Kerala has an endless list of tourist destinations that will interest any traveller. Renowned for its scenic locations and natural beauty, Kerala is sure to enchant any nature lover with its hills, backwaters, beaches, waterfalls and wildlife. The state also has a rich heritage and thriving culture one can explore by visiting the various forts, palaces, museums, monuments and pilgrim centers. Both natural and manmade brilliance await you at every turn. We bring some of the hot pick destinations in Kerala.
Bekal Fort in Kasaragod
Around 16 km to the south of northernmost district in Kerala, Kasaragod, lies the massive Bekal Fort. It is among the biggest forts in Kerala and has been impeccably maintained throughout the years. It rises to 130 feet above sea level and is situated on a headland spanning 35km. Much effort has been put to develop a beautiful beach here called the Bekal Fort Beach. People flock to these spots in great numbers. Situated comfortably on steep hills by the sea, the fort provides for an imposing view from the beach. Built using laterite slabs and with a polygonal shape, it is amongst the most visited sites in Kerala.
There are many factors that have added to the popularity of the site. An observation tower fitted with beautiful peepholes, the Anjaneya Temple with its famous masonry and two Theyyam sculptures built from laterite are among the primary attractions.
An ancient mosque built by Tipu Sultan and various underground passageways is also important places in the area. A rock garden was built using laterite in the parking area and is an architectural
marvel in itself. Trees have been planted on the beach along with the construction of a splendid walkway which makes it easier to traverse the beach and enjoy its sights. At night, the entire place is lit up with special lights that add a whole new dimension to its beauty.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai Route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km from Kasaragod town; Calicut International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasaragod Town.
Kumarakom
The village of Kumarakom is a cluster of little islands on the Vembanad Lake, and is part of the Kuttanad region. The bird sanctuary here, which is spread across 14 acres is a favorite haunt of migratory birds and an ornithologist’s paradise. Egrets, Darters, Herons, Teals, Waterfowls, Cuckoo, Wild Duck and migratory birds like the Siberian Stork visit here in flocks and fascinate all visitors.
An enchanting backwater destination, Kumarakom offers visitors many other leisure options. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the Taj Garden Retreat, a sprawling old bungalow-turned-resort.
Waterscapes, the backwater resort of the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation has independent cottages built on stilts, set amidst coconut groves offering a panoramic view of the backwaters. Holiday packages involving houseboats and traditional Kettuvalloms (rice barges) offer great experiences.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 13 km Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 94 km
Illikkal Kallu, Kottayam
Illikkal Kallu is a popular tourist attraction situated at 6000 ft above sea level at Kottayam. Three hills, each rising to 4000 ft and above together form the Illikkal hills. Each of these hills has a peculiar shape. One of the hills resembles a mushroom and is called Kudakallu (umbrella-shaped rock). The second hill has a small hunch on the sides and is therefore referred to as Koonu kallu (hunchback rock). It is one of the highest peaks in Western Ghats.
Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady
The very sound of the word Thekkady conjures up images of elephants, unending chains of hills and spice scented plantations. The Periyar forests of Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India. Spreads across the entire district are the picturesque plantations and hill towns that nestle beautiful trails for treks and mountain walks. It is one of the oldest tiger reserves in the country and the forests of Periyar are embellished by the presence of endangered species including White Tigers. To explore the wilderness of Periyar Tiger Reserve tourists have many options like boating to trekking.
Boating in Periyar Lake
The best way to enjoy Periyar is from the edge of your seat on a boat. If you are a little more adventurous, then you can take a bamboo raft and row while the wild watches you. The Bamboo
Rafting at Periyar is available in two slots – Full day and Half day.
Trekking Trails
The guided day trek at Periyar: The Periyar Tiger Trail, an adventure trekking and camping; Border Hiking – Protection oriented range hiking; Bamboo Rafting; Jungle Patrol, Shepherding the jungle; Tribal Heritage – A peep into the past; Jungle Inn – Jungle in the night.
Camping
The Bamboo Grove – Ecolodge: The stay over program provides eco-lodge accommodations inside bamboo thickets. 15 bamboo huts with double-bedded occupancy with hygienic and modern furnishing is available.
The wealth of Periyar Forests
Flora: There are over 1965 flowering plants including 171 grass species and 143 species of orchids here. The only south Indian conifer, scientifically known as Podocarpus Wallichianus, grows in the forests of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
Mammals: More than 60 species are found here which include the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Indian Bison, Sambar Deer, Indian Wild Dog, Leopard, Barking Deer and the Smooth-Coated Otter which can be sighted during a boat cruise in the Periyar Lake. The Nilgiri Tahr is confined to the higher rocky areas
whereas the endangered Lion Tailed Macaque can be found in the interior evergreen forests. Both the Bonnet Macaques and Nilgiri Langur can be seen foraging from the trees near where the boat lands.
Birds: Here we have 265 species including migrants. The Malabar Grey Hornbill, The Indian Pied Hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie, many species of Drongos, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, Babblers, the spectacular Malabar Trogon, etc. can be seen near where the boat lands.
Reptiles: Cobra, Viper, Krait, a number of non-poisonous snakes, and the Indian Monitor Lizard.
Amphibians: Frogs like the colorful Malabar Gliding Frog, Fungoid Frog, Bicolored Frog, many species of toads, and limbless Caecilians.
Pisces (fish): The Periyar Lake and streams have several species of fish including the Mahseer, the famous and endangered game fish of India. The Smooth-Coated Otter can be frequently spotted from the boat.
Plantations: Tea, cardamom, pepper and coffee plantations abound in the areas adjoining the Tiger Reserve. Watch Towers: There are a few watch towers inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve which are excellent for viewing wildlife.
Munroe Island in Kollam
Munroe Island is a hidden pearl in the backwaters which is composed of a cluster of 8 islands. Each of them is separated by small water channels and lakes. Munroe Island is located about 27 km from Kollam. The place is named in honour of Resident Colonel John Munroe, of the former princely state of Travancore. He is said to have integrated several backwater regions by digging canals. Some of this island’s main attractions are the narrow waterways, canal cruise and the famous Kallada Boat Race held here during the 10-day festival of Onam. It offers a unique and tranquil setting, far away from the constant chaos of modern life.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Munroe Island, about 3 km Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 84 km
Pookkot lake, Wayanad
A natural freshwater lake surrounded by evergreen forest and rolling hills. A freshwater aquarium with large variety of fish is an added attraction. Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, children’s park, and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices. Wayanad lies at an altitude varying from 700 – 2100 meters above the sea level. The district has the highest number of tribal settlements in Kerala. The hill ranges of Vythiri taluk (taluk is a subdivision of a district), through which the road from Kozhikode ascends the Wayanad plateau over the mind-boggling bends and ridges are the highest locations of Wayanad district.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 63 km Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 63 km
Kakkathuruth – the Island of Crows
Kakkathuruth is a spectacular tiny island on Kerala’s backwaters in Alappuzha, has been listed in National Geographic’s ‘Around the World in 24 Hours,’ a photographic tour of travel-worthy spots in the world. The emerald-fringed ‘Island of Crows’ is a quiet place surrounded by Vembanad Lake, offers a haven for birdwatchers.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Cherthala, around 15 km Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 186 km
Kollukkumallay – the highest tea garden in India
Located in steep, rugged terrain, Kollukkumallay in Munnar is the highest tea garden in the country at 7900 ft. Accessible only by jeep, a visit to the estate includes a drive around the tea fields and a tour of its factory. What gives Kollukkumallay tea its special flavor is presumably the high altitude.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Angamaly, about 109 km from Munnar Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 108 km
