PLACES TO VISIT IN KERALA, KERALA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, BEST TOURIST PLACES IN KERALA

Places to Visit in Kerala 

Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Kerala is often termed as paradise set in green.Kerala is not just some backwaters and hill stations as it is usually advertised but it has so much more to offer. This Kerala travel blog has tried to give you planning insights, offbeat travel destinations, things to do and tips to make your journey to Kerala smooth and unforgettable.

This article is inspired by one of the comments we got on this blog. Here I am trying to list all the wonderful places you can visit in Kerala. I have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible – from beaches to hill stations, waterfalls to backwaters, from museums to theme parks, from Temples to Churches and Mosques; You will find information about it all

Cochin
A lovely seaside destination to experience the golden carpet on the horizon of sea! Besides being serving as an important port, this place is also said to be the gateway for Kerala’s exploration. There are various excursion points from Cochin along with its own tourist attractions.

Attractions: Kochi beach, Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace, Indo-Portuguese Museum, Santa Cruz Basilica, Maritime Museum and Paradesi Synagogue

How to Reach: Easily accessible destination as it features own international airport, two main railway stations (Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction) and good network of roads and highways.

Munnar
With mist covered mountains, verdant valleys, beautiful sights, refreshing breeze, and of course adventure activities for your complete leisure, Munnar is, undoubtedly, a perfect honeymoon stopover. Stroll around its awe-inspiring tea gardens or enjoy surrounding misty views while sipping hot tea, everything about this lovely hill station of Kerala is a memory to cherish forever.

Attractions: Tea Museum, Anamudi Peak, Atukkad Waterfalls, Forest Rose Garden, Eravikulam National Park, Pallivasal and Chinnakanal Waterfalls.

How to Reach: Visitors can access Munnar from Cochin International Airport, which is about 108 km away while the nearest railway station is Theni at a distance of 77 km.

Thekkady
Home of Periyar National Park, Thekkady is a place usually meant for those who are looking for a fusion of nature and adventure. Providing the required sting of adrenaline rush to your so-called rejuvenating nature’s trip, one can enjoy elephant rides, catch a glimpse of tigers or trek the quiet paths of countryside in search of something new.

Attractions: Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Kurisumala, Kumily, Murikkady, Mangala Devi Temple, elephant rides, bamboo rafting and trekking.   

How to Reach: Nearest airport is of Madurai located about 136 km from Thekkady while international airport is of Kochi at a distance of 190 km away. For rail commuters, nearby railway station is of Kottayam around 114 km.

Alleppey
Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is one of the best places to see in Kerala. World-renowned backwater lanes, lush green views of paddy fields, boat races, sea products and beautiful lakes are what Alleppey is mainly famous for. But you can also try something different from them.

Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha CSI Christ Church, Krishnapuram Palace, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Nehru Trophy Boat Race and Pathiramanal.

How to Reach: Both Cochin and Trivandrum international airports serve Alappuzha region and as per train transportation, Alleppey railway station is within the city only. 

Kumarakom
When you just need the lap of nature to pamper your body and mind, Kumarakom is the place for you to journey. This serene emerald town is a renowned backwater destination and is bliss for honeymooners and family vacationers. You can experience the vastness of its paddy fields till your sight goes or let the ripples of its backwaters and lagoons give you a soothing effect to enthrall.

Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls and Kumarakom Boat Race

How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kottayam, around 13 km away while Cochin International Airport, 94 km away, is the nearest airbase.      

Kovalam
Let the waves touch your feet or enjoy the perfect blend of sea, sun and sand beauty at Kovalam, the magical beach paradise of Kerala. Its closeness with Thiruvananthapuram city’s center gives it an internationally renowned identity. Don’t forget to experience the rejuvenating spa therapies and massages.

Attractions: Karamana River, The Lighthouse, Vellayani Lake, Valiyathura Pier, Edakallu, Kovalam Art Gallery, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple and Aruvikkara Dam.

How to Reach: Situated just 10 km away is the nearest airport of Thiruvananthapuram and about 16 km away lays the nearby railway station of Thiruvananthapuram central.   

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Tourist Places in Kerala 

Kerala is a state on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India. To its east and northeast, Kerala borders Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; to its west and south lie the Indian Ocean islands of Lakshadweep and the Maldives, respectively. The principal spoken language is Malayalam, but other languages are also spoken. Kerala is an imperfect Malayalam portmanteau that fuses kera ("coconut palm tree") and alam ("land" or "location"). Another theory is that the name originated from the phrase chera alam ("Land of the Chera"). Natives of Kerala, known as Keralites or Malayalees, thus refer to their land as Keralam. According to a legend, Parasurama, an avatar of Mahavishnu, threw his battle axe into the sea. As a result, the land of Kerala arose and was reclaimed from the waters. Kerala’s 38,863 km² landmass (1.18% of India) is wedged between the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats—identified as one of the world's twenty-five biodiversity hotspots—to the east. Much of Kerala's notable biodiversity is concentrated and protected in the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve in the eastern hills. Almost a fourth of India's 10,000 plant species are found in the state. Among the almost 4,000 flowering plant species (1,272 of which are endemic to Kerala and 159 threatened) are 900 species of highly sought medicinal plants.

Kollam
Standing proudly as a hub that witnesses the influx of ancient traders, Kollam, today, presents itself as a serene town that welcomes its visiting guests with great warmth. The town is the main hub of cashew trading in India. But what makes it so enthralling is its secret of being the best gateway to the wonderful backwater tour of Kerala. The ferry ride between Alappuzha and Kollam is considered as one of the most magnificent experiences among Kerala’s treasure troves.

Attractions: Ashtamudi lake, Thangassery Light House, Ananda Valleswaram Temple, Pullichira Church, Chinnakkada Palli, Mahatma Gandhi Beach, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Museum, and Puthenkulam Elephant Village.

How to Reach: Kollam has its own railway station, making it quite easily accessible from all parts of the state. While for air transport, commuters have to depend on Trivandrum International Airport.         

Poovar
What is more romantic then holding hand of your beloved and watching beautiful honey glaze over the sea till the sight goes! Poovar is something like that only. If you like to throng something different then head straight to Poovar. Panoramic lush vegetation views, dewy golden sand, water activities to die for and the rippling palms add magnetism to this tropical land. And that’s why it is one of the most preferred honeymoon destinations in the state.

Attractions: Poovar Beach, Kovalam Beach, the Fishing Village and Vizhinjam. 

How to Reach: Trivandrum Airport and railway station are the two most easily accessible commuting points to reach Poovar from other cities. 

Athirapally
Give yourself a rejuvenating treat with a visit to Athirapally, the land of majestic cascades and lush green cover. There is much more to discover in this off-beaten track of Kerala apart from the renowned Athirapally Waterfall, the largest one in the state. Dotted with several rare species of fauna, the place is really a treat to mesmerize forever for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, especially in monsoon when most of the tourist places in Kerala are said to avoid.

Attractions: Waterfalls, however, the star attraction is Athirapally Waterfall only.

How to Reach: It is good to reach Athirapally by train as three stations serve the area, namely Chalakuddy (31 km), Kochi (66 km) and Thrissur (78 km) respectively. Kochi airport located around 55 km away is the closest airbase.

Thattekad
A name that means ‘flat forest’, Thattekad is another off-beaten destination that is hardly included under Kerala travel packages by most of the travel agencies. But this evergreen low-land forest area will sure fulfill your need to experience something unique about Kerala. Being home to Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, it is bliss for photographers and birdwatchers. The place also satisfies the adventure hunger of trekkers and campers.

Attractions: Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, trekking and bird watching

How to Reach: Closest railhead is in Aluva around 48 km away and Cochin International Airport is the nearby one for those who prefer air mode of commuting.      

Guruvayur
Get a glimpse of Kerala’s cultural world with a tour to Guruvayur, a mythological chord that still rules the customs and traditions of Trichur district of the state. Guruvayur is one among the most sacred pilgrim centres in Kerala, especially for Vaishnav sect. The high point of the place is the historic Sree Krishna Temple. There are various other exciting yet hidden things to discover.

Attractions: Guruvayur Temple, Devaswom Museum, Institute of Mural Painting, Punathur Elephant Palace, Parthasarathy Temple and Guruvayur Festival

How to Reach: Nearest airport is of Kochi (80 km) and Calicut (100 km).

Nearest railway point is at Thrissur (27 km)