Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” is renowned for its diverse attractions ranging from serene backwaters and lush hill stations to vibrant cities and picturesque beaches. Here’s a comprehensive list of destinations in Kerala:
1. Cochin (Kochi)
- Fort Kochi: Historic area with colonial architecture and Chinese fishing nets.
- Marine Drive: Scenic promenade along the backwaters.
- Mattancherry Palace: Dutch Palace known for its murals and historical exhibits.
- Paradesi Synagogue: The oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
- Jew Town: Vibrant area with antique shops and spice markets.
2. Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park: Home to the Nilgiri Tahr and stunning landscapes.
- Mattupetty Dam: Popular spot for boating and picturesque views.
- Tea Gardens: Expansive plantations with guided tours.
- Echo Point: Natural echo phenomenon surrounded by hills.
- Kundala Lake: Tranquil lake ideal for boating.
3. Thekkady
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich wildlife and scenic boat rides on Periyar Lake.
- Spice Plantations: Tours of plantations growing cardamom, pepper, and other spices.
- Bamboo Rafting: Adventurous rafting through the forest.
- Kumily: Town with spice markets and local eateries.
- Elephant Rides: Experience riding elephants in the sanctuary.
4. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
- Backwaters: Houseboat cruises through the serene waterways.
- Vembanad Lake: Largest lake in Kerala, popular for boating.
- Punnamada Lake: Known for the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race.
- Kuttanad: Known for its paddy fields and unique backwater lifestyle.
- Alleppey Beach: Sandy shores and a lighthouse.
5. Kovalam
- Lighthouse Beach: Iconic beach with a historic lighthouse.
- Hawa Beach: Popular for its relaxed atmosphere and sunbathing.
- Samudra Beach: Less crowded, perfect for a quiet beach experience.
- Kovalam Art Gallery: Exhibits of traditional Kerala art.
- Ayurvedic Spas: Wellness centers offering traditional treatments.
6. Kanyakumari
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial: Memorial dedicated to Swami Vivekananda.
- Kanyakumari Temple: Ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Kanya Kumari.
- Thiruvalluvar Statue: Monument to the Tamil poet and philosopher.
- Gandhi Memorial: Dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
- Sunset Point: Famous for panoramic sunset views over the ocean.
7. Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
- Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Major temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Napier Museum: Museum with a diverse collection of artifacts.
- Kuthiramalika Palace: Historical palace with intricate woodwork.
- Shankhumukham Beach: Popular beach with a large sculpture of a fish.
- Agasthyakoodam: Tallest peak in Kerala, part of the Western Ghats.
8. Wayanad
- Edakkal Caves: Ancient rock engravings and cave temples.
- Soochipara Falls: Stunning waterfalls set amidst lush greenery.
- Pookode Lake: Scenic freshwater lake surrounded by forest.
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Rich wildlife and diverse flora.
- Kuruva Island: Protected river delta with unique biodiversity.
9. Vagamon
- Vagamon Meadows: Expansive green meadows perfect for picnics and walks.
- Pine Forest: Serene pine forest ideal for nature walks.
- Kurisumala Hill: Pilgrimage site with panoramic views.
- Thangalpara: Spiritual site with rock formations and stunning views.
- Vagamon Lake: Tranquil lake surrounded by lush landscapes.
10. Bekal
- Bekal Fort: Historic fort overlooking the Arabian Sea.
- Bekal Beach: Clean and less crowded beach near the fort.
- Kappil Beach: Secluded beach with a peaceful atmosphere.
- Ajanur: A village known for its scenic beauty and traditional lifestyle.
- Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple: Ancient temple with historical significance.
11. Athirappilly
- Athirappilly Waterfalls: The largest waterfall in Kerala, often referred to as the “Niagara of India.”
- Vazhachal Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfalls located nearby.
- Charpa Waterfalls: Smaller but picturesque falls in the area.
- Sholayar Dam: Scenic dam with lush surroundings.
- Peringalkuthu Dam: Another picturesque dam in the region.
12. Nelliyampathy
- Nelliyampathy Hills: Scenic hill station with panoramic views.
- Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Protected area with rich wildlife.
- Nelliyampathy Tea Gardens: Explore the picturesque tea estates.
- Pothundi Dam: Scenic dam set amidst lush hills.
- Seetharkundu Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfall surrounded by greenery.
13. Idukki
- Idukki Dam: Major dam and a popular tourist attraction.
- Cheruthoni Dam: Part of the Idukki hydroelectric project, known for its scenic beauty.
- Munnar: (part of Idukki district) Known for its tea gardens and scenic landscapes.
- Kalvari Mount: Hill offering panoramic views of the Idukki region.
- Kuttikkanam: Small hill station with pleasant climate and tea estates.
14. Kumarakom
• Vembanad Lake – Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala and a central attraction in Kumarakom. It’s famous for its tranquil houseboat cruises, which offer stunning views of the surrounding backwaters, lush greenery, and traditional village life. Enjoy a serene boat ride or stay overnight on a houseboat to fully experience the lake’s beauty.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary – Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a variety of migratory and local bird species, including herons, egrets, and kingfishers. A boat ride through the sanctuary offers opportunities to spot these beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
• Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls – Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, situated about 18 kilometers from Kumarakom, is a picturesque and serene spot. The cascading waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. The area is ideal for nature lovers and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
• Bay Island Driftwood Museum – This unique museum, located on a small island in the Vembanad Lake, features an impressive collection of driftwood sculptures and artifacts. The museum showcases the artistic use of driftwood to create intricate and creative sculptures, making it a fascinating place to visit.
• Pathiramanal Island – Pathiramanal Island is a small, uninhabited island on Vembanad Lake. It is known for its scenic beauty and rich birdlife. Accessible by boat, the island is a great spot for nature walks and birdwatching. The peaceful surroundings and pristine environment make it a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle.
This list covers a broad range of destinations across Kerala, highlighting its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural richness.
0 Comment