Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is a state in southern India renowned for its palm-lined beaches, backwaters, mountain ranges, and rich culture. This detailed guide explores some of the must-visit tourist places in Kerala, including their specialties, localities, best times to visit, and nearby restaurants and hotels.
1. Munnar
Specialty
- Significance: Known for its tea plantations, misty hills, and pleasant climate.
- Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, and Tea Museum.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Idukki district, in the Western Ghats.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: September to May, for pleasant weather and outdoor activities.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Saravana Bhavan: Famous for its South Indian vegetarian cuisine.
- Rapsy Restaurant: Known for its varied menu and cozy ambiance.
- Hotels:
- The Leaf Munnar: Offers luxurious accommodations with stunning views.
- Windermere Estate: Provides comfortable stays with modern amenities.
2. Alleppey (Alappuzha)
Specialty
- Significance: Famous for its backwaters, houseboats, and picturesque canals.
- Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake, and Krishnapuram Palace.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Alappuzha district, along the Arabian Sea coast.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: November to February, for pleasant weather and backwater cruises.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Halais Restaurant: Famous for its seafood and traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Thaff Delicacy: Known for its varied menu and local dishes.
- Hotels:
- Punnamada Resort: Offers luxurious stays with backwater views.
- Houseboat Cruises: Provides unique accommodation experiences on the backwaters.
3. Kochi (Cochin)
Specialty
- Significance: Known for its historical sites, cultural diversity, and vibrant port.
- Attractions: Fort Kochi, Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, and Jewish Synagogue.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Ernakulam district, along the southwestern coast of India.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: October to March, for pleasant weather and sightseeing.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Kashi Art Café: Famous for its café ambiance and varied menu.
- Fort House Restaurant: Known for its seafood and traditional Kerala dishes.
- Hotels:
- Brunton Boatyard: Offers luxurious stays with heritage charm.
- Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty: Provides modern amenities and stunning views.
4. Wayanad
Specialty
- Significance: Known for its lush greenery, wildlife, and spice plantations.
- Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Soochipara Falls, and Pookode Lake.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the northern part of Kerala, in the Western Ghats.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: October to May, for a comfortable climate and outdoor activities.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- 1980’s A Nostalgic Restaurant: Famous for its traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Jubilee Restaurant: Known for its varied menu and cozy ambiance.
- Hotels:
- Vythiri Village Resort: Offers luxurious stays with stunning views.
- The Serai Kabini: Provides comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
5. Thekkady
Specialty
- Significance: Famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and spice plantations.
- Attractions: Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mangala Devi Temple.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Idukki district, near the Tamil Nadu border.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: September to April, for wildlife sightings and pleasant weather.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Grandma’s Café: Famous for its home-cooked Kerala dishes.
- Spice Garden Restaurant: Known for its varied menu and cozy ambiance.
- Hotels:
- The Elephant Court: Offers luxurious stays with modern amenities.
- Spice Village: Provides comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
6. Kovalam
Specialty
- Significance: Known for its crescent-shaped beaches and lighthouse.
- Attractions: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, along the Arabian Sea coast.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: November to February, for pleasant weather and beach activities.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- The Tides: Famous for its seafood and beachfront dining.
- Curry Leaf: Known for its traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Hotels:
- The Leela Kovalam: Offers luxurious stays with stunning views.
- Taj Green Cove Resort & Spa: Provides modern amenities and excellent service.
7. Varkala
Specialty
- Significance: Known for its cliffs, beaches, and the Janardhana Swamy Temple.
- Attractions: Varkala Beach, Papanasam Beach, and Varkala Cliff.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district, along the Arabian Sea coast.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: October to March, for pleasant weather and beach activities.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Clafouti: Famous for its varied menu and beach views.
- Café Del Mar: Known for its seafood and relaxed ambiance.
- Hotels:
- Hindustan Beach Retreat: Offers luxurious stays with beachfront views.
- The Gateway Hotel Varkala: Provides modern amenities and excellent service.
8. Kumarakom
Specialty
- Significance: Famous for its backwaters, bird sanctuary, and houseboats.
- Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, and Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Kottayam district, along the Vembanad Lake.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: November to February, for pleasant weather and backwater cruises.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Kilikkoodu Toddy Shop: Famous for its traditional Kerala cuisine and toddy.
- Lime Tree: Known for its varied menu and lake views.
- Hotels:
- Kumarakom Lake Resort: Offers luxurious stays with backwater views.
- Coconut Lagoon: Provides comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
9. Thrissur
Specialty
- Significance: Known as the cultural capital of Kerala, famous for its festivals and temples.
- Attractions: Vadakkunnathan Temple, Thrissur Pooram Festival, and Athirappilly Waterfalls.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the central part of Kerala.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: October to March, for pleasant weather and festival celebrations.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Sree Radhakrishna Prasada: Famous for its traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Hotel Bharat: Known for its varied menu and cozy ambiance.
- Hotels:
- Joys Palace: Offers luxurious stays with modern amenities.
- Hotel Merlin International: Provides comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
10. Bekal
Specialty
- Significance: Known for its historic fort and beautiful beaches.
- Attractions: Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach, and Chandragiri Fort.
Locality
- Location: Situated in the Kasaragod district, along the Arabian Sea coast.
Best Time to Visit
- Ideal Months: October to March, for pleasant weather and sightseeing.
Nearby Restaurants and Hotels
- Restaurants:
- Nalanda Restaurant: Famous for its traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Viceroy Restaurant: Known for its varied menu and cozy ambiance.
- Hotels:
- Taj Bekal Resort & Spa: Offers luxurious stays with stunning views.
- The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal: Provides modern amenities and excellent service.
Kerala offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. Each destination provides a unique experience, making it a perfect place for all kinds of travelers. Whether you are seeking history, spirituality, adventure, or tranquility, Kerala has something to offer for everyone.
