Top 10 Tourist Places in Kerala

1. Munnar

Munnar is Known as Kashmir of South India & its situated in Kerala. Munnar is located at an altitude of 1600 feet above sea level. It is one of the attractions that contributed to Kerala’s popularity as a travel destination among domestic and foreign traveler's snuggled in the lap of such an alluring terrain, Munnar is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala.

Main Attractions in And Around Munnar

• Eravikulam National Park:

Eravikulam National Park is located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site.

• Indo Swiss Dairy Farm:

Mattupetti Indo Swiss farm is open from morning to evening for the tourists to visit it. This farm is well looked after, as it is abundantly rich in nature. In fact, it is believed to be the nature’s paradise with Mattupetti Lake being snuggled close on the Idukki hills, which is extraordinarily a nature opulent district of Kerala. Cochin international airport is the nearest airport at a distance of 130 km, the Kottayam railway station is 142 km from Munnar and Mattuppetti is 13 km from Munnar by road.

• Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary:

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats of Kerala, India., and represents a large number of plants and animals unique to the thorny vegetation. Apart from the dry thorn forests, due to the significant variation in altitude and rainfall, it has a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorny forest,riparian types, sholas and grasslands that are interspersed with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs which provide micro habitats for varied forms of life.

• Anamudi:

The highest peak (2695 m) south of the Himalayas, towers over the sanctuary inmajestic pride. The slopes of the hills abound in all kinds of rare flora and fauna.The Atlas moth, the largest of its kind in the world, is a unique inhabitant of the park. Other rare species of fauna found here are the Nilgiri Langur, the lion-tailed macaque, leopards, tigers, etc.

• Tata Tea Museum:

The museum is located at the Nallathanni Estate of Tata Tea in Munnar and is worth a visit. Munnar has a legacy of its own when it comes to the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Taking account of this legacy and to preserve and showcase some of the exquisite and interesting aspects on the genesis and growth of tea plantations in Kerala’s high ranges, a museum exclusively for tea was opened some years ago by Tata Tea in Munnar. This Tea Museum houses curios, photographs and machineries; all of which have a story to tell on the origins and growth of tea plantations in Munnar.Not only this, but much more about what all you desire for you perfect vacations or honeymoon, can be availed here. The best nature speckled beauty, long natural walks, drives, romance and grandeur will make your trip an ideal one.

• Idukki Arch Dam:

Idukki Arch Dam is the world’s second and Asia’s first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by. This prestigeous project of our nation is situated in Idukki District and its underground Power House is located at Moolamattom which is about 19 kms from Thodupuzha.

2.  Thekkady

Thekkady is probably the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife and hence its a dream destination for any tourist visiting Kerala.From the mighty Indian elephant to the Great Indian Tiger ,this place  has it all.Elephants, Deers,boars,bisons and lion tailed macaques are a common sight in the reservoir area.

Main Activities Near By:

• Nature Walk in Periyar Tiger Reserve:

Nature Walk is an interpretive sandal protection trekking programme offering excellent opportunity of watching birds, butterflies and other wildlife through a range of habitats during the 4-5 km 3-hours walk.

3.Alappuzha Backwaters

Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist center, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. The intricate networks of canals that snake their way through the vast expanse of  paddy fields, through the lanes give Alappuzha the sobriquet of Venice of the East. The district is famous for its boat races houseboat holidays, beaches , marine products and coir industry.

Main Attractions in Allappey

• Statue Of Karumadikuttan:

The small village near Ambalapuzha is known for the black granite statue of Lord Buddha known as Karumadikuttan. The statue dates back to 10th century. Karumadikuttan is located in Karumadi, a small village near Ambalapuzha. Karumadikuttan statue is located 3 kms. East of Ambalappuzha, in Alapuzha district. When you travel 15 Km from Alappuzha enroute NH 47 between Kollam and Alappuzha, you can reach the Karumadikuttan statue. Buddhism came to Kerala in the 3rd century B.C. Renaissance in the 8th century B.C. saw the decline of  Buddhism.

• Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple:

Mannarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods. The temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala.Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent role in the history of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene atmosphere of the adjacent hamlets.

• Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum:

The Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum is an architectural marvel. There is a lush lawn with a large kidney shaped pond with full of exotic varieties of water lilies. And the other side a beautiful gazebo with 6 statues made by Italian marbles.entrance of the museum has a curved shiny tined glass. area of museum is 28000 sqft including 10000 sqft for exhibition purpose.

4. Vagamon

Vagamon is a hill station situated 1,100 meters above sea level. located in Kottayam-Idukki border of Kerala. It has a cool climate with the temperature between 10 and 23 °C during a summer midday. Vagamon also known as the ‘Scotland of Asia’, was discovered by the Britishers who found the place ideal for tea plantations and they were followed by Christian missionaries who built their abode of service at Kurisumala in Vagamon.

5.  Cochin / Eranakulam

Fort Kochi

Kochi located in Ernakulam district formerly known as Cochin is one of the important seaport in India. Ernakulam is a wide choice for recreation and tourist interests in the Kerala. And an immense scope for shopping. The famous 13th century Italian traveler aptly remarked: “if China is where you make money, then Cochin surely is the place where you spend it!”

Main Tourist Attractions In and Around Cochin

• Jewish Synagogue:
  The Jewish synagogue built in Jew Town in 1568 is a beautiful structure. This place of worship attracts numerous visitors every year because of its impressive furnishings. There are splendid Chinese tiles and impressive Belgian chandeliers that have been used to decorate throughout the entire synagogue.
• Cherai Beach:
  Vypin Island was formed after the great floods of 1341. The Island is 25 kilometers long and has an average width of 2 kilometers.
• Marine Drive:
  Marine Drive is considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of the Kerala Tourism. It is also called Shanmugham Road. The marine walk is the main hangout for the local populace as the view of the backwaters and the harbor from here is excellent. At night the lights from the various ships anchored at the harbor is just breathtaking.
• Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica:
  The Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica Is situated at Fort Kochi & it is one of the Eight Basilicas in India. Counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala, this church is one of the finest and impressive churches in India and visited by tourists the whole year round. It is a place of devotion as well as a center of historic significance, endowed with architectural and artistic grandeur and Colours of the Gothic style.
• Fortkochi & Chinese Fishing Nets:
  The eventful history of this city began when a major flood in AD 1341 threw openthe estuary at Kochi, till then a land locked region, turning it into one of the finest natural harbours in the world. Kochi thus became a haven for seafaring visitors from all over the world and became the first European township in India when the Portuguese settled here in the 15th century.
• Mattancherry Palace:
  Mattancherry palace (Lat: 9°57′N Long: 76°15′) is located at a distance of 12 km from Ernakulam in Kerala State. The nearest airport is Nedumbaserry international airport. Mattancherry palace is one of the oldest examples of the Portuguese architecture with oriental influence and is unique from the historical and architectural point of view.
• Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary: 
  Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary is a rural riverside village in the Ernakulam district of the state of Kerala . Its a popular picnic spot and tourist destination in kerala too. It is the only elephant rescue and training center in Kerala specialized for rescuing and training stranded adult and baby elephants from the forest regions across Kerala.
• Ezhattumugham Nature Village :
  Ezhattumugham is a country village in the Ernakulam .It is situated 11.8 km from the Kochi Airport and 40 km from Cochin. You can get there hiring a taxi from the nearest town Angamaly as there is no public transport to the location.Ezhattumugham is yet to enter the tourist’s itinerary for one very good reason.
• Athirappally Falls
  Athirappally falls which sashayed into celluloid history with Raavan, starring Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan. Film crews, both from the north and the south, often camp in its precincts to exploit its raw appeal. Therefore the quiet charm of Ezhattumugham, through which Chalakkudy flows leisurely, remains eclipsed by the glamour of Athirappally

6.  Kovalam

Kovalam is a beach town on the Arabian Sea located around 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Kovalam has three beaches separated by rocky outcroppings in its 17 km coastline, the three together form the famous crescent of the Kovalam beach.

7.  Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram  also known as Trivandrum, is the capital of the Indian state of Kerala and the headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram District. It is located on the west coast of India near the extreme south of the mainland. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as "Evergreen city of India",the city is characterized by its undulating terrain of low coastal hills and busy commercial alleys.

Near By Major Tourist Attractions

• Priyadarshini Planetarium
• Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple
• Kuthiramalika
• Kanakakunnu Palace

8.  Thrissur

Thrissur is also known as the Cultural Capital of Keralabecause of its cultural, spiritual and religious leanings throughout history. It houses the Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi and Kerala Sahitya Academy. The city hosts the Thrissur Pooram festival, the most colourful and spectacular temple festival in Kerala.

Attractions

• Athirappally Waterfalls & Vazhachal Waterfalls:Athirapally Waterfalls is the most prominent getaway from Cochin and attracts millions of visitors every year. Together with Vazhachal and the picturesque route through Western Ghats presented Athirapally a prominent seat in World tourist Map. The most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala, a must visit spot for anybody who would like to enjoy the beauty of Kerala is Athirapally Waterfalls. 
• Anakkayam:Anakkayam is Located near Chalakudy en route to Sholayar Peringalkuthu, Anakkayam is famed for its sparkling sylvan lakes that shimmer like a mirage of quicksilver, the beautiful and tranquil waters that present a spectacle with the nimble movements of the diamonds of sunshine dancing on their surface and its fascinating range of cascading waterfalls that enrapture the tourists. Anakkayam is shrouded in history.
• Koodal Manikyam Temple

9.  Wayanad

Wayanad

Wayanad is the 12th District in Kerala was formed on 1 November 1980  by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district. The region was known as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad.[1] The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m

Attractions in wayanad

• Kalpetta: It is the district headquarters of  Wayanad, is the only municipality in this hilly region. The town has hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, making it a convenient base to visit this place while at the same time enjoying these facilities.
• Pookot Lake
• Edakkal Caves
• Pakshipathalam
• Lakkidi: The gateway to Wayanad, Lakkidi is situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat Pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. (5 km south of Vythiri)
• Sulthan Bathery: This Place is situated at about 930 meters above mean sea level. One can find beautiful folded hills across the horizon. This town was part of Kidanganadu Village, which got its name because the presence of the Kidangans the tribes. Later, it came to be known as Sultan Bathery, the Malayalam version of its name. ( Read More ...)
• Banasura Sagar Dam: This project is the largest earthern dam in India and the second largest in Asia. It is located in the midst of lovely, mist-clad hills with a wildlife sanctuary and park full of flowering trees. ( Read More ...)
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary It is spread over 344 km² & It is Situated on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery in Wayanad, Kerala.Wild animals such as Indian Bison, Elephant, Deer and Tiger can be spotted here.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. This is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. ( Read More ...)
• Neelimala view point : Closer to Vaduvanchal, Neelimala is an excellent venue for trekking with lots of stimulating trails. The summit of this hill affords a great view of the cascading Meenmutty fallsand the beautiful valley in its foreground.
• Meenmutty falls: An interesting 2 km jungle trek off the main Ooty road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad. A unique feature is that water drops about 300 metres over three stages.

10.  Thenmala

Thenmala reservoir

Thenmala is the meeting point of kollam-Shencottah road and Trivandrum-Shencottah road, surrounded by dense forest, 66 kms east of kollam. There are a large number of rubber and tea plantations in Thenmala. Timber of all varieties are exported from here to all parts of the country. Themala Dam site is open for tourists. Eco tourists centre is situated at Thenmala.

Main Tourist Attractions

• Thenmala Eco Tourism Centre:
  Thenmala Eco Tourism is India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, which is gaining popularity due to its unique vistas, bio-diversity and functioning. Situated about 72 kms from Thiruvananthapuram, in the District of Kollam, the Thenmala Eco-Tourism shares its resources with the famous Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary at the foothills of the Western Ghats.
• Thenmala Reservoir
• Deer Rehabilitation Centre: 
  This deer park of Thenmala is a distant part of Thenmala eco tourism and is built within the Kallada river side forest. Apart from various varieties of deers what you can see interesting here is a Tree House and a small Childrens park with  some ecologically blended resting places.