A narrow strip of land lying along the south-west tip of India, Kerala “God’s Own Country” has a coastline on the Arabian Sea and its eastern border with the majestic Western Ghat. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Kerala with its palm-fringed backwaters, romantic hill stations, authentic Ayurveda therapies, balmy beaches, vibrant culture and extensive wildlife sanctuaries is one of the most visited tourist places in India. Also included in the National Geographic Travelers list of “one of the 50 must see places in a lifetime”. There are numerous admirable tourist places to visit in Kerala that make your tour unforgettable.
Here are the top 10 places to visit in Kerala for a trip of a lifetime
Munnar
One of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala, Munnar, with its lush plantations, is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, campers and photographers in Idukki. Here you can enjoy cruise boat ride in the beautiful Mattupetty Lake. The region is also home to some breathtaking waterfalls, trekking routes, dam and bungalows etc that exudes a charm. Some of the most notable places to visit in Munnar include Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Anamudi Peak, Rose Garden, Photo Point and Eravikulam National Park among others.
[ Also read: Top 10 Things to do in Munnar ]
Kochi or Cochin
Popularly known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is one of the top places to visit in Kerala. The region used to be a famous spice trade hub, and today stands as one of the top tourist destinations in Kerala. Some of the most popular attractions in Kochi include Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Kochi Fort, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing Nets etc.
Alleppey or Alappuzha
Formerly known as Alleppey, Alappuzha is one of the prime places to visit in Kerala and forms a part of most Kerala tour packages. Famous for its backwaters and lush greenery, Kerala is visited by a large number of tourists from across the globe. Cruising along the Vembanad Lake on a houseboat is an incredible experience that can be best enjoyed in Alappuzha. Some of the must visit places in Alleppey include Mannarasala Snake Temple, Krishnapuram Palace, Champakulam Valia Palli, Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Laccadive Sea and Chettikulangara Devi Temple. Alappuzha CSI Church is the oldest Anglican Church in Kerala.
[ You may also check 5 Days Kerala Houseboat Tour ]
Thekkady
One of the must visit attractions in Kerala, Thekkady is an illustrious wildlife attraction in South India. The region houses the famous Periyar National Park where one can come across numerous rare & endangered varieties of flora & fauna. One can also indulge in boat cruising and bamboo rafting at the national park, Mangala Devi Temple, Chellar Kovil, Murikkady and Anakkara.
[ Check-out the Top 15 Things to do in Thekkady ]
Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is a far-famed attraction that is applauded for its breathtaking beauty and scintillating charm. From natural beauty, spectacular beaches, wildlife attractions and religious centers, the place has it all for holidaymakers. Some places of interest to visit in Thiruvananthapuram include Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Poovar Island, The Zoological Park, Napier Art Museum & Gallery and Chowara Beach among others. Moreover, a visit to the Kovalam Beach will surely stoke up the beach lover in you.
Kottayam
One of the most sought after tourist destinations in Kerala, Kottayam is bordered by the lofty Western Ghats on the east and the Vembanad Lake & paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west. The city of Kottayam is called “Akshara Nagari” owing to its contribution to print media and literature. The place boasts of awesome historic importance to be displayed in full extravagance and pomp. It is famous for the diverse spices freshly dried up in the pan.
Wayanad
Situated amidst the mountains of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is often dubbed as the ‘Green Paradise of Kerala’. Pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, the hill station with its vast stretches of misty mountains, water springs, green meadows, wild jungles and sparkling lakes, is teeming with natural beauty. Situated at an altitude between 700 to 2100 meters above the sea level, Wayanad is filled with history and culture that attracts scores of tourists from different parts of the globe.
[ Find 3 Days Wayanad Tour with Vythiri Treehouse ]
Palakkad
Also known as the natural delight and the mix of the culture of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Palakkad lies in the eastern part of the state of Kerala and also known as Gateway to Kerala. Abundant in natural beauty, Palakkad is a center of attraction for the tourists. Some popular attractions in Palakkad include Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Dam, Kalpathy Shiva Temple, Parambikulam National Park and Silent Valley National Park.
Kannur
A popular seacoast town in Northern Malabar, Kannur is one of the places of historical importance. This age-old district in Kerala stands as a commemoration of the European powers in India. It plays host to a lot of attractive sights that makes it a major center of tourist attraction. Besides all the places of interest, Kannur is the center of cultural events such as Theyyam Festival, Kottiyoor Festival and Jagannath Temple Festival.
Thrissur
Also known as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’, Thrissur is mainly noted for its Pooram festival. It is home to several Kerala cultural centers such as Kerala Kalamandalam, Sahitya Academy and Sangeetha Nataka Academy. From ancient times, Thrissur with its cultural heritage and archaeological wealth has played a vital role in the political history of South India.
[ Browse though our tastefully crafted Kerala Tour Packages ]
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