Top 10 places to scout in Kerala

There are 28 states and 8 union territories in India, and one of the most unique and popular among them is Kerala. Located on the southwestern coast of India, Kerala is the crown gem of India, and its cultural diversity will completely knock you out. In this article, we will show you the beauty of “gods own country” and the bougiest spots this beautiful state has to offer.

Kerala is a land of natural beauty and diverse traditions that have evolved over centuries. This state’s vibrant culture is a unique blend of different religions, languages, and traditions, all coexisting in harmony. This is a place where you can relax, rejuvenate and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and culture of South India. We are pretty sure that at this point, you’re all set to pack your bags and explore this place but wait. At least check out the top reasons to visit this wonderland.

Top Reasons to explore Kerala

To inspire you to visit this tranquil haven, we have taken the task to jot down a couple of reasons why you should explore this fantasy state. After you’re done reading this section, we can guarantee that the next step you will take is going on your devices and bagging the best package from Book My Bharat.

A complete haven for foodies – Keralan food

Every bite from a Sadhya (Keralan thali) is like an explosion of flavors in your mouth. If you visit Kerala and even 20 years down the lane, if you don’t remember anything: you will always remember the cuisine. The cuisine of this region features a variety of delectable dishes, including Keralan fish curry, Karimeen pollichathu, Fish moilee, Malabar Parotta, pumpkin and lentil curry, and Palada payasam. To enhance the dining experience, these dishes are typically served on a generous green banana leaf.

Serene backwaters

The backwater of Kerala can easily be defined as a labyrinth of tranquil lanes of water formed by 900km of waterways, which either flow in separate directions or merge to create the gorgeous lagoons, lakes, canals, and rivers that mother nature has to offer. You can sail along these idyllic waters and glance upon villagers going about doing their daily work. You can also make your experience a trance by spending your night in a boathouse, where you can slowly drift along these calm waters while a trained crew is on their heels to prepare sumptuous meals for you.

Beaches that look like paradise

The beauty of visiting a coastal state is that you escape the hustle and bustle of life and spend time on a beach. You can chill on the hammock, try surfing, or just run down the beach towards the water to feel like the main character of a movie. You can also try canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. 

cultural gem

Kerala possesses a captivating culture that is sure to fascinate visitors. Explore the Jewish synagogue, which boasts stunning Chinese tiles, beautiful Belgian chandeliers, and traditional period furnishings. The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, built in the Gothic style, is another must-see attraction in Fort Kochi. To cap off an evening of exploration, enjoy a Kathakali performance, a classical dance that originated in the 17th century. 

Sightseeing – a treat for your eyes

Kerala is blessed with the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that boasts a rich history dating back even further than the Himalayas, and backwaters to die for. Each view of Kerala offers a cinematic experience that you will remember forever. Now that you know the top reasons to visit Kerala, it’s time to plan your itinerary and explore some of the must-see places in this beautiful state. From the iconic backwaters of Alleppey to the historic Fort Kochi, the majestic Athirapally waterfalls to the tranquil Varkala Beach, Kerala has no shortage of stunning attractions that will take your breath away.

Places to visit in Kerala

Munnar

Munnar is the most popular site in Kerala and is graced by millions of visitors yearly. Located in the Idukki district, this place is 1,600 meters above sea level. A heavenly experience awaits you with limitless tea gardens, meandering lanes amidst misty mountains, and fragrant spice-filled air. Munnar boasts numerous attractions, including tea estates, Mattuppetty Dam, and Eravilulam National Park, to name a few. However, the serene and laid-back atmosphere of this place truly captivates you and leaves you yearning for more. 

Kozhikode

Kozhikode used to be the capital of the Zamorin kingdom. This city is blessed with natural beauty and is soaked by rich cultural heritage. There are many places to explore in Kozhikode, like Thusharagiri waterfalls and Kappad beach, which is still remembered as the iconic location where Vasco Da Gama first set foot. Kozhikode is also home to the biggest Dam in Kerala – Kuttiyadi Dam.

Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as the Venice of the east, is the nucleus of backwaters in Kerala. The entire place is a scenic paradise revered for its mirror still water, picturesque lagoons, and nonchalant beaches. This place is an epi-center of thousands of houseboats, which makes it an ideal location for tourists. They can swiftly drift along the tranquil waters and appreciate natural beauty at its best while sinking their teeth into authentic Keralan delicacies.

Trivandrum

Trivandrum, also known as Thiruvananthapuram, is the largest city in Kerala and the most sought-after tourist hub in Kerala. This city is an amalgamation of culture, history, beaches, backwaters, lagoons, and hill stations. Kovalam and Varkala are the most popular beach towns in Kerala and have cemented their position as being one of the most popular locations to explore. This place is also home to the wealthiest temple in the world – Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple

Kochi

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most urban spots in Kerala. This city is situated on the shores of the Arabian and Laccadive Seas. If history serves right, Kochi used to be a key spice trading center on the west coast of India, and that’s how it got the title of “Queen of Arabian Sea.” Kochi can easily be defined as a blend of multiple cultures, with some of its influences being from China, Portugal, and Great Britain.

Varkala

Varkala, located in the suburbs of Trivandrum, is on the verge of becoming the fastest-booming ayurvedic resort in Kerala. This is graced by a lot of tourists worldwide, who come to this blissful location in search of ayurvedic treatment. There is a beach in Kerala called Varkala beach, and commonly known as Papanasham beach. This beach is known for having holy powers, and when you dip in the water, all your sins will be washed away.

Thrissur

This place is blessed with a rich cultural heritage and numerous archeological findings. Visitors can read about Thrissur’s deep-rooted history, politics, and historical learnings through monuments and museums. Thrissur’s numerous attractions showcase the district’s historical, political, and religious inclinations, as demonstrated by its diverse range of monuments and museums. Some noteworthy sites include the Guruvayoor temple, Archaeological and Arts Museum, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Chettuva Backwaters, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Kodungalloor Kovilakam, Vilangan Hills, Athirappilly Falls, and Thrissur Kole Wetlands.

Wayanad

Huddled amongst the peaks of Tamil Nadu and Kerala’s western ghats and borders is a quaint and pristine plateau of Wayanad. This Natural gem is located at 700 to 2100 meters above sea level. It is thought that the origin of the name Wayanad can be traced back to the term “vayalnadu,” which refers to the region of paddy fields. The entire landscape of Wayanad is blessed with prolific valleys and a range of mountains covered with mist.

Nelliyampathy

If you move 60 km away from Palakkad, you will be graced by an alluring and delightful hill station called Nelliyampathy. This gift of mother nature ranges from a varying height of 467 meters to 1572 meters. The Pothundi Dam, built during the 19th century, is a well-known picnic destination that boasts of its stunning environs and delightful boating experiences. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views from the Seetharkundu viewpoint, which is another popular attraction. According to local lore, Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Seetha Devi sought respite at this very spot during their exile.

Athirapally

Athirapally is an iconic village located in Kerala that is highly acclaimed for its Athirappilly waterfalls. It stands 1000 feet above sea level on the Chalakudy river, with the river being located at 80 feet. These are the largest waterfalls in Kerala. Because of this, they are called the Niagara of India. Vazhachal waterfalls are considered an acquaintance of the Athirappilly waterfalls because they are located 5km away from it.