Synonymous with luxury and bliss, Kerala is one of the top holiday destinations in India. Come winters and the bliss simply amplifies. The beautiful south Indian state has been given the sobriquet of “God’s Own Country’ and that is certainly not without reason. The beautiful state is a perfect tourism destination in India, which you can visit for leisure vacations, romantic honeymoon, adventure and solo backpacking.
From verdant hill stations, sandy beaches, backwaters, multi-ethnic cities, pious towns, beautiful waterfalls, vibrant wildlife sanctuaries, the choices are aplenty. The yearlong balmy climate along with natural extravaganza makes Kerala one of the best holiday destinations in India. Here are a few destinations you must not miss on your holiday in Kerala:
7 Picturesque Places to Visit in Kerala:
Alleppey- It is the ‘Venice of East” where backwater cruising brings eternal joy
Nicknamed ‘Venice of the East’ Alleppey is famous worldwide for its backwaters and power-packed Annual Nehru trophy boat race. It is one of the favoured tourist spots in Kerala. A houseboat cruise on the backwaters here is romantic, exciting and what we can say as an experience of a lifetime. Float on a lavish houseboat enjoying the blissful ecosphere, spotting some unique birds and animals. Speedboat and rafting allow you to enjoy adrenalin rushing adventure on the water. From the soothing blessings of Ayurveda to the mouthwatering cuisines, visitors can have a great vacation in the ethereal ambience.
Places to Visit in Alleppey:
Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha.
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Munnar – Where waterfalls and tea plantations mark your way through rolling hills
Located at an altitude of 1600m, Munnar is snuggled amid bountiful natural extravaganza. Mists welcome you to the hill town in winter. Lush tea plantations are spread across the rolling hillsides. Lakes and waterfalls add to the charm. Anamudi peak, the highest mountain in South India, can be trekked up to by adventure lovers. Explore the Eravikulam National Park, where the Nilgiri Tahr makes an occasional appearance and the Neelakurinji flowers bloom once in 12 years. Enjoy boating, para-gliding and rock climbing. The picturesque expanses are any photographer’s delight. Munnar is voted as one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in India.
Places to visit in Munnar :
Eravikulam National Park, Tata Tea Museum, Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, Munnar Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls, Cheeyappara Waterfalls, Top Station, Marayoor Dolmens, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Kundala Lake, Lockhart Gap, etc.
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Kochi – Enjoy the colonial charm reflecting through the Chinese Fishing Nets
The gateway to Kerala, Kochi is a multi-ethnic port city with a myriad of charms. Introducing to the rich heritage, culture, beauty and bliss, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Kerala. Go exploring Chinese fishing nets dipping in the sea. Start the sightseeing tour with the historic Jew town, where you can visit the Jewish Synagogue. The beautiful churches, a mix of the heritage of Jews, Dutch, and Portuguese offer thrilling sightseeing. Kochi has both the city pleasures as well as rural beauty in the form of backwaters, heritage villages and many more. Do try the local mouthwatering dishes, shopping and culture pursuits.
Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Jew Synagogue and Jew Town, Bolgatty Palace, Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Payyambalam Beach, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Paliam Palace, Kodanand Elephant Training Centre, Museum of Kerala History, etc. Explore well-customized Kochi tour packages.
Tourist Attractions in Kochi:
Fort Kochi, St. Francis Church, Jew Synagogue and Jew Town, Bolgatty Palace, Cherai Beach, Mattancherry Palace, Payyambalam Beach, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Paliam Palace, Kodanand Elephant Training Centre, Museum of Kerala History, etc.
Wayanad – Mountains so charming, Lands so green and wildlife so exciting are only here
Snuggled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad beckons tourists to its verdant bliss. Fondly called ‘The Land of Paddy Fields’ the bounty of natural beauty impresses visitors. If you ever had the dream to live in a treehouse, here you can make your wishes come true. Abounding in greenery, it is the habitat of many native tribals. Trek to Meenmutty Falls or Chembra Peak. Explore the pre-historic Edakkal Caves and ruins on ancient temples. Enjoy closeness to the exotic fauna at the Tholpetty and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuaries. It is perfect for both leisure and adventure vacations in India in winter.
Kumarakom – Blue ocean, green mountain, and colorful birds make its tapestry
The backwater hub of Kerala, Kumarakom is one of the must-visit places in Kerala. Settled on the shores of Vembanad Lake, greens and blues combine to create this otherworldly painting. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is the haven for avians of all kinds, some even migratory ones as far as from Siberia, Europe and other far lands. Cruise on the endless backwaters on a houseboat with your loved one and you will have cherished memories for lifelong. The town also abounds in a number of Ayurveda retreats where one can indulge in the ancient holistic science of health and wellness.
Kumarakom Sightseeing:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, Aruvikkuzhi waterfall, Juma Masjid, Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Vembanad Lake, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Valiyapally, Cheriyapally, Kumarakom Beach, and Pathiramal Island.
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Kovalam – Get rejuvenated on the beach heaven with adventure or Ayurveda
Next, we come to Kerala’s beach haven, Kovalam. Facing the Arabian Sea, the balmy silken shores are idyllic for sunbathing, watersports, relaxing and also Ayurveda massages. Hip and quiet exciting, Kovalam has the best beaches in Kerala. Walk along the golden sands, watch a spectacular sunrise or sunset or bask in the warm sunshine. The Ayurveda centres at the beach provide deep strong massages and all kind of Ayurvedic treatments. Last but not least tryout swimming and water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, diving, etc.
Tourist Places near Kovalam:
Lighthouse Beach, Hawah Beach, The Lighthouse, Samudra Beach, Thiruvallam Parasurama Temple, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Halcyon Castle, Akkulam Lake, Vizhinjam Fishing Harbor, Kovalam Jama Masjid, Vellayani Lake, Karamana River, Aruvikkara, Rock Cut Caves, and Valiathura Pier.
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Thekkady – Spot nature’s widest population in this natural heaven
Thekkady ranks among the best tourist destinations in Kerala. The natural heaven blessed with wilderness is perfect for a wildlife adventure vacation. Home to species of animals including tigers, elephants, lions, deers, bisons, boars, sambars, gaurs, lion-tailed macaques and many more. Trekking, safaris, boating and bird watching are the popular pursuits here. The visiting crowds increase manifold in the winter season. Also, spice plantations on the lush slopes are a draw for tourists.
Places to Visit in Thekkady:
Periyar wildlife sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Elephant Junction, Deepa World Spice and Ayurvedic Garden, Kumily, Ramakkalmedu, Mullaperiyar Dam, Periyar Tiger Trail, Mudra Cultural Centre, Vandiperiyar, Chellarkovil, Murikkady, and Vandanmedu.
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Best Time to Visit in Kerala:
Now that we have discussed that winter is the best time to visit Kerala, we shall discuss the best places to visit in the season.
The winter season is the best time to visit Kerala. Though the pleasant climate continues throughout the year, winter witnesses most visitors not just from India but the world. From October to February the temperatures are between 10°C to 18°C with the lowest amount of rainfall. The cold season makes Kerala one of the best places to visit in India. The season brings incredible opportunities. Opt for a romantic houseboat cruise in Alleppey, beach vacation in Kovalam, honeymoon in Munnar, relaxing at an Ayurveda retreat, wildlife safari in the national park and many other wonderful experiences.
7 Amazing Things to Do in Kerala:
Sightseeing
The pleasant weather of winter in Kerala is extremely pleasant for sightseeing. You can explore historic monuments, museums, and other sightseeing spots. Road trips, day trips, picnics and all kind of vacation plans become exciting.
Ayurvedic Massages
Winter season is the perfect time to revitalize your senses, and for this new-birth what better than an Ayurveda holiday in Kerala. The ancient holistic science of health and wellness provides treatments for health ailments, relaxation, de-stress programs and other wellness therapies.
Houseboat Cruise
Kerala is blessed with unique options of houseboat cruises. This winter holiday in Kerala, you must absolutely embark on one. Be it with family, friends or your better half, a journey through the blessed backwaters is one of the best experiences of your life. The houseboats are built like 5-star resorts with latest facilities. Backwater cruises are the perfect thing to do on holiday for honeymoon couples.
Beach Activities
To beat the winter blues, beaches in Kerala work like magic. Exploring the shores is one of the top things to do in Kerala. Soothing warm sunshine, the play of waves, and the scenic beauty soothe all your worries. Escape to the shores, try out water sports or get a relaxing massage.
Walk among Tea Gardens & Spice Plantation
After the rains, when winter arrives, Kerala maintains its verdant bliss. It’s the perfect season to explore the romantic tea gardens and spice plantations. As mists descend to the slopes, you will enjoy the walk even more.
Wildlife Safari
The cold season of winter is perfect for wildlife safaris. In the pleasant weather, animals can be spotted quite easily lazing in the warm sunshine. Monsoon is the gestation period for many species of animals, which is why you see more of the little offspring in winter.
Waterfall Spotting
Fresh from rainfalls, waterfalls are quite full in winters. Thus, the waterfall spotting one of the most popular things to do in Kerala on a winter holiday.
Accommodation in Kerala:
Kerala ranks among the most popular holiday destinations in the world and not just India. Tourists from all over the world head to this blessed state. To accommodate the huge number of visitors there is also a vast number of Hotel options in Kerala. Hotels & resorts are available in different categories and tariff plans.
Luxury hotels in Kerala are equipped with first-class amenities, to meet the every need of tourists. Budget hotels provide cost-effective lodging, Treehouses, houseboats, Ayurvedic retreats, and heritage hotels in Kerala are other option of stay
How to reach Kerala:
Located in the south-western part of India, Reach to Kerala is very easy because Kerala is well connected by air, rail, road and also the sea.
By Air:
There are three airports in the state:
- Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
- Cochin International Airport, Ernakulam
- Karipur or Calicut International Airport
There are 3 more airports which are quite close to Kerala:
- Mangalore International Airport
- Coimbatore International Airport
- Madurai Airport
Kerala is accessible by air from most parts of India, especially from South-Eastern towns, namely Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.
By Rail:
There are 200 railway stations which connect Kerala with the rest of India. Railways services also link the state with many metropolitan cities like New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.
By Road:
There are three major highways which connect Kerala with the rest of India i.e. National Highways 17, 47 and 49. These three highways are directly connected with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
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