Beautiful Places in Kerala
If you are someone who loves to spend your holidays in the bosom of mother nature, Kerala is the best place for you. Replete with captivating greenery, charming backwaters, exotic beaches and rich biodiversity, Kerala will surely enthrall you. The abundant beauty and the mild climate earned it the epithet of God’s own country.
There are many incredibly beautiful places in Kerala that are worth a visit. From the high mountains of the Western Ghats in the East to the charming beaches in the west to the palaces in the monuments in the south to the thick forest in the north, the state is truly enchanting. It is hard to pick a few and make a list of the most beautiful places.
Nevertheless, there are a few destinations in the land that cannot be missed on your Kerala tour. Here are some of the most beautiful places in Kerala. Make sure that you pay a visit to some of them during your visit to Kerala.
1. Alappuzha
Known for its charming backwaters and beautiful beaches, Alappuzha is one of the best places to visit in Kerala. It is known as the Venice of the East because of its interconnected network of waterways and canals. A houseboat cruise through the backwaters is the favorite activity of tourists visiting Alappuzha. The remodeled traditional Kettuvallams provide luxurious facilities. You can also have an enjoyable time on the exotic beaches in the region. As the place was a trade center from ancient times, many old buildings can be found that depict the colonial history of India.
2. Kochi
Kochi is an amalgamation of modern and ancient times. On one side there is the metro city with all the latest facilities like metro rails, huge malls, and IT industries; on the other, there are historic buildings, monuments, and cultural centers. The Jewish synagogue, Jain temple, Santa Cruz Basilica and Chinese fishing nets here proclaim the rich culture of the land. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary — a protected ecologically sensitive area extending 2. 74 hectares — located at the heart of the city is enthralling. Hence Kochi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala.
3. Eravikulam National Park
If you are a nature lover, you cannot miss Eravikulam National Park. A magnificent location with many varieties of flora and fauna, the place is worth a visit. It consists of 132 species of birds, 101 varieties of butterflies, 19 types of reptiles and 26 different amphibians. Leopard, Golden Jackal, Lion-tailed Macaques, Stripe Necked Mongoose, Nilgiri Tahr, and Dusky Palm Squirrel are some of the species that capture the interest of the visitors. Because of this biodiversity, it was declared a protected region in 1975.
4. Munnar
Famed as the king of hill stations, Munnar is an exquisite location in Kerala. The tea plantations that cover the hills like green blankets are the most attractive sight here. During the early morning, the whole landscape will be covered in mist, obscuring the vision of even the nearest hill. The dairy farms and dam in Mattupetty, Chinnakkanal waterfalls, Tea museum, Echo point, and Pothamedu viewpoint are some attractions that the tourist destination offers. The pleasant cool climate of the region provides an escape from the heat of the Indian summer. Hence the place is crowded during the summer season.
5. Varkala
With a great beach and sparkling greenery, Varkala captures the hearts of anyone visiting the region. The golden sand and the activities in the destination attract tourists to the location. Most visitors enjoy swimming, surfing, and parasailing. Some others prefer to just lay on the beach, relax and enjoy the sun on their skin. The beautiful cliffs by the shore are one other attraction of the place. Many spiritual seekers also visit the region as it is famous for the Ashrams.
6. Ramakkalmedu
If you enjoy a bird’s eye view of the green valley Ramakkalmedu in Idukki is the place to go. The topmost point gives an exquisite view of Cumbum and Theni in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. Also here you will find a charming statue of Kuravan and Kurathi that alludes to the Sangam period. The nearby forest region is home to a variety of animal and plant species. Therefore, the place is listed among one of the incredibly beautiful places to visit in Kerala.
7. Vagamon
Vagamon is a beautiful paradise for nature lovers. The view of the mist-kissed hills and the green valley is the most attractive sight in the region. As it is situated almost 1200 meters above sea level, Vagamon has a relatively moderate climate. The incessantly blowing fresh breeze will rejuvenate you. Driving enthusiasts will also love the adventurous drive through the winding roads in the region. The nearby attractions like Kurishumala, Indo-Swiss Project, and Thangal para are also worth a visit.
8. Ponmudi
Located in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Ponmudi is part of Western Ghats. The exquisite location with small and high mountains covered in a green blanket is a charm like no other. A drive through the winding mountain roads takes the tourists through some exquisite sights like the Kallar river, Meenmutty waterfalls, and so on. If you love picnicking, you can head to this location and spend your weekends here. The majestic peaks and green valleys make it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kerala.
9. Marayoor
If you want to enjoy a unique holiday, Marayoor is a great destination for you. The sandalwood forest is an unlikely attraction in any other part of the world. A trek through the thicket is sure to rejuvenate you. The glistening streams and teeming wildlife add charm to the walk. If you are a history enthusiast, there are Muniyaras or dolmens where ancient people used to bury the dead. They are at once astonishing and curious. Thus the place is one of the best places to visit in Kerala.
10. Kuttanad
If you want to imbibe the beauty of the idyllic countryside of Kerala, head to Kuttanad. Known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’, the village is home to vast paddy fields, crisscrossing canals and rivers. Tourists report that they feel reenergized by the panoramic view and the calm atmosphere. You can see ducks quacking around in the fields and fishes freely swimming in the waters. The quiet life of the village folk is alluring for anyone tormented by the busy city life. They spend their mornings toiling in the farmlands and afternoons resting under the shade of trees.
11. Kumarakom
Kumarakom is an exquisite place adorned by the mesmerizing charm of the backwaters. If you enjoy a ride through the blue backwaters, this is the place to be. There are many houseboats—huge boats with all the facilities of a house — that take the tourists around the lake for sightseeing. Turquoise blue lake and the emerald green shores glisten in the sun. The gentle breeze and the swaying coconut trees make the cruise the most cherishable experience. Because of its proximity to Kottayam town, the tourist place is easily accessible. Hence Kumarakom enjoys a respectable spot in the list of most beautiful places to visit in Kerala.
12. Kovalam
Kovalam is one of the most beautiful seashores in Kerala. Located in the capital district of Thiruvananthapuram, the beach has a unique charm. The golden sand, majestic rocks, and the charisma of the Arabian sea allure tourists to the land. Because of its exotic nature, foreigners love spending time in Kovalam. Sunbathing, swimming, and beach volley are some of the activities that you can involve in Kovalam. The view of the sunset, which paints crimson colors in the evening sky, from the beach is exquisite.
13. Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi is unquestionably the most visited backwater in Kerala. It is so because of its unique beauty and rich biodiversity. Extending over an area of more than 61 square kilometers, it is the second-largest lake in the state. The place encapsulates the bucolic beauty of God’s Own Country. If you plan your visit during November, you can enjoy the President’s trophy boat race. The competition of traditional snake boats will take you to the peak of excitement. You can also witness cashew processing, coir manufacturing, and traditional fishing if you prefer that.
14. Bekal
Bekal is simultaneously a historical as well as a sightseeing spot. Located in the Kasaragod district, the place is famous for the fort that dates back to 1650 AD. As it spreads over an area of 40 acres, it is also the largest fort in Kerala. Uniqueness in construction, colonial past, and view of the Arabian sea make Bekal a tourist hotspot in the land. It is hence the perfect place to enjoy a quiet holiday.
15. Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is an idyllic countryside with some of the best views in the whole of Kerala. Soaring hills, green valleys and mist-covered landscapes are the alluring features of the land. There are several viewpoints from where you can imbibe the virgin beauty of the landscape. You can also pay a visit to the nearby Pothundi dam and enjoy boating there. Hence, if you want to spend a quiet holiday away from a busy life, Nelliyampathy is the best pick.