Best places to visit in Gods Own Country, Kerala

The much beloved God's Own Country evoke the images of green mountains of Munnar and serene backwaters of Alleppey. But, Kerala has a lot more to offer than that. The beauty of this southern state lies in its diversity. There is no wrong in saying that Kerala is a harmonious amalgamation of various cultures. The history of the state is nothing short of fiction. The state was an ancient trading centre and in time has seen several rulers and colonists. Not to mention that everyone has left a mark here. Some of them are mouthwatering dishes, and others are awe-inspiring buildings. Here are the best of Kerala that no traveller should miss. Kerala is blessed with a coastline that runs about 580 km in length and has some of the prettiest beaches in the country. While they all are unique in their own way, some of them stand out in the crowd. Here are the must-visit beaches in Kerala.

1. Kovalam Beach and Vizhinjam Beach

   Kovalam beach in the Trivandrum district is part of the famous hippie trail since the 1930s. The massive rock face on the edge of the ocean has created a calm seashore with clean blue water that is perfect for sea bathing. Apart from spending the day sunbathing and staring at the sea, a number of leisure options are right next to the beach including ayurvedic massage centres, pocket-friendly cottages, yoga centres, swimming pools, and shopping zones. While Kovalam beach is famous among tourists, Vizhinjam beach is for the offbeat travellers. It is only 3 km away from Kovalam beach and is known for its rustic outlook. The Vizhinjam seaport was part of ancient trade routes. The lighthouse is visible from both beaches.

2. Varkala Beach

   Varkala beach in Trivandrum is one of the best cliffside beaches in the country. It is recognised as the top ten seasonal beaches in the world by Discovery Channel. The laidback ambience goes perfectly well with the stunning combination of brown sand and blue water. Some natural springs near Varkala beach are known to have medicinal and curative properties. The Janardhanaswamy Temple, a two-thousand-year-old shrine is only a few kilometres away.

3. Marari Beach

   It is one of the cleanest beaches you will ever see. Marari beach is located in Alleppey district which is famous for its backwaters and houseboat experience. The beach surrounded by local fishing villages and hundreds of coconut trees. It is one of the most tranquil places you will ever visit.

4. Beypore Beach

   Beypore beach in Calicut district is an entirely different experience from other beaches in Kerala. Being an ancient port town, Beypore has a lot to offer. The town is known for Uru building industry. It was part of ancient maritime silk route too. Beypore fishing harbour is one of the main attraction of the town, and the ship breaking unit adds even more colour to this town. Kerala is located between Arabian sea and western ghats. This not only contributes to the amazing weather but provides the luxury of several hill stations. While these hill stations aren’t covered in snow like those in the Himalayan region, they are rich with biodiversity.

5. Wayanad

   Wayanad is one our nature lovers and adventurous souls. It is set in high altitude and is home to several indigenous tribes. This hill station is blessed with dense forests and tropical rainforest weather. Some of the most favoured spots are Lakkidi and Chembra peak. Both of them are among the highest points in Wayanad. The Pookat lake and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are the major attractions here. Chembra Peak is known for its lush green landscape and is a popular trekking trail.

6. Idukki

   Idukki is known as the spice garden of Kerala. One of the poster images of Kerala - Munnar is in Idukki and is home to several spice plantations. The Kannan Devan Village, Devikulam is one of the most visited spots. Two of the highest peaks in South India - Anamudi and Meesapulimala are also here. Some of the must-visit spots in Idukki are Vagamon and Thekkady. While Vagamon is known for paragliding and rock climbing, Thekkady is known for Periyar National Park.

7. Ponmudi

   Ponmudi is another hill station with pleasant weather all year round and is located in Trivandrum. It is known for various trekking points and diverse wildlife and an echo point. Agasthyarkoodam - one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats is in Ponmudi and is a regular trekking trail. River Kallar which is known for round-shaped pebbles in abundance is also a popular tourist spot.

8. Nelliyampathy Hills

   Nelliyampathy Hills in Palakkad district of Kerala is popular for possessing the vantage point with views to the several tea and coffee plantations nearby. Mountain peaks in this hill station that touches the clouds is a fascinating sight. These hills are known for orange orchards as well. The vast stretches of paddy fields are also a sight to behold from the viewpoints.Kerala has a rich history, and the essence of this amazing past is preserved in several heritage sites. While some of these are palaces and forts, others are towns.

9. Padmanabhapuram Palace

   This majestic work of architecture is in the capital town of Kerala - Trivandrum. The palace was built in the 16th century and is in the foothills of Western Ghats. This palace which was once the home of Travancore royalty is a fine example of Traditional Kerala architecture. This four-story building has 64 types of herbal and medicinal woods in its bedstead. Visitors will also get to see an interesting collection of objects including weapons, Chinese jars, and brass lamps.

10. Krishnapuram Palace

    Krishnapuram Palace is another classic example of traditional Kerala architecture. It was built in the 18th century and is located in Kayamkulam, Alleppey. The three-storied building houses museum as well for visitors. The palace is designed according to the norms of Vastu Shastra and has used laterite stones, rubble, teak, rosewood and Angili wood.

11. Bekal Fort

    Spreading over 40 acres, Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala. Located right in the Bekal Beach, the fort looks like as if it is emerging from the ocean. The best time to visit Bekal Fort is in June, right after the monsoon has begun. The whole beach will be covered green saplings which complements the majestic appearance of the fort.

12. St. Angelo Fort

    This fort has been a spectator to three different colonial rulers. St. Angelo Fort was built by Portuguese in 1505. It is one of the significant historic sites in Kannur. The fort was in possession of Dutch and British rulers who renovated it as per their military strategies. It is a massive building with a triangular laterite structure that exhibits the power it once had.

13. Anchuthengu Fort

    Anchuthengu Fort was built by British rulers and takes the name from the town it is located in. The fort holds historical significance in the colonial era as it was East India Company’s first permanent post in the Malabar Coast. The fort played an important role in the Anglo-Mysore war. The fort had over 60 guns. The fort was mainly used to give signals to the English ships approaching Malabar coast.

14. Palakkad Fort

    Palakkad Fort is also known as Tipu’s Fort. It was built by Hyder Ali in the 18th century, and he named it after his son - Tipu Sultan. It was one of the well-preserved historical monuments in South India. In the times of Mysore rulers, Palakkad Fort was an important military base. Its thick laterite walls are still maintained and impressive to every history buff.

15. Fort Kochi

    Fort Kochi is perhaps the most charming town in Kerala. The entire town is a reminder of the colonial era. Centuries-old buildings, art galleries and restaurants that serves several foreign cuisines do a good job at creating an ambience worthwhile. Santa Cruz Basilica, Dutch Palace, and Jewish Synagogue are some of the major attractions of Fort Kochi. However, none of these matches a walk through the Jew town and an evening staring at Chinese fishing nets.

16. Edakkal Caves

    The two natural caves in Wayanad district are called Edakkal Caves. The spot attracts hundreds of tourists every year. These caves have writing that is believed to be from 6,000 BCE. The stone age carvings are one of its kind in South India. Edakkal Caves are the only proof of prehistoric civilisations in this region.

17.  Kottukal Rock-Cut Temple

    Kottukal temple is one from the earliest phase of Kerala's temple architecture. It is one of the many temples, which were originally Buddhists and Jain temples. These are carved out of one single rock and has sculptures of deities. The designs reflect the Pandya and Pallava style of architecture. Kottukal Thrikovil Cave Temple is in Kollam district.

18. Neyyar Dam

    Neyyar Dam is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty. The dam is in the River Neyyar in Trivandrum. Other than boating and a Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram, tourists are often fascinated with the Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre which is close to Neyyar Dam.

19. Banasura Sagar dam

    Banasura Sagar Dam is situated on the River Kabani in Wayanad district. It is known for its beauty which is escalated by the islands which were formed when the reservoir submerged the surrounding area and Banasura hills in the background. The dam is built of massive stacks of stones. It is the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in entire Asia.

20. Athirappilly Waterfalls

    Athirappilly waterfalls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is 80 feet tall. With dense green forest in the background, this waterfall is a sight for sore eyes. The forest around the falls is home to several species of rare flora and fauna. It is nicknamed as "The Niagara of India". This location is a catch for bird watchers as it is the only one where all four South Indian species of hornbills — the great hornbill (the state bird of Kerala), Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, and the Indian grey hornbill are found.

21. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

    This protected area is one of the most diverse spots in Kerala. It is home to over 100 species of spiders, 150 species of butterflies and 225 species of birds. There are about 11 tribal settlements in this area. It is in the Idukki district and is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

22. Eravikulam National Park

    Eravikulam National Park is another biodiverse protected areas of Kerala. It is also located in Idukki. With over 130 species of birds including endemics like black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri Pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white-bellied shortwing, and Nilgiri flycatcher, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being the first national park in Kerala, it is a popular destination.

23. Silent Valley National Park

    There are no cicadas in this rainforest which explains the absolute silence. The extensive biodiversity makes up for the eeriness. Located in Palakkad district, the silent valley rainforest thrives on the generous water supply by River Kunthipuzha. Over 1000 species of flora and fauna have been identified in this national park including over 100 orchids. Over 400 species of moths, 200 species of butterflies, and 120 species of beetles are also found in this region. It is popularly known as the home of Lion-tailed Macaques.

24. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre

    For some, Kerala is the land of elephants. Festivals in Kerala is often celebrated with the majestic presence of elephants. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, Ernakulam is one of the largest in Kerala. Kodanad is a village at the edge of Ernakulam district and is blessed with fresh air and pleasant weather as it is close to River Periyar. Approximately 40 elephants are cared for and groomed here.

25. Kuruvadweep

    This is another must-see gem in the dense woods of Wayanad. Kuruvadweep is a set of three islands in River Kabani. These uninhabited islands are home to rare species of plants with medicinal value, orchids, and birds. It is a protected river delta and is open to visitors in the months of December to April only. During monsoon, the region receives heavy rainfall and is dangerous to visit.