‘Welcome to God’s own country’ a husky sound from 2 metre distance said, when I jumped out of the train and headed over to main platform of ‘Alappuzha’ Kerala. Though i did not hire any tourist guide, I managed to get all the information from the south Indian family sitting next to my seat. They were in Gujarat since 22 years so it was easy for me to gain detailed information.
The place ‘Kerala’ had conquered my soul due to its famous backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments, delicately spiced taste-bud tingling cuisine, wild elephants, exotic birds, incredibly costumed vibrant tradition Kathakali, unique temples, snake boats, I was here due to all these reasons.
I booked a room of ‘Alleppey Prince Hotel’, the room was nicely decorated, from their i began my journey.
Places I loved:
- Alleppey Backwaters
Alleppey large network of canals and one of the major centres for backwater boat trips. Captivating scenery of greenery, canals, waterways are the best way to describe Alleppey. Cruising along the backwater was my dream.
So i was there near the cruise, the cruise I was in took me through the calm water of famous Punnamada Lake. It was awesome experience cruising on the serene backwaters enjoying the view.
2. Bright Water Houseboat
My experience with Bright Water Houseboat was awesome. The rooms were nicely decorated and friendly crew, food for what i celebrate my experience in that houseboat. Beautiful, serene view, a quite atmosphere eased away all my stress.
3. Munnar
After exploring Alleppey I reached to Munnar. The hill station surrounded by rolling hills dotted with tea plantations, winding lanes and holiday facilities made this a popular place. Munnar highest peak Anamudi I found the place ideal for trekking.
4. Eravikulam National Park
It was told to me by the family I met in train to not miss the ‘Eravikulam National Park’ the first national park in Kerala, located 15 km from Munnar. The park is managed by Kerala dept. of forest and wildlife. High rolling slopes are found here. The peak is home to numerous protected species. Number of elephants, langur were spotted.
5. Thekkady
Beautiful place consists of species and coffee plantations. Thekkady’s scenic beauty has been attracting many tourist and visitors all over the world. For me Thekkady was heaven the cool climate, scenic vistas attracted me. It is the perfect place to see the wildlife animals from very close.
6. Kochi
A major port city of the south west cost of India. It is a very lovely seaside city. Kochi represents brief outlook of different people, Modern culture to traditional culture was found there.
7) Kerala Folklore Museum
A monument preserving splendid Folklore wealth of the state. It is a treasure showcases the rich heritage that Kerala exudes. Museum is created in Kerala style.
8) Varkala
The only place in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to Arabian sea. I found it to be a unique beautiful place. Number of Spas are located on the sides of these cliffs where you can get refreshed. A 2000 year old Janardana Swami Temple is very famous here.
9) Janardana Swami Temple
A 2000 year old temple brings out the most traditional look in a interesting way. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here. The temple is located on the hill tops, though I got tired climbing the steps but the traditional look and atmosphere dramatically reduced my stress and tiredness.
10) Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram also known by its colonial name ‘Trivandrum’ is the capital of Kerala. Mahatma Gandhi referred the place as ‘Evergreen City Of India’. I found the place as a completely energetic place.
11) Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The temple is built in an intricate fusion of Dravidian style. Believed to be the richest temple in the world in terms of gold and precious stones. Dress code is strictly followed that is the only thing worried me, but then I found it interesting to dress up according to the rules.
12) Kovalam Beach
Kovalam Beach has always been a favourite haunt of tourists. There are plenty of options to enjoy in beach like sunbathing, swimming, herbal body toning massages, cruising etc. Life here at night is amazing.
13) Vagamon
Beautiful hill station located in Kottayam- Idukki border of Idukki district of Kerala. The place carries attractive look carrying enchanting green meadows, pine forest, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls etc. The place is also bestowed with colourful and variety of flowers.
14) Bekal
It is a small town in Kasaragod District. The area has numerous sites attracting tourists. The place is famous for its largest and best preserved fort, bordered by a splendid beach.
15) Bekal Fort
The fort is 300 year old largest preserved forts in Kerala, shaped like a splendid beach. I had a superb view of Arabian sea from its towers. It has stayed favourite shooting locale for film makers.
16) Thrissur
Thrissur is known for its sacred sites and colourful festivals. Festivals that are totally different and deeply rooted festivals representing history.
17) Thrissur Pooram
Colourful city has colourful and most famous festival Thrissur Pooram. It is celebrated at Vadakkunnathan Temple. Thousand of tourists and devotees flood the temple during the festival. Night fireworks, elephant procession and other rituals are amazing and different. Drummers spreads energetic and positive vibes during the festival. Grand display of caparisoned elephant merges the cultural essence of Kerala.
18) Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam renowned the world over for its Kathakali training centre, it also imparts training in art forms like Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam, Thullal etc. Kathakali and all these dance forms can be viewed here.
19) Aranmula Vallamkali
Interesting Vallamkali (boat race) considered to be a ritual more than a competition. Associated with a story the race was performed.
20) Guruvayur Temple
A temple located in the town of Guruvayur considered to be one of the important places of worship. The idol of ‘Maha Vishnu’ with four hands carrying (conch) beautiful idol made of rare stone is a eye catching feature of the temple.
21) Mannarasala Temple
Very ancient place devoted to serpent worship. Serpent worship is a part of Hindu religious practices. In this temple, the rites are presided over by a priestess. Temple covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest.
22) Palliyara Devi temple
Believe it or not, Kerala has a temple to worship spiders. Devotees come here to get cured of the wounds of spider bites.
23) Edakkal Caves
Caves in Wayanad district are unique with its neolithic carving. If you want to explore all about ancient people, how they live then Edakkal Caves is the perfect place considered to be one of the earliest centres of human habitation.
24) Kannur
Kannur is known as Land of Looms and Loores, because of weaving industry functioning in district. Undeveloped beaches looks very beautiful, i was dragged to look at those beaches.
25) Puthe Maliga Palace Museum
The 200 year old museum has beautiful carved wooden ceilings, marble sculptures. Images of Kathakali, portraits of Maharaja, a very interesting place to visit.
26) Hill Palace Museum
Kerala’s first heritage museum noted for Royal collections of erstwhile Maharaja of Kochi is the largest archaeological museum in Kerala. Horse riding, deer parks, oil paintings, sculptures made in stones makes the museum more attractive for tourists.
27) Tea Museum
The museum opened by ‘Tata Tea’ is a demo model of working tea factory. Collection of hold bits including photographs are kept here. The museum portrays the growth of Munnar tea estates. It has become one of the prime tourist destination in Kerala situated in Munnar.
28) Ponnumthuruthu Island
Beautiful gateway surrounded by backwaters, this is the main reason people love to visit Ponnumthuruthu island, just 10 Km away from Varkala. A 100 year old Shiva temple is also a attraction here.
29) Gavi
Alluring place for nature lovers. After ‘Alistair International’ the world acclaimed tourism major listed it among the leading Eco-tourism centres. Gave offers its visitors trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping and night safaris.
30) Sabarimala
The temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is the most preeminent in Kerala. Temple is situated on a hilltop. It is said that magically stars appears during Makar Sankaranati, People all over the world come to see the celestial building.
31) Veega Land
An amusement park with more than 50 thrilling rides and various shows, favourite place for people of Kerala. Tourists come here to enjoy amazing rides and fine restaurants. Different rides for different age people. It is located about 14 Km away from Kochi.
Conclusion:
It is truly a incredible place where you can touch the nature deeply, smell the wet soil, feel the cool breeze a lovable cleanest place for refreshment with delicious spicy food, heaven for non-vegetarians, must visit place before dying.
