Kerala Tourism - A Complete Guide For A Family Trip To Kerala

Kerala is truly the abode of the Gods. It’s literally Heaven on earth and is aptly called ‘God’s own country’. From serene backwaters to pristine beaches, from thriving wildlife sanctuaries to soaring peaks, Kerala has all these and much, much more.

Here is a Kerala trip guide for you and your family of things to do, places to visit and all that will make your Kerala trip memorable.

Best Time To Visit Kerala

Kerala tourism is thriving, and there are many places to visit and things to do during your Kerala trip.

1. Kovalam Beach – Munnar in Kerala is a destination which has allured tourists from all over the world for its natural beauty. It’s known for its never-ending plantations, clear lakes, vast grasslands and picture-perfect backdrops. One such gem located in one of the most sought-after Kerala tourism destinations is this national park that is home to the Nilgiri Tahr. There is also the Anamudi, the highest peak in South India, rare orchids, the Nilgiri Langur, wild balsams, etc. Echo Point is a famous viewpoint in the park known for its breathtaking views of Kerala. The Rajamalai Zone of the park where tourists are allowed offers abundant flora and fauna. You can tread into the grasslands or the depths of the lush forest - as the explorer in you pleases. All in all, this 97-square-kilometre park offers stunning viewpoints, safari bus rides, eco shops, delicious food and much more; perfect for a family day out!

3. Edakkal Caves – A short trek up the Ambukuthi Hills in Wayanad will pave the way to Edakkal Caves, which translates into ‘a stone in between’. The cave is at 1200 metres above the sea level. The sight of the caves is stunning; it’s like one huge boulder split open into two to form the cave. Inside the cave, you can find beautiful prehistoric etchings dating back to the Neolithic Age on either side of the stone. The carvings range from human figures to animals and even some unusual designs. The trek up, with the aroma of coffee wafting through the air and the numerous jackfruits trees along the path and the caves, are what make the entire experience truly charming. While atop the hill, don’t forget to let your inner photographer out for, there are plenty of scenic spots for good shots!

4. Chembra Peak – Along with its serene side, Kerala also has a lot of adventure offerings for thrill seekers! Situated on the Western Ghats, there are many alluring hills which also have enthralling spots for hiking and trekking. Choose from the many like Chembra Peak Trek, Agasthyakoodam Peak or Rajamalai in Eravikulam National Park, all of which are food for the adventurous soul.

3. Elephant ride - Elephants are synonymous with Kerala and a highly sought-after activity for tourists visiting Kerala is riding an elephant. As you sit atop the elephant, feel like a king (that is, after all, how maharajas from the bygone era use to travel). It's also a great way to get a panoramic view of the surroundings. As Kerala is blessed with bountiful nature, there are many national parks where you can spot elephants in their natural habitats like the Periyar National Park and Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. For rides, you can head to Elephant Junction.

4. Fishing - Not only is fishing a livelihood for many Keralities, but it is also a bait-worthy attraction for tourists, especially the Chinese Fishing nets of Kochi. The labyrinth of streams, canals, lakes, backwaters and lagoons offer a golden opportunity for fishing. A good spot for angling is Fort Kochi, Cherai beach and more.

How To Reach Kerala.

How To Reach Kerala By Air - There are well-planned roads to reach Kerala via car or bus – an excellent mode of transport if you want to enjoy the landscape.

Where To Stay In Kerala

I am a traveller who loves to explore the lesser-known places of popular destination. I have been to 24 countries and have explored all the states of India. I have also written blogs and articles for popular travel and lifestyle brands