Kerala Travel Guide
Kerala is one of the most visited tourist destinations in India. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this beautiful state, to enjoy its scenic beauty, breathtaking views, mists covered mountains and lush green woods. This coastal state is divided into fourteen districts, with Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) serving as its capital. Thiruvananthapuram is also the largest city in the state. Other most visited cities are Ernakulam (Cochin), Kozhikode (Calicut), Idukki, Munnar, Palakkad, Wayanad, Trichur, Thekkady, Alleppey, Kollam, Kannur and Kasargod. Every district and city has distinctive features and represents the natural beauty of the state. Kerala has a long and impressive history, which includes trading spices to China, West Asia, Egypt and the Roman Empire.
Kerala has been occupied by Portuguese, Dutch and British, during the Colonial Era in India. As a result, many forts, churches and palaces of Kerala exhibit Colonial architectural style. Kerala is also popular for temples and their annual festivals. Known for its natural diversity, the state is home to a large number of sanctuaries and wildlife reserves such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady), Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Trivandrum) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary). These wildlife sanctuaries contain rich variety of flora and fauna. There are several places in Kerala that offer adventurous sporting activities, such as trekking.
Most Visiting Kerala Tourist Places
Munnar: which served as the summer capital for British while their reign in India is one of the top 10 tourist destinations of India. Three exotic rivers namely- Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly congregate here. In monsoon, one can witness beautiful rivulets and streams. This adds to the charm of Munnar.
Anamudi Peak: Anamudi peak, is the highest mountain in the southern mountain ranges and it is also the highest mountain of Kerala. To trek this beautiful peak, you need to get prior permission from forest and Wildlife authorities of Kerala or Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park: Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered species, is the attraction of this national park located near Munnar. It also serves as a hometo other species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. Distinguished and rich flora, fauna also make this park a must visit place.
Wayanad: If you wish to experience nature at its utmost tranquility, Wayanad is the plae for you. This place is yet far from the human intervention and blessed with natural beauty. Nearly the entire Wayanad district is bathed by Kabini River. Thirunelli Temple, Pookode lake, Pallikunnu Church, Edakkal Caves and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Meenmutty Falls, and Varambatta Mosque are some of famous tourist attractions of Wayanad.
Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala has many tourist attractions. Mahatma Gandhi entitled it as the 'Evergreen city of India'. Kovalam is one of the finest beaches of Kerala and is located at just half hour's distance from Thiruvananthapuram. It lies on shoreline of Killi and Karamana rivers. At Vellayani, Thiruvallam and Aakulam you can enjoy the backwaters of the city.
In Kanyakumari the beautiful site of dawn and dusk can be captured. Other important tourist locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala are Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Shanghumugham Beach, Tropical Botanical Garden and Bay Watch.
Kumarakom: At a distance of 16 kilometers from Kotayam, set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake is Kumarkom. Tourists who wish to spend some quality time away from the hustble bustle of city and wish to be in the proximity of nature can visit this place and all their wishes will be fulfilled. Its backwaters make it a major tourist attraction. Houseboat stay make the visit to Kumarkom even more fun filled.
Thekkady: Thekkady is a place for animal lovers. A variety of animals like macaques, boars, deers, elephants, tigers, and leopards can be seen here. Here, you have option to explore forest sitting atop elephants in the great Indian Maharaja style. Murikkady, Periyar National Park, and Mangala Devi Temple are the other popular tourist attractions of this place.
Cochin: Kochi is a very popular city of Kerala and is popularly known as the Gateway to Kerala. The famous tourist locations in Cochin are Fort Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica.
Thrissur: Thrissur also attracts tourists coming to Kerala and the famous tourist destinations of Thrissur are Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala Sahitya Academy, Vadakkunnatha Temple, and Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral.
Vagamon: This is the coolest place of Kerala and is termed as a hill station and pilgrimage destination of Kerala. The famous pilgrimage of Nazrani Catholics, namely Kurishumala church is situated in Vagamon. It natural untouched scenuic beauty makes it a true paradise and an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Kollam (Quilon): This destination of Kerala caters to the adventure lovers. Mountain biking, boating, rock climbing, etc., are some of the activities here for adventure sport lovers.
Agasthyakoodam: This place had dense forest cover and one can again experience untouched nature's bliss here. Aranmula boat race and Varkala beach are the famous tourist attractions of this place. Famous flower Neelakurinji are also found here.
Kerala has been occupied by Portuguese, Dutch and British, during the Colonial Era in India. As a result, many forts, churches and palaces of Kerala exhibit Colonial architectural style. Kerala is also popular for temples and their annual festivals. Known for its natural diversity, the state is home to a large number of sanctuaries and wildlife reserves such as Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady), Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Trivandrum) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary). These wildlife sanctuaries contain rich variety of flora and fauna. There are several places in Kerala that offer adventurous sporting activities, such as trekking.
Most Visiting Kerala Tourist Places
Munnar: which served as the summer capital for British while their reign in India is one of the top 10 tourist destinations of India. Three exotic rivers namely- Muthirappuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly congregate here. In monsoon, one can witness beautiful rivulets and streams. This adds to the charm of Munnar.
Anamudi Peak: Anamudi peak, is the highest mountain in the southern mountain ranges and it is also the highest mountain of Kerala. To trek this beautiful peak, you need to get prior permission from forest and Wildlife authorities of Kerala or Munnar.
Eravikulam National Park: Nilgiri Tahr, the endangered species, is the attraction of this national park located near Munnar. It also serves as a hometo other species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. Distinguished and rich flora, fauna also make this park a must visit place.
Wayanad: If you wish to experience nature at its utmost tranquility, Wayanad is the plae for you. This place is yet far from the human intervention and blessed with natural beauty. Nearly the entire Wayanad district is bathed by Kabini River. Thirunelli Temple, Pookode lake, Pallikunnu Church, Edakkal Caves and Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, Meenmutty Falls, and Varambatta Mosque are some of famous tourist attractions of Wayanad.
Thiruvananthapuram: The capital of Kerala has many tourist attractions. Mahatma Gandhi entitled it as the 'Evergreen city of India'. Kovalam is one of the finest beaches of Kerala and is located at just half hour's distance from Thiruvananthapuram. It lies on shoreline of Killi and Karamana rivers. At Vellayani, Thiruvallam and Aakulam you can enjoy the backwaters of the city.
In Kanyakumari the beautiful site of dawn and dusk can be captured. Other important tourist locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala are Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Science and Technology Museum, Shanghumugham Beach, Tropical Botanical Garden and Bay Watch.
Kumarakom: At a distance of 16 kilometers from Kotayam, set in the backdrop of Vembanad Lake is Kumarkom. Tourists who wish to spend some quality time away from the hustble bustle of city and wish to be in the proximity of nature can visit this place and all their wishes will be fulfilled. Its backwaters make it a major tourist attraction. Houseboat stay make the visit to Kumarkom even more fun filled.
Thekkady: Thekkady is a place for animal lovers. A variety of animals like macaques, boars, deers, elephants, tigers, and leopards can be seen here. Here, you have option to explore forest sitting atop elephants in the great Indian Maharaja style. Murikkady, Periyar National Park, and Mangala Devi Temple are the other popular tourist attractions of this place.
Cochin: Kochi is a very popular city of Kerala and is popularly known as the Gateway to Kerala. The famous tourist locations in Cochin are Fort Kochi beach, St. Francis Church, Vasco House, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Santa Cruz Basilica.
Thrissur: Thrissur also attracts tourists coming to Kerala and the famous tourist destinations of Thrissur are Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Kerala Sahitya Academy, Vadakkunnatha Temple, and Our Lady of Lourdes Metropolitan Cathedral.
Vagamon: This is the coolest place of Kerala and is termed as a hill station and pilgrimage destination of Kerala. The famous pilgrimage of Nazrani Catholics, namely Kurishumala church is situated in Vagamon. It natural untouched scenuic beauty makes it a true paradise and an ideal destination for nature lovers.
Kollam (Quilon): This destination of Kerala caters to the adventure lovers. Mountain biking, boating, rock climbing, etc., are some of the activities here for adventure sport lovers.
Agasthyakoodam: This place had dense forest cover and one can again experience untouched nature's bliss here. Aranmula boat race and Varkala beach are the famous tourist attractions of this place. Famous flower Neelakurinji are also found here.
