Munnar
Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in Kerala, located in the Western Ghats at an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level. It is widely known for its endless tea plantations, rolling green hills, cool and pleasant climate, misty mornings, sparkling waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints such as Echo Point, Top Station, and Kundala Lake. Munnar is also home to Eravikulam National Park, where the endangered Nilgiri Tahr can be seen, and it offers opportunities for trekking, nature walks, and wildlife spotting. The peaceful environment, fresh mountain air, and scenic beauty make Munnar a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and honeymoon couples seeking relaxation and romance.
Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Alleppey is world-famous for its scenic backwaters, tranquil canals, and traditional houseboats that offer a unique way to explore Kerala’s natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy slow and peaceful boat rides through palm-lined waterways, lakes, and charming villages, witnessing everyday rural life, lush paddy fields, and local culture. The destination is also known for its pristine beaches and coir-making industry. The annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, held on Punnamada Lake, is a major attraction that draws visitors from across the world, showcasing Kerala’s vibrant traditions and festive spirit.
Kochi
Kochi, often called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” is a historic port city that beautifully showcases a blend of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Its rich heritage is reflected in attractions like Fort Kochi with colonial architecture, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, and bustling spice markets. The city is also a thriving cultural hub, offering traditional Kathakali dance performances, Kalaripayattu martial arts shows, and contemporary art galleries and cafés. With its mix of history, culture, and coastal charm, Kochi provides travelers a unique glimpse into Kerala’s past and present.
Wayanad
Wayanad is a lush green paradise in northern Kerala, renowned for its dense forests, rolling hills, sparkling waterfalls, and rich wildlife. Key attractions include the Edakkal Caves, famous for prehistoric rock engravings, Chembra Peak with its heart-shaped lake and trekking trails, and Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in India surrounded by scenic hills. Wayanad is also home to several wildlife sanctuaries where elephants, tigers, and exotic birds can be spotted. The region’s cool climate, misty landscapes, and opportunities for trekking, nature walks, and eco-tourism make Wayanad a favorite destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Thekkady
Thekkady, located in the heart of Kerala’s Western Ghats, is famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area rich in biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy boat safaris on Periyar Lake, spotting elephants, wild bison, deer, exotic birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. The region is also renowned for its spice plantations, where tourists can see and smell cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and clove growing in lush gardens. Adventure enthusiasts can explore trekking trails, bamboo rafting, and jungle walks, while eco-tourism initiatives promote sustainable interaction with nature. Thekkady’s combination of wildlife, spices, and scenic landscapes makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Varkala
Varkala is a charming coastal town in Kerala, famous for its red cliffs that rise dramatically above the Arabian Sea, offering stunning panoramic views. The town is known for its clean and serene beaches, including the famous Papanasam Beach, which is considered sacred and believed to have healing properties. Varkala attracts visitors for its breathtaking sunsets, vibrant cliff-side cafés, local markets, and numerous yoga and wellness centers. The town also holds spiritual significance with nearby temples and pilgrimage sites, making it a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty for travelers seeking both peace and scenic charm.
Kovalam
Kovalam is a famous beach town located near Thiruvananthapuram, known for its three crescent-shaped beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. The iconic lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the coastline. Kovalam is popular for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like parasailing and surfing, as well as Ayurvedic treatments and wellness resorts that attract health and relaxation seekers. Its calm sandy shores, vibrant beach markets, and stunning sunsets make Kovalam a perfect destination for leisure tourism, honeymooners, and anyone looking to unwind by the sea.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a serene village situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest freshwater lake. It is famous for its picturesque backwaters and luxurious houseboat cruises, allowing visitors to glide through canals lined with coconut palms, paddy fields, and quaint villages. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a major attraction, drawing migratory birds like Siberian storks, herons, and kingfishers, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. With its tranquil surroundings, calm waters, and opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and nature walks, Kumarakom is ideal for travelers looking to relax and experience the peaceful side of Kerala.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Athirappilly, the largest waterfall in Kerala, is often called the “Niagara of India” due to its impressive height and majestic flow. Located amid dense tropical forests of the Western Ghats, it creates a breathtaking scenic setting that is especially spectacular during the monsoon season when the water gushes with full force. The area offers nature walks, trekking trails, and excellent photography opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding flora and fauna. Athirappilly is not only a natural wonder but also a popular spot for film shootings, eco-tourism, and adventure activities, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking scenic beauty.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity. It is home to the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance, as well as several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers that showcase Kerala’s heritage. The city is also conveniently close to popular beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, making it ideal for both sightseeing and leisure. With its mix of traditional temples, colonial-era landmarks, bustling markets, and modern infrastructure, Thiruvananthapuram offers travelers a rich experience of Kerala’s cultural depth alongside natural beauty.
Exploring Kerala Through Its Famous Dishes
1. Sadya
Sadya is the traditional Kerala feast usually served on a banana leaf, especially during festivals like Onam and Vishu. It consists of steaming hot rice accompanied by a variety of vegetarian dishes such as sambar (lentil stew), avial (mixed vegetables in coconut), thoran (coconut stir-fry), olan (pumpkin and coconut curry), pachadi (yogurt-based dish), pickles, and ends with a sweet dish like payasam. Sadya is a celebration of flavors, colors, and Kerala’s culinary richness.
2. Appam
Appam is a soft, lacy rice pancake with a slightly crispy edge and a soft, fluffy center. Made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, it is usually paired with vegetable stew, chicken stew, or mutton stew cooked in coconut milk and aromatic spices. Appam is a popular breakfast or dinner item and is known for its delicate texture that perfectly absorbs the flavors of the curry
3. Kerala Puttu
Puttu is a steamed cylindrical cake made of rice flour and grated coconut, cooked in a special cylindrical steaming vessel. It is soft, slightly grainy, and aromatic. Puttu is commonly eaten for breakfast, often paired with kadala curry (black chickpeas in coconut gravy), ripe bananas, or sugar and ghee. It’s a wholesome and traditional Kerala dish.
4. Unniyappam
Unniyappam is a small, sweet, deep-fried dumpling made from rice flour, jaggery, banana, and coconut, flavored with cardamom. It has a soft, spongy inside with a slightly crisp exterior. Unniyappam is often prepared as a snack or for offerings in temples and is a favorite among kids and adults alike.
5. Kozhikode Halwa (Calicut Halwa)
Kozhikode Halwa is a chewy, sticky sweet originating from Malabar (Kozhikode) region. It is made from cornflour or rice flour, sugar, ghee, and sometimes nuts, with a glossy, translucent texture. It is often flavored with cardamom or saffron and is a must-try delicacy for anyone visiting northern Kerala.
Pozham Puri (Payampuri)
Pozham Puri is a classic Kerala sweet made from legumes and jaggery, popular in the Malabar region. The name comes from “Pozham” (boiled or cooked) and “Puri” (sweet dough). It is typically made using black gram (urad dal), grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. The lentils are soaked, ground into a smooth paste, cooked with jaggery syrup and coconut, and shaped into small, soft, pudding-like dumplings.
