Kerala, famously known as God's Own Country, is well-known for its scenic landscapes, gorgeous backwaters, pretty houseboats, beautiful beaches, sprawling coffee plantations and delicious cuisine that make it a magical paradise for tourists. Are you planning to make a trip to Kerala? Then, there are certain spots there about which you should know beforehand tolend your sightseeing experiences absolute fulfilment. First, make sure to connect with the best tour and travel agency in Kolkata to enjoy a relaxing vacay in Kerala!
1) Kochi
Kochi or Cochin is a cosmopolitan city in Kerala that's treasured for its spices. Also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala, Kochi boasts of green-hued pastures and charming landscapes. Greatly influenced by the Western culture, this city is home to a prominent port having top-class facilities. You can go for ferry rides to access remote islands located between Fort Kochi and Madacherry. Passenger ships are used for commuting from Colombo to Lakshadweep. The fishing industry is rich here as Kochi is a coastal region, after all. With ongoing economic development and social advancement, this city has become a happening place to explore in Kerala!
2) Munnar
The spectacular hill station of Munnar is all about green forests, large tea estates, misty mountains, serene lakes and rocky lands. This place is ideal for trekking, hiking and camping. Do visit the tea plantations and spice farms when you come here. Some of the fascinating spots that you should see in Munnar include Kundala Lake, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Top Station, Eravikulam National Park and others.
3) Alleppey
Also called the Venice of the East, Alleppey comprises of an inter-connected network of lagoons and canals with lovely backwaters flowing and houseboats parked that allow visitors to stay in them at night. Looking for a romantic spot for your honeymoon? Or, hoping to have a memorable family vacation? Then, Alleppey is the perfect place for youthat's located towards the southern end of Kerala. At the coastline, you can view the stunning beaches and try out water sports. Officially named Alappuzha, Alleppey has Kuttanad or the “Rice Bowl of Kerala” covering a major part of it. You'll surely love the sight of lush paddy fields as you hop on board a houseboat that's passing through the calm backwaters.
Some of the distinguished temples to visit here are Mullakkal Temple and Chettikulangara Devi Temple. If you're visiting Kerala in the months of August or September, do witness the snake boat race in Alleppey that takes place on the Punnamada Lake. Drink some toddy which is the local wine to complete your refreshing holiday!
4) Thekkady
Thekkady is India's biggest wildlife sanctuary where the ancient Surki dam was constructed across Periyar 122 years ago. This eminent tiger reserve situated in Kerala's Idukki district is a heavenly retreat for nature-lovers and wildlife-enthusiasts. Here, you're going to be amazed to view the large reservoir of endangered animals along with its exquisite varieties of flora and fauna. This place is actually a dream tourist attraction where you're sure to notice bison, Asian elephants, boars, sambar deer, leopards, tigers, lion-tailed monkeys, squirrels and other wild species. Do ride the ferry boats to enjoy the captivating natural surroundings as you pass through the river. Seeing a herd of elephants will definitely be mind-boggling for you! The cold climate of this place is sure to rejuvenate your body and mind.
5) Trivundrum
Having Trivundrum as its former name, Thiruvananthapuram is the evergreen capital of Kerala. This gracious city has the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple situated at its heart which is built in honor of Lord Vishnu. Right from Napier Museum and Zoo, East Fort, Kowdiar Palace, Sree Chithra Art Gallery, Kovalam and Varkala to Vellayani Lake, Kanakakunnu Palace, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Dam, there are plenty of lovely places to see here that are a craze among tourists. Some of the major festivals that are pompously celebrated here are Onam, AttukalPongala and Vishu. Another important festival is the Aarat of Padmabhaswamy Temple during which the immersion of deities is carried out at Sanghumukham Beach.
Are you a foodie? Then, you can try out the mouthwatering dishes here, be it veg or non-veg. Go for a spicy coconut curry served on banana leaf, grab a short meal at a roadside restaurant or indulge in tasty snacks on the beach. If you're a sea-food lover, you'll surely love to taste the fish, prawns or crabs that are either fried or curried at the eateries. You can shop for exotic handicrafts, artefacts and textile in Thiruvananthapuram from the several shopping plazas here.
6) Kovalam
Situated 16km away from the state's capital Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam is Kerala's most magnificent beach that's enclosed by mounted headlands and tall coconut palms. The two main beaches here are the Lighthouse Beach and Eve's Beach. You can go for swimming, take Ayurvedic massages, participate in thrilling water sports, enjoy sunbathing and do many other refreshing activities to enliven your senses. The idyllic beaches of Kovalam exuding mystical vibesmake it the most romantic and pristine destination of Kerala. Some of the breathtaking places to visit near Kovalam are Karamana Stream, Edakallu, Valiyathura Pier, Kovalam Art Gallery, Thiruvallam Parashurama Temple and more.
Contact a renowned tour company offering one of the cheapest domestic travel packages Kolkata to cherish an unforgettable vacation in God's Own Country, Kerala this year!