Kerala, the pristine perfect tourist destination is ranked among the Ten Paradises of the World by National Geographic Traveler.And why not? It is India’s top ecotourismstate that promotes backwater stays, houseboat sailing, fishing, plantation safari and animal farm stays.
A unique amalgamation of culture and commerce, visiting Kerala is no mean task, especially when you have so many options on the hand.
Here is a quick glance at the options you can explore as Kerala tourist places
Backpacker’s heaven: Start with Kochi
Do you love to travel by foot and discover the feisty cultures? Kochi won’t disappoint you.
Kochi is a cultural potboiler inspiring a strong bond of affection and values. A hub for commerce since centuries, the connection with Persia and Arabs makes Kochi a visually attractive place to explore by foot. Kochi’s hottest backpacking zones are Fort Kochi and St. Francis Church which bear a testimony to the city’s hospitality and accommodating nature.
If you want a less crowded alternative to Goa and Mumbai, Kochi is the perfect choice.
Other feasible backpacking locales in Kerala are Alleppey, Salem and Kilimanoor.
Searching for treasures? Dive into the cultural capital
Thrissur, rightly called the cultural capital of Kerala, occupies a place of reverence among tourists. A widely acclaimed locale for art students and international dancers, Thrissur is a quiet town but leaves an enchanted feeling once you are there.
Art lovers and history diggers throng the deeper pockets of the state trying to excavate facts and figures associated with the cultural diversity in India. Home to some of the most prolific art and trade practices like Therapeutic Ayurveda, coir crafting, wood carving, horn craft making, ivory sculpturing and fishing net making, you can watch the ancient art forms of kathakali, mohiniyattam, Kolkalli and Chakyarkothu closely during your stay.
It is said that the Gods dance with mortals in Thrissur. Find out yourself.
Get a taste of water sports adventure
Never ending trail of lakes, rivers and backwaters in Kerala jostleup to the idea of watersports. Well-known for their canoeing, kayaking, para sailing, waterskiing, boat racing, and wind surfing locales, spread across 900-kilometre long brackish lagoon trail, you can witness the wildness in a charming way.
With over 44 rivers to challenge, Kerala’s best beaches and backwater cities remain a cool summer sporting and resort-stayoption.
Top places for water sports adventure packages are Alleppey, Varkala and Kovalam.
To enjoy the lakeside wildlife without indulging in too much activity, Ashtamudi Lake is a convincing heavenly site for honeymooners. Remember—the activities are closed off during monsoon, between June and September.
Cruising the marshy swamps
Ashatamudi canal, doped by lotus and water hyacinth floating on the surface makes a picture-perfect landscape. The shorelines decked with tall coconut and betel trees turn the marshy swamps into lively eco-system. With the sun shining through clouds, floating effortlessly on houseboats during the weekend is a refreshingly cherubic experience.
Kerala houseboats or kettuvallams as they are called locally remain the best mode of transport and stay for families and couples. Depending on the size of the group, you can enjoy a cruise-like journey through Thotapally, Punnamada Lake, Alumkavadi, Alleppey, Kidangara and Mankotta. Thekettuvallams run on slow-speed motorized units and anchor during the night. Tourists enjoy the local delicacies cooked fresh in traditional culinary style.
The Hilly Escapes
Over 20 hill stations in Kerala provide an unhindered escape into the majestic rolling hills and cascading waterfalls. If you are short on time and looking for a quick routeto isolation during the pick tourist season, Idukki, Peermedu, Gavi or Charalkunnu come as refreshing options.
Discover the unadulterated beauty of the hills leaving you mesmerized.
Ensure that the package covers the pick-up and drop services, with additional complimentary benefits in case you plan to book for a longer stay in the hill resorts or vacation rented home stays.
