New Delhi: Kerala, located on the tropical Malabar Coast, has the vast Arabian Sea shoreline and is famous for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters, a network of canals. The state is adorned by the Western Ghats, whose mountain-slopes support tea, coffee and spice plantations and also wildlife. There are national parks like Periyar and Eravikulam, along with Wayanad and other sanctuaries, which are home to tigers, elephants, and langur monkeys. Due to its mesmerizing scenic beauty, Kerala is known as ‘God’s Own Country’. In this article, we will take a look at some of the places in Kerala which you can explore for their enthralling scenery.
Popular places in Kerala one can explore
Munnar
Munnar is a town and hill station in Kerala’s Idukki district and is located at around 5,200 ft above sea level. Due to its scenic beauty, Munnar is also called the “Kashmir of South India” and is a popular honeymoon destination. It is famous for the tea estates, greenery, winding roads, blanket of mist, and viewpoints.
Alappuzha
Previously known as Alleppey, it is a prominent tourist destination in Kerala. The town is famous for its waterways and backwaters, and has been described as the ‘Venice of the East’ for the small canals winding through its historic centres. There are houseboats offering overnight stays on the backwaters and the coastline of Alleppey offers some of the best beaches with water sports during the dry season.
Thekkady
Thekkady has the Periyar National Park and and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. There, one can enjoy bamboo rafting in the catchment area of Mullaiperiyar Dam and explore the wildlife in the national park. The Periyar Lake is also a sought-after place in Thekkady. There are also nearby places to explore like Ottakathalamedu, Murikkady, Anakkara, and Pattumalay Tea Factory.
Kochi
Previously known as Cochin, it is a major port city along the Malabar Coast of India. It was formerly an important spice trading centre and it is today a popular financial, commercial, and industrial. The rich cultural heritage of the city has made it a popular tourist destination along with its beaches. There are several landmarks there including the Marine Drive, Mattanchery Palace, Church of Saint Francis, Mattanchery Bridge and Venduruthy Bridge.
Wayanad
Wayanad, a rural district in Kerala is famous for its Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to animals like tigers, Asiatic elephants, leopards and egrets. There is the Ambukuthi Hills to the south which has the Edakkal Caves with ancient petroglyphs, some dating back to the Neolithic age. This picturesque region is blessed with verdant forests, mist-covered hills, and glistening waterfalls. Along with its natural and cultural attractions, Wayanad is famous for its thriving spice plantations, tea estates, and coffee farms.
Kerala, known as ‘God’s Own Country’, boasts stunning landscapes. This article highlights five must-visit destinations: Munnar, Alleppey, Thekkady, Kochi, and Wayanad, places which are famous for their natural and cultural heritage. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
