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Kerala also known as God’s own country is the green, fertile and pleasant state in the southern part of India. The state was the result of bringing together the people who speak the Malayalam language. The beauty of the state is enhanced with the backwater and coconut trees. Surrounded by various other states such as Karnataka in north, Tamil Nadu in south, Kerala has the richness of water for all the 12 months of the year due to the Arabian Sea towards the east and the west.
Kerala mainly known for the fishermen, ducks, backwaters, boats, coconut trees, rivers, rocks and rainfall which has made it look like heaven. Known for its beautiful beaches, temples, mountains and hills there are many famous cities in this state known for the culture and tradition of southern India.
Cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Kovalam are already famous; however, there are many other places of attractions with their unique qualities. Kerala is also famous for coconut oil, coconut oil snacks, Ayurveda, herbs, species, coffee, tea, various types of banana and herbal spas.
The state symbols of Kerala are elephant, Great Indian Hornbill, coconut tree, jackfruit, and Indian Laburnum in animal, bird, tree, fruit and flower. Also, the traditional clothing of the state is Mundum Neriyathum for women and Mundu for men.
Taking a ride on the elephant or a boat trip on the rivers, canals, lakes and lagoons will take you into peaceful villages, paddy fields and coconut fields. Coffee, tea and spice plantations, the fresh aroma of cardamom and cinnamon, eye catching green paddy fields are all offered while travelling in various parts of Kerala.
One cannot forget the well known art of ‘Kathakali’, attending the marriages depicting the culture and tradition of Kerala and local theyyam, a holy dance performed as a sacred offering. Thus, the music and art of Kerala forms a great combination making its cultural episodes the most memorable for the tourists.
Tourist attractions of Kerala are listed below:
Beaches
Alappuzha (Alleppey) Beach: Alappuzha beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala. Also known as Alleppey, this is truly a one-of-a-kind beach because of its pristine beauty, its backwater lagoons, coconut palms and sparkling rivers. Alappuzha, also called the ‘Venice of the east’ is full of surreal splendor. Read more
Beypore Beach: Beypore beach, located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district is a scenic beach with a 2 km stretch of land that extends into the sea. Beypore was a very popular seaport and fishing harbor in ancient Kerala. Read more
Bekal Beach: Bekal beach with its pristine waters and white, sandy shores is situated at a distance of about 16 km from Kasaragod in north Kerala. This undisturbed beach is a tribute to nature in all its finest splendor and beauty. The circular Bekal fort is the crowning glory to this tiny paradise on earth. This 17th century fort evokes feelings of awe as it stands the test of time and still maintains its majesty. Read more
Cherai Beach: Cherai Beach is located in its name sake village in Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is part of Vypin Islands and is located 30 kms from Kochi, the business capital of Kerala. The vast expanses of bone white sand that extends to an amazing 15 kms is well cut for swimming and sunbathing. Cherai is the best place to see the lagoon and ocean placed so close to each other, separated by only a few hundred meters. Read more
Kappad Beach: Kappad Beach is a place heaped in history and natural beauty. It was the beach in which the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama set foot on the Indian shores in 1498 along with 170 men. Read more
Kovalam Beach: Enjoy a dip in the clear blue seas. Take a walk along serene, sandy beaches. Refresh your body and soul with an ayurvedic massage. Or simply gaze at an ethereal sunset off the Arabian Coast, there’s so much to do and cherish in Kovalam in Kerala. Read more
Kollam: Kollam or Quilon is an old sea port town on the Arabian coast, located at a distance of around 70 kilometers from Thirvanathapuram. Kollam was an ancient port renowned for its international trade in spices. Read more
Varkala Beach: Varkala is a beach resort town and spa. Located 55km north of Thiruvananthapuram in South India, the town holds a religious significance to the Hindus. Unlike the over-crowded beaches at several Indian resorts, the Papanasam beach at Varkala is a quiet, idyllic paradise far, far away from the maddening crowds. With silvery grains of sand, high laterite cliffs and mineral springs, the beach is any nature lover’s delight. Read more
Backwaters
Alappuzha Backwaters: If you are looking for a place to escape the stress and the strains of a crowded city life, then the backwaters of Alappuzha is just the paradise that you are looking for. Popularly known as the ‘Venice of the east’ Alappuzha is a town famous for its boat races, houseboats and beach. The kayal or the backwaters are fringed by coconut palms and lush, green paddy fields and offer an enchanting spectacle of country life. Here, cultivation is done at four to ten feet below the sea level. These lands have been reclaimed from the backwaters and are protected by dikes. Read more
Alleppey Backwaters: Alappuzha or Alleppey is better known as the "Venice of the East" in tourist brochures, for its countless meandering waterways and canals. This enchanting city is synonymous to boat races, houseboats and an enthralling maze of interlocking canals and backwaters. Read more
Kozhikode: Kozhikode or Calicut, the trade center of the South, is today known among tourists for its pristine backwaters, spectacular beaches and traditional art. The Kozhikode port has been on the global trade route since thousands of years, and is visited by people all over the world. Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea on the west and the Western Ghats in the east, Kozhikode’s untouched natural beauty offers solace to traders and other tourists. Read more
Kumarakom Backwaters: Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater destination, located 14 km from Kottayam in Kerala. Kumarakom is a cluster of islands located on the picturesque Vembanad Lake. Several number of these islands have been converted into tourist resorts that cater to the every needs of the luxury tourist. Read more
Culture
Cheruthuruthy: Cheruthuruthy, the cultural capital of Kerala, is a quite village widely recognized for its social and cultural richness. The classical dances patronized by landlords and kings in the past, make this place popular amoong tourists who are interested in Indian art. Read more
Waterfalls
Athirapilly Waterfalls: Athirapilly waterfalls presents a stunning visual extravagance to visitors. A very popular and scenic picnic spot, Athirapilly is located close to Chalakudy in Kerala. Athirapilly-Vazhachal waterfalls are situated on the edge Sholayar forest ranges, just 5 kms apart. Read more
Vazhachal Water Falls: Vazhachal is a gushing waterfall that cascades down to join the Chalakudy river in Kerala. The Vazhachal Falls is set in a scenic backdrop of dense greenery with the pristine, white water flowing down the hill tops like a silvery cascade. The babbling sound of water as it flows into the Chalakudy river is soothing to the ear. Read more
Hill Stations
Chembra Peak: Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Kerala, offers a panoramic view of Wayanad from the top. It’s a breath-taking view that is to be seen to be believed. There is a heart-shaped lake on the hill which is a great picnic spot. This lake is said to have never dried up till date. Read more
Devikulam: Devikulam is a quaint, little hill station that lies 16 kilometers southwest of Munnar in Kerala. Devikulam is located at a height of 1800 meters above sea level. This is a picturesque little town consisting of rolling hills, slippery green slopes, tea plantations that blanket the hills like an evergreen carpet and slender red and blue gum trees that tower this enchanting landscape. Read more
Lakkidi: Lakkidi, also known as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad’, is a popular hill station in Kerala. It is amongst the highest locations in the state and recieves the highest rainfall in the state. The place has beautiful streams, dense forests and lofty peaks, which add to its beauty and makes it a place worth visiting. Read more
Munnar: Munnar is a beautiful, little town, hidden among the dense forests of the western ghats in Kerala, It’s a town where three streams confluence - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is famous for its tea plantations. It’s a beautiful sight; the tea plantations cover the small hillocks like a green carpet and you will feel that the atmosphere is almost surreal. Read more
Ponmudi: Ponmudi is a scenic hill station where miles and miles of rolling hills are covered with coffee, tea and spices plantations. These plantations make Ponmudi an enchanting spot for picnics and for a relaxed outing on a warm, pleasant summer day. Read more
Wayanad: Wayanad is a land that’s blessed immensely by nature. Verdant mountains, gentle streams, lush green forests and exotic wildlife are all abundant in this region. It’s a rustic part of the country rich in nature’s bounty. The farmlands are also pleasing to the senses. Rice, pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments are grown in abundance because of the rich soil and healthy climate. Read more
Vythiri: Vythiri, a popular hill station in Kerala, is known for its tree houses, greenery, rains, and ghat roads. This small town in Wayanad idistrict is a good destination if you are planning to travel to Keral during the rainy season. Read more
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuary
Eravikulam National Park: Eravikulam National Park in Kerala is a 97 sq. km. wildlife park which has the largest population of the endangered nilgiri tahr. The Park is located in the Kannan Devan Hills of the western ghats in Kerala state, India. The Park is set in an elevation of 2000 meters above mean sea level. It’s a rolling plateau of grasslands, shrubs and dense forests with Anamudi (2690 m) as its highest peak. Read more
Periyar National Park: Periyar National Park is one place that nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts cannot afford to miss. There is a diverse variety of wildlife that you can spot near the scenic lake and the view across the hill tops is simple breath-taking. Read more
Silent Valley National Park: The Silent Valley National Park an undisturbed tropical, evergreen, rain forest that houses many rare plants and herbs. The Park, that stretches across an area of 89.52 square kms across the Kundali Hills in the Western Ghats in Kerala, is also home to a wide variety of butterflies. Read more
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary presents a unique wilderness experience to anyone who would like to spend a day in nature’s lap amidst thick forests and exuberant wildlife. Read more
Temples
Guruvayur: Guruvayur, one of the most sacred places in India, is famous for the Shree Krishna or Guruvayurappan Temple. Located in Thrissur district of Kerala, the Sanctum Sanctorum of Guruvayur temple with the Lord Guruvayurappan idol installed in the temple speaks of the glory and greatness of the place. Read more
Villages
Punnathur Kotta: Apart from its backwaters, Kerala is famous for its elephants and Punnathur Kotta is the place where you will find many of them. Punnathur Kotta is known for the herd of elephants that live here in service of the Guruvayoor Temple in Thrissur district of Kerala, South India. This Anakotta or elephant pound is very popular with tourists who come here to spend a day with these gentle tuskers. All these elephants belong to the Guruvayoor temple and are trained for temple-related dutues. Read more
Natural Harbor
Kochi: Kochi or Cochin is rightly called the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’. It’s a bustling city with a fantastic shoreline and one of the most exquisite natural harbors in the world. Read more
Photos on this page are contributed by Hakanu, Sweden
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