Kerala is a state in South India that is blessed with natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a pleasant climate. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, attracting millions of visitors every year. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure trip, Kerala has something for everyone.
Best places to see and things to do in Kerala, including the backwaters, tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries. Provide you with the best time to visit, opening and closing times, and entry fees for every place to visit.
Backwaters
Backwaters of Kerala are a network of canals, lagoons, lakes, and rivers that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast. They are one of the most unique and scenic attractions of Kerala, offering a glimpse of the rural life and culture of the state.
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Best way to experience the backwaters is by staying in a houseboat, which is a traditional wooden boat with modern amenities. You can cruise along the tranquil waters, enjoy the panoramic views of the greenery and the villages, and savor the delicious local cuisine. Some of the best places to enjoy the backwater cruises are:
Alappuzha:
Alappuzha, or Alleppey, is known as the “Venice of the East” for its picturesque canals and bridges. It is also the hub of houseboat tourism in Kerala, with hundreds of houseboats available for rent. You can also visit Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Ambalappuzha Temple, and Pathiramanal Island. The best time to visit Alappuzha is from November to February.
Opening time for houseboat booking is 9:30 AM and the closing time is 5:30 PM. The entry fee for a houseboat cruise varies depending on the type and duration of the cruise. It can range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 20000 per night for a couple.
Kumarakom:
Kumarakom is a cluster of small islands on the Vembanad Lake, which is the largest lake in Kerala. It is a serene and scenic destination, ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, which is home to various migratory and resident birds.
Best time to visit Kumarakom is from September to March. Opening time for houseboat booking is 9:30 AM and the closing time is 5:30 PM. Entry fee for a houseboat cruise varies depending on the type and duration of the cruise. It can range from Rs. 6000 to Rs. 25000 per night for a couple.
Kollam:
Kollam is a historic port city that offers a variety of backwater experiences. Take a boat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha, which is the longest backwater cruise in Kerala. Visit Ashtamudi Lake, which is the second-largest lake in Kerala and has eight branches. Visit Alumkadavu village, which is famous for its houseboat building industry. Best time to visit Kollam is from October to February.
Opening time for houseboat booking is 9:30 AM and the closing time is 5:30 PM. The entry fee for a houseboat cruise varies depending on the type and duration of the cruise. It can range from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 15000 per night for a couple.
Tea Plantations
Kerala is also known for its tea plantations, which cover the slopes of the Western Ghats mountain range. The tea plantations are not only a source of income for the local people, but also a tourist attraction for their scenic beauty and refreshing aroma. Visit the tea plantations, learn about tea cultivation and processing, taste different varieties of tea, and buy some as souvenirs. Some of the best places to visit the tea plantations are:
Munnar:
Munnar is a hill station that is famous for its tea plantations, misty valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. You can visit the Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Anaimalai Hills, C.S.I Christ Church, Eravikulam National Park, and Tea Museum.
Best time to visit Munnar is from September to May. The opening time for tea plantation visit is 9:00 AM and the closing time is 5:00 PM. The entry fee for tea plantation visit is Rs. 100 per person.
Wayanad:
Wayanad is another hill station that offers a variety of natural attractions and activities. Visit the Chembra Peak, Banasura Sagar Dam, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Kuruvadweep Island, Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, and Pookode Lake.
Best time to visit Wayanad is from October to May. The opening time for tea plantation visit is 9:00 AM and the closing time is 5:00 PM. The entry fee for tea plantation visit is Rs. 50 per person.
Vagamon:
Vagamon is a lesser-known hill station that is known for its green meadows, pine forests, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Visit the Vagamon Meadows Lake Park, Murugan Hill Temple, Thangal Para, Pine Forest, and Marmala Waterfall.
Best time to visit Vagamon is from September to March. The opening time for tea plantation visit is 9:00 AM and the closing time is 5:00 PM. The entry fee for tea plantation visit is Rs. 25 per person.
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Kerala is also home to some of the most diverse and rich wildlife sanctuaries in India. The wildlife sanctuaries are habitats for various species of animals, birds, reptiles, and plants. They are also ideal places for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries, take guided safaris, spot wildlife, and learn about conservation efforts. Some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala are:
Thekkady:
Thekkady is the location of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. It is famous for its population of wild elephants, which can be seen roaming freely in the forest and near the Periyar Lake. Spot other animals like tigers, leopards, bison, deer, monkeys, and birds. You can take a boat ride on the lake, a jeep safari in the forest, or a trekking and camping tour.
Best time to visit Thekkady is from October to June. Opening time for wildlife sanctuary visit is 6:00 AM and the closing time is 6:00 PM. Entry fee for wildlife sanctuary visit is Rs. 45 per person for Indians and Rs. 500 per person for foreigners.
Wayanad:
Wayanad is also a wildlife destination, with two wildlife sanctuaries: the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. They are part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spot animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, bears, deer, monkeys, and birds. Take a jeep safari or an elephant ride in the sanctuaries.
Best time to visit Wayanad is from October to May. The opening time for wildlife sanctuary visit is 7:00 AM and the closing time is 10:00 AM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the evening. Entry fee for wildlife sanctuary visit is Rs. 20 per person for Indians and Rs. 110 per person for foreigners.
Silent Valley:
Silent Valley is a national park that is known for its pristine and untouched rainforest. It is one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered lion-tailed macaque, which is endemic to the Western Ghats. Also spot other animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, squirrels, and birds. You can take a jeep safari or a trekking tour in the park.
Best time to visit Silent Valley is from October to February. The opening time for national park visit is 8:00 AM and the closing time is 5:00 PM.
These are some of the best places to see and do in Kerala that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable. Explore other destinations like Kozhikode, Varkala, Thrissur, Kannur, Palakkad, Kottayam, Kumarakom and Tiruvalla which offer their own charm and attractions.
