Locales – Kannur
Kannur is famous for its scenic beauty, rich culture and history. The district had been frequented by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in the past, and you see charming influences of the same everywhere you go. There are scenic beaches to visit, ancient forts, spice markets, cashewnut shops, weaving and textile facilities and plenty of old shrines.
The Tea Heaven of Kerala – Munnar
A hill station 6000m above sea-level, Munnar’s reputation precedes it. The fabulous weather of the destination, the glowing green carpets of tea gardens, the backdrop of the misty mountains are all exciting checkpoints for adventure seekers and campers. If you are looking for the perfect vacation, you will find it here. The alluring charm can never be found elsewhere.
The most popular places to visit in Munnar are – Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Mattupetty, Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary, Kolukkumalai, Pampadum Shola National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Indescribable Breathtaking Beauty – Varkala
Varkala is one of the best seaside towns of Kerala. With cliffs on one side and rejuvenating greenery on the other side, it presents a perfect vacation spot for tourists. You can hang out at the beaches, visit Janardhana Swamy Temple and the Varkala Cultural Centre if you love history and culture. Varkala is just 50 kilometers from Trivandrum Airport, so it is easily accessible.
The Mystical Charm of an island – Munroe Island
Munroe Island in Kollam is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Not many people know about this, so you get to enjoy a fabulous place and spend a day there fishing, and having a simple meal cooked by one of the residents if your guide can arrange it. The locals would also be ready to take you around the canals on a canal cruise.
Silence and Beauty Intermingling Gloriously – Poovar
You can explore the true beauty of nature and relish its many delights when you are in Poovar. You can enjoy the backwaters of Kerala, go for boating, indulge in volleyball, swimming and have a great holiday in one of the best, quiet destinations in Kerala. People also choose to take Ayurvedic massage and spa packages to have a complete rejuvenating vacation.
Witness the Golden Beauty of Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a top destination to visit if you love trekking and hiking. Have a great vacation in Ponmudi (just 60 kilometers from Trivandrum), by traversing up the mystical blue hills, watching the vibrant birds and fluttering butterflies and gazing yonder through the spice plantations and tea estates.
Conclusion
Make time to visit these magnificent coastal places in Kerala. Enjoy the perfect blend of different traditions, try the different cuisines and experience the charming culture of a lovely land.
Author Bio
Sunu Philip is the Inbound Marketing and Creative Head for Paradise Holidays, Cochin – a Kerala based tour operator. She loves reading, exploring new places and trying out different cuisines!
