Kerala - what to see

Kerala, a state on India's tropical Coast, has nearly 600km of Arabian Sea shoreline. It's known for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters, a network of canals. Inland are the Western Ghats, mountains whose slopes support tea, coffee and spice plantations as well as wildlife. National parks like Eravikulam and Periyar, plus Wayanad and other sanctuaries, are home to elephants, langur monkeys and tigers.

Munnar - Hill station

Munnar Gap Road

In Munnar, key attractions include exploring the endless tea gardens, such as those surrounding Kanan Devan Hills, and visiting the Tata Tea Museum to learn about tea processing. Other must-see sights are the scenic Attukad Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam with its surrounding market, the echoing sounds at Echo Point, and the traditional Kerala arts at Kalari Kshethra.

The Neelakurinji flower blooms typically every 12 years, with the last mass flowering in 2018, and the next mass blooming expected in 2030. The flowering period usually occurs between August and October. While the primary location is the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar, isolated blooms have occurred in other areas of the Western Ghats, such as the Meesapulimala hills.

Thekkady (Periyar wildlife santuary / Mullaperiyar Dam)

boating at Periyar River

Periyar National Park, known for its elephant and tiger reserves, enjoy bamboo rafting on the Periyar River, and explore various attractions such as the Thekkady Rose Park, Elephant Junction, Abraham's Spice Garden, and the Tribal Heritage Program.

Alappuzha (Beach and Backwaters)

Alappuzha (Alleppey) is renowned for its backwaters and beaches.

Alleppey Backwaters is a network of canals, rivers, and lagoons, perfect for houseboat cruises and exploring traditional Kerala village life. Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala, adjacent to Alleppey, and a significant part of the backwater system.  

Thiruvananthapuram

In Thiruvananthapuram, notable sights include the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Napier Museum, the Kuthiramalika Palace Museum, and the Kovalam and Shanghumukham beaches.

Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is located along the Arabian Sea and is famous for its dramatic red cliffs that offer stunning views. Varkala Beach offers a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kayaking, and paragliding. The area is divided into North Cliff and South Cliff, with the North Cliff being more lively and featuring numerous cafes, while the South Cliff is known for its peaceful atmosphere and Ayurvedic retreats. The beach is a popular spot for watching sunsets.

Kovalam Beach offers a variety of attractions, including its three main beaches: Lighthouse Beach, Hawa Beach, and Samudra Beach. Visitors can enjoy water sports like surfing and parasailing, explore the Vizhinjam Lighthouse, and relax on the sandy shores. Beyond the beaches, Kovalam also features Vellayani Lake, known for its tranquility, and the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple. 

Shanghumukham Beach in Thiruvananthapuram, India, offers a variety of attractions for visitors. It's known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful sunsets, and the iconic "Sagarakanyaka" (mermaid) sculpture. The beach is also a popular spot for leisurely walks, evening relaxation, and enjoying local food.

Veli Tourist Village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a popular destination known for its serene atmosphere and scenic beauty where Lake Veli meets the Arabian Sea. Key attractions include the floating bridge connecting the village to the beach, a multi-cuisine floating restaurant, and a children's park. Visitors can enjoy activities like pedal boating, horse riding, and exploring the aesthetically designed walkways.