Must-visit places in Kerala that you Need to Know About Before your Trip!

Everything is beautiful when it comes to God's own country, Kerala. The majestic charm of the seashores, the old and quaint streets, and the historically important towns and cities all form a part of this state. Kerala is comprised of so many treasures that it can make it difficult to cover the entire state in one trip. However, if you want to pick the must-visit places in one trip to Kerala, we are guiding you to that! 

1. Alleppey

From Kerala, all we think of is the backwaters tours, and a serene time in the houseboats! Don't we? Well, that is true. Alleppey attracts the majority of the tourists coming to Kerala for the same leisure and entertainment. Along with that, the city boasts of lakes, rivers, water lagoons and other attractions as well. Make sure you also check out St. Andrews Church, Chettikulangara Bhagawathy Temple and Punnamada Lake. While coming here, you must not forget that the place has been described as the Venice of the East by Lord Curzon! 

2. Munnar

Who does not know about this picturesque hill station in Kerala! Located on the tropical Western Ghats, it attracts people to green tea estates, its forest regions, rich and rare wildlife, beautiful lakes and lush green hill peaks. Amongst the many places that you visit here, make sure you tick off Anaimudi Peak, Kuthumkal Waterfalls, Echo Point, Observatory Hills and Power House Waterfalls as well on your visit! 

3. Palakkad

One of the popular tourist destinations in Kerala, Palakkad also known as Palghat, is the densely forested land of the state. It is popular as the Granary of Kerala. But do you know why is that so? The Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats makes the city a beautiful scenery to capture and admire. While being here, make sure you visit the Kalpathy Temple, Malampuzha Dam, Pattambi Nercha and Kunchan Smarakam to embrace the culture of the place! 

4. Wayanad

Touched with the border of Karnataka is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the popular places here, in Wayanad. But go further and you will find that this is a tourist place located at an elevation of 2100 meters. It consists of the lush green vegetation and mist-clad hills that make the place a must-visit. You will also find here various tea plantations and places like Banasura Dam, Lakkidi, and Tusharagiri Waterfalls just add to the beauty of the city! 

5. Kozhikode

Do you know that Kozhikode has recently been given the tag of Literature City by UNESCO? So, why miss visiting this city on your trip, to Kerala where you get to see various cultures? Earlier, it was called Calicut and is also the place where Vasco da Gama landed first. The land has given various literary figures and regional literature to the country. You must not forget to check out Dolphin's Point while also paying homage to the culture at Ettumanoor Temple, Krishnan Menon Museum, Pazhassi Raja Museum and Thali Temple! 

6. Varkala

Want to know one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy sea beaches? Well, it's none other than Varkala! Amidst the green setting, Varkala is located adjacent to the Arabian Sea. It is a popular Varkala beach that attracts many tourists here. What is even more amazing is that Varakala has something for everyone - adventure enthusiasts, religious followers and sight-seekers! So, once here, visit Papanasam Beach for serenity or Kaduvayil Thangal Dargah, Janardana Swamy Temple, Vishnu Temple, Anjengo Fort & Lighthouse, Sarkara Devi Temple, Varkala Aquarium and Varkala Tunnel for the history and culture.

 7. Thrissur

Known as the Cultural Capital of Kerala, Thrissur is popular for its rich historical culture and traditional heritage. But did you know that this city has always played a significant role in the state's politics as well? If you want to see Kerala from the perspective of Thrissur's importance in building a beautiful state, you must visit and check out the Guruvayoor Temple, Kodungalloor Pilgrimage Archaeological Museum, Shakthan Thampuran Palace, and even the Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary if you're seeking adventure!

8. Kollam

Located 70 km away from the capital city, Kollam takes you to the backwaters of Kerala. This place is popular for offering houseboat rides on the backwaters while also serving as a renowned centre of the international spice trade. Check out the Kollam Backwaters for a peaceful vacation while also making sure. you touch upon the beauties like Mahatma Gandhi Beach and Palaruvi Waterfalls as well! 

9. Kannur

All stories of the state lie in the history of it and if you want to experience the history of Kerala, you must include Kannur in your list. It is evident here that the Lakshadweep Sea touches Kannur in the West which gives it a scenic charm. You will get to experience the blue water, coconut-fringed shoreline and lush green landscapes turning the tourism high for this place. But while being here, you must visit Dharmadam Island for the holiday rejuvenation along with Madayi Mosque, Thalasseri Fort and St. Angelo's Fort for its stories. 

 10. Thiruvananthapuram

It is impossible to miss the capital city of Kerala which is one of the topmost attractive spots for tourists in Kerala! The city is popular for the erstwhile British colonial architecture and several art galleries while the traditions here date back to almost 1000 B.C. If you are here, take a round of Koyikkal Palace, Napier Museum, Akkulam Lake and Kuthiramalika Palace Museum and make sure you know the rich culture of the city and state! 

11. Kottayam

Are you aware of the 3 Ls of Kerala? Welcome to Kottayam! Why? Because it is called the land of 'latex, letter and lakes'! It boasts of the ruins of palaces and forts and is also surrounded by lush green surroundings, with extensive rubber plantations, meandering streams, lakes and the best of all - the greatest literacy rate! In addition to the Backwaters, you must visit Bharananganam, Cheryapalli, Mannanam, Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple and Valiyapalli Church to see the amalgamation of cultures here! 

12. Kumarakom

Another popular backwaters destination, Kumarakom is a village situated on the banks of Vembanad Lake. This place is liked by tourists for its coconut palms, mangrove trees, paddy farms and lagoons, and serene backwaters with the rich fauna and flora turning the place into a paradise for tourists! You can indulge yourself in activities like sightseeing, canoeing and fishing here! However, don't miss out on Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Pathiramanal, Bay Island Driftwood Museum and Chavara Bhavan while being here!