How to Experience Kerala the Right Way

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Every top rated tourist destination has some unique experiences to offer. Kerala, for instance, has its fresh backwaters, hill stations, authentic south Indian food, wildlife reserves, and traditional Keralite living, theyyams, houseboats, tea and coffee plantations. Beyond the popular places to visit in Kerala like Munnar, Kovalam, Wayanad and Kumarakom, the right way to experience Kerala is suggested below, going north to south, area-wise. Remember, that all of these places can be one whole trip individually.

1. Kasargod

Ferry rides, the Bekal Fort and hikes, bird-watching and boating along the Mangrove Trail of Malabar, the Valiyaparamba backwaters are a refreshing surprise in this northern-most district. The Padanna backwaters on the other hand offer moonlit houseboat cruises, mussel farming, visit to the manmade Kareem Forest and watching oyster harvests. Ranipuram is a hill station where tourists can indulge in treks, wildlife and bird-watching, rappelling, chimney-climbing and generally escaping into the Ooty of Kerala.

2. Kannur

Kerala Tourism is incomplete without a true insight into the Keralite lifestyle which can be found in Kannur with visits to Charappuram Sree Muthappan Kshethram for year-round Theyyam performances and Loknath Weavers for indigenous fabric making. Get adventurous at the only drive-in beach of Muzhappilangad with parasailing, paragliding, jet-ski and driver stunts.

3. Kalpetta

Visit large coffee plantations, the never-drying heart-shaped lake going up Chembra Peak, the Pookot lake with its blue lilies, Karapuzha and Banasura Sagar dams, Meenmutty and Kanthanpara waterfalls, the ancient Puliyarmala Jain and Thirunelly temples and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, to stay on top of your toes in Kalpetta.

4. Kozhikode

Kuruvadweep is a group of three islands which are home to wild flowers, rare orchids and a wide variety of birds. Ideal for exploring and swimming, tourists need to maintain caution in monsoons and carry their own food and drinks in this largely unexplored gem. A seaside day trip can be to the Beypore Beach to watch the lighthouse and building of big wooden ships.

5. Palakkad

Explore with Kerala tour packages, the tea estates, orange and cardamom farms, a 100m high waterfall and a variety of birds and butterflies in the ecological wonderland of Nelliyampathy hill station. Also visit the rare species of monkeys, the lion-tailed Macaque along with other flora and fauna at the famous Silent Valley National Park, amidst the stunning Nilgiri.

6. Anamudi

A must-visit neighbour of Munnar, this highest peak of the Western Ghats is a visual delight with several exotic species of plants and animals

7. Kochi

Find the richest bird sanctuary on peninsular India in Thattekkad, the beautiful city-life of Kerala on its Marine Drive, the migratory residence of exotic birds in Pathiramanal backwaters along with a glimpse of royalty at Krishnapuram Palace and sunset at the Alappuzha Beach. Or have a picnic in Paniyeli Poru amidst the pristine rivulets, waterfalls, streams and dense forests.

8. Kottayam

Go boating, forest-camping, bird-watching, visiting spice gardens and the cardamom factory in Gavi – a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, visit the majestic valley and lake of Ilaveezha Poonchira, the Kumarakom Tourist Village for fishing, boating and houseboat sightseeing on the Vembanad Lake along with the Kumarakom bird sanctuary and top it with a day trip to Aruvikkuzhi Falls for rock-climbing, trekking and rubber plantations.

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