Kerala is blessed with natural beauty and friendly people. The state is considered as one of the top regions in the world worth visiting.
Here are 7 of the must visit tourist places in Kerala which should be visited at least once in your lifetime.
Backwaters
The large network of lagoons, canals, rivers and freshwater lakes are commonly known as the backwaters of Kerala and it has somewhat become the face of Kerala tourism. The backwater cruise at Alappuzha or Kumarakom has been attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists every year. The houseboat ride through the backwaters is a memorable experience which is exciting as well as a relaxing experience.
Kochi
The commercial capital of Kerala is a well know tourist place which has a great combination of natural as well as heritage quality. The harbour city of Kochi, considered as one of the finest natural harbours in the world, has been the centre of spice trade for years. Many foreign traders have come to Kochi and many have settled here thus giving it a multi-ethnic quality. It is also part of the backwater tourism and also has many historically important places which still boasts off its colonial past. The place also has many beaches such as Cherai, Fort Kochi etc... The famous Athirappilli waterfall is only 70 km away from Kochi.
Hill stations
The emerald hills of Idukki is famous all over the globe and among them, the most famous is the hill station of Munnar. It is a land of beauty with picturesque hills, sprawling tea and spices plantations, waterfalls and exotic flora and fauna and a cool climate sans snowfall. The Eravikulam National Park which is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and the rare butterflies and birds is worth visiting. It also houses Anamudi - the tallest peak in South India. It will be a paradise for honeymooners. Trekking and paragliding are some of the activities you shouldn't miss here. Other famous hill stations are Gavi, Vagamon, Thekkady (famous for boating and bamboo rafting), Lakkidi, Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi, and Wayanad.
White river rafting
Cherupuzha in the Kannur district of the northern part of Kerala is famous for this extreme adventure tourism white river rafting. The river Tejaswini which originates in the mountains of Coorg forest flows through Kasargod and Kannur before it meets the Arabian Sea. At Cherupuzha the river gives a 20 km stretch of rafting possibilities with plenty of rapids. It is a breathtaking experience as the river winds through the dense forests with exotic flora and fauna.
Beaches of Kerala
Kerala is bordered on the West by the Arabian Sea and thus giving it a long coastline. The southern part of Kerala is famous for its number of beaches - Kovalam, Varkala, Kappil, Kollam, Thekkumbhagam and Veli are some of the famous beaches of Kerala. Among them, Kovalam and Varkala are visited by thousands of domestic as well as international tourists every day. They are the perfect places to take a sunbath and to take a leisurely swim in the ocean. The north Kerala also has many beaches, including Kappad, Muzhappilangad (the only drive-in beach in India), Payyambalam and Bekal (with the magnificent fort of the same name).
Stay in the tree house
The northern state of Wayanad is blessed with thick evergreen forests and a pleasant climate. The place, which was once inhabited by the indigenous tribes, is now a perfect hill station which offers the visitors a chance to live 100s of feet above in a house that is nestled in the lush canopy of the forests. It will be a great experience as if you are in the lap of nature but with all the necessary domestic comforts.
Coracle boat ride
It is locally known as 'kutta vanchi'. This unique adventure tourism is available on the banks of river Kallar in Adavi, Pathanamthitta. It is a round bamboo boat and a guard/rower will be with there to help you take through the 5 km stretch which winds through the dense Achenkovil reserve forests.
