5 - Tourists places in KERALA                                                                                            

Kerala , known as Gods Own Country,is the land of goons and palms ,the land of elephants and tigers,and the land of rich cultures and traditions, and has been one of the most sought after places by travellers from all around the world.It is without doubt one of the most beautiful places on the planet and thats why they call it 'Gods Own Country'.The cultural life of the people of Kerala is equally beautiful and is a major factor in attracting the tourists.So here we have selected for you the top ten destinations in Kerala.

1. Munnar - The Kashmir of the South

Munnar is without doubt the most beautiful place in Kerala.Located at 1600 m above sea level, this was once the summer resort of the erstwhile British Government in South India.The lush green mountains adorned by tea and coffee plantations are a sight to watch.Munnar gives you a heavenly feeling, with the thick mist surrounding you in the middle of the plantations.The nearby mountains present a spectacular view.There are also some waterfalls and trekking paths for the adventurous traveller.The Indo Swiss diary farm project,the lake and the dam are other sights to watch.With its sleepy little cottages, bungalows, old playgrounds and courts, Chithirapuram ,10km from Munnar, still exudes an old world charm.

How to reach there?

Nearest Airport- Cochin 105Kms

Nearest Railway Station - Aluva

2. Wayanad - Nature at her most beautiful self

If Munnar presented to you beauty which is partly man-made, Wayanad shows you how beautiful nature can be without human interference.The mountains, the winding lanes and the thick forests on either sides give you an ethereal experience.In the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary at the heart of Wayanad,animals like the Indian elephant, spotted dear, bison are easily spotted in their natural habitats,others animals like tiger and leopard can also be seen if you are lucky.The Edakkal caves give you paintings that are some 4000 years old.The Bamboo forests are an excellent picnic spot.For the adventurer ,trekking in Muthanga,Edakkal and Pakshipathalam can be a lifetime experience.Homely stay at the resorts in Wythiri, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities can be a refreshing experience.Other places of interest are Jain temple,Meenmutty waterfalls,Kuruva islands and the Soochipara waterfalls.

How to reach there?

Nearest Airport - Calicut 109 Kms

Nearest Railwaystaion - Calicut

Road : N H 212 (Kozhikode-Mysore) passes via Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery.

3. Anathapuri - The land of the Kings

Thiruvananthapuram ( Trivandrum ) is a must have destination for every tourist visiting Kerala , because it offers you a bunch of places of interest.Kovalam, one of the finest beaches in the whole of India,is only a half an hour ride from the city.Another wonderful beach and pilgrimage centre, Varkala is also easily accessible by road.Kanyakumari is the only place in India where you can see both sunrise and sunset and it is only a two hour ride away from Trivandrum. The hillstation Ponmudi,61 Km from the city ,offers you a day full of beautiful sights.The Ananthapuri temple right in the heart of the city is a historic monument and is a magnificent portrait.The city is connected by air, rail and road to all Metros.

4.Kumarakom- Haven of Serenity

If you are looking for a place to relax ,to relieve the tension that has builded up from your workload, to just enjoy peace and silence, this is the place to be . Located close to Kuttanad ,known as the Venice of the East,with its mangrove covered lagoons and houseboats made on bamboo, serving you the most delicious Kerala food , this place just amazes any visitor. Sailing through the calm waters of Kumarakom or enjoying an ayurvedic massage, life just slows down for you. Kumarakon is also a bird watchers' paradise.Many different species visit this place all round the year.The resorts organize many cultural programmes exclusive to kerala like Kathakali for their visitors and also arrange spicy Indian food.So if you want to take a break from work and relax, Kumarakom is the place for you.

How to reach?

By Road From the Cochin International Airport it is an 85 Km delightful ride by road to the Muhamma boat Jetty.

By Rail Nearest Railway station- Kottayam - 16Kms

By Water If you have arrived at Trivandrum International Airport, come to Quilon by road or rail (takes just about one hour). From there, you can take the regular ferry service to Alleppey - a long and delightful ride on Kerala's backwaters. From Alleppey, it's just a short ride to Kumarakom.

5. Thekkady - A showcase of the Wildlife of Kerala

Thekkady is probably the best place in Kerala to observe wildlife and hence nature.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. With some luck,other animals like tiger and leopard can be observed.The tourism department offers trekking right into the heart of the forest either on foot or atop elephants.The resort located in an island in the centre of the lake is the ideal place to observe animals.If you are more adventurous ,you can take the road from Moozhiyar to Thekkadi via Gavi winding through the thickest forests of Kerala.Elephants are a common sight on this path.Boating through the lake is a very pleasant experience and you can observe many waterbirds at close range.This place is ideal for wildlife photography.The best time to visit is between September and March.

How to reach?

Nearest Airport- Cochin -190 Kms

Nearest Railway station -Kottayam-110 Kms