Imagining about Kerala gives a gleaming reflection of cyan colored in our minds. Called as ‘Keralam’ in Malaylee, which is its official language- Malayalam, where […]
Best Places to Visit in Kerala
Imagining about Kerala gives a gleaming reflection of cyan colored in our minds. Called as ‘Keralam’ in Malaylee, which is its official language- Malayalam, where ‘Kera’ means Coconut and ‘Alam’ means Land. Along with known as the ‘The Land of Gods’, Kerala is also famous with the title of ‘The Land of Coconuts’. Whether you want to take a pacific ride of boats and houseboats on the reflecting calm backwaters, expose yourself to the different cultures and traditions of a place, or savor different dishes of a particular region, Kerala is a destination that surely has something for every kind of traveller. There is something really attractive about Kerala. Just one thought of Kerala transits you to its emerald virgin beauty along with the its sandy beaches, picturesque hill stations, pulsating wildlife tours and glorious waterfalls. The state is packed amidst the vast Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats of India, set up on the Malabar Coast. For every tranquil & serene beach there is a boisterous sounds of the jungle, for every striking hill station there is a sublime fetters of waterfalls, and for every pious place and event there is an exposure of different vibrant festivals, traditions and cultures of the city. Being a tropical state, Kerala also flourishes in the climate as the climate remains equable throughout the year. Home of the three foremost religions of the world, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, Kerala gives you a profound sight into the lifestyle of Keralites. One of the most sought-after destination in Asia, famous as one of the ten heavens of the world, comprising of most flourished society and with a 100% literacy rate, Kerala Tourism Packages is worldwide prominent destination for every type of traveller.
In this blog we will look at the most eminent and stunning cities for holiday destinations of Kerala that you will surely love to visit while on your Kerala Tours.
Top 9 Popular Cities of Kerala
1. Alleppey
Eminent with its new name ‘Alappuzha’ which got interchanged in the year 1990, the town is titled as the ‘Venice of the East’ in the world and is marked as the most systematic association of canals. One of the first developed cities of Kerala, Alleppey now is the most desired holiday destination of travellers and tourists. The town has a 137 km measured dock and proffers you with boat rides & races, backwater holidays, tour to sandy & tan beaches, an exposure to marine products and an experience to visit the profound coir industries of Kerala. Another enjoyable experience you can have in Alleppey is of Houseboat Cruise, the Toddy and Seafood delicacies and the various relaxation spas and massages to retreat your body from a lengthy journey. You can make your Kerala Family Holidays Packages extremely indelible by visiting various places in Alleppey like the Alappuzha Lighthouse, Alleppey Beach, Shikara Rides - dinky versions of Houseboats, Ambalappuzha Shri Krishna Temple, Kayaking, a jaunt to Marari Beach, visit to St. Andrew’s Basilica Church, and Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary for wildlife passionates. Do not miss the Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, and a visit to the most beautiful built temple of Lord Shiva, Mararikulam Shri Mahadev Temple. Just hop on Alleppey journey and there’s more to view in this city that crosses beyond your imagination.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Alleppey Backwaters, Alleppey Beach, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Krishnapuram Palace, St. Mary’s Forane Church, and Pathiramanal.
How to Reach
By Air: Alleppey do not have a straight flight connection. Kochi is the nearest airport located 60 km away from Alleppey. Once you land on Kochi, from there you can hire a taxi or car to reach the city.
By Train: Alleppey Railway Station is nestled in the city. This train station is well-connected with various other major cities of the country like Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram), Chennai, New Delhi, Bangalore & Cochin. You can easily get a taxi or book a car from Alleppey Railway Station to reach to the city.
By Road: The roads are well-connected from major cities like Kochi & Kumarakom towards the Alleppey. If you are planning to drive via road, then it’s a brilliant idea!
2. Munnar
You must have heard how Kerala is famous for its tea plantations. Well, Munnar is the place that stores the beautiful scenic vision of tea plantations and being one of the foremost tourists’ destinations. In actual, Munnar is the famous Hill Station of Kerala once which used to be the summer retreat of Britishers during the British Raj. And now just have a thought how this place still hasn’t lost its charm for its beauty. Visiting Munnar transports you to the atmosphere imbued with the aroma of tea. You will find this lush greenery hill station where there is a conflux of three rivers that are Kundaly, Nallathanni and, Madhurapuzha. In Malayalam, there is a word called ‘Moonu Aaru’ which means ‘Three Rivers’. This explains that how the hill station has got its name ‘Munnar’. Snuggled in the small district of Kerala, this hill station feels like a warm hug to the travellers. It proffers various stunning places to visit. You can take a tour to the tea plantations & learn the art of tea making, explore the glorious streams and waterfalls, do fishing, visit the Ervavikulam National Park and have the chance to spot Nilgiri Tahr and other exotic species of wildlife, take a jaunt at the Echo Point located at the height of 6000ft, stay in the tree house, relish Boat Rides and of course do not miss to savor the Masala Tea of Kerala.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Attukal Waterfalls, Echo Point, Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinanakanal Waterfalls, Kundala Dam Lake, TATA Tea Museum, and Pothmedu View Point.
How to Reach
By Air: Touch down to Cochin International Airport, 106 km away, which is the nearest airport to Munnar. From there you can hire a taxi or cab to move next.
By Train: The closest railway stations to Munnar are Ernakulam(130km), Aluva(110km) and Madurai(152km). Reach to any of these train stations and from where you can hire a taxi or cab or use Kerala road transport.
By Road: Take a private or public bus from cities like Kozhikode, Cochin, Coimbatore, Wayanad and Madurai to reach Munnar via road.
3. Thekkady
The foremost loved and one of the desired tourist destinations in Kerala, Thekkady is the hill town with a picture-perfect emerald greenery, gleaming visions of pacific lakes and, cool and aromatic breeze. Trust me when I say, Thekkady is the dream destination for all the travelers and tourists around the globe. This hill town is a perfect combo for those who love wildlife, nature and pinch of pulsating adventure in their tour. The beautiful Periyar Lake flows by this hill town, and being India’s largest wildlife sanctuary, this place has a 120 years old dam built across the Periyar which is a massive tourist attraction of this place. Also, Thekkady is the only place in India where there Tiger Reserve is situated along with its ceaseless flora and fauna, various endangered species, and wealthy tribal culture. You can visit the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a night stroll in the Jungles, take a cruise on Periyar, try fun Elephant Rides, try Bamboo Rafting, Jeep Safaris, Boat Rides, Visit Mangla Devi Temple, Hiking at the Border, Trek to Gavi and many more thrilling activities.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Elephant Junction, Yodha Cultural Village, Green Park Spices, Periyar National Park, Periyar Lake, Periyar Tiger Reserve.
How to Reach
By Air: Located 136 km away. Madurai Airport is the closest to Thekkady and from there you can take any cab or taxi to reach the city.
By Train: Kottayam Railway Station is the closest train station located 114 km away from Thekkady. From the station you can hire a cab or taxi to reach the city.
By Road: The National Highway 220 & State Highway 41 in Kerala takes you directly towards Thekkady.
4. Kumarakom
If you wish to spend a quality time in a peaceful environment while on your Kerala Tour, then Kumarakom is the place for you. It is a small village nestled on the Vembanad Lake, which is mostly famous for its calm and lovely houseboat rides. Along with it, the place is proffers a chance to spot a wide range of distinctive floras and faunas, and to relish boating & fishing. The land is also notable for its handicrafts which is still prepared and made using the traditional method of Kerala. This mini paradise is stocked with emerald paddy fields along with mangrove forests and coconut trees. This beautiful scene is followed by a watercourses and canals which are dotted with white lilies. You can visit the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, and Pathiramanal Island.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Kumarakom Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfalls, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple.
How to Reach:
By Air: Reach Cochin Airport which is 80 km away from Kumarakom and from there you can book a cab or taxi to reach the city.
By Train: Reach Kottayam Railway Station, which is 16km away from Kumarakom & from there you can hire a taxi or cab from there to move towards the city.
By Road: Take a bus or drive through car as roads are well-associated with the Kumarakom
5. Kovalam
A city having most of the charming and relaxing beaches of the Kerala proves to be the most lovable tourist destination of travelers and tourists. The breathtaking beauty of the place along with the colorful skies and fascinating sunsets and sunrises, Kovalam is a blend of three crescent shaped beaches named as the Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach & Hawah Beach. This seaside resort which proffers more stunning sites like Karamana River, Vellayani Lake, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Neyyar Dam and, Aruvikkara Dam. The pleasurable alternatives at the beach like swimming, sunbathing herbal body toning massages, special cultural programs and catamaran cruise enhances your experience and makes your Kerala Tour more memorable.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Samudra Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Neyyar Dam Hawa Beach, Vellayani Lake.
How to Reach
By Air: Touch down to the nearest Thiruvananthapuram Airport and take a cab or taxi from there.
By Train: Reach the closest Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station to Kovalam and from there you can reach the city via car or taxi.
By Road: You can take various buses and Volvos that are provided by the Kerala’s government from any part of the city to reach Kovalam.
6. Wayanad
Wayanad place is especially for those, who want to explore the bright emerald side of the Kerala. Snuggled among the Western Ghats, and located near the shores of Kozhikode, this place is an absolute Green Paradise flourished with plantations, forests and wildlife. Wayanad is eminent for trekking-streams, mysterious & intricate caves, breath taking waterfalls, bird-watching sites, and variety of floras and faunas. You can give yourself an exposure to the products of this city like spices, tea, coffee and bamboo, honey and herbal products. The most famous tourist site of this place is Kanthanpara waterfalls which allures tourists from around the globe. You should visit other notable sites of Wayanad like Edakkal Caves, Karapuzha Dam, Pookode & Karlad Lake, and Cheengari Rock Adventure Center.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Soochippara Waterfalls, Chembra Peak, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuruva Islands.
How to Reach
By Air: Calicut International Airport is the closest to Wayanad town. From there you can hire any road transport to reach to the city.
By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is the closest Railway Station & from there you can book a cab, taxi or look for another road transport to reach Wayanad.
By Road: There are numeral buses available which you take to reach Wayand city via road.
7. Thiruvananthapuram
The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram is situated on the extreme southwest of the state. The city boasts the wealthy cultural heritage along with the factual cuisine, and the spectacular natural beauty creates a prefect paradise for the travellers. In Malayalam, ‘Anantha’ means ‘The City of Lord Anantha’ is rooted in its ancient association to the deity Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, thus the city is also called as Ananthapuri. There are abundance of things you can do in Thiruvananthapuram such as chilling by the beach, sightseeing the city, relishing wellness treatments, savoring the distinctive tastes of Kerala cuisines, a visit to prominent Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, thrilling Lion safaris, see the Napier Museum, and exploring the virgin emerald nature of the state.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kovalam Beach, Vizhinjam Lighthouse, Shanghumukham Beach.
How to Reach
By Air: Thiruvananthapuram Airport is located just 6km away from the city from where you can take cab or taxi to reach the city.
By Train: There are 20 railway stations in Thiruvananthapuram which are well-associated with cities of Kerala.
By Road: The road NH-66 is directly & well-connected with Thiruvananthapuram city.
8. Varkala
Varkala is a beach that is located in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. A calm and quiet beach with a various tourists attraction sites like a 2000 year old Vishnu Temple, a beautiful beach of course and the Sivagiri Mutt Ashram. Just ten km away from this beach, situates another beach called as Papanasasm Beach which is actually also known as with the name of Varkala Beach. You can visit the Papanasasm as it is said to have medicinal properties in its water and a dip in its holy waters is believed to clear any impurities of the body and the soul. Another beautiful site here is the 2000 year old Janardhanaswamy Temple that towers on the cliff of the beach. Varkala is mostly notable for its popular health resorts and its association with many Ayurvedic massage centers. If you are more into meditations and Ayurveda, this place is surely the finest holiday destination for you.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Janardhanaswamy Temple, Varkala Cliff, Kaduvayil Juma Masjid, Kappil Beach, Black Sand Beach.
How to Reach
By Air: Land to the closest Thiruvananthapuram Airport and from there hire a cab or taxi to reach Varkala.
By Train: The Varkala-Sivagiri Railway Station is the closest train station to the Varkala Beach.
By Road: you can take any public or private bus service provided by the Kerala government and reach to the Varkala Bus Stand.
9. Thrissur
Picking the 10th position in the list of Largest Cities of India, Thrissur was earlier known as Thirusivapperoor and later named as Trichur by the Britishers, this city of Kerala is notable as its cultural city. Thrissur is the fourth largest city in the Kerala and is shaped by the religions that are Hinduism, Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism and other European Religions also which makes the city appear like an amalgamation of religious unit. This city holds an intense economic role of Kerala. This place holds one the most crucial position in Kerala Tourism as it hosts a display of spectacular monuments with marvelous architecture. You should surely make a visit to the famous attractions of Thrissur like Elephant Sanctuary, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, Villangan Hills, Archaeological & Art Museum, Chettuva Backwaters, St. Anothony Forane Church, Vadakkunnathan Temple and many more amazing places.
Top Key Attractive Sites: Athirappilly Waterfalls, Vaddakkunnathan Temple, Snehatheeram Beach, Chavakkad Beach, Vazhachal Waterfalls.
How to Reach
By Air: Land down to Cochin Airport which is located 50 km away from Thrissur and take any road transport to reach the city.
By Train: You can train to Trichur Railway Station and from there hire a cab or taxi to Thrissur located just 2km away.
By Road: You can use regular bus services to reach the city as the roads from Thrissur are well-associated with the major cities of Kerala.
Read More :- Top 10 Places to visit in Kerala
