Visit the God’s Own Country ‘Kerala’ That is Filled with Wonders of Nature
Kerala is probably the most beautiful state in the unique country of India. It has many peaks, waterfalls, beaches, hill stations, and other tourist attractions.
Kerala, the southwestern Indian state with a mesmerizing beauty, is widely known as “God’s own country” as God has blessed this lovely land with abundant natural beauty, unique culture, art, and heritage, waterfalls, backwaters, high ranges, rivers, beaches, and hill stations.
It is not only a popular tourist spot but is also the perfect destination with breathtaking views and greenery that will make you fall in love with nature. So here are some of the most beautiful places in Kerala that you must visit at least once in your life.
Famous Beaches of Kerala
1. Bekal Beach
Located on the vast Malabar coastline, Bekal beach is popular for its forts, backwaters, and scenic beauty. It is on the shores of the Arabian Sea that is known for its extraordinary beauty and charm and has several attractions that offer a perfect traditional Keralite hospitality to the tourists.
You can enjoy the landscape view of the sand, sun, swaying palm trees, and sea. A set of 45 caves called Nityananda Ashram caves, forts, temples, mosques, and an aqua park are other top attractions. Also, don’t forget to try the famous Payasam drink that Bekal people offer as a welcome drink.
The best time to visit is from January to March. It brings a lot of fun and enjoyment as you would get a glance of Theyyam Performance that’s a dance ritual considered significant in northern Kerala. Multi-sheds and Erumadams are the resting facilities for visitors to take rest and enjoy the sea breeze. A short ride in the traditional houseboat of Kerala ‘Kettuvallam’ offers an amazing experience of backwaters.
2. Muzhappilangad Beach
A popular tourist destination among Europeans, this Kerala beach is Asia’s longest drive-in beach. It is featured among the world’s top 6 best beaches for driving.
An important tourist site in Kannur from Kerala, the beach festival, is celebrated in April. The youngsters try several driving stunts in cars like drifting and wheeling in bikes.
The beach is bordered by black rocks that are a habitat of blue mussels (delicious seafood) and also protect it from strong sea currents.
Birdwatchers come from distant places to see over 30 migratory bird species that flock here during winters, and hundreds of people visit the beach around the year. As the beach is wide and has firm sand, it easily supports smooth driving.
3. Kovalam Beach
The Lighthouse Beach, the Hawah Beach, and the Samudra Beach are the three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings that together form the famous crescent of Kovalam Beach.
Lighthouse Beach is the most frequented beach in the southernmost region. The lighthouse is built using colored stones of red and white bands. Its irregular beams at night offer an unearthly look and feel to the beach.
Hawah (or Hawa) Beach, as Eve’s Beach is popularly known as, is the fishermen set out for sea. Having a high rock promontory and a calm bay of blue waters, this beach paradise forms a unique aquarelle on moonlit lights. Samudra Beach is separated by a large promontory from the southern side.
4. Varkala Beach
Also called Papanasam (means washing away sins) beach, Varkala beach is a cliff beach that’s located in the Varkala town of Thiruvananthapuram district. The other beaches in the town are Varkala Black Beach, Odayam Beach, Kappil Beach, and Aliyirakkam Cliff Beach.
This beach is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found near the Arabian Sea. They are a geological monument recorded by the Geological Survey of India. Spas and water cliffs are found on sides of these cliffs.
The Janardana Swami temple is located near the beach. A 10-day biannual festival, Arattu, is held here. Another attraction is Sivagiri Mutt stationed atop the hill of the same name. You can engage in different adventure and leisure activities like parasailing, jetting, boat riding, and horse riding.
5. Shankumugham Beach
Shankumugham beach is a beach in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala state. It has a Star Fish restaurant that has eating kiosks and an open-air theatre with car parking facilities. Across the beach, the Old Coffee House is a vantage point to enjoy the sunset and good food.
The Sagara Kanyaka - Mermaid sculpture is another attraction there. The 'Jawaharlal Nehru Park of Traffic signs for children' helps children understand the traffic rules while playing in the park. The beach also has a skating school and indoor sports complex that offers facilities like badminton and table tennis.
6. Calicut Beach
Kozhikode Beach or Calicut Beach is a beautiful beach situated on the western side of Kozhikode on the Malabar coast. It is accessible via four road overbridges in the city. It has illumination and paving stones. The aquarium and a Lions Park are there for children. It has always been a popular place for organizing public meetings.
The significant landmarks at the beach include Barami Masjid, Thodiyil Sree Bhagavathy Temple, Nalam Gate, Valiyangadi, and Mishkal Mosque.
7. Kappad Beach
Kappad, or locally known as Kappakadavu, is a beach in the Kappad district. It has a stone monument that commemorates the landing by Vasco Da Gama. The beach also has a corniche and park.
Beautiful Waterfalls in Kerala
1. Athirapally Water Falls
Athirapally Falls is situated in Chalakudy Taluk of the Thrissur district on the Chalakudy River. Dubbed as the Niagara of India, it is the state’s largest waterfall. It has been a favorite among the filmmakers because of its natural scenic beauty.
The daily jungle safari trips are conducted, but night riding is not recommended due to the risk of encountering wildlife. The falls attract millions of tourists during the monsoons (June-September).
2. Vazhachal Falls
Vazhachal Falls is in Athirappilly Panchayath of Thrissur district. It is situated on the west-flowing Chalakudy River near the Vazhachal Forest Division and at the edge of the Sholayar ranges. It is located 5 km from the entrance of Athirapally Falls.
3. Palaruvi Falls
Palaruvi Falls is the 32nd highest waterfall in the country of India that falls from a height of 300 feet. It is located at Aryankavu in the Kollam district.
4. Thusharagiri Falls
Thusharagiri Falls is a waterfall situated in the Kozhikode district. The two streams that originate from the Western Ghats merge to form the Chalipuzha River.
This river diverges into three waterfalls (Thenpara falls, Erattumukku falls, and Mazhavil Chattam falls) to create a snowy spray. Out of the three waterfalls, Thenpara Fall is the highest of all.
5. Thommankuthu
Thommankuthu is a seven-step waterfall situated in a forest in Thodupuzha Taluk in Idukki district. Through this forest, a trek of 12 km is possible. It is a popular tourist destination and a major center of ecotourism in the state.
Located in the southern part of the Western Ghats mountain range, Thommankuthu is a series of 12 falls over a distance of 5km.
6. Meenmutty Waterfalls
One of the gorgeous waterfalls located in Wayanad district, Meenmutty Falls, is a 3-tiered waterfall at the height of 300m. These falls can be accessed from Mananthavady-Kuttiady road.
Lush green tea plantations surround the Meenmutty waterfalls and make the hike to the falls an experience worth remembering.
Top Hill Stations in Kerala
1. Munnar
Known as the Kashmir of South India, Munnar is a hill station popular as a honeymoon destination. It is situated in the Idukki district and is 5200 feet above mean sea level in the Western Ghats mountain range.
The four major directions in Munnar are Mattupetty Direction, Thekkady Direction, Adimaly Direction, and Coimbatore Direction. In Mattupetty Direction, you can visit Subramanya Temple, Rose Garden, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Mattupetty Dam, Cowboy Park, Kundala Dam, and Top Station.
The best attractions in Thekkady Direction are Signal Point View Point, Idly Hill View Point, Only Organic, Devikulam Sri Ayyappan Temple, Lockhart Tea Museum, Lockhart Tea Park, Thankaiah Cave, Lockhart Gap ViewPoint, Periyakanal Waterfalls, and Anayirangal Dam/Boating.
The Adimaly Direction’s best places to visit are Pothamedu View Point, Spices Plantation Visit, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, and Sengulam Dam. And in Coimbatore Direction, visit Eravikulam, National Park, Anamudi Peak, Marayoor Sandal Forest, Lakkam Waterfalls, and Muniyara.
2. Vagamon
Vagamon (or Wagamon) is a hill station town located in Peermade taluk of Idukki district. It is also Meenachil taluk and Kanjirappally taluk of Kottayam district. The National Geographic Traveler magazine listed it among the "50 most attractive places to visit in India."
3. Ponmudi
Also called the Kashmir of Kerala, Ponmudi (the Golden Peak) is a popular honeymoon destination in South India. It is a hill station located in the Peringamala Panchayat of Trivandrum district. The peak is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range running parallel to the Arabian Sea.
It is connected to Trivandrum by a 2-lane highway, and the last 18km (starting from Anpara) has scenic views as it is surrounded by mountains and tea gardens. The path along this stretch offers a thrilling experience to drivers and riders that pass through 22 hairpin turns. A popular destination for trekking and backpacking, its climate is pleasant round the year.
The other nearby attractions are Golden Valley, Deer Park, Meenmutty Falls, Agasthyarkoodam, Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, and various rivulets, trekking points, and rapids.
4. Lakkidi
A major small but hill station of the state, Lakkidi is popularly known as the ‘Gateway of Wayanad.’ This tourist attraction is known for its dense forests, mountain peaks, streams, and other aquatic features.
Its most popular attraction is Pookot Lake. This clear water lake is surrounded by forests.
It has several bird species and wildlife. Besides boating and watersports, trekking is a favorite activity.
5. Gavi
Gavi is one of the most beautiful hill stations located in the Pathanamthitta district in the state. Its evergreen forests are abundant with wildlife and have over 250 bird species.
So on your visit to India, do explore the state of Kerala and its extraordinary natural beauty!
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