Best places to visit in kerala
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Munnar
Munnar
Munnar is situated at the confluence of three mountain streams - Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. 1600 m above sea level, this hill station was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India. Sprawling tea plantations, picture-book towns, winding lanes and holiday facilities make this a popular resort town. Among the exotic flora found in the forests and grasslands here is the Neelakurinji. This flower which bathes the hills in blue once in every twelve years will bloom next in 2018 AD. Munnar also has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi, which towers over 2695 m. Anamudi is an ideal spot for trekking.
Tea plantations, trout-filled streams, placid lakes, picnic spots at each bend of the winding road, wildlife reserves, trekking routes that take you to the highest peak in South India...
For long, the best-kept secret among hill-station destinations, now the choice of honeymooners, tea tasters, corporate warriors and wannabe colonial masters. Wrapped in the greenest of carpets this side of Eden. Munnar is not just South India's most sought-after hill resort. It is also the centre of Kerala's premier tea-growing district, aptly known as the High Range. In Tamil, moon aar literally means 'three rivers', a reference to the streams around whose confluence the town grew. The Nallthanni and Kundalai streams flow into the Muthirapuzha River, which cascades out of the hills to join the Periyar and, later, the Arabian Sea.
Tea is Munnar's claim to fame. Here, more than 12,000 hectares of lush, manicured tea fields form an irresistible canvas against which honeymooners pose. Stately eucalyptus plantations, which fuel the many tea factories in the vicinity, sway gently in the wind, their fragrance wafting over Munnar. And shola trees hug the mist-shrouded hillsides, sheltering several highly endangered species of wildlife.
A trip to Munnar is a journey through picturesque surroundings, but the most sought-after offering of the estates is the unbelievably pure air. There are also wild animals to spot, golf to be played; some trout fishing to be done... the list is endless. But if lazing around is all that you want to do on your holiday with your partner, Munnar's idyllic surroundings let you do that too.
Thekkady
Situated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu border town - Kumily, it is located about 257 km (160 mi) from Trivandrum, 114 km from Madurai City and Madurai International Airport, 185 km from Cochin International Airport and 114 km from Kottayam railway station. The sanctuary is famous for its dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous forests and savanna grass lands. It is home to herds of elephants, sambar, tigers, gaur, lion-tailed Macaques and Nilgiri Langurs.
Thekkady is considered a heaven for natural spices such as black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and clove. There are frequent buses from Kottayam and other cities to Thekkady. Jeep services are available from Kumily to Thekkady (4 km).
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 777 km2 is thick evergreen forest. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar River adds to the charm of the park. The greatest attraction of Periyar are the herds of wild elephants that come down to play in the lake. Sanctuary can be accessed through a nature walk, boating or jeep safari.
Other Destinations
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Also known as the Thekkady Wildlife sanctuary, the Periyar wildlife sanctuary is located in the hills of the Western Ghats spreading over an area of 675 sqkm. With its geomorphology, wildlife, beautiful landscape and the picturesque Periyar lake within, the sanctuary is a major tourism center in Kerala and attracts a very large number of tourists each year. With Over 1800 flowering plants including 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids, 35 species of mammals and 265 varieties of bird species, the Periyar sanctuary is a repository of endemic, rare and endangered flora and fauna.
Major attractions of Periyar wildlife sanctuary are boat cruises on the lake, elephant ride, trekking, wildlife photography and bird watching. There are a few watch towers inside Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife.
Kumily: This plantation town, closely associated with Thekkady, is situated on the outskirts of the Periyar Sanctuary. An important shopping centre and spice trade centre, the main bus station and most of the medium range accommodation in the Periyar region are in Kumily.
Murikkady: Washed in fresh, spice-scented air, Murikkady is a panorama of cardamom, coffee and pepper plantations.
Pandikuzhi: This picturesque spectrum of exotic flora, fauna and gurgling streams is cradled between Chellarkovil and the Tamil Nadu border. A popular picnic spot, Pandikuzhi offers great opportunities for trekking and is a photographer's delight.
Mangala Devi Temple: This ancient temple is hidden in the dense woods at the top of a peak 1337 m above sea level. The temple, believed to be more than 2000 years old, is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Visitors are allowed here only on the Chithra Pournami festival day. The peak commands a panoramic view of the eastern slopes of the ghats and some hill villages ofTamil Nadu. Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden, Thekkady.
Chellarkovil: This sleepy little village with its breathtaking view of the plains and cascading waterfalls is a feast for the eyes. Chellarkovil is ideally located 11 km away from Kumily, overlooking incredible views of the plains and cascading waterfalls. The small quiet village considers being the best tourist spot in the Idukki district and attracts tourists from all over the world. The lush green mountains, pleasing view and cascading waterfalls adds up to the exquisiteness of this place. It also offers a scenic view to the plains of Tamil Nadu from the height of 1200m above the sea level. The famous waterfall over here looks enchanting during monsoon season due to the increase in flow.
Vandiperiyar: The River Periyar flowing through the centre of this town nourishes its vast tea, coffee and pepper plantations. A major trade centre, Vandiperiyar is also home to a number of tea factories. The Government Agriculture Farm and Flower Gar- den have a delightful array of rose plants, orchids and anthuria.
Pullumedu: The winding journey to this hill town, along the Periyar River, offers a stunning view of the hills draped in lush greenery. Velvet lawns, rare flora and fauna add to the beauty of Pullumedu which can be accessed only by jeep. The famous Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and the Makara Jyothi (ce- lestiallight that appears on Makaravilakku Festival) at the shrine are visible from here.
Vandanmedu: This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations ofVandanmedu is a heady experience.
Vagamon
Vagamon is a hill station located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Idukki district of Kerala. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. It is situated 1,100 meters above sea level. Vagamon also known as the 'Scotland of Asia', was discovered by the British who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon. National Geographic Traveler has listed Vagamon on their directory of the '50 most attractive places to visit in India'.
A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala is a mark of religious harmony. The dairy farm managed by the Kurisumala monks is worth a visit. The breeding centre of the Kerala Livestock Board is located here.
Pristine forests, exotic flora and fauna and verdant meadows characterize Vagamon, a location straight out of a tourism brochure. Located 1,110 m above sea level on the western fringe of idukki, and bordering Kottayam, the Vagamon mountain range was cleared by the early planters for the cultivation of tea and coffee.
Vagamon is at the fringe of the Western Ghats and the foot hills on its lower side reach up to Teekoy with a gradual descent. This narrow strip of descending land gives a vital connectivity to the plains as both sides of vagamon up to kuttikkanam on the south west and moolamattom on the north east, are marked by steep and inaccessible hill slopes. Traveling by the hill highway in this section is an exhilarating experience with deep valleys and magnificent views all around. Vagamon presents very spectacular views with an ethereal touch. Vagamon's charm is worth experiencing and is indeed one of the must see places for tourists. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience.
Other Destinations
Kurisumala: Kurisumala means 'Mountain of the holy cross'. Kurisumala monastery situated on the Kurisumala hill, is a famous pilgrimage center for the Nazrani Catholics where cross put-up in each sub hill stations. There are 14 crosses along the path leading to the church, which commands stunning views of the surrounding countryside.The nearby Kurisumala Ashram is an abode of calm and spiritual delight. This hill area includes 12 sub mounds where pilgrims visit. Travelers can enjoy trekking and climbing this high hill. The area is fully surrounded with Tea estates and lakes.
Kurisumala Ashram: This Catholic monastery, which strives to combine Indian religiosity with Christian spirituality, has been attracting monks from around the world for close to four decades. Abbot Francis Acharya, a Belgian, and Fr Bede Griffiths, and Englishman, established this Cistercian abbey in 1958.
Murugan Para: It is a v-shaped canyon, one of the admired view points as well acknowledged as a suicide point. The outlook from the summit of the strenuous climb is amazing. On the eastern side of Kurisumala is Murugan Para, a rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Murugan that attracts a large number of worshippers.
Pine Forests: A valley having huge lofty pine trees lined in rows. This valley in Kolahalamedu, with its groves of pine trees, is a protected area. These are boards cautioning tourists to keep from littering the forest.
Indo-Swiss Project Diary Farms: Indo-Swiss Project dairy farms is situated on the Kurisumala hill. The dairy farm is managed by the Kurisumala monks.
Vagamon Meadows: The rolling green meadows of Vagamon has a lake amidst them. It has for long been a favorite location for shooting movie songs.
Thangal Hill: This is a center of Muslim pilgrimage. There is an ancient cave though which one can walk for kilometers. A suicide point is also situated here.
Murugan Hill: It is situated near to Thangal Para. A Murugan temple is situated which is devoted to Lord Muruga with gorgeous stone age carving
Kovalam
Three crescent-shaped beaches, separated by rocky outcroppings, constitute the chief attraction of this coastal town. Backed by the palm-covered steep headlands, the beaches are lined with a host of shops that offer all kinds of goods and services, creating an unmistakably resort-like atmosphere.
Just a short drive away from the State capital, Kovalam is easily accessible. Internationally acclaimed, this seaside destination comprises three adjacent rescent-shaped beaches. Golden sands, miles of shimmering sea, rocky promontories constantly caressed by the sensuous surf and a brilliant sunshine warming the very souls, make this place truly sensational. A charming village in its yesteryears, Kovalam today has all the trappings of a popular beach destination. Lined with shops, restaurants, ayurvedic centres and an accommodation option to suit all budgets, the place has the unmistakable ambience of a resort.
Shallow waters, stretching hundreds of metres, are ideal for swimming. The vast expanse of shimmering sea, sandy coves, and rocky outcroppings over the water, exuberant surf and brilliant sunshine impart an unreal quality to this popular tourist spot.
Lighthouse
The 35-m lighthouse stands atop the Kurumkal hillock, jutting out on to the sea. For a nominal fee, visitors can climb the spiralling staircase inside to the top of the red and white tower. The palm-covered hillock offers a spectacular view of its surroundings.
Backwater Cruise
Twelve kilometres from Kovalam, the Karamana River crosses the highway at Thiruvallom. This is an idyllic spot, offering a delightful view of the backwaters. A boat club offers a variety of cruises from canoe rides and kayaking to jaunts in kettuvalloms. Day tours to the nearby Pozhikara and Edayar islands and homestays at ldayar homes can also be arranged.
Vellayani Lake
One of the few freshwater lakes in Kerala, this pristine water body is a must-see. Accessible by boat from Kovalam, 7 km away, the lake draws huge crowds during the Onam boat races.
Valiyathura Pier
This 214-m long pier at VaUakkadavu offers magnificent views of the coast. However, because it is constantly pounded by the sea, the pier today has been reduced to a mere shadow of its busy former self. Fishermen fling their catamarans into the sea, jump in after them, and swim to the boats. Crowds gather just to watch this improptu show.
Vizhinjam
Located 17 Ian from Thiruvananthapuram, close to Kovalam, is this historic spot - the ninth-century capital of the Ay kings. Today, it is a quiet village, with only its relics, such as the cave temple, linking it to the past. The fishing harbour becomes a beehive of activity at dawn. The bay makes a pretty picture.
The Cave temple
Believed to go back as far as the eight century, the cave temple is located close to the centre of the village, a few yards from harbour road Kerala. Essentially, it is a huge granite boulder with an opening on its side, which is said to lead to an underground cave; but the passage now appears completely blocked. A half finished bas-relief of Shiva appears on the stone on either side of the opening and an idol of Sastha sits at women made offerings of gold at the cave, and a related incident led to the sudden, miraculous closure of the cave mouth is a must see place when out on a pilgrimage tour to Kerala.
Chowara
Chowara, a tiny fishing village 8 km south of Kovalam, boasts broad sandy beaches minus the crowds. Uncluttered and pristine, the beach attracts solitude-seeking beach- combers rather than revellers and beach buffs. Chowara's location and serenity have also made it home to ayurvedic and heritage resorts. Of the three resorts located here, two attract tourists seeking ayurvedic treatments, whereas the third is known more for its lovely architecture.
Poovar
Two kilometres south of Kovalam is another peaceful but stunningly beautiful beach, Poovar. Situated close to the Neyyar River estuary, Poovar was a trading port in its early days. Today, it is recognised as a tourist destination, mainly due to the many resorts in the area such as the Poovar Island Resort, Isola di Cocco and the Estuary Island Resort.
Largely unexplored and unspoilt, the island of Poovar has developed into an up-market tourist destination. Enveloped by serene backwaters and at places, separated from the sea only by narrow sand banks, Poovar, with its virgin beaches, is very popular with tourists.
Vythiri
Vythiri stands as a gateway to Wayanad, to the realm of gurgling streams, hills and valleys. Lakes, gorges and ravines, verdant hills that nudge distant clouds, dreamy dawns and misty evenings are standard fare. This region offers a true taste of Wayanad. The charming Pookot Lake is only a kilometer away, towards Lakkidi. The tallest summit in the district, Chembra peak, 6,890ft above sea level, is nearest from Vythiri. Waterfalls, at Kanthampara and Sentinel Rock, lie to the south. A number of Resorts, nested in sylvan surrounding, add to the attraction of the destination.
Vythiri is an unassuming little town. All the places that a tourist might like to visit are within a 40-km radius of the town. If you do not engage your own vehicle, you may have to depend on the local rickshaws and old-style Willys jeeps. It is difficult to put in a kind word for them! If you have a modest budget and want to make the best use of your time, then the strategic location to stay would be in nearby Kalpetta, the district headquarters. It is a livelier place.
There are very few places that simultaneously offer a holistic experience of wilderness and education, combined with the comfort of a modern holiday. Wayanad is a confluence where the needs of the body, mind and soul are met. You can trek both mountains and streams, and bathe under waterfalls balancing you on sharp rocks. You can simply lie down and dream as big as the sky's expanse, with the symphony of wild calls in the background. Or you could turn philosophical and measure death with dry leaves. If you are enterprising, you can speak to plantation owners who trade coffee, tea, spices, vanilla and exotic oils. And while you are at it, you can talk to plantation workers about the aesthetics of the red flags that dot the lush green terraces of manicured tea hills. You can listen to scary legends by the campfire and accidentally pick up lessons in history. By way of just desserts, there is sumptuous Malabar food to indulge in. These myriad experiences come together as one perfect package in Wayanad.stern edge of town. European backpackers and tourists with a lower budget, who find the low tariffs and cost of food a big bonus, form the bulk of the tourist population to Varkala.
Other Destinations
Lakkidi: The gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat Pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Begur Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary has a wide variety of animals.
Karalad Lake: An unusually quiet retreat, facilities for angling and boating as well as a recreational park are provided here. The trek to this lake can also be quite exciting. Karalad is a huge lake spread across 7 acres and surrounded by dense bamboo groves, it is ideal for a peaceful, quiet break. Adjoining hills provide great trekking options. The banasura sagar Dam is only about 3 KM to the north from the Karalad Lake.
Pookot Lake: This perennial freshwater lake in Vythiri nestling among wooded hills is a popular picnic spot. Adjacent to the lake is a spice shop, a souvenir showroom and an aquarium. And for the kids, there is a children's park at the recreation centre here. This large lake is fringed by low wooded hills. Horses and horse carts trot along the 1.5 km pathway, passing around the lake. A curio shop next to the ticket counter sells bamboo and wooden artefacts and hill produce such as spices, tea and honey. Then there is the boat club where pedal and rowboats await visitors.
Soochipara and Kanthampara Falls: From Vythiri, the drive to these falls, considered one of the most beautiful in the district, is delightful. A winding road through verdant tea country, and then a narrow trail through rugged terrain lead to the falls in a dense forest. The three-pronged waters hit the sharp spikes of granite at the base, hence the name, 'soochipara', or 'needle rocks'.
Meenmutty Falls: Meenmutty falls, a 300-m long cascade of water, is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the whole of Wayanad. The drive from Vythiri itself is charming -all woods, verdant hillsides and rolling plantations. It will also take you past charming villages such as Chundel, Meppadi and Vaduvanchal.
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