Kerala due to its exotic beauty is often referred to as “God’s Own Country.” The natural beauty, the wildlife, the misty hills, lush green landscape, the coastal villages, the spices, tea-gardens, backwaters, and beaches, provides a diverse experience. What’s more? It is a rich state it ancient architectural monuments and temples and provides a rich cultural and traditional experience.
Some of the popular destinations in Kerala, which the foreign travelers must definitely include in their customized India tour packages like Kochi, Munnar, Periyar, Alleppey, Varkala, Trivandrum, and Kovalam. Exploring these villages will let you have a wonderful journey in India.
Why not check, how these iconic destinations of Kerala provide an unforgettable experience in India?
1. Munnar: The Land of Tea Gardens
Due to its lush green tea gardens, Munnar is referred to as the land of the tea gardens. Thisencahrning hill station is situated in around 1600 meters above sea level. It comprises of winding roads, tea estates, misty hills, and rolling hills, adding to the excitement of your road trip, and letting you immerse in the heavenly beauty of this enthralling hill-station.
Top Attractions in Munnar:
Tea Museum: Know about the history of the tea estates and learn about tea production, from cultivation to production. Also engage in tea tasting sessions.
Eravikulam National Park: Those who want to witness the wildlife of the region, opt for trekking around the park. This park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr species.
Mattupetty Dam: Here tourists can enjoy boating watching the views and engage in a small picnic session.
Top Station: This viewpoint offers, enchanting views of the Western Ghats and is home to the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years.
Activities to indulge in include:
You can make your India Tours special by including thrilling activities like trekking, explore the tea gardens, and visit waterfalls like Lakkam and Attukal.
2. Periyar: Wildlife exploration and adventure
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Thekkady in Kerala and is a heaven for nature and wildlife lovers. The wildlife sanctuary is situated around the Periyar Lake and offers the best wildlife exploration in Kerala.
Top Attractions in Periyar:
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Here foreign tourists will have an immersive wildlife exploration having a glimpse of the wildlife up close like elephants, tigers, leopards, and exotic birds during a boat ride or guided trek around the jungle.
Spice Plantations: The spice is located near the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary; here have a tour of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper plantations. It is one of the best opportunities to learn about Kerala’s spice heritage.
Activities to indulge in include:
Tourists will have a thrilling experience opting for bamboo rafting, taking guided nature walk, or opting for thrilling Border Hiking program. If you want to enjoy such exciting activities include in your India Tour Packages.
3. Kochi: The Gateway to Kerala
Kochi is often referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, because it was the blooming center of trade in the past. This historic port city offers a colonial charm and adds to the vibrancy of the place. Due to its ancient trade route, it has influence of Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
Arabs, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British cultures, visible in its architecture and cuisine
Top Attractions in Kochi:
Fort Kochi: Explore this historical fort build during the colonial era and have a glimpse of the large Chinese fishing nets, ducked in the coastal waters of the place.
Mattancherry Palace: This palace is also referred to as Dutch Palace and is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. The architectural design of the palace comprises of Kerala style and has many murals and paintings.
Jewish Synagogue: This was built in the 16th century and is located in the Jew town. This historical synagogue represents the history of the past of the region.
Kerala Kathakali Centre: Visit the cultural centers to watch the Kathakali performance, have an immersive experience understanding Kerala’s cultural roots.
Activities to indulge in include:
Tourists will have a thrilling experience opting for a cruise to see the city’s islands, try the freshly caught seafood, and shop for spices and handcrafted which can be taken back home as souvenirs.
4. Alleppey: The Venice of the East
Alleppey is the heart of Kerala for its backwaters and picturesque houseboat cruise experience. Foreign travelers will have a wonderful time exploring the complex water networks of the regions and its stunning beauty.
Top Attractions in Alleppey:
Backwaters: Enjoy a houseboat cruise along the complex water system of the region; admire the lush green paddy fields, the fishing villages and the coconut palm trees.
Alleppey Beach: Those who want to simply relax and admire the beauty of the coast, head to Alleppey beach offering an enlivening experience.
Krishnapuram Palace: Foreign tourists wishing to know about the history of the region visit this historical palace and see its antique collections and mural paintings.
Activities to indulge in include:
Choosing India Tours will let you have a stimulating experience, enjoying traditional houseboat cruise, savoring the traditional cuisine of Kerala and visiting the local coastal villages living in the backwaters of Kerala.
5. Varkala: A Cliffside Paradise
Varkala is popular for offering the views of the Arabian Sea from the cliffs. Those who wish to have a serene and peaceful experience, they should this rare gem.
Top Attractions in Varkala:
Papanasam Beach: Foreign tourists who simply want to have a serene and peaceful time relaxing on the beach; this is one of the best spot. It is also a popular spot for pilgrims because it is believed that the waters have remedial properties.
Varkala Cliff: Offers amazing sunrise and sunset views.
Janardanaswamy Temple: Head to the ancient Hindu temple famous for its stunning architectural design with complex carvings.
Activities to indulge in include:
Tourists will have an awesome experience opting for Ayurvedic massages, enjoy shopping for souvenirs to take back home, or indulge in yoga on the beach.
6. Kovalam: Beach Bliss
This beach has a crescent-shaped shoreline and is popular for its calm and composed waters. This is a beach lover’s paradise wherein tourists can simply relax or engage in other water activities.
Top Attractions in Kovalam:
Lighthouse Beach: Home to the historical lighthouse and the golden sands.
Hawa Beach: Perfect for enjoying the sea breeze and stillness.
Samudra Beach: For seeking sheer seclusion and enjoying the dramatic ocean views.
7. Trivandrum: The Cultural Capital
Trivandrum is also known as Thiruvananthapuram and is the capital city of Kerala. It is blessed with rich culture and heritage and has many historical places, with a blend of modern buildings.
Top Attractions in Trivandrum:
Padmanabhaswamy Temple: This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, and is built in Dravidian architectural style.
Napier Museum: Foreign travelers will have a chance to know about the ancient history of Kerala, explore the ancient artifacts, bronze idols, and have a better idea about Kerala’s rich culture and heritage.
Kuthiramalika Palace: This historical palace is built in Kerala architectural style with wooden carvings and houses royal artifacts.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kerala to explore its rich beauty and engage in thrilling activities, choose to viist in the months from October to March, when the weather is pleasing and the temperature is suitable to opt for outdoor activities. For visiting hill station in Kerala like Munnar, the best time to visit is April and May when the weather is favorable to explore.