10 Fascinating Places to See in Kerala
Kerala, the God’s own country, is bestowed with some of the best tourist destinations in India for any kind of holiday. The scenic hill stations, enchanting backwaters, cascading waterfalls, sandy beaches and exotic wildlife are the top attractions of Kerala Tourism. Kerala has been one of the top honeymoon destinations in India and also one of the most popular tourist places in India. Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Cochin, Kovalam, Thrissur, Athirapally, Trivandrum, Wayanad and Thekkady are the popular places to visit in Kerala. Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha or Alleppey is among the most famous destinations of Backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Kerala is a delightful experience.
1. Alleppey
Alappuzha or Alleppey is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake. Popularly known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey tops the list of best tourist places in Kerala. Along with Kumarakom, Alappuzha is among the most famous destinations of Backwaters in Kerala. A houseboat cruise trip in these backwaters is a delightful experience.Alleppey is also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, the most popular boat race in India. Kuttanad, Alappuzha Beach, Mannarasala, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mullakkal Temple and Krishnapuram Palace are the some popular tourist places in Alleppey.
2. Kochi / Cochin
Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a port city in Ernakulam district of Kerala state. It is one of the popular tourist places in Kerala and also a good place for Kerala Backwaters trip. Well known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is the main tourist hub for many Kerala tours. The tourism in Cochin is admired for its scenic beauty, traditional architecture and cultural diversity. Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Palace, Marine Drive, Mangalavanam Sanctuary, Edappally Church, Cochin Jewish Synagogue, Matancherry Palace, and Chinese Fishing Nets are the popular places to visit in Kochi.
3. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the famous Vembanad Lake in the beautiful state of Kerala. Also known as the Queen of Vembanad, Kumarakom is the most famous Kerala Backwaters destination and is among the best places to experience Kerala Tourism. A houseboat cruise along the backwaters of Vembanad Lake is really an amazing experience. The Bird Kumarakom Sanctuary, Vaikom, Pathiramanal Island, Aranmula Temple and Erumeli are the popular Kumarakom tourist places.
4. Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India, is located at Thekkady in Kerala. The park was established in 1950 and was declared as Tiger Reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam adds to the charm of the park. Thekkady is famous for Asian Elephants, Tigers, Gaurs, Sambars, Wild Boars, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Civet, Nilgiri Tahr, etc.Murikkady, Chellar Kovil, Mangala Devi Temple, Suruli Falls and Pullumedu are the popular tourist places in Thekkady.
5. Kovalam
Kovalam, on the shores of Arabian Sea, is one of the most famous Beaches in Kerala and also one of the most popular places of sightseeing in Kerala. The beautiful Kovalam Beach is also known as the ‘Paradise of the South’. Kovalam is literally filled with endless sight of coconut trees breathtaking views while approaching the beach. Lighthouse Beach, Vizhinjam Mosque, Samudra Beach, and Eve’s Beach are the top places to visit in Kovalam. Kovalam is also famous for Ayurvedic massages and many yoga resorts.
6. Wayanad
Wayanad is one of the marvelous hill stations in Kerala and also one of the popular tourist places to visit in Kerala. Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are the largest towns and are the base stations to visit different parts of the Wayanad district.Blessed with several rain forests, Wayanad is also a wonderful monsoon destination in India. Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi and Edakkal Caves are the best places to visit in Wayanad.
7. Thrissur
Thrissur or Trichur is the cultural capital of Kerala and also one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Kerala. Thrissur hosts the world famous Thrissur Pooram held in the month of April / May. This festival is the most colorful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala. UNESCO has awarded Thrissur Pooram as the most spectacular festival in the world. The Vadakkunathan temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Paramekkavu Temple,Guruvayur Temple, Athirapally Falls, Peechi Dam & Sanctuary, Thrissur Zoo, Vilangankunnu and Shakthan Thampuran Palace are the top places to visit in Thrissur.
8. Athirapally
Athirapally Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in India and one of the top tourist places in Kerala. Formed over Chalakudy River, the waterfall drops from a height of 80 feet through several streams offering a great scenic beauty. In rainy season, the water flow is full and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala. The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Chapra falls and Sholayar Dam, Valparai are the nearest attractions to Athirapally.
9. Trivandrum
Trivandrum,the capital city of Kerala, is one of the popular Kerala places to visit. Also known as Thiruvananthapuram, it is considered as one of the cleanest cities in India. Trivandrum is famous for its alluring tourist spots including beaches, historic monuments, lakes, unexplored mountain ranges etc. Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Napier Museum, Kanakakkunnu Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Kowdiar Palace, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Thiruvananthapuram Zoo are some of the top tourist places in Trivandrum.
10. Munnar
Munnar is one of the most famous hill stations in Kerala located in Idukki district. Also known as Swiss of South India, Munnar is one of the best summer destinations in India and also one of the top places to visit in Kerala. Also known as the summer capital of British, Munnar weather is pleasant throughout the year. Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Eravikulam National Park and Attukal Waterfalls are the top places to visit in Munnar.