However, most people will associate Kerala with tranquil backwaters, complex temple festivals and also elephants. Given the pace of life here is slow, Kerala is the perfect place to have a wonderful, yet relaxing vacation.
Kerala Backwaters
If you want to relax and have a good time in Kerala, then taking a trip in a houseboat along the Kerala canals should certainly be on your to-do list. The experience is made even more enjoyable thanks to the fact that you can easily order chilled beer and freshly cooked Indian food on board. However, for a complete experience, you may want to spend the night on the boat in the middle of the lake. This is pure bliss and for the romantic couples, it offers the great backdrop to a perfect dinner.
Fort Kochi
Mostly referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, Fort Kochi is a charming city with an eclectic history. Portuguese, Chinese, Dutch, but also British and Arab people have all influenced this place and left their mark on it. Given the unique historical sites and impressive architecture of Fort Kochi, there’s no wonder tens of thousands of tourists visit it every year.
Munnar
Sitting 5250 feet above sea leave, Munnar is by far one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Kerala. The cool breeze, modern holiday facilities, but also simple towns and expansive tea plantations make your visit here worth it if you love being surrounded by nature. If you’re lucky, you can also see the neelakurinji flower in person. What makes it so special is that it blooms once every twelve years, meaning that you can visit it just 2 years from now.
Since it’s located at the Idukki district of Kerala State, Munnar can be easily accessed. And since we’re talking about a hill station, summer is the best season you can come to visit.
Idukki Arch Dam
Being the first (and largest) arch dam on the continent and ranking second in the world the Idukki Arch Dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. It measures 650 feet in width and is 554 feet high, making it massive by all standards. In its vicinity, you’ll be able to visit the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see a wide range of wild animals, including protected elephants and tigers.
Kovalam Beach
If you’re a beach lover, then you may already know that Kerala has some of the best beaches in India, with Kovalam being one of them. Popular since the nineties, this beach is the perfect place to get a nice tan and most of all, enjoy a soothing and relaxing day. Since the accommodation facilities here have boomed in the last few years, you can expect high quality services, not to mention great prices which is one of the main reasons so many people come here. Speaking of which, getting to Kovalam beach takes only 30 minutes from Trivandrum.
Munnar is considered one of the most beautiful tourist places in Kerala. Situated on the Western Ghats, Munnar is evidently one of the highest producers of tea on the Indian subcontinent. The view of undulating hills as the touch the clouds in Munnar rejuvenates your mind and soul. The town is flanked by a narrow patch of the Arabian Sea and The Western Ghats on the other side which makes Munnar a unique getaway from the city life. Palm-fringed backwaters, scenic waterfalls, sunny beaches, misty mountains and gushing streams, Munnar has it all!
How to get there: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 110 kilometres away by road. From Cochin, you can hire a cab to get to Munnar. There are state-run or private buses, plying from various towns in Kerala and Tamil Nadu which are the best way to get to Munnar by road.
Where to stay: Misty mountain resorts, Munnar Terrace Greens and Fort Munnar provide rooms at 3000-5000 INR/Per night*.
Read more: Tourist Places In Munnar You Must Visit
Thrissur
Thrissur was previously the capital of the Kingdom of Kochin, however, now it is considered the cultural capital of Kerala because of its spiritual, cultural and religious leanings throughout history. One can visit an array of beautiful temples and churches that become a hub of activity during the festive period in the city. When in Thrissur, you must try the delectable Vellayappam which is a type of a rice hopper, a speciality of the city.
How to get there: Thrissur does not have an airport. Thrissur does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Kochi Airport which is 95 km away from Thrissur. You can easily get regular trains to Thrissur from other major cities of the country. Also, there are tourist buses available to Thrissur from major cities of the country. Thrissur. You can easily get regular trains to Thrissur from other major cities of the country. Also, there are tourist buses available to Thrissur from major cities of the country.
Where to stay: As a major city in Kerala, Thrissur has many options to stay such as Thrissur has many options to stay such as Dass Continental, Lulu International Convention and Hotel Peninsula charging 1500-3000 INR/per night.
Kovalam
Sink your feet into the warm sandy beaches of Kovalam. There are numerous coconut trees here as far as the eye can see, add to that prime resorts surrounding lush green vegetation and you’ve got yourself a popular tourist destination. Kovalam has gained popularity as centre of Ayurvedic healing in the past few years. So if you want to take a break and feel re-energized, Kovalam is your kind of getaway.
How to get there: The closest airport and railhead is Trivandrum which is 20 km away from Kovalam. One can hire taxi cabs or auto-rickshaws which are a great medium for transport in Kerala.