Top Ten Places of Kerala Tourism

Kerala, the goods own land is well known for its rich culture and traditions. Located in the southern region of India, Kerala is one of the most interesting states for various reasons. Kerala derives its name from the word “Keralapura”, which means the land of the sons of the Cheras. The name itself comes from a wonderful history. Thus Kerala undoubtedly, is the most sought-after tourist destination.

Let us now have a list of the top ten places of Kerala tourism.

1. Thiruvananthapuram
One of the most visited destinations of Kerala is Thiruvananthapuram. It is also called as the land of the Kings. Trivandrum, the earlier Thiruvananthapuram has so much to offer you. Be it the beautiful beaches, pilgrimage centres, Kanyakumari etc. the city is well connected by air, rail and road to all Metros.

2. Munnar
Another must visit place in Kerala is Munnar. It is also called as the Kashmir of the South. It is one of the most beautiful places of Kerala with the lush green mountains and beautiful coffee plantations. To add on to this is the fact that, munnar is located 1600 metres above the sea level.

3. Thekkady
If you are in Kerala and want to experience the most splendid wildlife, then Thekkady is the place where you need to be in. Be it our nation animal, tiger or the mighty Indian Elephant, Thekkady is a complete showcase of wildlife of Kerala. You are also provided with the boating facility through the lake which is indeed a wonderful experience. Also, you can see the water birds from a very close distance.

4. Wayanad
Wayanad is yet another beautiful place of Kerala where you can actually experience nature. Wayanad has the caves, forests and what not. You just name it, and you can actually experience it. If you want to see, nature at its best, then Wayanad is the right place for you.

5. Kollam
Kollam, another important tourist destination in Kerala, is also known as the land of cashews. It is a mixture of hills, backwaters, religion and culture. There is a lake called the Ashtamudi Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. Boating here indeed, is a one thing that one must not miss on his tour de Kollam.

6. Kumarakom
If you are on a vacation, just to relax and relieve yourself from all tensions, then Kumarakom is just more than what you are looking for. With houseboats made on bamboo, it is often referred to as Venice of the east. Sailing through the waters of Kerala, with amazing traditional Kerala food, and exotic ayurvedic massage, there cannot be a substitute for Kumarakom.

7. Cochin
Cochin has a lot to offer to the tourists. It is well connected by rail, air and roadways which makes it the main gateway to the south India. It is very well known for its splendid backwaters and boating. Cochin also makes way for wonderful sightseeing. Be it the wonderful palaces or pilgrimage centres, Cochin has it all. Shopping in Cochin is also a must on your to Kerala.

8. Thrissur
Thrissur, also called as Trichur is well-known for the Thrissur Pooram, which is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in India. The city is also famous for many of the traditional art forms of Kerala like Kathakali. That is why Thrissur is often referred to as the cultural capital of Kerala. There are many famous pilgrimage centres and waterfalls in Kerala. The city is also well connected by road and rail.

9. Vagamon
Vagamon is a wonderful pilgrimage centre but is equally good for adventure lovers. It is situated near the Kerala-Tamilnadu border, in the Kottayam district. This is the ideal family picnic spot. During the winter, the hillocks are covered by thick mist, which is absolutely breath taking. The nearest Railway station is at Kottayam.

10. Bekal
Situated on the national highway of north Kerala, it is well known for its fort. The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best forts in Kerala. The beautiful beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location. A beautiful walkway has been made for the visiting tourists to explore the scenic beauty.

Thekkady – The Abode of Gods

Serenity, placidity, beatitude, repose… I’d like to add one more word to the list of synonyms for tranquility – that’s Thekkady.

For a regular tourist, Thekkady is all about a two-hour boating in the calm lake amid dense, evergreen, deciduous forests and savannah grass lands, but it is home to thousands of varieties of plant life and wildlife, which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

If you have travelled to other tourist destinations in Kerala like Munnar, you may wonder what’s so exceptional about this boating. To find an answer for yourself, you have to experience it. I have seen people who prefer Thekkady to Munnar, Kumarakom or any other hot destination; why? Just for the tranquility.

I’ve been planning to revisit Thekkady for quite a while but was heartbroken when I made it there. The weather was completely unfavourable for my lens. But I was thanking my lucky stars that I decided to go boating despite the bad weather, one of the rarest sights, a full rainbow, was awaiting me.

Situated at about 700-1900m above sea level and spread over approximately 12.07 sq.kms, the splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaiperiyar Dam across the Periyar River locates the oldest wildlife sanctuary in India established in 1895 and has been given the status of an Tiger Reserve in 1978.

Below this thick green canopy roam herds of elephants, sambar deer, tigers, oaters, lion tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs, but you have to be really lucky to see a tiger while boating. Yet you have the opportunity for trekking, mountain walk, and jungle patrol, which will definitely get you the glimpse of a tiger.

There’s only one place like Thekkady, and that’s Thekkady. The magnificence of this place is just beyond words and thus paying a visit becomes a must.

Thekkady

The first to promote environmental tourism in the State, Thekkady straddles both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. With its crisp, clean air, spice-scented plantations and undulating hills, the region continues to beckon the adventurous traveller.







Thekkady lie at the foothills of the Western Ghats.. As compared to the languorous Thekkady, Kumily buzzes with activity. Some of the plantation bungalows have opened up to tourists and the spice plantation tours have become a popular attraction. Thekkady is famous for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.