India's most visited tourist destination is Kerala, which is known for its rejuvenating tea plantations, alluring backwaters, breathtaking sunsets, and vibrant culture. The All-Powerful resides in this region, which is frequently referred to as "God's Own Country." After just one visit, you may fall in love with this state. The raging rivers and dense forests of Kerala could not be found anywhere else.
Kerala is a haven for tourists who want to relax in a natural setting away from the concrete jungle. Kerala is a sight to behold in a state where the topography varies from cool hills to warm sea beaches. The following places are a "must-see" for anyone travelling to this tropical paradise.
1. Alleppey
Alleppey or Alappuzha, famous for its enchanted backwaters, provides an exotic journey in terms of cuisine, sightseeing, and houseboat lodging. The area is known as the "Venice of the East," with lagoons, beaches, and backwaters.
The palm-fringed, brackish Alleppey canals have many interesting stories to tell. Regarding maritime history, it has always enjoyed a prestigious reputation. It now hosts boat races, rustic getaways, well-built resorts, and marine products.
How to Get There: Cochin International Airport, located 75 kilometres from Alleppey, is the closest airport. The airport has excellent connections to significant Indian and foreign cities.
2. Munnar
A seasoned traveller does not require an introduction to Munnar. Munnar, the most popular vacation spot in Kerala, is located at a height of 1600 metres above sea level.
It is a small piece of heaven with endless tea gardens, winding narrow lanes between mist-covered mountains, and fresh air scented with spices. It is located in the district of Idukki.
One of Kerala's most picturesque tourist destinations is Munnar. Munnar, which is located on the Western Ghats, is undoubtedly one of the Indian subcontinent's top tea producers. Your mind and soul will be refreshed by the view of Munnar's undulating hills as they brush the clouds. Munnar is a distinctive escape from city life because it is bordered by a small section of the Arabian Sea and The Western Ghats on the other side. Munnar has it all, including palm-fringed backwaters, beautiful waterfalls, sunny beaches, misty mountains, and gushing streams.
All year, tourists from all over the world visit this small town. There are tea estates, Mattuppetty Dam, Eravilulam National Park, and other attractions nearby.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road. You can take a cab from Cochin to Munnar.
Taking a government or private bus from a town in Kerala or Tamil Nadu is the best way to travel by road to Munnar.
3. Thekkady
You can observe the elephants that roam the sanctuary, explore the lush green forests, take a boat ride on Periyar Lake, or go on an elephant safari into the wilderness. Periyar is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and those looking to rejuvenate in the misty mountains of the Nilgiris.
Thekkady's sanctuary is its main point of interest. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers a square area of 777 kilometres, was designated a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Trekking, boating, and Jeep safari are all ways to enter the reserve. More than 60 species of mammals, 265 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other species are among those found in these evergreen jungles.
How to Get There: Thekkady/Periyar is about 165 kilometres from Kochi (Cochin). Periyar Tiger Reserve is easily accessible from Kochi via roads and railways. The best way to get to Thekkady/Periyar from Kochi is by car, which takes about 4 hours.
4. Kovalam
Kovalam is the top beach in Kerala when it comes to aesthetic appeal and the number of visitors. In addition to the beach, Kovalam, which is only 13 km from Trivandrum, is home to a number of other popular tourist attractions, such as the lighthouse, the Karamana River, the Vellayani Lake, the Valiyathura Pier, the Kovalam Art Gallery, and the Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple.
This area is covered in coconut trees as far as the eye can see, and when top resorts are added to the mix, it all comes together to make for a popular tourist destination.
Kovalam has recently gained prominence as an Ayurvedic medicine centre. In other words, Kovalam is the type of getaway you need if you want to recharge your batteries.
The falcate shaped beach, stunning blue waters, and white sandy shore make this a must-see pit stop on your Kerala trip. The waters are calm, making it ideal for swimming or relaxing and sunbathing on one of the lounge chairs.
In addition to offering adventure sports like diving, parasailing, and windsurfing, Kovalam also offers sightseeing, swimming, and mouthwatering cuisine.
How to get there: The nearest airport and railhead is Trivandrum, which is 20 kilometres away from Kovalam. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are excellent modes of transportation in Kerala.
5. Kozhikode
Kozhikode, once the capital of the Zamorin kingdom, was also known as a commercial centre in its early days. This is a land of warm and welcoming people, tales of lost grandeur, and delicious food, blessed with natural beauty and cultural and historic significance.
Its lush vegetation countryside, serene beaches, historical sites, wildlife refuges, rivers, and hills are sure to draw visitors from all over the world.
Some of the attractions in Kozhikode include the Thusharagiri waterfalls, the Kappad beach where Vasco da Gama first set foot in India, the Kuttiyadi dam, one of the biggest in Kerala, the Regional Science Center and Planetarium, and Mananchira Square.
What would Kozhikode be without its food? It is not possible. Kozhikodan Halwa, Kozhikodan biriyani, Kallummakai, Unnakkai, and other delectable dishes are available.
As a significant trading port for eastern spices, Kozhikode is also known as the "City of Spices." The neighbourhood is well-known for the folk ballads or songs known as Vadakkan Pattukal. Several locally produced goods are marketed on the sweet-meat street, which is a well-liked tourist destination.
How to get there: Kozhikode is accessible via all of the world's major airports. Kozhikode's railway station has good connections to other Indian cities.
6. Wayanad
Wayanad, nestled in the Western Ghats, truly deserves to be ranked among the best Kerala tourist destinations. Wayanad, known for its pleasant climate all year, is one of the best Kerala tourist destinations for escaping the scorching sun of North India.
One of the best hill attractions in the south, Wayanad produces spices like pepper, cardamom, tea, and coffee. Wayanad's cool climate and abundance of natural wonders, including waterfalls, caves, lakes, and dams, will guarantee your enjoyment of the area. Visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary to see animals like bears, bison, cheetahs, and spotted deer.
This region of the state has been richly blessed by nature with mist-covered mountains and lush valleys. These are just a few of the attractions that this country has to offer: the Chembra Peak, Neelimala, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Banasurasagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Islands, Pakshippathalam, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, etc.
How to get there: The Calicut International airport, located 87 kilometres from Wayanad, is the closest airport. The 53 km away Nilambur Road is the closest railhead to Wayanad. Buses to Wayanad are readily available from all of the country's major cities.
7. Thiruvananthapuram
This city, also known as Trivandrum, is the state's capital and arguably its most culturally advanced region.
Many kings and queens have ruled Trivandrum, and each has left their imprint on the city. Rapid development has not hampered the city's unique heritage, which can still be seen in its architecture and culture.
A particular must-see in the city is the Kowdiar Palace, which formerly served as the Travancore royal family's official residence.
Trivandrum is one of India's most beautiful and green cities. At the same time, the blessed beauty is due to the beautiful beaches and tranquil backwaters fringed by palm and coconut groves.
Kovalam and Varkala, two beach towns in Trivandrum, are well-represented on the country's tourism map. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the richest temple in the world, is also close by.
Other attractions in Trivandrum include the Kanakakunnu Palace, Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, Napier Museum, Sri Chitra Art Gallery, Agasthyamala Peak, Poovar Island, Shanghumukham Beach, etc.
How to get there: Trivandrum is easily accessible via air, trains, and national highways.
8. Fort Cochi
Kochi is the cultural and economic centre of Kerala. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Fort Kochi, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala, is commonly the entryway to God's Own Country. There are various personalities within the Queen of the Arabian.
The history and culture of the city are incredibly diverse. It is one of Kerala's most well-liked tourist destinations and is perfect for tourists, history buffs, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Fort Kochi has a lot to offer in terms of attractions, cuisine, and activities. Fort Kochi tempts you to go exploring with its museums, palaces, synagogues, Hindu temples, churches, heritage structures, art galleries, and beaches. Don't forget to try some of the local cuisines and buy some treasures to bring home.
The Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House, Dutch Palace, Pallippuram Fort, and other attractions are just a few of the many places in Kochi that visitors shouldn't miss.
How to Get There: Direct flights to Kochi are available from major cities throughout India and the world. The main city centre is about 29 kilometres from the airport.
9. Thrissur
One of the top tourist destinations in Kerala is Thrissur, also known as the "Cultural Capital of Kerala." The town, which is centred on a 65-acre hill, is filled with churches, temples, cultural centres, and vibrant festivals. There is undoubtedly no better place to visit if you want to learn about Kerala's history, heritage, and culture.
The district's monuments and museums reflect Thrissur's historic, political, and religious leanings. Thrissur is home to a number of attractions, including the Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Kodungalloor Kovilakam, Vilangan Hills, Thrissur Kole Wetlands, Biblical Tower, Vadakkunnathan Temple, Chettuva Backwaters, Athirappilly Falls, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, and others.
One can visit a variety of stunning temples and churches, which come alive during the city's festive season. When visiting Thrissur, you must try the city's specialty, the mouthwatering Vellayappam, a type of rice hopper.
How to get there: Trivandrum, which is 20 km from Kovalam, has the closest airport and rail station. In Kerala, auto-rickshaws and taxi cabs are both excellent forms of public transportation.
10. Kannur
Kannur, also known as "The Crown of Kerala," is a sight to behold! This Malabar Coast beach town is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala, surrounded by the captivating beauty of the Western Ghats, adorned with the alluring strokes of the Arabian Sea, and decked with the bucolic charm of an evergreen outlook.
You can visit St. Angelo Fort, walk along Payyamabalam Beach, see wildlife at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, or take a ferry ride across the Laccadive Sea. Kannur is a destination for everyone.
Unspoiled Kannur's beauty will enthral you whether you like the outdoors, the beach, history, culture, adventure, or are just a casual traveller. It is important to remember that this city is home to the only drive-in beach in India, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach.
How to Get There: The Calicut International Airport is the closest airport to Kannur. Kannur is approximately 68 kilometres from the airport. Calicut International Airport receives regular flights from a variety of cities.
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