tourist places in kerala

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Munnar

Munnar needs no introduction to the seasoned traveler. The most favored destination in Kerala, Munnar is situated at a height of 1600mts above sea level. Located in Idukki district, it is a slice of heaven with endless tea gardens, winding narrow lanes between the mist covered mountains and the spice scented fresh air.  This little town attracts tourists from around the globe all through the year. The tea estates, Mattuppetty Dam, Eravilulam national park etc. are just some of its attractions. Above everything else is the calm and relaxed quality of this land that engulfs you in its arms leaving you with a desire to experience more of Munnar, and that is why one bids adieu to this place with a promise to visit again.

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thekkady-periyar

Known for being home to the country’s largest Tiger Reserve, Thekkady is one of the most sought-after jungle vacation destinations in Kerala. Located near the Kerala – Tamilnadu border in Idukki district, Thekkady is frequented by domestic and international tourists alike.The sanctuary is the most important attraction in Thekkady. Spread over an area of 777-kilometer square, periyar Wildlife sanctuary was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. The reserve is accessed by trekking, boating and Jeep safari. These evergreen jungles house several species of plants and animals including more than 60 species of mammals, 265 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians etc.Bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaperiyar Dam, hiking in the wilderness, night trekking, boating etc. are experiences of a lifetime.

kovalam

When we count beaches in Kerala,Kovalam stands number one both visually and in terms of tourist inflow. Situated just 13 kms away from Trivandrum, Kovalam has its fair share of tourist spots apart from the beach including the light house, Karamana river, Vellayani lake, Valiyathura pier, Kovalam art gallery, Thiruvallam Parasurama temple etc.The falcate shaped beach, its stunning blue waters and white sandy shore makes this place a must visit pit stop in your trip to Kerala. The waters are calm and is ideal for a swim or you could relax and sunbathe on one of the lounge chairs.Apart from sightseeing swimming and enjoying the lip-smacking cuisine, Kovalam also offers adventure sports such as diving, parasailing, windsurfing etc.

Kozhikode

Once the capital of Zamorin kingdom, Kozhikode was also renowned as a commercial center, in its earlier days. Blessed with natural beauty and cultural and historic significance, this is a land of warm and welcoming people, tales of lost grandeur and delicious food.Its green country sides, tranquil beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and hills are sure to attract tourists from far and wide.Thusharagiri waterfalls, Kappad beach where Vasco da Gama set foot in India, Kuttiyadi dam one of the biggest in Kerala, Regional science center and planetarium, Mananchira square are some of the attractions in Kozhikode.Talk about Kozhikode and not mention its food?!  Not possible. The kozhikodan Halwa,Kozhikodan biriyani, Kallummakai, Unnakkai etc are just few of its lip smacking delicacies.

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kochi

Kochi also known as Cochin is the urban face of Kerala. This coastal cosmopolitan city on the shores of the Arabian and Laccadive Sea is part of Ernakulam district of Kerala. Famously known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, it was once an important spice trading center on the west coast of India. Ranking first in the total number of international and domestic tourist arrivals in Kerala, it is a land of an amazing blend of Chinese, Portuguese, and British influences.  Visiting the historical towns of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, relishing the undeniable remnants of the colonial past will be an experience. The Jewish Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Vasco House, Dutch Palace, Pallippuram Fort etc are only few of the many places one must not miss in Kochi.

alleppey

Also known as the Venice of the East, Alleppey is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters. With its picture-perfect lagoons, mirror still backwaters, calm beaches, it is a land of watery wonders. Its intricate grid of canals and how the life here is deeply interlinked with its waterways is just amazing. Home to thousands of house boats, Alleppy is the best location to spend a weekend floating in its waters, witnessing the breath-taking beauty this land is blessed with and enjoying the freshly cooked fish and duck in authentic Kerala style.If enjoying some down time from the bustle of the city is what you need, Alleppey is just the place for you.

kumarakom

Situated in the enchanting backdrop of Vembanad Lake, Kerala’s largest lake, Kumarakom is a nature lover’s paradise. Home to one of the most noted bird sanctuaries in Kerala, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spread over an area of 14 acres is a major attraction here. Local birds like waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, egret, heron, cormorant, moorhen, darter, and brahminy kite, as well as the migratory Siberian crane. Parrot, teal, lark, flycatcher, and other birds are seen here during their respective migratory seasons.Listed as one of the must-see places in a lifetime by National Geographic Magazine, Kumarakom has a wide variety of house boats and is known for its house boat experience throughout the world.