Some of the best Tourism Destinations in Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
The capital of Kerala, previously known as Trivandrum, has an easy-going old world charm. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the "Evergreen city of India", it is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys. Thiruvananthapuram is built on hills by the sea shore and sandwiched between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. It is ranked first in the number of foreign tourists visiting Kerala and is a fascinating destination for holidaymakers.
Places worth seeing while in Thiruvananthapuram, are the Padmanabhapuram Palace, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and the Puttan Malika Palace where the maharajas of Travancore held court. The museum at the palace displays historical artifacts and exquisite paintings by Raja Ravi Verma. Many buildings in the city display the traditional architecture of Kerala, with tiled roofs, carved wooden pillars and large verandas overlooking green lawns. The pleasant climate of this city makes a tour of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, a relaxing and enjoyable trip.
Kovalam
This group of three crescent shaped beaches is known as one of the best beach resorts in India. Clean sandy beaches with plenty of opportunities for water sports and Ayurvedic massage services along the coastline ensure a relaxing vacation in this idyllic beach paradise.
Kochi (Cochin)
Kochi is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala with a bustling commercial port. It is the financial capital of Kerala and, with a population of more than 2 million, the biggest urban agglomeration in the state. The city is better known for the famous Chinese Fishing nets and for its legendary spices. Kochi’s culture is highly influenced by historical trading partners, Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Chinese, and Japanese and it is the seat of the Latin church of Kerala and has many Catholic churches and followers. The architecture of Kochi reflects this international influence. Fort Cochin, the St. Francis Church, the spice market and the Jewish Synagogue are the major sightseeing. A sunset cruise in the harbor is an experience that is not to be missed when you travel to Kochi.
Kerala Backwaters
Backwaters in Kerala is a network of 1500 km of canals both natural and manmade, 38 rivers and 5 big lakes extending from one end of Kerala to the other. The Backwaters are one of the major tourism attractions of Kerala, being unique to the state. Traditionally used as one of the main transportation alleys, today backwaters offer a rejuvenating experience for tourists visiting Kerala. The backwaters can be explored by hiring a houseboat for one or several days. The waterways that connect the villages along this extended network reveal fascinating glimpses of village life in Kerala - you can see children running alongside, fields being ploughed and fishing eagles diving for fish, as you drift along on a backwater cruise in Kerala.
Alappuzha (Alleppey)
Washed by the silvery waves of the Arabian Sea Alappuzha is also called the Venice of the East. The water locked district with its palm-fringed canals became one of the best Backwater tourism destinations in God's Own Country. Alappuzha is also known for its snake boat race (Nehru Trophy Race) held on the second Saturday of August which is very popular with the locals and attracts tourists year by year from all over the world. Alleppey is one of the few towns in Kerala where non-Hindus are generally allowed to enter the temple premises.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary in the Idukki district of Kerala is set around the Periyar Lake - an artificial lake created by a dam on the Periyar River. Originally the royal hunting ground for the Maharajas of Travancore, Periyar is now a protected national park. A boat cruise on the lake lets tourists observe the animals from nearby, as they come to the water’s edge to drink. Visitors can see herds of elephants drinking, bathing and playing near the water. Other wildlife in Periyar includes tigers, leopards, monkeys, nilgai, sloth bear, porcupine, the Malabar Flying Squirrel and many birds such as the Great Indian Hornbill. The best time to visit Periyar is between December and April.
Thrissur
Known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala, Thrissur enjoys a thriving cultural tradition dating back to centuries, and being the centre of Kerala's cultural activities, rich in history, culture and archaeological remains. Some of the important points of tourist attractions in Thrissur are the Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Archeological & Art Museum, Thrissur Zoo and the Roman Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores. The city is also famous for its Temple festivals (Thrissur Pooram), jewellery shops and silk-sarees.
Munnar
Munnar is a beautiful hill station with vast tea plantations, scenic waterfalls and small bungalows. One of the main tourist attractions are the Eravikulam National Park and the Elephant Arrival Spot, where you can board an elephant for a ride. The area is also ideal for nature walks, trekking and bird watching tours.
Ponmudi
This hill station in the Western Ghats, located around 65 km from Thiruvananthapuram, is a picturesque getaway. The green hills with winding roads, pretty cottages, and an abundance of birds and butterflies flying through the spice plantations and tea estates, make it an idyllic Kerala tourism destination. Other attractions in Ponmudi are the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, the Golden Valley and the deer park.
Wayanad
The green paradise is nestled among the mountains of the Western Ghats, clean and pristine, enchanting and hypnotizing, filled with history and culture. The verdant hill station is full of plantations, forests and wildlife. The splendid and glorious Wayanad district is rich not only in scenic beauty and picturesque landscapes, but in its prosperous and enchanting cultural and traditional heritage. Wayanad was a major tribal settlement and it still shelters the largest population of aborigine tribes in Kerala. Wayanad harbors a number of major museums and historical places which continue to recount the saga of its cultural development over the years.
Kumali
Kumali is a town in the Cardamom Hills near Thekkady and the Periyar Tiger Reserve. It is a major tourist destination and a spices trading center.
These are some of the well-known tourism destinations of Kerala. There are many more beaches, hill stations, and quiet getaways where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday on your tour in Kerala |
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