Top 10 Places to See in Kerala

Munnar

Kerala's only hill station, Munnar was an acclaimed summer retreat for the British. Today, honeymoon couples and adventure lovers throng this place to enjoy the beauty of countryside, sublime weather and slopes of tea plantations. The hills in Munnar have a height of 1,500 meters to 2695 meters above sea level and are ideal for mountaineering and paragliding activities especially in the summer months. Anamudi is the highest peak at 2695 meters. An exotic flora called the Neelakurinji by the locals bloom here in every 12 years and offers a beautiful sight. The peak season of touring Munnar is March-August. Winter lovers though visit from October-December. Beautiful hillside resorts are a major draw as well. Close to Munnar town is the Atukkad waterfalls, Blossom Park and the Pothamedu view point that are worth visiting.

Kochi

Kochi, also known as Cochin is a commercial port in Kerala having a large urbanized population. This ancient city is best described with its diverse shoreline, multiple islands and the fishing industry that thrives on its banks. Trade in Kochi began almost 600 years ago and it was a major hub of Portuguese, Dutch and Jew settlers. Jews settled in the 7th century and the present colony of Mattancherry is where their descendants still reside. The Chinese Fishing Nets originated here in Fort Kochi. Major places of visit in Kochi city are Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Mainland Ernakulam and Bolgatty Island. The peak season in Kochi is February-August.

Trivandrum

The capital of Kerala and a major gateway to the state, Trivandrum is well known for its undulating terrain and coastline that impress tourists from all over the world. This city in Kerala is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. It is a fascinating place for foreign tourists as well, who get a clear insight into the culture of Kerala and the beauty of its landscape. The best time to visit is from December-March. It is well connected by rail, road and air from Kochi, Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore and Kolkata. Trivandrum is replete with places of tourist interest such as Padmanabhaswami Temple, Connemera Market, Kowdiar Palace, East Fort, Kerala Secretariat, Napier Museum, Shanghumukham Beach and the Veli Tourist Village.

Kovalam

Kovalam is a small village made famous by the hippies in 1970s. This fishing village is around 17 km drive from Trivandrum and is well known for its beautiful coastline. Three separate beaches together are popular as the Kovalam Beach. There are several world class hotels and resorts bordering this beach and tourists find it the ideal place to unwind. The Queen of Travancore built a palace on the rocky cliffs of the Kovalam Beach to entertain foreign visitors in 1930s, since then Kovalam got its first western travelers. The southern beach is called Lighthouse Beach and is the most popular one. Two other beaches here are Leela Beach and the Samudra Beach. Boating, angling and sunbathing are top tourist activities in Kovalam.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is one of the prominent backwater centers in the state and visited widely by tourists from Kottayam. The Vembanad backwater stretch forms an excellent backdrop to the place. Several spa resorts and hotels here offer a relaxing holiday to guests while the houseboats also offer deluxe accommodation. You can opt for a Vembanad cruise (both day and night) and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. Kumarakom is also home to a bird sanctuary and the Bay Island Driftwood Museum worth visiting. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is spread over 15 acres and features exotic species such as the Siberian crane. Tropical variety of flora and fauna is also integral to the landscape here. From Cochin International Airport, Kumarakom is around 2-hour drive.

Alleppey

Also popular as Alappuzha, Alleppey is a drive of 70 km from Kochi and is known as the Venice of the East for its majestic backwaters. The famous annual Nehru Boat Race takes place here in the month of August. The peak tourist season in Alleppey is from September-March. The Marari Beach and the Main Beach at the western end of the town is particularly popular among the visitors. Tourists also enjoy the backwater cruises, seafood at Alleppey restaurants and a memorable houseboat stay. The various spa and wellness centers along the backwaters offer you rejuvenating Ayurveda treatments. Other attractions of Alleppey include Mahadev Temple, St Mary's Church and the Sree Krishna Swamy Temple.

Periyar National Park

Periyar Tiger Reserve and National Park is among the most visited places in the state especially by the wildlife enthusiasts. A sprawling 777 square km of flora and fauna, this park has gained prominence in recent years for its eco tourism activities such as boating in the lake within the park premises. Jeep and elephant safari are important activities as well. Conservation of forests is one of the community initiatives by the forest department at Periyar. The park is host to around 62 species of mammals with a population of around 1000 animals.

Thrissur

Considered a revered city of the Hindus, Thissur is in the limelight for its temple festivals. The most prominent shrine in Thrissur town is Vadakumnathan Temple where the famous Thrissur Pooram festival takes place every year during April-May. Thrissur is also a cultural place that is home to several art galleries, museums and music learning centers. Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi and Kerala Sahitya Akademi are situated here. Thrissur is also a shopping hub with silk sarees in demand among the visitors. Other attractions here include Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Thrissur Zoo and the Vilangan Kunnu amusement park.

Wayanad

Wayanad is a district in Kerala that borders the Western Ghats and is a perfect place for nature lovers. The place has a varied topography and still? home to few ethnic tribal groups. The nearest airport is at Kozhikode and Kalpetta railway station lies around 72 km away. The greenery, wildlife and tranquil ambience enthrall tourists. The main places of visit in and around Wayanad are Banasura Sagar Dam, Kerala Hydel Tourism Center, Pookotte Lake, Begur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chembra Peak. Other scenic attractions in this district include Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls and Padinjarathara Dam.

Eravikulam National Park

Situated around 15 km away from the hill station of Munnar, the Eravikulam National Park is a wildlife conservation center located at the foot of Kannan Devan Hills. This park is well known for its population of Nilgiri Tahr or the blue goat. The biodiversity and natural beauty of the place is worth exploring as well.