When you travel to India, one of the first places you should visit is Kerala. This beautiful state is home to a plethora of attractions, from beaches to temples. But if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will take you on a tour of the top 10 must-visit places in Kerala (India). From quaint fishing villages to world-famous hill stations, these are definitely places you don’t want to miss.
Thiruvananthapuram
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, one of the best things you can do is explore its many must-see places. Here are five of the most popular destinations in Kerala:
1. Thiruvananthapuram (Thiruvananthapuram)
Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Tiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is perhaps the most popular destination in Kerala. This city is famed for its colonial architecture and beautiful beaches. Highlights of Thiruvananthapuram include the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, which is one of India’s largest and most famous temples; the Technopark; and Fort Cochin, which was once a major trade hub.
2. Calicut (Kozhikode)
Known as Kozhikode City, Calicut is located just north of Thiruvananthapuram on the banks of the Valancherry River. As one of Kerala’s oldest settlements, Calicut has a rich history dating back to 1st century BC. Highlights of Calicut include the Mattancherry Palace and fishing villages along the Arabian Sea shoreline.
3. Munnar (Munnar)
Munnar is a scenic hill station located in Idukki district in Kerala. It’s known for its tea plantations and misty valleys surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Munnar also offers numerous hiking trails.
The Kovalam Beach
Kovalam beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. With crystal clear waters and stunningly beautiful surroundings, it’s easy to see why. The beach is located just outside of Kovalam town and can be reached by bus or taxi. There are various places to stay near the beach, including resorts, guesthouses, and homestays. If you’re looking for something a little more individualized, there are also a few private villas available for rent. Whether you’re planning to relax on the beach or explore the local attractions, Kovalam Beach is definitely worth a visit!
The Kasargod Coast
The Kasargod Coast is known for its picturesque beaches and seashores. The coastline stretches from Kannur to Kodungalloor, with beautiful backwaters dotting the way. It’s a perfect place to relax and take in the natural beauty of Kerala. Here are some of the most popular attractions on the Kasargod Coast:
1. Kannur
Kannur is one of the oldest towns in Kerala, and it retains much of its historical charm. There are plenty of interesting sights to see, including churches, mosques, old mansions and Portuguese fortifications. Kannur is also home to the famous Cochin Zoo, which has a wide variety of animals on display.
2. Andamukkal Beach
Andamukkal Beach is located just outside of Kannur town and it’s regarded as one of the best beaches in Kerala. The sand is soft and white, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby if you want to spend a day enjoying the relaxing atmosphere on this beachfront property.
3. Mukku Island
Mukku Island is another popular beach destination in Kerala. It’s an island off the coast near Kottayam that’s covered in coconut trees and surrounded by crystal clear waters ideal for swimming or kayaking. There are also plenty of restaurants and lodges available if you’re looking for a relaxing day out on
The Nilgiris Hills
The Nilgiris Hills, located in the state of Tamil Nadu in southern India, are a must-see tourist destination. The hills are home to some of the most picturesque and pristine mountain ranges in India. The range is also known for its rich flora and fauna, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.
Some of the best places to visit in the Nilgiris Hills include Ooty, Coonoor, and Mannar. Ooty is considered to be the capital of the hills and features some of the most iconic sights such as Tiger Hill and Government House. Coonoor is known for its churches and Old Town. Mannar is home to a Wildlife Sanctuary that features elephants, tigers, deer, black buck, sloth bear, peacocks, and many other animals.
Those looking for an active vacation should head to Thiruvannamalai or Vellore districts where they can explore charming hill villages or go on hikes or bike rides through nature reserves.
Alleppey
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to explore in Kerala, look no further than Alleppey. This small town on the Malabar Coast is home to some of the most iconic sights in Kerala, including the Periyar National Park and Lake Kovalam. If you’re looking to relax and spend some time in nature, Alleppey is the perfect destination.
But if you want to explore more of Kerala’s cultural riches, be sure to also visit Ernakulam and Trivandrum. These cities are home to vibrant nightlife scenes, as well as plenty of interesting historical sites. Plus, they’re both only a short drive from Alleppey.
So whether you’re planning a relaxing holiday or want to get up close and personal with Kerala’s stunning natural beauty, Alleppey is the perfect place to start.
The Cochin Port
The Cochin Port is one of the most important seaports in India. It is also the largest and busiest port in Kerala. The port handles a large variety of cargo including oil, cement, timber, food products and other essentials. The port is also a major transit point for goods going to other parts of India and Asia.
The Cochin Port is located on the Arabian Sea coast in Kochi District. It is about 120 kilometers from Kochi city center. The port has an expressway connecting it to the city. There are also several bus stations and train stations close to the port. The nearest airport is at Trivandrum about 175 kilometers away.
Some of the attractions near the Cochin Port include Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, St Francis Church, Vadakkechira Waterfalls and Kovalam Beach.
Fort Kochi
If you’re planning a trip to Kerala, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, you’ll want to add Fort Kochi to your list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of India’s most famous coastal towns and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin. Today, it’s a lively seaside town where you can explore ancient temples and mosques, wander the narrow streets and Chowkmuks, or sip coffees at waterfront cafes. The town is also home to the colonial Dutch Palace, which now serves as the state government headquarters.
Calicut
Kerala is a popular tourist destination in India and one of the most visited states in the country. It is home to some of India’s most famous tourist destinations such as Calicut, Kumarakom, and Munnar.
1. Calicut:
Calicut is considered one of Kerala’s most iconic tourist destinations. The city is located on the Malabar Coast and was once an important trading center between Arabia and India. Today, Calicut remains a vibrant port town with a rich history and culture. Highlights include the Brihadeeswara Temple, which is one of the world’s largest temples and considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Fort Kochi, which was once one of the busiest ports in Asia.
Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station in Kerala that offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. The area is home to several hot water springs that give visitors a unique experience. Munnar also has a variety of wildlife including elephants, tigers, and monkeys.
The best way to explore Munnar is on foot, and there are numerous trails to follow. Some of the more popular trails include the Kungumalai National Park Trail and the Muttathanni Trail. Both trails offer spectacular views of the tea plantations below as well as patches of forest filled with elephants and tigers.
If you don’t have time to trek around Munnar, there are also plenty of other attractions available. Munnar town has plenty of shops and restaurants, making it an easy place to spend a day or two. Alternatively, visitors can take a scenic boat ride down the Kunnal River or go for a hike in the surrounding hills.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Kerala (India), make sure to add these 10 places to your list! From stunning beaches and lush forests to vibrant marketplaces and ancient temples, there is something for everyone in Kerala. Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply want to soak up the beautiful culture, these top destinations in Kerala will not disappoint.
