Untouched and Unexplored glory of Kerala! The state will surprise you in several ways with its grand and undiscovered landscape
Kerala: India’s Paradise on Earth
Kerala is a tropical paradise, with its breathtaking beaches and lush green forests. It has exotic wildlife, majestic mountains and backwaters to explore. And if you’re looking for something more adventurous than just relaxing on the beach, Kerala has plenty of adventure sports options too!
Kerala’s culture is also amazing: it’s famous for its beautiful temples (like Sabarimala) where you can see pilgrims from all over India come together in their thousands every year; there are art forms like Kathakali dance that have been passed down through generations; there are festivals like Onam (which celebrates nature). Or Thrissur Pooram which sees elephants parading through town accompanied by hundreds of drummers playing music while people throw flowers at them…the list goes on!
If you’re looking for a place that’s a bit off the beaten track, list is given below;.
1.Nelliyampathy, Palakkad
Nelliyampathy is in Palakkad and is known for the cloud-caressed peaks that are settled at varying heights. They truly offer a sight to behold. The journey to Nelliyampathy is spellbinding as there are several viewpoints from where one can enjoy picturesque views of the landscapes. En-route there are spots showcasing bio farming. You can visit the farms and vast expanses of tea estates. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6o7iuPM8DDVcU9LfA
Best time to visit: September to February
Major Highlights:
Meenampara viewpoint
Poabs Organic Estates
Nelliyampathy Guha
Pothundy Reservoir
Mattumala
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport
Nearest train station: Palakkad Railway Station
2.Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad
A part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Silent Valley National Park is one of the best places that you can visit in Kerala. This hidden gem is in the Nilgiris Hills and is paradise for wildlife lovers. Home to the endangered species of lion-tailed macaque, there are several species of birds, insects, and mammals that you can find here. The several thousand species of flora including flowering plants, orchids, ferns, lichens, liverworts, and algae that are distinctive only to the Western Ghats will leave you spell bound.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DndwxgFqmLAanYdm8
Best time to visit: December to April
Major Highlights:
Virgin Valley
Keralamkundu Waterfall
Nature walks
Bird Watching
Get photographs of rare species inhabiting the region.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport and Coimbatore Airport
Nearest train station: Palakkad Railway Station
3.Edakkal Caves, Wayanad
Imagine trekking up to a cliff which overlooks the beautiful Western Ghats and popping into a cave that has carvings almost 8,000 years old?! You can do just this at one of the best offbeat places to visit in Kerala – Edakkal Caves at Wayanad. The caves are really a rock shelter that can be comparable to the Bhimbetka shelters in MP and have the only Stone age carvings in South India, dating back to 6,000 B.C. The climb up from the base to the cliff takes you through rocky paths eventually leading to a scenic view. It’s an experience of a lifetime!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/EYteWthe8WinUwuy6
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Major Highlights:
Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal Heritage Museum)
Soochippara Falls (Sentinel Rock Waterfall)
Lakkidi Viewpoint
Neelimala Viewpoint
Chethalayam Falls
Wonder Caves
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport
Nearest train station: Kozhikode Railway Station and Vadakara Railway Station
4.Soochipara Waterfalls, Wayanad
Soochipara Falls will make your heart leap with happiness! This waterfall is a testimony to tourism done right, the entire area is plastic-free which means you won’t come across those stray water bottles or wrappers while enjoying the waterfalls. It also helps that it is one of the best unknown places in Kerala and is tucked away in a beautiful valley in Wayanad. You must go down a hilly trek with thick forests around to reach the thundering falls.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kKCcE72bhb36ca6W6
Best time to visit: December to May
Major Highlights:
Kanthapara waterfall
Chembra peak
Neelimala viewpoint
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport
Nearest train station: Kozhikode Railway Station and Vadakara Railway Station
5.Kappil Beach, Varkala
The road winds down with the ocean on one side and the scenic backwaters dotted with coconut trees on the other side in Kappil. One of the most unexplored places in Kerala, Kappil Beach is often overshadowed by its nearby attraction, Varkala. You won’t find people for long stretches of the pristine beach which offers some of the prettiest sunsets on the Arabian Sea. On the other side is Edava Narayana Lake which has some of the best birdlife. The best way to visit Kappil is to drive down and you even can rent bikes from Varkala.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/135yLfTXPfQmgzgg8
Best time to visit: November to February after the monsoons.
Major Highlights:
Kayaking in Mangrove Forest of Paravur Backwaters
Kayaking to the Black Devil Snail Sandbar Island in Paravur Lake
Sunrise Cruise with Village Life and Local Food
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Nearest train station: Varkala Railway Station and Kollam railway station
6.Gavi, Periyar
Gavi is a true paradise; it is a beautiful, forested area in the Periyar Tiger reserve surrounding the scenic Gavi Lake. The still waters of the lake are clear and reflect the rich emerald hues of the thick forest around it. The forest is home to more than 260 species of birds and teeming with wildlife. You can sight Bisons, Elephants, Lion-tailed macaques, and Malabar Giant Squirrels in the area. A nature lover’s delight, it is still one of the best unexplored places in Kerala.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Bw78kFuA5r53zZuh7
Best time to visit: August to March
Major Highlights:
Wild Elephant Village
Munnar Sightseeing Tour
Gavi forest.
Nearest airport: Nedumbassery Airport
Nearest train station: Trivandrum Railway Station
7.Vagamon, Idukki
If you are looking for hill stations free of crowds, then Vagamon is one of the best unknown places in Kerala that is perfect for you! Located in the Idukki district, it is often nicknamed the ‘Scotland of Asia’. The moniker refers to the rolling meadows high up in the mountains that are ideal for paragliding, which is becoming popular in Vagamon in recent times. Untouched by the commercialization of the nearby town, Munnar, Vagamon still offers a tranquil experience to visitors.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xMkW1SMdaZQtZhT89
Best time to visit: February and March
Major Highlights:
Vagamon Pine Forest
Barren Hills
Thangal Hills
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest train station: Kottayam Railway Station and Tiruvalla railway station
8.Kolukkumalai Estate, Idukki
If you are a traveler who likes to tick off all the ‘highest’ places in the world off your list, then Kolukkumalai should feature on it. Kolukkumalai Estate is the highest tea estate in the world and has a functioning tea factory at a height of 7,900 feet since the 1900s! The estate offers breathtaking views of the Nilgiris and is a nature lover’s delight. Apart from beauty, the waterfall also offers adventure as the jeep ride to it is surely a thrilling one, ensuring Kolukkumalai remains one of the most unexplored places in Kerala.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HvpLMzx5SGZcYpEQ6
Best time to visit: Year-round.
Major Highlights:Kundala Dam Lake
Rose Garden
Carmelagiri Elephant Park
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest train station: Madurai Railway station and Aluva Railway Station
9.Agasthyarkoodam, Trivandrum
Going on a trek is possibly the best way to experience less crowded tourist places in Kerala. One of the best treks in Kerala is the Agasthyarkoodam trek, which summits at the top of Agasthyamalai. Legend says that Sage Agasthya meditated atop this mountain and why not, the views from the top are so beautiful that you might just want to settle in there! The trek is about 28 KM and can ideally be covered over a weekend. It is one of the offbeat places in Kerala.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/h5xQJKcKyoMK8Ee58
Best time to visit: November to April
Major Highlights:Bana Theertham Waterfalls
Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Peppara Wildlife Sanctury
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Nearest train station: Trivandrum Railway Station
“God’s Own Country”- Karela
This is the tagline of Kerala Tourism which was coined by Walter Mendez. Kerala is a state that has a lot to offer besides its popular attractions. For instance, the hill station of Munnar is nestled in the Western Ghats and is a charming destination to explore. In addition, Varkala is a picturesque village located along the southern coast and is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Furthermore, the town of Bekal is steeped in history and offers visitors a chance to explore a historic fort and scenic beaches. Notably, Kumbalangi is a quaint village that offers a glimpse into the authentic rural life of Kerala. Consequently, for the curious traveler, Kerala offers a range of offbeat destinations to explore.