Kerala Tourist Destinations - Most Beautiful Natural Places to Visit
Kerala, the south Indian state between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, is one of the most popular tourist destinations all around the world. Blessed with timeless natural wonders like wildlife, mountains, rivers, backwaters, lakes, hill stations, plains, plantations- it charms both local as well as international tourists. The state boasts of several destinations, each with its own unique features, that makes them all perfect places to explore. These Kerala destinations are explored by tourists throughout the year.
An Overview
Kerala is a beautiful state that conjures up the image of pristine green foliage, interlinked channels of canals, backwater and rivers, fishing boats returning at sunset, rich temples with its traditional practices and one of the most friendly, jovial and laid back people in India. These are just a few reasons which make the state a popular tourist destination of India and World. This socialist state is a successful model of socialism in India and its proper implementation sees the highest literacy rate in India. The geographical diversity is vast as the state is blessed with sheer cliffs of Western Ghats in the Northern Malabar and the eastern portion is covered by Nilgiri and Palni Hills. The southern region is full of green foliage and a channel of interlinked canals, rivers and lakes all separated from the Arabian Sea by narrow strip of land and some of the most pristine white sand beaches of World are present here.
Some of the best Kerala Tourism destinations are:
Thiruvananthapuram
Previously known as Trivandrum, this laid-back capital of Kerala has an easy-going old world charm. Places worth seeing while in Thiruvananthapuram, are the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the Puttan Malika Palace where the maharajas of Travancore held court. The museum at the palace displays historical artifacts and exquisite paintings by Raja Ravi Verma. Many buildings in Thiruvananthapuram display the traditional architecture of Kerala, with tiled roofs, carved wooden pillars and large verandahs overlooking green lawns. English is commonly spoken across Kerala and the pleasant climate of this city makes a tour of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, a relaxing and enjoyable trip.
Kovalam
This group of three crescent shaped beaches is known as one of the best beach resorts in India. With clean sandy stretches, opportunities for water sports and Ayurvedic masseurs offering their services to visitors alongside the beach, you're sure to enjoy a relaxing vacation in this idyllic beach paradise.
Kochi
Previously known as Cochin, this important port city is known for the Chinese Fishing nets seen in its harbor and for its legendary spices including pepper, which were exported from Cochin to the West. With many foreign powers setting up trading houses in this city, the architecture of Kochi reflects this international influence. Fort Cochin, the St. Francis Church, the spice market and the Jewish Synagogue are places to see on your tour of Kochi. A sunset cruise in Kochi harbor where you see the sun dip below the sea and the last rays of light silhouette the Chinese fishing nets is an experience that's not to be missed when you travel to Kochi.
Kerala Backwaters
Traveling on a houseboat, through a quiet world of wind and water, with no noises but the swaying of the palm trees, the birds calling to each other and the sound of water splashing against the hull of your boat. Before you sleep at night, you can try to count the myriad stars in the clear sky above you, on the backwaters of Kerala. The waterways that connect the villages along the backwaters, reveal fascinating glimpses of village life in Kerala - you can see children running alongside, fields being ploughed and fishing eagles and cormorants diving for fish, as you drift along on a backwater cruise in Kerala. Most cruises are organized around Alleppey, Kuttanad and Kochi in Kerala.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary in the Idukki district of Kerala, is set around the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake created by a dam on the Periyar River. Originally the royal hunting ground of the Maharajas of Travancore, Periyar is now a protected national park. A boat cruise on the lake lets tourists observe the animals from nearby, as they come to the waters edge to drink. Herds of elephants come together and can be seen drinking, bathing and playing nears the water. Other wildlife that can be seen in Periyar include tigers, leopards, monkeys, nilgai, sloth bear, porcupine, the Malabar Flying Squirrel and many birds including the Great Indian Hornbill. The best time to visit Periyar is between December and April.
Allappuzha
Known for the annual snake boat races, hld in this sea saide town around the fetival of Onam, in Kerala, Allappuzha or Alleppey is transformed into a hub of excitement as tams of rowers power the swift snake boats called Chundanvalloms through the waters, competing for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Thrissur
The temple festival at Thrissur is a grand event where two rows of magnificently decorated tuskers, stand facing each other while drummers beat out a traditional rhythm and representatives of the temple raise colored parasols over the elephants bearing the images of the deities of neighboring temples, is both an intense religious event and a colorful tourist attraction in Kerala.
Munnar
Located in the hill ranges of Kerala, Munnar is a vision in green. Some of the highest tea estates in Kerala can be seen in Munnar, as the hills surrounding this scenic town are carpeted with tea bushes, spice plantations and greenery. There are also opportunities for nature walks, trekking and bird watching tours in Munnar.
Ponmudi
This hillstation in the Western Ghats, located around 65 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a picturesque getaway. The green hills, with winding roads, pretty cottages, and an abundance of birds and butterflies flying through the spice plantations and tea estates, make it an idyllic Kerala tourism destination. These are some of the well-known tourism destinations of Kerala. There are many more beaches, hill stations, and quiet getaways in Kerala where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday on tours of Kerala, India.
Thekkady
Thickly forested Thekkady is just the place for wildlife enthusiasts. Famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary located around the serene Periyar Lake, Thekkady enchants you with picturesque vistas and abundant wildlife. Tour spice plantations and see the attractions of spice plantations that envelop entire Thekkady in a delightfully aromatic mist. Tour Pullumedu , Ottakathalamedu and Kurusimala as you discover magical Thekkady and its myriad charms.
