To Kerala -10 must see placeses in Kerala

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Kerala is located in the south of India, it’s very popular among both International & domestic traveller for many interesting places to see in Kerala. Its popularly called as  Gods own country, mainly because the state is blessed with abundant natural beauty with many varieties of places to see.  Kerala has got ridges, mountains, beaches & forest ranges. I started my travel to Kerala, hoping to cover all the Places to see in Kerala,  my travel to Kerala, is a detailed and well-planned tour, covering north to south point. Once you enter Kerala, you would know you have entered Kerala, cause a blanket of lush green and fresh air would welcome you.

 

My top 10 places to see in Kerala

1. Fort Kochi

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Nearest Town: Cochin City. 
Drive time from Cochin: 20 minutes. 
Places to see around Fort Cochin & Things to do in Fort Kochi
– Chinese Fishing Net
– St. Francis Church
– Kerala Kathakali centre
– Dutch Palace
– Walk around the old town
Also, know as old Kochi, is a beach destination with backwaters and ample water bodies. Fort Kochi is famous for Chinese fishing net, it is an iconic landmark for Kochi, it is been there since the 14th century and its still in use. Its famous for serene beaches and old and renowned churches. Fort Kochi is best seen by walking around. It is one of the must-see places to see in Kerala, it is also honeymoon destinations in Kerala. One can be spoilt by choice for hotel stay and restaurants. Fort Kochi is famous among international tourist, hence one can get most of the famous international cuisine like Italian, Mediterranean, Arabian and other famous cuisines along with Indian cuisine. When you walk the narrow alley of Fort Kochi you can witness heritage buildings.
Must try Food in Kerala – Food in Fort Kochi
– Kerala Mango fish curry ( Fish cooked in spicy curry with raw mango)
– Appam ( A Fluffy rice pancake)
– Chicken Stew ( Chicken cooked in cocunut milk and spices)

2. Munnar

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Nearest Town: Cochin City.
Drive time from Cochin: 4.30 minutes.
Places to around Munnar & Things to do in Munnar
– Tea Museum
– Matteupatty Dam – Boat ride on the dam
– Kathakali & Kalripaitu Shows
– Hiking in Anamudi peak
As your entering Munnar you can spot the beauty & charm of the green-carpeted hill station, you will see acres and acres of tea estate everywhere you turn. It is a perfect destination of honeymoon in Kerala and also a must to see the place in Kerala. During British rule In India, Munnar was a famous summer destination for British. Munnar is famous for tea plantain, pepper plantation and cardamom plantations. Its indeed a treat to the eye to witness the layers of Tea Plantation, When you drive on the hill road you can see a perpetual spread of tea plantation on both the side of the road, the myriad spread of Tea plantation is a breathtaking view for the visitors. There are many types of a hotel stay available in Munnar from home stay to luxury star category hotel. While you are in Munnar you can see Kathakali and other traditional shows in Munnar.
Must try Food in Kerala – Food in Fort Munnar
– Idiyappam ( Rice noodle )
– Egg curry

3. Kumarakom – Boat House

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Nearest Town: Cochin City.
Drive time from Cochin: 1.30 minutes.
Places to around Kumarakom & Thing to do
–   Stay at the houseboat
– Visit Alleppey Backwaters  
– Day trip in the houseboat
Kumarakom is famous for backwaters and houseboat in Kerala. You can get mesmerised in the enchanting spread of backwaters in Kumarakom. Although there are a number of resorts and hotels in Kumarakom one should stay at the houseboat to indulge in Kumarakom backwaters. Some years back, stay at the houseboats in Kerala were a very basic type of accommodation, but these days one can experience a star category accommodation in the houseboats. There are different type and style of houseboats. These houseboats have a different type of room arrangements,  from 1 room to 4 rooms in the boat, there is also a double decker house boats. So depending upon the number of guests you can plan your stay at the houseboat. These Houseboats also have star category rating like Gold Star, Silver Star & Green Palm, these are based on the luxury range on the boats. I personally belive houseboats are a perfect honeymoon desitation in kerala, & its also a must see places in kerala.
Allepy – Houseboats
Allepy or also know as Alappuzha is also another famous destination for Houseboats, it is also quite near to kumarakom.
 

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Service inside the House Boat:

Check-in will be mostly around 11:00 to 12:00 noon, once you have checked in you have nowhere to go but you will stay in the boat till next day morning around 10:00 a.m check-out. All 3 meals are given in the boat, hence book early if you need a special diet plan. Once you have checked in the boat driver will take you for a long sailing in the boat till evening. In the evening the boat will be parked near an ashore where you can sleep overnight. Next day morning you will be dropped off at the same point where you boarded the boat.

Must try Food in Kerala – Food in Houseboats
– Policha Kareemeen. This is a backwater fish, which will be a freah catch from the backwaters & they add spices to it and cook it wrapped in a banana leaf
– Kerala Prawn curry  

4. Varkala – Cliff Beach

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Nearest Town: Trivandrum
Drive time from Trivandrum: 1 hour
Best time to visit the beach: October to March
– Walk on the Cliff
– Eat & Stay at the Cliff
– Enjoy the beach & water sports activities on the beach below the cliff
Varkala beach is my favourite places to see in Kerala and it is a perfect weekend getaway from Trivandrum. Varkala is lovely cliff beach, its located in the south of Kerala and near Trivandrum, it is famous for its cliff and the beach beneath. When you first visit the beach, you will be astonished by the landscape and the terrain, The Varkala beach lies beneth a cliff, the best part of Varkala beach is that the tourist can have fun on the beach and enjoy the stroll on the cliff. I love to stroll on the cliff, the cliff is happening place with lots of restaurants and shops. My favourite thing to do is that sit on the cliff and enjoy a hot Indian masala tea and watch the sunset into the sea. There are 2 stairways to walk down from the cliff to the beach. The beach is a long and has a big stretch shore. There are many resorts in and around the cliff for an overnight stay. From my experience of Varkala, I would say its a mini Gao in the south. To drink, to dine & to dive into the Arabian sea you have to be in Varkala beach.

6. Padmanabhaswamy temple

A must visit religious place for serenity, inner peace & architectural beauty. Padmanabhaswamy temple is a Hindu ancient temple, the preresiding deity is Sri Padmanabha swamy, the temple has rich history and tradition. Every time I visit the temple I can feel the immense positive energy in the temple. The temple is very famous and popular. One important point to note for tourist, its must to be dressed in south Indian attire to visit the temple, even if you don’t have one, there are shops near the temple, where you can buy one.

7. Trivandrum – Capital City of Kerala

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Trivandrum: Capital City
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International & Domestic Airport
Places to see in Trivandrum & things to in Trivandrum
– Temple Visits ( There are many temples to see in and around Trivandrum)
– Eat Onam Sadhya in Mothers Veg Plaza ( A Rich Kerala traditional meals – more than 21 dishes)
– Drive to Varkala
– Drive to Kovalam Beach
– Pamper yourself in an Ayurvedic Massage
Trivandrum is the best place to stay in south Kerala, it has all sort of accommodation from lodges, to star category luxury hotels. It would be ideal to stay at Trivandrum and visit the nearby tourist attractions.
Must try Food in Kerala – Food in Trivandrum

Kerala Traditional Vegetarion Meals. ( Rice, Lentils, Vegtable & fruit)

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8. Cochin / Kochi – Ernakulam district

Cochin / Kochi: Popular city of Kerala
Nearest Airport: Nedumbassery International & Domestic Airport
Places to see & things to in Cochin
– Visit Fort Kochi
– Visit Athirapally falls ( The falls where Famous Indian Movie Bhaubali was shot)
– Drive to Munnar
– Drive to Kumarakom
– Pamper yourself with a Kerala Ayurvedic massage
Cochin is a convenient location for tourist, it is almost in the centre of Kerala. Hence it is the best place to arrive in Kerala and visit the nearby tourist attractions. It has all sort of accommodation from lodges, to star category luxury hotels. It would be ideal to stay at Cochin and visit the nearby tourist attractions.
Must try Food in Kerala – Food in Cochin / Kochi
–  Appam (Fluffy Rice pancake)
– Kadalacurry ( Brown chickpea curry cooked with spices and coconut
– Puttu (Steamed Rice cake)
– Nadan chicken fry ( Traditional kerala style chicken fry)

9. Wayanad – Eco-Tourist Destination

Wayanad: A hill tourist area in the North of Kerala
Nearest Airport:  Mysore Aiport – Karnataka
Nearest City: Mysore – 3 hrs drive – Bangalore – 6hrs drive – Cochin – 7 hrs drive
Places to see & things to in Wayanad
– TrekkingRejunenvate in Kerala
– Ayurvedic spas
– Visit the Wildlife Sanctuaries ( Spot Elephant, deer and samba)
– Visit & Camp in Chembra Pean ( 2100 meters high)
– Visit  Kuruva Islands ( Group of tiny islets in Kabini river)
– Visit Soojipara waterfall Boating in Banasura Sagar Dam
Once you enter Wayanad, you will feel you have entred natures home ground, Wayanad is on the north end of Kerala and very popular for its lush green peaks and abundant natural beauty. There are many famous peaks in Wayanad which are great for treck. Wayanad is also famous for some famous resorts. One of the most popular resort is the Vythiri Resorts.

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10. Kumily &Thekkady

Nearest Town: Cochin City.
Drive time from Cochin: 4.30 minutes.
Places to around Kumily
– Visit Cardamom estates
– Visit and stay at Vagamon peak and Meadows
– Drive to Idduki dam
– Visit Thekkady dam
– Boating in Thekkady
Kumily is a famous hill station in the south of Kerala, It’s more renowned for the Thekkady dam. Thekkady dam attracts more tourists for its large catchment area of the reservoir. Boating in Thekkady is very pleasant and relaxing, it is an ideal picnic spot. There are many famous resorts in and around Kumily. It is also famous for the cardamom plantations.

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