Kerala Tourist Attractions: Top 5 Exotic Places to Explore

Endowed with exceptional natural beauty, Kerala is the only state in India that enjoys unique geographical features. The state is not just the hot favorite amongst national tourists and international tourists as it not only offers attractive destinations but also luxury hotels and resorts. Here is the list of top 5 tourist destinations in Kerala that will surely captivate your senses –

1) Kerala Backwaters

Kerala backwaters are the most fascinating aspect of this beautiful state. These backwaters are a network of 900 km of waterways forming inlets, canals, lagoons and rivers. The best way to explore the scenic charm of backwater is by the means of Kettuvalams or the houseboats. Kerala backwater tour introduces tourist to the world of wonder and tranquility that also offers them an opportunity to enjoy their vacation in an unforgettable way. The most sought after destinations for Kerala backwater tour are –

• Alleppey
• Kuttanad
• Kumarakom
• Kollam
• Fort Kochi (Cochin)

2) Cochin

Popularly known as the ‘Queen of Arabian Sea’, Cochin boasts of numerous attractions. Mattancherry and Fort Kochi are the prime places of interest in Cochin that are worth visiting. Tourists can also explore Willingdon Island, backwaters, St.Francis Church and Chinese Fishing nets are the other attractions of this city. Cochin is also famous for spice plantations and spices such as nutmeg, black pepper, chilies and turmeric that are grown here in large quantities. Apart from historical and cultural attractions, Cochin offers great opportunities for shopping as well.

3) Wayanad

The explicit scenic beauty of Wayanad is just cannot be described in words. The unique terrain of Wayanad offers exceptional adventure experiences as it has many valleys, hills and rocks. Lofty peaks, abundant coconut palms, paddy fields and thick forests form the landscape of Wayanad. Some of the popular attractions include exploring of old Jain Temples, wildlife spotting at Tholpetty and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuaries, trekking to Meenmutty Falls and Chembra Peak, and Climbing to Edakkal Caves. The lovely home stays are another major highlight of Wayanad area.

4) Munnar

Munnar is undisputedly the best hill station in South India and is best known for its sprawling tea plantations. Tourists can even try fresh tea straight from the gardens. Munnar is endowed with exceptional natural beauty having misty hills, winding lanes and forests full of plants and wildlife. This hill station is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who can go for rock climbing, trek to Anamudi, Paragliding and can also explore the Eravikulan National park.

5) Thekkady

Thekkady is majorly famous for its mesmerizing backwaters, delectable cuisine, pristine beaches, vibrant culture, multicolored festivals and diverse flora and fauna. A large chunk of tourists from every corner of the world visit Thekkady for viewing its picturesque beauty. The prime attraction of this place is the Periyar National Park which is a home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Some of the other attractions include Chellarkovil, Murikkady, Vandiperiyar and Pullumedu to name a few.

Contributed by: Vidhi Gupta