Pull your socks, as this article is going to unfold the best of things to engage within the very own ‘Gods Own Country’, the state of Kerala, India.

HOUSEBOATING IN ALLEPPEY

In Alleppey, there are several options for houseboating which is one of the best activities to choose in Kerala. Having a freshly prepared meal while traveling through the tranquil backwaters and enjoying the lush green scenario gives the best experience of your life.

The boat here can accommodate the whole family and also includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, and snacks. Reservation prior to the visit is advisable.

The prices here differ between Rs 6500 – 11,500.

JUNGLE SAFARI THROUGH PERIYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

One of the most astounding activities in Kerala is a jeep ride through the wildlife sanctuary of Periyar. Thekkady should always be on the first list of the places to visit in Kerala. Thekkady is known for its fauna, forest cover, aquatic life, and mammals. This Jungle ride covers the panorama view of the town Idukki. The lush green landscape, vegetable farm, Mullaperiyar Dam, the sprawling vineyards and if you are lucky enough, you will see the endangered lion and tailed macaques there. You could make this activity a combination of overnight camping in a treehouse or a tent.

The jeep ride would be approximately Rs 1800 per person.

The alternative to jeep ride would be taking a ferry in the Periyar lake which is going to be as delightful as it seems.

TREEHOUSE IN WAYANAD

This is again one of the best options to do in Kerala. With such a beautiful atmosphere, who wouldn’t thrive to nestle for a few days amidst the forest, merging oneself to nature. Other activities to get engaged in while accommodating yourself in a treehouse are rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, and nature walks.

Wayanad in Munnar is the best destination to get closer to nature in its purest form. The treehouse stay begins with the prices of Rs 10,000. Prior bookings might help you save some money.

ELEPHANT SAFARI IN KODANAD

Have you always admired elephants? Then head over to “Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary” which is 42 km from Kochi. This place will be an amazing spot for Elephant lovers. Several activities like elephant safari, elephant bathing, watching baby elephants on their daily chores, elephant feeding are available here for you to experience.

One of the most delightful scenarios to watch here will be the cute baby elephants spraying water on each other and playing around.

The rate varies from Rs 350 to 1500 per person, which depends upon the time and activities that are involved.

RURAL EXPERIENCE IN KUMBALANGI

Are you craving for an authentic village experience then head over to “Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism Village”. This village is just 14 km away from the Ernakulam Railway Station. You can reach there by public or private transport without much trouble.

There are numerous inexpensive homestays that you can book for the stay. There are several activities to experience such as fishing, canoeing in mangrove forests, crab farming, exploring local paddies that are cultivating, and many more.

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR AT FORT KOCHI

Kochi being a popular port destination in Kerala makes it a must-visit the place to admire the architecture of the dominant forces once Kochi has encountered. Influences of Chinese, British, Dutch, Arabs, Portuguese are definitely still enthralling the beauty of Fort Kochi. Taking a walking tour or a bicycle trip and exploring the lanes of Kochi is the best choice as you will come across a number of beautiful architectural buildings that will make you static and keep you admiring.

A few of the important stops include Santa Cruz Basilica, Chinese fishing nets, Jewish synagogue, Indo Portuguese Museum, and Kochi beach fort.

DRENCH YOURSELVES IN ATHIRAPALLY WATERFALLS

The gorgeous, 80 – feet tall Athirapally Waterfalls, today is known as the “Niagara Falls of India” which is 55 km away from the Kochi International Airport is a must to observe things in Kerala. This spot is easily reachable by private or public transport.

June to September is an ideal time to visit this place. The monsoon season gives it a beautiful force that will make you awestruck. Even though there are not many activities to do here, getting drenched in this waterfall will be enough to remember throughout your life.

BIKE RIDING IN IDUKKI

The breathtaking windy roads that take you up and down the hills are best experienced in two-wheelers. There are three best routes to travel to different spots in Idukki. The best route to witness the marvel Idukki Arch Dam is via Pala.

[ Kottayam – Pala – Thodupuzha – Kulamavu ]

This thrilling bike ride is sure to rejuvenate your mind and body.

BAMBOO RAFTING IN PERIYAR LAKE

One of the most popular forest reserves of Kerala is “Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary” which gives you a unique experience of bamboo rafting on the Periyar Lake. This short ride will take you through the immense greenery of the forest and deeper wilderness which lets you personally explore the flora and fauna in a closer manner.

If you are really lucky, be ready to spot wild elephants and tigers while rafting through the forest reserve. This offbeat experience is definitely a good choice to make while visiting Kerala.

WATCH KATHAKALI AT VARKALA

One of the tremendous art forms of Kerala is Kathakali. Portraying ancient stories or through the unmatchable postures and expressions is the key statement to define this art form. And visiting Kerala without tasting the cultural mode of Kerala is not so appreciated.

Earlier, it was believed that this beautiful dance form emanated the rivalry between the two kings.

So head over to Varkala and witness yourself the unbeatable form of art Kerala holds. After tiring sightseeing, spend your night watching an enchanting Kathakali performance in Varkala.

IRINGAL CRAFTS VILLAGE

Iringa Crafts village is situated on the banks of River Chaliyar, which is spread over 20 acres. Artisans and craftsmen here are really welcoming and friendly. They display their work of art and also sell it to the tourists.

Buying some souvenirs won’t be a loss for sure, because it will also help to grow the local community here in better terms and will also be able to flourish the Iringal handicrafts.

KALARIPPAYATTU BOUT

Kalaripayattu is a genus of martial arts that was invented by Kerala. It is believed to be 3000 years old traditional art.

Chinese genus of martial arts namely Shaolin is believed to have originated from this art form. Kalaripayattu bout will take you through the history of Kerala. Even though this form is in an endangering phase, it still prevails as a form of dance or fitness choice. And here it is the compiled list to make your visit a memorable one in Kerala.

Also Read : Events to see in Kerala

Also read : Food of Kerala

Top places to visit in Wayanad are:

Banasura Dam:  The Banasura Dam is the largest earthen dam in the country and the second-largest in Asia. An earthen dam is one which is created by mounds of clay, sand, rock or soil. The picturesque view of the dam leaves a traveler awe-struck. Banasura dam has adventures like speedboating, trekking and camping too.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary is a house of many endangered species of flora and fauna. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. Teak, Bamboo, rosewood, eucalyptus includes the major part of the flora and infauna crocodiles, termite hill gecko, flying lizard, Langurs, chameleon, and many more.

Edakkal Caves: These famous pre-historic caves are known for the exquisite rock and wall carvings. Edakkal caves are located on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta, the caves impart hypnotizing beauty to its viewers, impound historic significance in favor of ancient civilization. 

Chembra Peak: The highest peak of Wayanad hills is located just 8km south of Kalpetta offers a panoramic view. It is a must to explore the place for travelers as it surrounds lush greenery and the famed heart-shaped lake makes it a paradise for travelers The peak is famous among trekkers for trekking also.

Soochipara Falls: Also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls is the best tourist place for the travelers. They falls from a height of 200meters high. The major attraction of the place lies in the treetop which gives an enthralling view of the entire Western Ghat valleys. Soochipara falls are famous among trekkers and rock climbers.

The other major tourist attractions that are worth watching in Wayanad are Kuruva Island, Pookot Lake, and many more.

The best time to visit Wayanad – the god’s own country is to travel from October to April. As in this season, there is very little rainfall and is considered as the tourism season.

How to reach Wayanad

Wayanad is very well connected from all other cities of South India by roadways and railways. Kozhikode is the nearest railway station.

Maybe what the visitor finds most endearing about this quaint little hill station is its large tribal population of about fifty-strong tribes and its fascinating lifestyle. Travelers can stay and enjoy the thrills of life at the treetop houses and mud huts.

The famous backwater house boat takes you on ride to watch green paddy fields, aquatic flora and fauna, daily activities of the people. The house boat has inbuilt kitchen where you can have freshly prepared local dishes made by in house cook.

Tourists can enjoy on the Aleppey beach, having 150 year old pier which stretches into the Arabian Sea. The famous sand art festival takes place on this beach. Every year, Nehru trophy boat race also makes it a most visiting place in Kerala.

Other major tourist attraction in Aleppey is Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, this bird sanctuary spreads over an area of 14 acres is a house of migratory and homing birds. Vembanad Lake is basically a lagoon, termed as longest lake in the country and the largest Lake in Kerala. Travelers can go for boating and explore the town.

To reach Alleppey, one can take flight to Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Chennai or Bangalore. Alleppey is very well connected through rail and road transport from all these cities. Kochi is the nearest airport to Aleppey.

Munnar is also known as “Kashmir of South India”. Because of its picturesque beauty and peaceful nature, it is one stop destination of couples for honeymoon.

Munnar hills have a unique feature of getting blue once in 12 years because of presence of Neelakurinji flower which blooms once in twelve years attracting lot of tourists from all over the world.

Tourists can do adventurous trekking to Anaimudi, the highest peak in south India. Eravikulam National park and Salim Bird Sanctuary are the major attractions for the travelers where they can witness the endangered flora and fauna species like  Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji. The other tourist attractions are Devikulam Lake; Kolukkumalai (the highest tea plantation in the country); the waterfalls.

Apart from tea gardens, Munnar is famous for Spices and chocolates too. One can have aromatic tea and spices at an affordable price here.

Munnar is well connected by means of every transport from major cities of south and the best time to visit the place is from June to September.