January, the month that marks the start of a new year is part of the tourist season in Kerala which starts from October and lasts until March. The weather is modest during January and is considered as the perfect for planning your Kerala tour. Know the list of best places to go in Kerala during January.
Munnar in January offers the best climate for tourist planning their visit to Kerala. Head to the hills of Munnar and spend some time in Munnar the perfect destination in Kerala to those who loves the cool climate and the mountains. It is an idyllic abode to those who love to be away from the busy city life and also prefers to have some adventure. The sprawling tea and spice plantations, picturesque valleys and the lush greenery makes Munnar a perfect place to have a family tour as well as a romantic honeymoon getaway.
Normally you could explore the wild beauty of Eravikulam National Park (please note the park will be closed either in the month of January or February due to calving season of Nilgiri Thars) , trek to the Anamudi Peak (highest in South India), click pictures at the Top Station, enjoy the waterfalls at Chinnakanal, and boat riding at Mattupetty.
Visit Thekkady to have an amazing time with a trekking through the Periyar Tiger Reserve, or take a boat ride and get a chance to see the wild animals close in their natural habitat. The place also offers bamboo rafting and other adventurous activities.
Apart from Munnar there are many hill stations in Kerala like Ponmudi, Wayanad, Vagamon, Kumili, Peerumedu, Nelliyampathy etc... They too serve as ideal locations for your vacation. It is not just the hills of Kerala which have a pleasant weather during the month of January the plains also have a lot to offer.
Travel to Alleppey to enjoy a lazy and relaxed houseboat ride through the famed backwaters of Kerala. Hire it for a day to spend a night on the floating house that will be a memorable experience. While you are on it don't forget to try some of the lip-smacking traditional delicacies of Kerala. The state is known for its seafood specialties and what could be the better place to enjoy all the great food other than Alappuzha.
Another place to enjoy all these is Kumarakom. Palm-fringed walkways and lush greenery would take you to a world of fantasy. There is also a famous bird sanctuary in the vicinity that could be reached through the backwaters. You would love it if you are someone who enjoys the nature and its hidden wonders.
Varkala in the southern Kerala has one of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world. The high cliffs that jut into the ocean have been declared a geological monument by the Geological Survey of India. These cliffs also have many natural spas and the beach is a perfect place for sunbathing and swimming. The Varkala beach is also known as Papanasham beach which means one which washes away all your sins.
Go further south of Kerala and there is another amazing beach destination - Kovalam. It actually consists of three crescent shaped beaches and has been a part of the world tourism map for decades. Rocky promontories and the shallow blue waters make Kovalam a great place to swimming and sunbathing.
Bekal in the Northern most part of Kerala offers you a unique experience with a historical fort (which you have seen in many movies) that projects into the sea. This 17th-century fort is surrounded on three sides by the sea and is also an international tourist centre. Kochi the commercial capital of Kerala also has many beautiful tourist destinations. There are a number of beaches in Kochi, including Cherai and Fort Kochi.
Heritage places like Jew Street, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Paradesi Synagogue, Dutch Palace, Pallipuram Fort etc would help you to get know more about the culture of the state and its connection to the old trade routes.
