For a number of reasons, Kerala is referred to as God’s Own Country. There are alluring backwaters, splendid coastlines and some of the most enticing cuisines that one can get to experience here. The sprawling tea gardens will lend peace to you while you’re on vacation in Kerala. Tourist places near Kerala share the natural beauty that one gets to see in this beautiful state. Right from the busy streets of Kochi to the calm waters of Kovalam beach lined by tall palm trees, there is something for everyone here. And yet, a one-day trip from Kerala to the nearby areas will give you a wholesome experience of the region.
Kerala is the southernmost part of India, with its coastline towards the Arabian Sea, while Tamil Nadu enjoys the southernmost coastline along the Bay of Bengal. A paradise in the true sense of the word, Kerala invites tourists from not only other parts of India but outside India as well. Reaching Kerala is fairly easy as several airports connect it with the rest of the country and the world.
Kerala by Air: One can approach Kerala via many airports, the most popular among them being Cochin International Airport, Kozhikode International Airport, and Trivandrum International Airport. The particular airport depends on the part of Kerala that you wish to explore. While Cochin Airport makes the central parts of the state accessible, Kozhikode and Trivandrum airports make it easier to explore the Northern and Southern parts of the states respectively.
Kerala by Rail: Similar to airports, there are several railway stations in Kerala, with trains running daily from different parts of the country. From Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram, which is also the busiest railway station of the state, at the extreme South to Kasaragod at the extreme North, there are almost 20 major railway stations that serve travelers in the region. The other busiest railway stations of the state include Aluva Railway Station and Chengannur Station.
Kerala by Road: Kerala is connected by an extremely efficient road system and one can travel interstate as well as intercity on the highway which is usually very comfortable to drive or travel via. One can reach the capital of the state by trail or flight and then hit the road to reach other scenic towns and cities in the state such as Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kottayam, and Thrissur. Similarly, Kottayam is ideal to travel to Thekkady and Munnar by road. Kozhikode is well connected by roads to destinations like Thrissur and Wayanad. One can also easily travel to Kerala from nearby states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. One may choose to drive own vehicle or take the state or private buses, which are also extremely popular modes of transport.
Kerala is one of the most beautiful states in India, and almost every town you head to is captivating in its own way. While some cities of the state are bustling with business opportunities and people often travel here for work, some other small towns are pure magic as far as the scenic beauty is concerned. You may choose to visit some cities to try authentic cuisine of the state, and some to purchase the famous spices of Kerala. Here are some of the places that you cannot miss on a trip to God’s Own Country.
Cochin, or Kochi, as it is now called, has a combination of everything that you would like to experience in Kerala. There are spellbinding backwaters and towering palm trees. There is also a glimpse of the confluence of Arab, Chinese and Portuguese cultures and this is clearly reflected in the museums and churches of the city. And not to forget, there are exuberant dance forms in the state, the best of which can be experienced in Kochi.
Alappuzha or Alleppey is clearly the most beautiful part of the state, and looks absolutely stunning in its full glory. It is also referred to as ‘Venice of East’ by many and is the part which you just cannot miss on the Kerala itinerary. The city is water-locked, and backwaters form a major part of its pristine being. While at Alleppey, you may choose to stay in a houseboat, and just watch as the backwaters allure your senses. Whether you’re traveling with a group of friends, with family or solo, Alleppey is as serene as any scenic destination can get.
Thattekad is one of the best places in India for birding as it is home to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in the country. It is believed that there are more than 500 species of birds here, in addition to other animals such as sloth bears, porcupines, leopards, and elephants. One can find all kinds of accommodation options here, from homestays to luxury resorts.
Tea plantations are an incredibly beautiful part of the state of Kerala and Munnar is the city that you need to visit to witness them. Trip to Munnar makes you experience the beautiful manicured gardens of lush green that are endless are an absolute treat to watch. There are also several popular waterfalls like the Attukal, Cheeyappara, and Valera which are captivating because of their raw force. Watching the tea plantations, while a waterfall gushes in the surroundings while you sip on a cup of freshly grown tea, isn’t that the idea of a refreshing vacation?
Kerala has a lot of experience for tourists to enjoy. However, the neighboring areas are equally beautiful and expand the sense of tranquility you feel in Kerala. Here are some of the weekend getaways from Kerala that you should definitely not miss.
Located at a distance of under 120 km from Kozhikode, and reachable in less than a 4-hour drive is the expansive Bandipur National Park located in Karnataka. What once served as a hunting ground for the King of Mysore now boasts of a range of wildlife. This was converted into a tiger reserve as part of the Project Tiger and you may get a chance to spot the national animal during your safari in the park. Even otherwise, the area is blessed with natural beauty and is the perfect abode for a quaint getaway.
Located at a distance of 158 km from Kozhikode and 275 km from Kochi is Ooty, Queen of the Nilgiris. It once served as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, and we clearly understand the reason for this. This picturesque town has an old-world charm with colonial architecture and beautiful winding roads that you can walk for hours on. If you’re in the nearby cities for work and want a respite from the scorching sun during the summers, Ooty is certainly the place to be.
Roughly a 5-hour journey will take you from Kozhikode to Mysore, the city of palaces which is known for its flamboyance. There is a rich royal history that the city is associated with. Apart from the historical significance, there are silk sarees and sandalwood which are very popular in the city. Clearly, Mysuru should feature on the list of cities to shop from during your trip to Kerala and its adjoining areas. The 210 km from Kozhikode can be covered in one’s own vehicle or taxi, or one can choose to board one of the buses which are easily available on the route.
The cuisine in Kerala is as delightful as it gets, and there are ample options for vegetarians as well as non-vegetarians. Sadya, the vegetarian platter, will have a combination of different dishes including, but not limited to, pachadi, kichadi, pulissery, olan, sambar, varavu, thoran, and payasam. You will notice a strong influence of coconut in Sadya, as is with any other specialty of the state. For non-vegetarians, there is coastal goodness which one can find in Kerala style fish molee, Karimeen Pollichathu which is a dish made of Pearl Spot Fish found in Alleppey and Kumarakom backwaters. Also, there’s biryani in Kerala which is very famous in the area, and you should definitely include in the lots of things to try.
From wildlife sanctuaries and backwaters to an almost bustling city, there’s everything in Kerala that one longs for in a vacation. One can also go out fishing along the beautiful coastline and let the serenity refresh the senses. One may begin to think that Kerala is only meant for families. However, the state is for anyone who wishes to escape the humdrum of regular city life, and maybe indulge in a relaxing spa therapy while you can hear the sounds of the waves and feel the winds gusting by.
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