Exploring the Enchanting Tourist Places in Kerala

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.