With every website saying the same thing, it’s hard not to believe it – Kerala is indeed the perfect destination for nature lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. With various packages available in this regard, it is important that you choose one which is tailor-made to make your experience in God’s Own Country a memorable one. Kerala offers much regarding activity, with backwaters, hill stations and nature trails alike offering themselves to you to satiate your wanderlust. Here are a few things to do and places to see in this Indian state.
Alleppey
Boat races, beaches and temples await you in Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, or “Venice of the East”. One of the more popular backwaters in Kerala, Alleppey is best enjoyed in a houseboat, similar to the erstwhile Kettuvallams – Kettu meaning “living structures” and Vallom meaning “boat”. The beach has a 137-year-old pier which extends into the sea and also comprises a lighthouse built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Other popular attractions here include the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which plays host to birds such as the Indian Darter, Little Cormorant, and a variety of kingfishers as well.
Athirapally Falls
The Athirapally Falls sits in-between two districts, the Thrissur district and the Ernakulam district. Interestingly, these falls are called the ‘Niagra Falls’ of India and serve as a popular picnic spot for tourists, as well as a scenic location for filmmakers! Most tourists agree that the experience of both the falls, as well as the trek building up to them are an unforgettable experience. Besides the falls themselves, there are other attractions that one can look to in Thrissur, such as the Thumboormuzhy Dam, the Poomala Dam, and the Charpa Waterfalls.
Wayanad
Clean, pristine and hypnotizing, Wayanad, located at a distance of 76 km from Kozhikode, is a green paradise nestled in the Western Ghats. Upon booking Kerala cabs, tourists can reach this destination via NH 17, which links Kozhikode with the rest of Kerala. The scenic beauty offers several opportunities when it comes to adventure tourism. Chembra peak, situated at 2,100km, is the highest peak in Wayanad, and trekking to the top of the peak takes up a day at least! Upon reaching the peak, one is presented with a pristine, blue lake and a satisfying view of Wayanad as well.
Thekkady
Between Kerala and Tamil Nadu rests lush, thick forests and wildlife that makeup Thekkady, and can satisfy your need for a jungle vacation! Among its various sites, Periyar National Park is a major attraction, with the chance to see the Mullaperiyar Dam via bamboo rafts. It naturally lends itself to vast stretches of spice gardens and also offers adventure sports for those so inclined. It is the safari at dawn that attracts the most attention, and the view coupled with bison, elephants, and birds is truly an unforgettable experience!
Kovalam
Finally, who doesn’t like to soak up the sand and surf and have fun while they’re at it? Kovalam offers you this and much, much more with its bustling life and industry! Visit “Lighthouse beach” and unwind while letting your senses take in all that Kovalam has to offer – curio shops, hawkers with ware from far and wide, and the sounds of soothing waters ceding and receding constantly. The capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (or Trivandrum), is 16 km in the distance from this paradise. You can avail car rental in Trivandrum and take a trip away from the madness of city life. The best time to visit would be between September and March.
