Must-Visit Cities in Kerala – God's Own Country's Best Destinations

Kerala, fondly known as "God’s Own Country," is a land of rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant history. Whether you're drawn to the tranquil backwaters, lush hill stations, or beautiful beaches, Kerala has something to offer every traveler. This article will take you through some of the most famous cities in Kerala, highlighting the must-visit places that will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Kochi – The Queen of the Arabian Sea

Kochi is often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," and for good reason. Located along the coast of the Arabian Sea, Kochi offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. From the charming Fort Kochi area, where you can explore the iconic Chinese fishing nets and the beautiful St. Francis Church, to the vibrant markets and bustling streets, Kochi is a delightful destination. Don’t miss a visit to the Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, and the Kerala Folklore Museum to get a glimpse of Kerala's rich heritage.

2. Munnar – Kashmir of South India

Munnar, often referred to as the "Kashmir of South India," is one of Kerala’s most picturesque hill stations. Surrounded by tea plantations, rolling hills, and lush forests, Munnar is perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Popular spots include the Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the Mattupetty Dam, and the scenic Attukal Waterfalls. The cool climate and stunning landscapes make it an ideal getaway throughout the year.

3. Alleppey – The Venice of the East

Known as the "Venice of the East," Alleppey is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, and serene landscapes. A houseboat cruise through the backwaters of Vembanad Lake is a must-do when visiting Alleppey. You can also explore the charming Alleppey Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and the Alleppey Lighthouse. The tranquil beauty of Alleppey makes it a top tourist destination in Kerala, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature.

4. Thiruvananthapuram – The Ever-Green Capital

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is a blend of ancient temples, beautiful beaches, and lush greenery. Visit the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an architectural marvel and one of the richest temples in India. Kovalam Beach, just a short drive away, is a popular destination for beach lovers. Thiruvananthapuram also offers numerous cultural attractions, including museums, art galleries, and historical sites.

5. Varkala – The Cliffside Paradise

Varkala is a coastal town known for its stunning cliffside beaches and serene atmosphere. The Papanasam Beach is a famous spot where the water is believed to have cleansing properties. The cliffs of Varkala offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, making it an ideal place for sunset watching. Explore the Janardanaswamy Temple and Varkala Aqueduct for a taste of history and culture. With its laid-back vibe, Varkala is perfect for a relaxing holiday.

6. Thekkady – The Wild Heart of Kerala

Thekkady, home to the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, is often called the "Wild Heart of Kerala." If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, this is the place to be. The sanctuary is home to elephants, tigers, and a wide variety of birds. You can go on a boat safari in the Periyar Lake, take a nature walk, or enjoy trekking through the lush forests. Thekkady is also famous for its spice plantations and offers a unique cultural experience through its traditional martial arts and dance performances.

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Top FAQs About Visiting Kerala’s Cities

1. What is the best time to visit Kerala?

   • The best time to visit Kerala is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and beach activities.

2. Which is the most famous city in Kerala?

   • Kochi is considered one of the most famous cities in Kerala, known for its cultural heritage, beautiful backwaters, and modern attractions.

3. How do I travel around Kerala?

   • You can travel around Kerala by road, train, or boat. Kerala also has well-connected airports in Kochi, Trivandrum, and Calicut for easy access.

4. What are the must-see places in Kerala?

   • Key places include Munnar, Alleppey, Kochi, Varkala, Thekkady, and Thiruvananthapuram for a blend of culture, nature, and adventure.

5. What activities can I do in Kerala?

   • Popular activities include houseboat cruises, wildlife safaris, trekking, beach relaxation, and visiting temples and historical sites.

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Conclusion

Kerala is truly a paradise for travelers, offering a mix of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern attractions. From the backwaters of Alleppey to the hill stations of Munnar and the pristine beaches of Varkala, Kerala has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, you’ll find it in the charming cities of Kerala. Don’t forget to plan your trip and explore these breathtaking destinations in God's Own Country!

Kerala Travel Guide, Kerala Tourism, Tourist places in Kerala

Kerala Travel Guide

Kerala is situated on the south-west coast of India, sandwiched between the Lakshwadeep Sea and the Western Ghats. The country is full of rice fields, mango and cashewnut trees and above all, coconut palms. Kerala is also an important center for spices and this has drawn merchants of spices to stop here. Its wide contact with the outside world has given the Malayalis (the natives of Kerala) their cosmopolitanism. This is also the state with the highest literacy rate.Kerala Dancer

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a relaxed place and has a different culture from Kovalam or Varkala. There is, however, little in the way of 'sights' in the city. Kovalam, on the other hand, is a traditional Kerala village offering fresh fish, toddy and fruit and the ideal place for sun-bathing travelers.

Varkala is an embryonic beach resort 41 km north of Thiruvananthapuram. The town and railway station are two km from the beach which lies beneath towering cliffs and boasts a mineral water spring. The Janardhana Temple is another tourist attraction. In the Western Ghats is the famous Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It has a nice lake and has opportunities to see wildlife at close quarters. In the Eravikulam National Park you can see the rare, but almost tame Nilgiri tahr.

In northern Kerala, Cochin, St Francis Church is India's oldest European-built church. The remains of Vasco da Gama lies here.

Kerala also gave birth to the dance form, Kathakali. It is a dance exclusively meant for men. It has as subject the battles between the gods and the demons and is dynamic and dramatic in character.

Places to visit:

Sabarimala - in Pathanamthittha is the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala. This holy shrine located high up in the Sahyadri mountains is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and attracts pilgrims from all over India.

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple - Located in the capital, Thiruvananthapuram, it is dedicated to Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu. According to legend, it was built in stages to house an idol discovered in the forest by a devotee.

Kovalam Beach, KeralaKovalam - is one of the most popular beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and truly the coconut trees along the beaches gives it a ravishing look. The palm-fringed bays in secluded coconut groves, promises a relaxed stay. The boundless blue waters of the Arabian Sea and miles of white sands washed away by the surf at the feet of the stalwart palms and the rocky promontories makes Kovalam a beach paradise.

Allapuzha - Earlier there used to be just one canal between the backwaters and the sea. Pathiramanal, 'the midnight sands', is a beautiful little island in the Vembanad lake, accessible only by boat. Ambalapuzha, the Krishna temple here, 14 km away, is a fine example of the state's architectural style and is famed for it's 'Payasam.'

Bekal beach- Situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal is a beach destination of the future. Bekal fort standing between two long, classically beautiful palm fringed beaches, is nearby. Its tall observation towers (huge cannon emplacements belonging to the Kadampa Dynasty), offers a panoramic view of the Lakshadweep Sea. This is one of the largest forts of Kerala and had been under the control of various powers including Vijayanagar, Tipu Sultan and the British.

Kollam - an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, stands on the Ashtamudi Lake. With a commercial reputation from the days of the Phoenicians and the Romans, it is a typically small Keralan market town. It’s the southern gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.

Kochi - The commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan. Located strategically on the east-west route, it is also Kerala's major port. Fort Kochi, Santa Cruz, the Dutch Palace, Jewish synagogue and Bolaghatty Island are some of its landmarks.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary - lies 60 km away from Idukki, 190 km from Kochi. The sanctuary is the natural habitat of elephants, deer, bison and wild boar. It is also a tiger reserve. There are opportunities for trekking, elephant rides and boating.

Guruvayoor temple - is one of the most sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala, 29 kms north-west of Thrissur. Its main attraction is the Krishna Temple or the Guruvayoorappan Temple.

Kozhikode - About 15 minutes drive from the city centre is a place called 'Dolphin's Point' where one can see dolphins playing in the sea, early in the morning. The Beach, is about 2 km from the town center.

Vaikom - 40 km away from Kottayam, is famed for the Siva temple, which according to legend was built by Parasurama, the mythical creator of Kerala. The 12-day Ashtami festival falls in November/December.

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