Kerala Tourist Destinations - Most Beautiful Natural Places to Visit

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.

BACKWATERS AND HOUSEBOATS IN KERALA , BACKWATERS AND HOUSEBOATS, BACKWATERS, HOUSEBOATS, SNAKE BOATS

BACKWATERS AND HOUSEBOATS IN KERALA 

The natural backwaters of Kerala amidst the plethora of palm grove have been a grapevine amongst domestic and international tourists. It offers a complete rejuvenation from the cycle of a mild state of nausea and staying in the middle of the gentle ripples is the nascence of one’s dream coming true. The backwaters of Alleppey can be a source of economy for the Keralian folk but when it comes to you to experience a unique stay away from the city dust, then the backwaters turns out to be a natural haven. Spending days by the sparkling waters, by the whisking by aquatic life, by the passing by coconut trees and by the flying by birds and nights by the dim moonlit, by the hushing waters and by the stimulating breeze gives one an ultimate intimacy with nature and oneself. Today tourism in Kerala have picked up its admiration from the freshness of its backwaters in Alleppey and your holiday with Goibibo’s online hotel booking offers have its own virtue when you opt to stay from its Top 5 Houseboats in Alleppey.Whether you are planning for your honeymoon in Kerala or a leisure trip with your family and friends, houseboat stay offers a unique experience once in a life time.

Alappuzha
Alappuzha rightly known as the "The Venice of the East" is an ancient city, which had trading links with Europe, Africa and the Far East. A boat trip along the pleasant waters is a lovely treat that one should gift oneself. Specially constructed Kettuvallams with all modern facilities carry tourists along the placid waters of Kerala's famed backwaters. A night trip under the wide and starry skies or a silvery moon can be the experience of a lifetime. Daytime trips give the travellers a chance to observe the routine life of the people on the banks. Memorable images include the water taxies, the coir workers and the fishermen doing brisk work. Backwaters And Boathouses in Kerala
Kuttanad

Cruisng along the backwaters at Kuttanad is also a lovely chance to observe the farmers at this place that is known for its lush paddy fields. A hundred shades of green provide a rare and lasting feast for the eyes.
 

Pathiramanal
Pathiramanal is a beautiful island accessible by boat from Alappuzha. Cruising along the waters here you can also observe varieties of migratory birds from different parts of the world that frequent the place.
 

Kottayam
Kottayam, the land of lakes and latex, is a land blessed abundantly by nature's charms. Tranquil expanses of backwaters, lush paddy fields, highlands and extensive rubber plantations makes Kottayam special.
 

Kumarakom
House boat cruises along the waters around Kumarakom is an opportunity for observing the fishermen and also watch several species of birds that make the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary their home. The place is so enchanting that it captured the imagination of the poet prime minister of India Mr. AB Vajpayee who chose it for his annual retreat.

Kollam
An important city by the banks of the famous Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam is considered the gateway to the legendary backwaters of Kerala. Kollam offers exotic and refreshing backwater experience.
 

Kochi
Delightful cruises along the vast waters that surround the many islands, which make up Kochi, is a lovely experience. Passing by in local ferries and special boats, one can also observe beautiful sights including mansions built in Indo- European style of architecture rubbing shoulders with traditional Kerala style houses. Chinese fishing nets which have become an integral part of the local landscape gain a dreamlike aura when seen against the setting sun.
 

Trivandrum
Akkulam and Veli in Trivandrum are other locations to embark on enchanting boat cruises.

Houseboats
A visit to Kerala is incomplete without a trip in one of the Kettuvallams. The houseboats or kettuvalloms are specially constructed boats that are about 80 feet long. These are around 13 feet wide in the middle and are made up of eco-friendly materials like bamboo poles, coconut fiber, ropes, bamboo mats, carpets etc. The structure is even strong enough to transport a truckload of materials through the sea.

These boats haveKerala - Snakeboats luxurious furnishing with exquisite flooring, hull and valavara (canopy) they are provided with sun deck, spacious living / dining area. Boats that are being offered to tourists are complete with attached toilets and classy kitchen. These are maintained safe and free of insects and are provided with fire extinguishers. The services of professional cooks are available on the boat

Top and Best Summer Holiday Destinations In India - Honeymoon, Beaches, Hill-station, Backwaters, Adventure, Wildlife, Ayurveda, Pilgrimage

Top and Best Summer Holiday Destinations In India
List of the Top and Best summer Holiday Destinations in India, featuring cool hill stations, pristine beaches and rejuvenating Ayurveda resorts. For those who are planning a summer vacation in India, here are some amazing options for holiday destinations during the hot months

Kashmir
The original "Paradise on Earth" is a summer delight – cool locales, romantic Shikara on the picturesque Dal, blooming Shalimar Gardens are all views to cherish.

Uttarakhand
From Yoga classes to rafting and wildlife stays to humbling pilgrimages – there's something for everyone in Uttarakhand. A particular favorite with foreigners.

Himachal Pradesh
The Abode of the Himalayas is India's favorite summer destination and home to 100+ hill stations in India. Pine forests and apple orchards further add to its appeal.

Ladakh
The seemingly photoshopped Buddhist ex-kingdom is home to gompas flanked by whitewashed stupas. Ladakh's cold desert is nature's boon and bane to the Himalayas.

Kerala
"God's Own Country" is a true revelation in summers. If the numerous beaches, backwaters and Ayurveda in Kerala don't get you, the exotic culture and cuisine will!

Goa
The tiny emerald Goa, the most popular beach destination in South East Asia just got even hotter! Goa's balmy beaches dole out fun in crazy measures. Evident colonial hangover!

Northeast India
The home of the great Brahmaputra and 30+ tribes that caps India's Northeastern borders – no other Indian region is as naturally blessed and verdant as the seven north east states.

Shimla
An engaging hill town with colonial charm and a relatively developed capital city – all rolled into one. Shimla is to hill stations what Shakespeare is to literature – indispensible!

Nainital
What was once the favorite summer retreat of the British is still a hot favorite among summer destinations in India. The ideal weekend getaway from Delhi and around.

Munnar
Emerald green plantations, complimented by a low mountain concentration, best describe Munnar's landscape. Located close to several other key tourist areas. Read more on Munnar

Kaziranga National Park
If wildlife is what spools your adrenaline, no other place will give you a greater rush. Watch wild rhinoceros in action in the middle of exotic flora and fauna.

Ooty
Ooty offers the best respite from a somewhat harsh sun in South India. Also popular with religious devotees owing to the large number of temples present here.

Gangtok
The proverbial jewel in the crown of the North East India, Gangtok is the perfect potpourri of several ethnicities and their cultures, together bound in harmony!

Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal or just Kodai, if you please, strikes that perfect climatic equilibrium – not cold but cool enough, and not hot but warm enough. Ideal for 2 day trips.

Dalhousie
This quaint little town in upper Himachal Pradesh was the favorite summer retreat of the British. The place still retains its colonial hangover and is a great host.

Wayanad
One third of the popular Ooty-Mysore-Wayanad circuit, Wayanad's imperious waterfalls and lush green cover strengthen its image as a popular summer destination.

Srinagar
Jammu and Kashmir's capital city is the tourist Mecca of India, with a host of attractions bejeweled in its lofty mountains. Especially popular with families, couples and foreigners.

Gulmarg
India's own representation of a ski resort best in Asia, Gulmarg is a regular feature in Bollywood movies, thanks to its aesthetics, almost unreal landscape that pulls everyone.

Ranikhet
Ranikhet majorly is a cantonment area surrounded by the humbling Himalayas on all sides. Comparatively more secluded than other 'touristy' hill stations.

Corbett National Park
Made famous by the great Ruskin Bond, the 1318 sq. km. national park is the one of finest examples of wildlife in India. Your best chance to spot the wild cat!

Tawang
This quaint little town in Arunachal Pradesh is devoid of fancy attractions you'd find in other popular hill stations. Ideal for the idle vacationer to chill!

Shillong
The capital of Meghalaya is also one of the most picturesque and modern hill towns set along the Northeastern Himalayas. Vintage / Overhauled cars and waterfalls are a rage here.

Coonoor
Smaller, quieter and cheaper than Ooty, Coonoor in Tamil Nadu is for the lazy traveler who prefers solitude over melange or a lengthy novel over a rough trek. No place to rush.

Darjeeling
The real "Queen of the Hills" in West Bengal is also home to the Daarjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Daarjeeling is every bit the quintessential summer getaway.

Lakshadweep
India's answer to the Bahamas, Lakshadweep is an archipelago of tropical islands in the lower Arabian Sea. Be a true castaway when here in seclusion, with all the luxuries, of course.

Rishikesh
White water rafting at grade 5 rapids? Or some soul curry in a Spa, Ayurveda and Yoga Ashram Himalayas? Maybe both! Choose whichever, you're still coming to Rishikesh!

Kalimpong
This brilliant natural establishment in West Bengal is within sight of the great Khangchendzonga Mountain, and comes loaded with Buddhist and colonial influences in its culture.

Kerala the land of many varieties, land with ample Heritage and cultural background and much to offer to the tourists is having many interesting places spread through out the region. A few of the places to visit in Kerala are

Alleppey

Alleppey previously called Alappuzha lies on the edge of the Ashtamudi Lake. With the Arabian Sea on the west and a bunch of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers crossing it, Alleppey is a district of immense natural beauty. Because of its large network of canals many times it is referred as the ‘Venice of the East’ by worldwide tourists.  This backwater region is also home to diverse range of animals and birds.  Alleppey has earned fame in the commercial world as the world's premier supplier of coir. It holds a special place in the maritime industry of Kerala because of its location in the vicinity of Arabian Sea.

In recent days Alleppey has emerged as a Backwater Tourist Centre, attracting thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alleppey is also famous for its Boat races, Houseboat Holidays, Beaches, Marine Products and Coir Industry. Every year during August-September, Alleppey is eagerly waiting for the pulsating Nehru Cup Snake Boat Race a water sport unique to Kerala.

Cochin

Cochin or Kochi being an important port city is strategically located, well connected by aerial routes, railways and road. Travelers who want to arrive by air can alight at Cochin International Airport at Nedumbessary. If you prefer rail journey you have two stations to alight Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction. Many express trains from cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai are plying to Kochi. This city is well connected by road to many major cities of other states.

The city is filled with glamorous shopping centers and Jewellery shops. The Hotels and Restaurants are very attractive and serve appetizing food. Among the busy roads and business centers the city also caters to some very beautiful parks, children's playgrounds and beach side pavements. The Naval base and the Cochin shipyard make it a place of importance. Marine drive is also another business area in Cochin which has a beautiful view of the sea and the islands. You can also see the merchant ships and the cruise liner halting for fueling.

Places of tourist interest being Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. It is an eclectic blend of the Arab, British, Portuguese and Dutch legacy. To get a taste of the Portuguese architecture, you can head towards The Santa Cruz Basilica. The St. Francis Church, another specimen from the Portuguese era, boasts of having being the burial site of the famous Vasco da Gama. The Chinese fishing nets, a remnant from the rule of the majestic Kublai Khan, is another major tourist attraction. After a day of wander lust, you can unwind at the Fort Kochi Beach, which also houses a pretty lighthouse. The Jew Street, the Dutch Cemetery and the Princess Street are some of other coveted tourist hot spots.

Kovalam

Well known as the ‘Paradise of Southern India’ is sixteen kms away from Trivandrum city. The word ‘Kovalam’ means a grove of coconut trees. The coconut trees at the Kovalam villages symbolize natural beauty and economic value. A characteristic feature of the sands in theKovalam beaches is that they are black in color. This is attributed to the presence of thorazite and ilmenite. It is having three famous beaches, the most preferred of the three beaches is the Lighthouse Beach. The northern Samudra beach has a couple of primitive wooden vessels for fishing. Hawah beach is located in between the other two beaches.

Kumarkom

Kumarakom, located about twelve kms from Kottayam is a famous backwater tourist destination in Kerala. This place can be reached from Alappuzha. This rich green, sleepy little village of Kumarkom is located on the Vembanad Lake amidst mangrove forests and coconut groves. Kumarakom is an enchanting picnic spot and provides boating, fishing and sightseeing experiences that are truly exhilarating. The slender coconut palms scattered everywhere, its never ending paddy fields, lagoons and backwaters, mangroves nesting birds of a hundred varieties is fascinating the tourists. On the scenic Vembanad Lake you will come across plenty of traditional country crafts or houseboats, boats and canoes. The fresh water of the lake runs into the mainland making a cluster of lagoons, brooks, canals and waterways. The backwater houses a variety of species of both fauna and flora and marine life.

Munnar

Munnar with its impeccable beauty is the most famous holiday destination in South India. In the green and serene Kamman Devan Hills lies the quiet and restful resort of Munnar. Munnar is located at a height of 6000 feet above sea level in the Idukki district in Kerala. Munnar, the queen of hill stations is located at the confluence of three mountain streams namely, Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Sprawling tea plantations, picturesque towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town.

Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Unending expanse of tea plantations pristine valleys and mountains exotic species of flora and fauna in its wild sanctuaries and forests with aroma of spice scented cool air is how it can be described in brief. Munnar has all these and more.

Periyar

The central attraction of Periyar, is thePeriyar National Parklocated in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The main attraction of the Periyar National Park is the Periyar lake on a huge 5500 Hectares. This lake is formed by the construction of dam on the river Periyar. Along the perimeter of the lake are the marshy areas with tall grasslands. This is one of the richest habitats of large mammals like elephants, as it provides a natural protection and nourishment to them. The Periyar wildlife sanctuary is having a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The other major attraction being Periyar Tiger Reserve at Thekkady, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing real visitor satisfaction. Spread over an area of around 750 Sq km., Periyar is one of the twenty seven tiger reserves in India. The great thing about the locals of Periyar is they provide people oriented community based ecotourism and help preserving the forests.

Thiruvanantapuram

Thiruvananthapuram district lies at the southern tip of Indian peninsula. The very clean and green Thiruvananthapuram city is the capital of kerala and the headquarters of Thiruvananthapuram district. The name Thiruvananthapuram in local language means ‘the abode of Lord Anantha’, where Anantha is the serpent on whom Lord Vishnu reclines. Lord Vishnu or Padmanabhais the presiding deity of Shree Padmanabhasami temple here. Having arabian sea and the wooded Western Ghats on the boundary, Thiruvananthapuram offers the most enchanting tourist spots, with beautiful beaches, historic spots and palaces, famous shrines and mystic backwaters and also the very rich history that dates back to 1000 BC. It is the major center of Medical tourism in India. The city was officially called as Trivandrum in English until 1991. The city is built on seven low hills. Raja Marthanda Varma is considered as the Father of modern Thiruvananthapuram. 

Varkala

The landscape of Varkala makes it exceptional amongst the beaches of Kerala. The beach is backed by Towering cliffs that guard the sparkling waters. Highly unusual land formations, the sheerness of the cliffs, and the view from atop, simply mesmerize the visitors. You will observe a composite picture of the beauty and awesomeness of nature with Shining white sands, cloudless skies touching the blue water and the red soil of the hilltop, coupled with yellow-green paddy fields, and green coconut trees. Here nature in its pristine glory remains so untouched that to get to the secluded part of the beach, one has to either scramble over rocks during high tide or climb down the cliff.

Wayanad

Located in the Nilgiri Biosphere, Wayanad district in Kerala is a land of mysterious jungle trails, mountain caves, ancient ruins, thundering waterfalls, exotic wild life and a number of aboriginal tribes. The district's hilly terrain with numerous trails and trekking routes makes it an ideal destination for adventure lovers. With twenty six percent forest cover, much of the district still remains unexplored, and constitutes the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem. Wayanad has two major wildlife reserves Muthanga and Tholpetty which are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. Nestled at an altitude between 700 - 2100 meters above the sea level, Wayanad Kerala comprises explicit flora and fauna.

The district also has its share of historical and religious monuments. But it's for its natural beauty that Wayanad is best known. This district of Kerala is rich in cardamom and pepper. This region is always filled with the aroma of spices and coffee.