God’s Own Country – Kerala
Kerala, in south India, is often referred to as “God’s Own Country” for its unspoiled tropical beauty. This coastal state has a destination for everyone— whether it’s the beach, mountains, adventure, wildlife, heritage or culture you’re interested in. The pace of life is slow, making it the perfect place for a leisurely vacation. Don’t miss these top places to visit in Kerala. kerala village life, travel in kerala, village life in kerala, village in kerala, village life in india.
Top Places to Visit in Kerala.
Fort Kochi.
Known as the “Gateway to Kerala”, Kochi is an enchanting city that’s had an eclectic influence. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark there. The architecture and historical sites in Fort Kochi attract most of the visitors to the area.
Kerala Backwaters.
One of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in Kerala is to take a trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals, known as the backwaters. Freshly cooked Indian food and chilled beer make the experience even more enjoyable.
Periyar National Park.
Kerala’s Periyar National Park, in the Thekkady district, is one of the most popular national parks in southern India. Unlike most other national parks in India, it stays open all year round, even during the monsoon season. Periyar is known for its wild elephants.
Munnar.
If you like tea, a visit to Munnar is a must! The surrounding region is renowned for its sprawling tea plantations. See tea being picked and processed, and try fresh tea straight from the gardens. There’s even a tea museum. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to.
Wayanad.
Wayanad is a bright green mountainous region that stretches along the Western Ghats. It has a great deal of scenic appeal. Abundant coconut palms, thick forests, paddy fields, and lofty peaks form the landscape. Popular attractions include trekking to Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Falls, exploring old Jain temples, climbing to Edakkal Caves, and wildlife spotting at Muthanga and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Trivandrum.
The main attraction for Hindus who visit Trivandrum is the 16th-century Padmanabhaswamy temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and built by rulers of the kingdom of Travancore. A great deal of wealth has been hidden in the temple, making it the richest temple in the world. Some of the treasures were recently unearthed but the largest vault remains unopened.
Jatayupara Earth’s Center.
Jatayupara Earth’s Center is an ambitious new attraction in Kerala. It opened in late 2016, in Chadayamangalam village in Kerala’s Kollam district, about an hour north of Trivandrum. The park is spread over an astonishing 65 acres and is themed on the Hindu epic The Ramayan.
The River Nila.
If you’re someone who likes to go completely off the tourist trail, you’ll enjoy exploring the culture along the River Nila. This river is the longest in Kerala, and its riverbank home to many communities that are involved in traditional activities such as pottery, weaving, puppetry, folk art and dance, music, and martial arts.
Kovalam.
Kerala’s most happening beach, Kovalam, is conveniently located about 40 minutes southeast of capital city Trivandrum and presided over by a distinctive lighthouse. It was catapulted onto the tourist map in the early 1970s when masses of hippies converged on it, as they followed the Hippie.
Varkala.
The setting of Varkala beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. It’s not surprising that Varkala is one of India’s best beaches. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guesthouses.
