Top 10 places to visit in Kerala - Seasonz India

If you are planning a vacation and have 3 days to a week to spare, the best optionis to consider amazing Kerala TourPackages. Here’s one destination where you can enjoy the beach and the mountains, the hills and valleys, the forests and backwaters, and the zeal of the city as much as the innocence of the village with equal fervour. Every district will offer you a unique cuisine experience with different flavours of the same basic food! Rice and fish can taste so very different is something you will learn when you eat in Kerala. Try to learn the language and you will be shocked by the vast difference in dialects used in each region! Apparently, Malayalam is one of the most difficult to learn languages in India! But then, the people here are quite educated and they will communicate in a language you are comfortable with. Sometimes it can go beyond words and you will be dancing with your hands! Well, there’s a lot to experience on your Kerala Tourism Packages, especially if you are coming on a backpacking tour. Come unprepared, to truly explore the land of coconuts and spices. Talking about spices, Kerala was once one of the richest settlements thanks to the rare and flavourful spices we used to export from here about 2000 years back. So that’s a part of Kerala’s tradition and culture too!

When you are in Kerala, the most difficult job is to choose the best locations to visit within a limited time. In each of the 14 districts, you will find at least 2 to 3 amazing locations to visit, each offering a totally different experience. Though the state is very small, there’s a lot to explore on Kerala Holiday Packages here because ofthe wide variety of landscapes this beautiful God’s Own Country has to offer the tourists. The Western Ghats on one side offers ample wilderness and misty mountains to explore. These are an adventurer’s paradise as much they offer the most serene experience too! On another side, the long shorelines offer the best tropical beach holidays that are equally fun and romantic. In between, there are backwaters, rivers, cities, villages, waterfalls and all sorts of amusements and entertainments for the tourists on Kerala tour packages with price that’s quite affordable. Here’s a list of 10 interesting destinations not to miss during your Kerala holidays.

Kovalam

Kovalam is a beach-lover’s paradise. It is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala, especially among the honeymooners. The crescent-shaped beaches become the most romantic as the orange shades of the setting sun start colouring the horizon. The Hawa beach and the Lighthouse beach are quite popular destinations to visit in Kovalam. The place is hardly an hour’s drive from Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala. There are exotic resorts here that are available in all budgets. Do not miss the invigorating flavours of typical Kerala seafood while in Kovalam.

Ponmudi

Ponmudi is a serene hill station near Trivandrum. It is a couple of hours’ drive from the city. Ponmudi is a beautiful escapade from the maddening city crowds and has a pleasant climate throughout the year. Located on the Western Ghats, Ponmudi offers some refreshing viewpoints and plantations where tourists enjoy their day out during their Kerala Packages. Visit Agasthyarkoodam near Ponmudi which is the tallest peak on the Western Ghats. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and Meenmutti falls are two other interesting locations to visit while in Ponmudi.

Thenmala

If you want to explore ecotourism at its best, Thenmala is the right place to be. Tourists can enjoy boating, biking, trekking, mountaineering and a host of natural adventures in Thenmala. For the children, they can enjoy a walk through the rope bridge, the beautiful forests and the creek, and the musical fountain. A nature walk through the forest will be an enchanting experience. There’s a lot to explore and learn here. Thenmala dam and Palaruvi waterfalls are beautiful locations to visit nearby.

Thekkady

Thekkady is a popular destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. The Periyar Tiger Reserve is already a popular part of the Kerala Tour and offers an exciting experience to the tourists. Boating, trekking, camping, wildlife and photography can be enjoyed in Thekkady. Intermittent rains make the place quite calm and soothing for everyone.

Kumarakom

At Kumarakom, you can enjoy the beautiful backwaters and the bird sanctuary other than the beach and the museum nearby during your Kerala Tours. The Vembanad lake offers a picturesque view of the villages and farms through which you can enjoy a memorable houseboat cruise. If you are visiting at the right time, you can even enjoy some thrilling snake-boat races in this part of the world. It typically happens during the Onam festival which is celebrated during the August – September months.

Cherai

Cherai used to be a beautiful laid-back beach frequented only by the locals who came over to spend a calm and quiet evening here. But now it has become a popular destination for Kerala Trip packagesfor honeymoon and family holidays. You can reach the beach travelling through a road that runs between paddy fields and backwaters. At one point, you will see a small canal lined up with Chinese fishing nets which are still being used for fishing. There are now options for boating, beautiful resorts and a lot of other facilities for the tourists at the beach.

Athirapilly

Athirappilly waterfalls are majestic and ravishing. They are so gorgeous that they have been featured in many popular South Indian, Bollywood and Hollywood movies. It is a popular picnic spot for the locals. Located near Chalakkudi, Athirappilly also has options for trekking. There are treehouse resorts nearby that overlooks the waterfalls and offers a romantic backdrop to the honeymoon couples visiting Kerala.

Thrissur

Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala and has many pilgrim centers, shopping arcades and live performing stages. The best times to visit Thrissur is either during the Onam festival or in April – May time when the entire city gets into the celebration mood of Thrissur Pooram. It is a gala festival of colours, elephants, percussion and fireworks which fills up the city with millions of spectators from across the world. If you can plan your Kerala tour packages from Bangalore during this time, even though it will be very hot and humid in Kerala, you can enjoy the festivities.

Malampuzha

Malampuzha is probably one of the oldest tourist destinations in Kerala, other than Munnar. The dam, reservoir and the garden here have always been a favouritedestination for tourists on KeralaHoneymoon Packages for ages now. Schools and colleges also used to conduct one-day picnic to Malampuzha regularly till recently. It is located near Palakkad and offers a refreshing holiday experience to tourists. The garden, the rope bridge and the dancing fountains are the most enchanting elements of Malampuzha picnic.

Wayanad

Wayanad offers an array of experiences to the tourists on Honeymoon Packages in Kerala. The enchanting forests and the wilderness, the cool climate and the calm atmosphere offer an enriching and refreshing experience to the tourists. There are a lot of waterfalls nearby to visit. The jungle safari, a creek cruise, bird sanctuary, pre-historic cave and museum are worth exploring in Wayanad. 

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15 Places Not To Miss In Kochi

Are you planning to explore Kochi during this holiday season? Wondering where to refer to plan your Kerala Holiday Packages in Kochi? The best option is to check with a local and I am on a mission to help you out with planning an extensive tour of Kochi. Being a native of Kochi, I can take you on a virtual tour of the best 15 locations in and around the city which will make your tour an exclusive one. We will cover some of the usual destinations such as Fort Kochi, Mattancherry and Tripunithura without which the tour will be incomplete and yet, take you to some amazing places that are rarely mentioned in other holiday packages in Kochi.

1.      Marine Drive

Marine Drive is a popular landmark in terms of the commercial aspects and tourism in Kochi. The Broadway is located opposite to the Marine Drive and is quite narrow for today’s standards. Yet, it remains one of the oldest markets that still thrive in this age of malls and e-commerce. A major landmark in Marine Drive is the beautiful Rainbow Bridge which offers a stunning sunset view over the backwaters. The ground next to this place is a popular venue for exhibitions and public meetings. You can see the ships anchored on the backwaters and the boats plying to the nearby islands from Marine Drive. Tourists can also enjoy a short boat ride along the backwaters.

2.      Subash Park

This is one of the oldest landmarks of the city which has been maintained impeccably. After the recent renovations, the Subash Park has become the most desirable location for locals and travelers to enjoy a relaxing evening by the side of backwaters. It is a popular shooting location for Malayalam movies. The children’s park nearby is a popular picnic spot for children.

3.      Kerala Kathakali Center

The Kathakali lovers in Kochi have formed this cultural club where the evenings are collared with Kathakali performances by renowned artists. Tour operators and tourists often book in advance to watch live performances here.

4.      Chinese Fishing Nets

Even though not much have been mentioned in the history about the Chinese influences and settlements in Kerala, these huge Chinese fishing nets are proof of an age-old Chinese interaction on this land. Kochi is one of the few places in Kerala where you will find a lot of Chinese fishing nets still operational in their traditional ways. This is a major landmark as well as tourist attraction of Kochi city.

5.      Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi 

Santa Cruz Basilica is believed to be established by one of the seven apostles of Saint Thomas who visited Kerala many centuries back. The church was attacked and renovated by many settlements who ruled the state over the centuries. It is a major landmark visited by tourists visiting Fort Kochi.

6.      Fort Kochi Beach

The beach looks like the Marine drive of Mumbai with the concrete blocks paved along the shore and the benches installed in the area. The place is a perfect hangout for the youngsters seeking fun beach holidays in Kerala. The palm-fringed shores and the rows of Chinese fishing nets make the place look picturesque.

7.      Jewish Synagogue

The Jewish Synagogue was established when the Jews ruled this place many centuries back. The synagogue has been renovated and maintained over the years by the very few Jew families who are still settled here and in North Paravoor which is located in the outskirts of the city. This is a popular destination for tourists on Kerala Packages.

8.      Maritime Museum, Kochi

Maritime museum showcases the history of Military forces through the images, sculptures and miniature models displayed here. It will be quite informative to those interested in history.

9.      Tripunithura Hill Palace Museum

The royal palace has been converted into a museum that showcases the heritage and culture of the central Travancore Empire that used to rule this part of Kerala before India got independence. It is a popular picnic spot in Kochi.

10.  Thrikkakkara Vamana Moorthy Temple

This is one of those rare temples that worships the Vamana incarnation of Lord Vishnu who was responsible for the myth related to Onam. Vamana stomped on King Mahabali and sent him to Pathal from where the king comes to visit his citizens every year during Onam. The temple has retained its heritage and charm by holding close to its traditional rituals and festivals.

11.  Kodanad Elephant Training Center

Kodanad is hardly 90 minutes’ drive from Kochi city. The Elephant training center here is a popular tourist attraction with many elephants of different ages being treated and trained here. This is basically a rehabilitation center for elephants that fall prey to illegal trespassers and traps or fall sick and are abandoned by their herd. These elephants are given proper treatment and food and trained to go back to their natural habitat and to survive there.

12.  Wonderla Amusement Park

This water theme and amusement park around 15 Kms from the city, attracts a huge crowd throughout the year. World-class rides and impeccable maintenance have made it so popular among the youngsters and families who keep coming back during the holiday seasons.

13.  Lulu Mall

This huge mall has become a major tourist attraction for tourists on Kerala Tour Packages with Price that’s affordable. The mall has many renowned brands, their own signature shops, dining facilities, multiplex and amusement and gaming area for tourists of all age groups to enjoy.

14.  Kasi Art Gallery, Fort Kochi

Kasi Art Gallery is a unique concept where artists from across the world come and stay and showcase their artistic skills while interacting with like-minded people who come over with similar aspirations and those who come to explore their creations.

15.  Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

This is a nature treasure hidden in the city area where the thick mangroves become home to vivid local and migratory birds. As many as 32 different species of birds are found here according to surveys done recently.

These are some amazing destinations that help you realize the vivacious nature of this mesmerizing metro-city that’s very close to its rich heritage and nature around it.