People know the breathtaking state of Kerala as “God’s Own Country.” Located in the south of India, the state shares a magical 600 km shoreline along the Arabian Sea on one side and the mighty Western Ghats on the other. As a result, the area is famous for its tranquil backwaters, serene beaches, amazing hillside villages, and untamed wildlife. In addition, its wide range of cultural events and magical festivals gains attention from visitors around the globe!
Hill Stations
In India, people call the towns and villages located in the hill country ‘hill stations’. For Kerala, the two most famous and visited hill stations are Munnar and Wayanad. Specifically, Munnar is situated in the central part of the state, while Wayanad is in the north. Both of these places are stunning areas filled with breathtaking views, diverse vegetation, and tribal villages. They also offer many more places for you to explore!
Munnar
The best areas to visit in Munnar depend on the type of trip you are looking for. For example, some people visit Munnar to relax, while others seek adventure. Whatever you choose, spending a week here will not be a waste of time!
For instance, you can watch a beautiful sunrise after camping under the stars in Top Station. You could also take a one-hour jeep trek to the world’s highest organic tea plantation in Kolukkumalai or simply relax at one of Munnar’s wonderful resorts. In addition, consider driving your tuktuk through the misty Lock Hart gap road or spotting incredible wildlife in Eravikulam National Park. You definitely shouldn’t miss hiking to Meesapulimala, the highest peak in South India, to stand above the clouds. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your time in Munnar.
As Munnar is a hill station, the best time to visit is during the winter season which starts from October to March, as everything will be green and fresh after the monsoon season.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport – 104 km Nearest Railway station: Angamaly – 104 km
Wayanad
Wildlife is the biggest factor that differentiates Munnar from Wayanad. For example, you cannot miss the route through the BANDIPUR TIGER RESERVE. You will regularly spot elephants, deer, and monkeys on these roads. In fact, you might also spot tigers, leopards, and bears, especially in the early morning.
Although Wayanad is not as touristy as Munnar, don’t be mistaken. More than just a hill station, Wayanad is also a place of historical importance. Historians trace this region’s habitation down to the Neolithic age (10th century AD). You can experience this history firsthand by visiting the Edakkal caves with their amazing pictorial carvings.
Wayanad is also famous for its lush green mountains and misty tea and coffee estates, all of which make this place a visual treat. To experience the same, a visit to Chembra peak is a must. Here you will find a heart-shaped lake on the highest peak in Wayanad, surrounded by green fields. Imagine sleeping under the sky and waking up to the clouds from the Kurambalakotta viewpoint. You can also take a ride through the Vythiri river in a Bamboo raft and jump into this serene river for a quick swim. If you are lucky, enjoying a game of mud football with locals, which mainly happens from June to August, will be one of the best memories you take back. Again, these are just a few things mentioned and there is much more to explore in Wayanad.
Similar to Munnar, the best time to visit Wayanad is from October to February. During this time, the weather will be pleasant, comfortable, and cool. It’s also the best time for various activities like camping, boating, and hiking.
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport – 100 km Nearest Railway station: Kozhikode – 86 km
Backwaters
Kumarakom
Kerala is most famous for its pristine backwaters. In fact, people fly from around the world to enjoy relaxing vacations in the backwaters of Kerala. There are many places to experience this, but the most famous is the village of Kumarakom, which is a cluster of little islands on Vembanad Lake.
When you visit the backwaters, most tourists hire a houseboat for a common activity. The houseboat will take you through all the backwaters of Kumarakom and Allapuzha. Consequently, you get to wade through the beauty of nature as it unfolds around you, all from the comfort of a boat! A single-day trip in the houseboat usually starts around noon and lasts until the next morning. Prices start around ₹6500 INR, although this depends on the number of rooms and other services.
There are also Shikara boats that are cheaper than houseboats. Moreover, they take you deep into the canals in areas houseboats can’t access. Moving through these canals is similar to walking around a village; you get to know more about the culture and day-to-day life of these areas. The Shikara will charge you about ₹600 INR per hour.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport – 94 km Nearest Railway station: Kottayam – 14 km
Beaches
Although Kerala is generally known for its backwaters and hill stations, the state is never short of beautiful beaches. As mentioned before, Kerala is a state that borders 600km of the Indian Ocean, with beaches for partying and places for relaxing!
Varkala
Many consider Varkala to be one of the best beaches in Kerala, or maybe even India! It’s the only beach in Kerala flanked with rocky cliffs. Get on top of the cliff to a good cafe, get something to drink, and just enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets you will see in your visit to Kerala. There are also some great ayurvedic and yoga centers to really bring your mind and body to rest. You can also get involved in some adrenaline-pumping activities like surfing and, if weather permits, jumping straight off the cliff.
Around Varkala, you can also visit some other good beaches and historic places. For instance, right on the Varkala cliff is Papanasam Beach. People consider this a religious beach, as myths say a swim here could wash away your sins. Towards the south of Varkala cliff, is the BLACK BEACH which gets its name from the glistening black soil. Beyond beaches, there are a couple of historical places too. The East India Company built the Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse, which is around 12 km from the cliff. In fact, the fort was England’s entry point into the country from the Malabar coast. The groundskeepers maintain the fort well with lush green lawns and a view of Anjengo beach in the backdrop. You can also visit the lighthouse for a perfect aerial view of the area. Also, try to visit the 2000-year-old Janardhanaswamy temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport – 41 km Nearest Railway station: Varkala – 2 km
Mararikulam or Marari
Marari is one of the cleanest white sand beaches in the state. Lined with coconut trees, it’s a treat for your eyes. Marari isn’t a tourist beach with a lot of facilities, but rather a tranquil place to sit back and unwind. Those who visit Marari look forward to the slow pace of life and soaking up the serenity. There are some resorts that you can spend your time in with private beach access. Since Marari is a fisherman’s village, you can see and get engaged in their day-to-day activities. Mararikulam is not a heavily commercialized beach for the same reason you won’t find as many shacks or cafes compared to Varkala. The best time to visit Marari is during the weekdays as it won’t be overcrowded with local tourists.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport – 73 km Nearest Railway station: Mararikulam – 3 km
Kappad
Kappad beach holds historic importance for India, as Vasco da Gama stepped foot here with his 170 men back in May 1498. A walk in and around this beach lets you understand more about its historical importance. Close to the beach is the town of Kozhikode, which people also know as the food capital of Kerala. For those who crave Kerala cuisine, this is a place not to be missed.
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode International Airport – 42 km Nearest Railway station: Kozhikode – 17 km
Experience Village Life
Kannur
Kannur is becoming an important location in Kerala tourism because of its authentic culture. Since this region lives and breathes Keralan tradition, westernization has not affected it too much. Furthermore, the Western Ghats guard Kannur to the east while the Arabian Sea protects it on the west. When visiting, you shouldn’t miss the Kunhimangalam Village Life Experience. Specifically, this village is famous for its bronze metal crafts. People know the craftsmen as ‘Moosaris,’ and they are famous for making idols, lamps, and artifacts. The tour also includes visiting a weaver society, a traditional goldsmith, getting involved in farm activities in the village of Ezhom, and also traditional fishing.
The best time to visit Kannur is between January and April. The reason for this is not the climate, but rather the festival of traditional art forms called ‘Theyyam,’ where performers present the famous ritual dance of Kerala, also known as Kaliyattam. They perform this dance to honor heroes and ancestral spirits, incorporating dance and music with mime. People believe Theyyam has over 400 distinct forms, each with a unique style, make-up, costume, and song. You can see it performed daily at Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan Temple in Kannur. Beyond the cultural aspects, Kannur is also famous for some of the state’s most serene beaches, especially Muzhappilangad beach, which is the only drive-in beach in India.
Nearest Airport: Kannur International Airport – 27 km Nearest Railway station: Kannur – 1 km
Munroe Island
Munroe Island is a beautiful cluster of eight islands surrounded by Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada river, which offers mesmerizing views. The place is filled with lush green coconut plantations. Canoeing through the narrow canals of Munroe island during the early morning is an amazing way to relax surrounded by nature. The panoramic views and the sound of birds singing will be an unforgettable experience while at Munroe Island.
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport – 80 km Nearest Railway station: Munroturuttu – 86 km
Shopping, leisure, and food in Kerala!
Fort Kochi
Since Fort Kochi is located close to the Cochin International Airport, it is often the first or last place on everyone’s list when visiting Kerala. Fort Kochi provides you with affordable stays at luxury hotels. You can also find all types of international cuisines in Fort Kochi. Beyond that, Fort Kochi is also a haven for shoppers with wide choices of collectibles, antiques, masks, spices, souvenirs, and other knick-knacks.
In addition, Fort Kochi is famous for its historic buildings, especially St. Francis CSI Church, which builders constructed in 1505. People admire this place not only for its structural beauty but also because it was once the burial place of the world-famous explorer Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese also constructed the Mattancherry Palace in 1545 for Veera Kerala Varma, the then King of Kochi. This beautiful structure is built in a combination of Keralan and Dutch architecture. The Palace is home to a museum with murals and articles used by the royal family back in the day.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport – 48 km Nearest Railway station: Ernakulam South – 13 km
By far the best way to explore Kerala is by renting your own tuktuk! Experience an adventure on three wheels to all the amazing locations this state has to offer. Get behind the handlebars of the people’s mode of transport and indulge yourself in real Keralan culture!
It is now possible to rent your own tuktuk/auto/rickshaw from Fort Kochi and drive around God’s Own Country yourself! The only requirement you need is an International Driver’s Permit with a class B endorsement (car / motor-vehicle) on it. Head over to tuktukrental.com, make a booking and we will take care of the rest!