8 Top Spots to Visit in Kerala, India

[Hruday Chand]

Kerala, dubbed by Indians "God’s own country," is blessed with some of the best tourist destinations in India for any kind of holiday. The scenic hill stations, enchanting backwaters, cascading waterfalls, sandy beaches and exotic wildlife are its top attractions. Kerala has been one of the top honeymoon destinations in India and also one of the most popular tourist places in India. Here are some of the top places to visit in Kerala.

Munnar

One of the most famous hill stations in Kerala, located in Idukki district, Munnar is also known as Switzerland of South India. It's is one of the country's best summer destinations (it was known as the summer capital of the British during the Raj), The weather is pleasant throughout the year. Top spots not to miss: Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station, Anamudi peak, Devikulam, Eravikulam National Park, and Attukal Waterfalls.

Wayanad

Another of Kerala's marvelous and popular hill stations, especially during India's monsoon season. Kerala. Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady are its  largest towns, and attractions include.several rain forests, Meenmutty Falls, Soochipara Falls, Pookote Lake, Banasura Sagar dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri, Chembra Peak, Lakkidi and Edakkal Caves.

Alleppey

Also known as Alappuzha, this city on the shores of Arabian Sea close to the banks of Vembanad Lake. Dubbed the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey is among the best known destinations for exploring the Backwaters of Kerala. It's also known for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race, India's most popular boat race . Kuttanad, Alappuzha Beach, Mannarasala, Chettikulangara Devi Temple, Mullakkal Temple and Krishnapuram Palace are the don't-misses here.

Kochi / Cochin

Kochi, also known as Cochin, is a port city in Ernakulam district of Kerala state, is also a good place for cruising Kerala's Backwaters. Known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi is also the main hub for many Kerala tours, admired for its scenic beauty, traditional architecture and cultural diversity. Fort Kochi, Bolghatty Palace, Marine Drive, Mangalavanam Sanctuary, Edappally Church, Cochin Jewish Synagogue, Matancherry Palace, and Chinese Fishing Nets are the popular places to visit.

Kovalam

Kovalam, on the shores of Arabian Sea, has one of Kerala's most famous beaches in Kerala, known as the ‘Paradise of the South’, filled with endless sight of coconut trees and breathtaking views. Other wonderful strands include Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and Eve’s Beach , while a notable manmade landmark well worth a visit is Vizhinjam Mosque.. Kovalam is also famous for Ayurvedic massages and is home to many yoga resorts.

Thrissur

Also known as Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala is also one of its most reknowned pilgrimage sites. In April, Thrissur hosts the world famous Thrissur Pooram, the state's most colorful and spectacular temple festival of Kerala, recognized by UNESCO as the world's most spectacular festival. The Vadakkunathan temple, Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple, Paramekkavu Temple,Guruvayur Temple, Athirapally Falls, Peechi Dam & Sanctuary, Thrissur Zoo, Vilangankunnu and Shakthan Thampuran Palace are spots you won't want to miss.

Athirapally

Athirapally Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in India and one of the top tourist places in Kerala. On the Chalakudy River, the waterfall drops from a height of 80 feet through several streams offering a great scenic beauty. In rainy season, the water flow is full and all the streams join together and appear like Niagara Falls. This is the biggest waterfalls in Kerala. The Vazhachal Waterfalls, Chapra falls and Sholayar Dam, Valparai are other nearby attractions.

Thekkady

Home to Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of India's best, established in 1950 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1978. The splendid artificial lake formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam adds to the charm of the park. Thekkady is famous for Asian elephants, tigers, gaurs, sambars, wild boars, spotted deer, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrels, civets, nilgiri tahr, among other fauna. And you also won't want to miss Murikkady, Chellar Kovil, Mangala Devi Temple, Suruli Falls, and Pullumedu.