GOA’S, Own Land, they call it. And Kerala is. Kerala, God’s Own Country, is filled with natural wonders, rich history, and diverse landscapes.Whether you’re an ecology enthusiast, an architecture lover, or seeking serenity on golden shores, Kerala has something for everyone. From peaceful backwaters to lush hill stations, its beauty is limitless.
This revision breaks up the longer sentences and maintains the message, making it more digestible. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments! Here is the travel guide of Kerala’s best places where you will be able to see the state’s beauty.
1. Alleppey (Alappuzha)—The Venice of the East
Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is heaven on earth. It’s even called the Venice of the East, and that’s this peaceful little town with its renowned backwaters that’s ubiquitous in the travel brochures. A tour of a houseboat is simply a must-see here, where you pamper yourself in the luxury of gliding along tranquil water bordered by coconut palms and gentle hills. That’s living out of nature and then some.
The highlight of any trip to Alleppey is a houseboat tour on Vembanad Lake, the state’s largest lake. Drifting along in the houseboat, you’ll sail over serene canals, villages, and rice paddies green as emeralds—and an occasional view of village life. The boat gently sways from side to side, and nature sounds will have you very relaxed and concentrated in mind.
But Alleppey has something else besides backwaters also. There’s serene Alleppey Beach, where you can have splash of refreshing sea breeze and bask in sparkling coast. History buffs, there’s Alleppey Lighthouse to be visited. From here, one gets bird’s-eye view of Arabian Sea—such an excellent spot to while away the afternoons lapping up sunsets and heaven’s stillness and peace.
2. Munnar—A Picture-Perfect Hill Station in Kerala
Surrounded by the dense green Western Ghats, Munnar is the destination where a person can liberate himself from the shackles of city life. Famous for tea plantation tracts, pleasant climate, and lofty landscapes, Munnar is an interesting nature paradise.
The scenery here is nothing short of enchanting—tea gardens of jade green hills as far as the eye can reach. The cool, invigorating climate of Munnar and rolling hills of mist give the scenery an ethereal quality to it, particularly early mornings when mist creeps and clothed the entire scenery in an otherworldly glow.
Munnar is also blessed with some of Kerala’s best waterfalls and natural destinations. Eravikulam National Park, one cannot possibly afford to miss going to by nature lovers, hosts the Nilgiri Tahr, a species of goat existing only on this earth. And if you’re an adventure traveler, climbing up to the peak of Anamudi Peak—the South Indian high point—will treat you with awe-inspiring views of mountains and valleys stretching out on every side.
From a sample of fresh-milled tea in a plantation round the corner to a stroll on foggy hilltops to just sitting down and taking it easy with its breath-taking view, Munnar is the kind of location that will make you relax and get lost among nature. It’s the kind of place that can help you relax and treat you to Kerala’s hill station tranquility.
3. Kochi – A Fusion of History and Modernity
Past and present blend together in a city called Kochi (also referred to as Cochin). Drenched in colonial history and contemporary cultural awareness, it brims with the state’s rich culture and diversity of Kerala. Quirky colonial structures and ancient Chinese fishing nets which are still functional till date are on offer to amaze tourists in Fort Kochi. The affluent heritage is experienced at St. Francis Church, a hundred-year-old European church in India, and Mattancherry Palace, to give one a sense of the royal heritage of Kochi.
But Kochi itself is living history—it’s a thriving arts, cultural, and commercial hub as well. Kerala Folklore Museum is Kerala’s treasure, and Kochi-Muziris Biennale welcomes a pounding new era with high-end art exhibitions. From a leisurely walk down antique streets to getting inundated by contemporary art, Kochi is a city where tradition and modernity go so naturally together.
4. Thekkady – Wildlife and Adventure
If you’re an animal lover, Thekkady is a must-visit. Located within Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, it offers thrilling experiences in a lush forest. It’s an exhilarating experience that brings you closer to Kerala’s wildlife.
Adventure seekers can also explore Thekkady through safaris, trekking in the forest, or spice farm tours. These activities give you a deeper understanding of Kerala’s spices and natural beauty. Thekkady is the perfect place to connect with nature and experience the wild side of Kerala.
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5. Varkala – A Secret Beach Gem
If you’re looking for a peaceful and less crowded beach destination, Varkala is a hidden gem on the southern coast of Kerala. Known for its stunning cliffs and pristine beaches, Varkala offers a calm escape from the more popular beach towns in Kerala. Papanasam Beach is a serene spot not just for relaxation but also for spiritual seekers, as the waters here are believed to wash away sins.
The town is also home to the ancient Janardanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s a peaceful place for spiritual reflection. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the cliffs, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. Varkala is perfect for those who want to enjoy Kerala’s coastal beauty without the crowds.
6. Kumarakom – Tranquil Backwaters and Bird Sanctuary
If you want to see the most beautiful backwaters of Kerala, then travel to Kumarakom. Drifting over calm Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is famous for its peaceful houseboat cruises that carry you over peaceful waterways, under the dense green cover of trees and landscapes. It’s a landscape of Kerala at its best.
But Kumarakom offers something more than backwaters. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is there where world bird-watchers. There are thousands of winter migratory birds, and nature lovers have an awaiting surprise in store. Spa-freaks can indulge in Kerala traditional Ayurvedic massage in luxury resorts at Kumarakom, making your holiday a complete affair.
7. Wayanad – Nature’s Hidden Paradise
Wayanad is located in the Western Ghats, and it has diverse landscapes such as dense forests, many waterfalls, and spice plantations. It is a paradise for adventurers. It has numerous trekking routes which provide you with stunning views of hills. Wayanad is your place if you are nature explorers.
One of the finest in Wayanad are Edakkal Caves with rock cuttings of the bygone era. Second is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, where wildlife safaris will expose you to a view of tigers, elephants, and birds. Wayanad is exactly the destination where you can relax from the world and get welcomed by nature’s tranquility.
8. Kovalam – A Paradise for Beach Lovers
For beach huggers and sun-worshippers whose hands are going to be full at the beach, Kovalam is Kerala’s perfect beach destination. Its crescent beach and serene water are just right for a surf, a tan, and a small sea. Churning Lighthouse Beach is a must-visit with its well-set lighthouse commanding great views over the Arabian Sea.
Kovalam also has Ayurvedic resorts where you can undergo healing treatment from the very old well-being practice of Kerala. If you wish to indulge in some water sports, sunbathing on the beach, or some Ayurvedic spa therapy, then you would be where you desire to be in Kovalam.
