Kerala, a state situated on the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler Kerala is famous especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful backwaters. Its unique culture and traditions, coupled with its varied demography, have made Kerala one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy.
1. Alleppy-
4.Kuttanad-
2.Wayanad
Kerala is an established destination for both domestic as well as foreign tourists. Kerala is well known for its beaches, backwaters in Alappuzha and Kollam, mountain ranges and wildlife sanctuaries.If you love to visit & spend time at beaches below are attractions of beaches in Kerala
Beaches:-
- Kovalam
- Kappad
- Cherai
- Varkala
Top 5 Backwater Destination:-
Alleppey also known as Alappuzha or the ‘Venice of the East’ is an attractive town in Kerala.A houseboat cruise in these backwaters is a pleasurable experience. You will also get to witness a lighthouse once used for uploading goods.One of the best time to visit Alleppey offers is during the Aranmula Snake Boat Race.
2. Kollam-
One of the finest backwater destinations in Kerala to start your houseboat ride is Kollam. The sight that the ride offers across Kollam is spectacular; blooming water lilies, canals and the songs from the birds leaves you content.The traditionally designed houseboats come along with the authentic cooks, who serve you freshly cooked meals along the way
3. Kumaraom-
The view offered from Kumarakom is like no other; the green paddy fields and the Mangrove forests fight for the attention; along with the canals which is bedded by white lilies draw tourists to this spot from all over the world. Kumarakom is situated about 16 km from Kottayam along the Vembanad Lake. A journey through the vast canals and streams in the country boats will take you across the lovely villages of Kerala
4.Kuttanad-
It is also known as Rice Bowl of Kerala . Kuttanad is a part of Alapuzha District, and covers the very heart of the backwaters.Besides the stretches of paddy fields, it has a rich growth of banana, yam and cassava.
5.Kasaragod -
This is a traditional place which offers backwater facilities and more secluded & free from Commercialism. Kasaragod is placed in the Northern most District of Kerala, at Padanna and holds its own essence. There is a theme village called the oyster Opera in relation to the activity of oyster farming. Being surrounded by the Western Ghats on the East; near to the Chandragiri River and with a number of forts, temples and beaches
Top Hill Destination:-
1. Munnar-
Once when you step down the hills of Munnar, there is nothing incomparable to this dark, cool and vibrating magical place. Located at a height of 1,600 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats and situated at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers, it is bounded by South India’s highest tea gardens.Thatched cottages painted in red in the deep green valley form a delightful view just like red cherries on a green tree. Topstation, located 32 Km away from Munnar, is the highest point on Munnar-Kodaikanal road.
While greenery is one thing that fills the corners of your heart, here you will be spellbound by the Nellakurinjini flower that blooms once in every 12 years. It is out of this world to witness the wilderness of blue again the backdrop of blue sky. Tata Tea Museum where you can taste exotic flavours from all across the world and Eravikulam National Park which has highest number of endangered Nilgiri Thar and 26 species of mammals are sites to explore. Photo point (most photogenic place in Munnar) with its silver oak trees appeals to be heavenly. Chinnakanal waterfall known as Power House waterfall offers picturesque sights when it cascades down a steep rock 2000 meter above sea level.
While greenery is one thing that fills the corners of your heart, here you will be spellbound by the Nellakurinjini flower that blooms once in every 12 years. It is out of this world to witness the wilderness of blue again the backdrop of blue sky. Tata Tea Museum where you can taste exotic flavours from all across the world and Eravikulam National Park which has highest number of endangered Nilgiri Thar and 26 species of mammals are sites to explore. Photo point (most photogenic place in Munnar) with its silver oak trees appeals to be heavenly. Chinnakanal waterfall known as Power House waterfall offers picturesque sights when it cascades down a steep rock 2000 meter above sea level.
2.Wayanad
Wayanad is a perfect setting for a hundred great adventures. Imagine yourself as you climb over a ledge of rocks to reach a high point while the wind blows the bundles of grasses to their tunes and birds flutter their wings in slow motion. And drenched in the shower of pristine water you come across ant’s eye view of the cloudy-kissed, foggy hilly tea gardens gently swaying and dancing around. What could be more exciting than this secret hideaway which is a perfect harmony of human and mankind with its fascinating legends, tree houses, jungle trails? The green medley of rice paddies and spice plantations of tea, coffee, vanilla, pepper, cardamom and other condiments make it a green paradise. The land of emerald woods with hills, rocks and valleys contribute to the unique terrain offering confluence of wilderness, history and culture.
With 26% forest cover, it has exotic range of flora and fauna in the two major wildlife reserves-Muthanga and Tholpetty. Muthanga, part of Nilgiri Biosphere, is a rainforest reserve with moist deciduous vegetation and stretches of teak, swamp, bamboo. It has been declared as project elephant site. At the height of 2,100 meters, Chembra peak (tallest peak in the region) unfolds great expanses of wilderness. Banasura Sagar dam, largest earth dam in India and second in Asia, makes a perfect starting point for trek to Banasura peak. Witness the magnificent rock caves at Eddakal caves (a cranny of 30 ft depth) and Pakshipathalam which is nestled deep in the forests of Brahmagiri hills at an altitude of more than 1700 meters. Kuruva Island with its quiet, exclusive and remote evergreen woodland makes a great picnic spot. Trek to the top of Neelimala View Point to view the splendour Meenamutty Falls.
3.Silent Valley
Kerala’s best kept secret exudes a quiet grandeur that will open up a whole world lying unseen before you. This 90 sq. Km precious chunk of dense forest is perhaps India’s largest and oldest tropical rain forest remaining undisturbed and half concealed that is part of a story older than the mankind. It is core of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and part of Western Ghats World Heritage Site recognised by UNESCO. Being home to rare and endemic species of flora and fauna, it is part of world’s 34 wildlife biodiversity hotspot. You cannot miss the chance to see 34 species of mammals which includes endangered lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri Langur. You can enjoy your stay at the cosy cabins of treetop resorts.
3.Nelliampathi
3.Silent Valley
Kerala’s best kept secret exudes a quiet grandeur that will open up a whole world lying unseen before you. This 90 sq. Km precious chunk of dense forest is perhaps India’s largest and oldest tropical rain forest remaining undisturbed and half concealed that is part of a story older than the mankind. It is core of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve and part of Western Ghats World Heritage Site recognised by UNESCO. Being home to rare and endemic species of flora and fauna, it is part of world’s 34 wildlife biodiversity hotspot. You cannot miss the chance to see 34 species of mammals which includes endangered lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri Langur. You can enjoy your stay at the cosy cabins of treetop resorts.
3.Nelliampathi
In the land of Nelliampathi, where the sun glows with its last weak rays and the sky resonates with hues of red and orange, be blessed with grand sight that awaits you. This splendid sight across the horizon will leave behind unforgettable moments. What could you expect more than this-to be as close to heaven as you can get? The hills ranging from 467m to 1572m with their cloud caressed peaks create an enchanting and hypnotising atmosphere hard to describe in words. Surrounded by tea and coffee Estates, it offers panoramic serene spots for trekking lovers and voyage buffs. Green Land farm houses in the hills offer perfect getaway in the company of nature.
On the way to Nelliampathi, you come across majestic Palakkad Gap and several viewpoints that open the green stretches of paddy fields. Pothundy dam of 19th century serves as welcoming entrance to Nelliampathi. Go for boating at this shimmering reservoir to have a pleasant sightseeing. Seethargund viewpoint (8 Km) is a part of Indian mythology as it is believed to be the rest place of Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Seetha during their exile. Palgapandi estate famous for an old bungalow, Kesavam para viewpoint and Padagiri (the tallest peak of Nelliampathy hills) are must visit places.
