Kerala

The lush and serene state of Kerala is one of the favorite tourist destinations of India. Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. From the Malabar Coast and its impressive network of rivers, canals and lakes that form the backwaters, the long stretch of palm trees leads up to verdant hills covered with tea and spice plantations. Cochin, documented since Roman times, is the oldest European settlement in India. From the quaint Jewish quarter to the bustling spice bazaars it has a seamless blend of diverse architectural and religious influences.

Kerala’s backwaters are the backbone of rural existence in this region. To experience this reality of life on backwaters a cruise along the backwaters on your own private houseboat is the best choice. You can witness daily village life unfolding before you, with woman washing their clothes and fishermen casting their nets, as small boys swim alongside your boat shouting excitedly. Undoubtedly Kerala is also very famous for its Plantations of Tea, Coffee, Cardamom, Pepper and many other aromatic plants. Apart from, there are also forested valleys and wildlife reserves.

Places in and around Kerala

Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.

Sights and attractions in Kerala

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Agasthyakoodam

Part of the Shayadri range of mountains, Agasthyakoodam is the second highest peak in Kerala at a height of 1890 meters above sea level.
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Alappuzha Beach

Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular spots in the district of Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is around 140-years-old.
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Alleppey

Alleppey (or Alappuzha) is a small town situated along the Backwaters, which once bore the nickname ‘Venice of the East' because of its famed palm-fringed canal network, the…
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Anandasram

Founded by spiritual guru Swami Ramdas in 1939, this internationally renowned spiritual centre offers peaceful ambience, best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.
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Ananthapuram Lake Temple

This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala. A crocodile in the temple pond which is said to be 150 years old is a major attraction
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Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Elephants, sloth bears, sambars and deer are among the animals to be found in the 55 sq km sanctuary. Nature trails, trekking, bamboo rafting and boating are possible here
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Aranmula Boat Race

Aranmula is the only snake boat race in Kerala with a ritual background.
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Athirappally and Vazhachal Waterfalls

A shimmering expanse of tranquil beauty, the Athirapally is a breathtaking waterfall which is about 80 feet high.
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Back Water

The romantic and unique Backwaters of Kerala are made up of a web of waterways that forms a natural inland transport network that stretch between Cochin and Quilon…
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Back Waters Of Kerala

Kerala is undoubtedly blessed with a unique feature called the backwaters.
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Bekal Beach

This is a shallow beach that offers spectacular views of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation
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Beypore

Beypore, which is one of ancient Kerala's prominent maritime centres, is famous for its boat-building yards.
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Bolghatty Island

This long narrow palm-fringed island, easily accessible from the mainland is where the Bolghatty Palace is situated amidst 15 acres of lush green lawns.
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Chembara Peak

The tallest peak in the range that winds its way through Wayanad-Chembra, at 2,100 metres above sea level, the peak is an exhilarating four-hour trek from the base of the mountain.
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Cherai Beach

This lovely beach bordering the Vypeen Island is located magically between the backwaters and the sea and offers a breathtaking location.
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Cheriyapally

Built in 1579, this is one of the only churches that still exists in its near original state. Influenced by Portuguese architecture, the church has a baroque style façade
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Chinese Fishing Nets

The Chinese fishing nets are a fascinating sight to us.
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Dharmadam Island

The small five-acre island covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful place from which to watch the sunset
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Edakkal Caves

12 kms from Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad and accessible only by a 1 km trekking trail, the Edakkal caves are natural caves formed by giant stones resting on each other.
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Elephant Pageant

In March, the Shree Krishna Swamy temple near Kollam celebrates its annual elephant festival. The highlight is the colourful pageantry involving around 40 elephants
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Eravikulam National Park

This national park is set between the Kanan Devan hills of Munnar and Anamudi (which is the highest peak south of the Himalayas) over a 97 sq km park.
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Ernakulam City

The cosmopolitan side of Cochin, Ernakulam offers all the facilities and amenities that any major city would offer. It is ideal for shopping.
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Fishing Port

The busy bustling Kozhikode fishing port, with fresh catches being unloaded from fishing vessels, makes for an interesting visit.
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Fort Immanuel

This bastion of the Portuguese was a symbol of the alliance between the ruler of Cochin and the Monarch of Portugal.
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Gavi

Located inside the Periyar Reserve, Gavi offers the visitor an ideal wildlife experience. As a highly acclaimed eco tourism project, it gives travellers a true jungle experience.
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Good Shepherd Church

Constructed in 1882 and renovated in 1964, this is the first church of the Diocese of Vijayapuram to be built in the Italian style.
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Guruvayoor

One of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres in Kerala, its main attraction is the Sree Krishna Temple. Only Hindus are allowed entry into the temple.
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Guruvayur

Guruvayur also spelt Guruvayoor is situated 80km off Cochin and 30km northwest of Trichur or Thrisssur.
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Idukki

Idukki derives its name from the Malayalam word ‘idukku' which means a narrow gorge.
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Idukki Arch Dam

An architectural marvel, the Idukki arch dam is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills and is 550 feet high and 650 feet wide
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Idukki Wildlife sanctuary

Spread over 77 sq kms, the sanctuary has animals such as elephant, bison, sambar, deer, wild dogs, jungle cats, wild boars and a large variety of birds.
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Jain Temple

Built by Jain diamond traders, this historical temple is said to be more than 1,500 years old and has withstood the test of time
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Jew Town

The area around the Jewish synagogue is a centre of spice trade and curio shops and is named after the Jewish community which settled here 2,000 years back.
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Jewish Synagogue

Constructed in 1568, this is the oldest synagogue in the Commonwealth.
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Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

The estuary at Kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers, whimbrels and other birds flock to this place in November and leave again in April.
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Kallai

This was once the second largest timber trading centre in Asia. A steel bridge built by the British is still intact here.
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Kalpathy

Kalpathy is a 12th century Brahmin settlement established by migrant Brahmins from Tanjore in Tamilnadu. The village still practices age-old traditions and customs.
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Kannur

With the Western Ghats in the east and the Lakshadweep Sea in the west, Kannur is an area bounded by a wealth of natural beauty.
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Kappad

This is the historic beach where Vasco Da Gama landed in 1498 with 170 men. A monument on the beach commemorates the event.
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Kappil Beach

Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
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Kasargod

Kasargod is the northernmost district of Kerala and is globally renowned for its coir and handloom industries.
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Kathakali Dance

This is most well known dance drama that originates in Kerala from 17th century. Katha means story and kali means play.
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Kerala Kalamandalam

Founded in 1930 by Mahakavi Vallathol, a legendary poet from Kerala, its main objective is to revive, preserve and develop the ancient and traditional art forms of Kerala.
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Kochi (Cochin)

With its enchanting Jewish quarter, picturesque Chinese fishing nets, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and bustling spice and antiques bazaars, Cochin has a seamless blend of diverse architectural and religious influences.
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Kollam

Kollam is one of the oldest sea port towns on the Malabar Coast.
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Kottakal

This small town is home to the famed Kottakal Arya Vaidyashala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old traditional system of health and medicine in Kerala.
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Kottayam

Bordered by the grand Western Ghats on the east, and the Vembanad Lake and scenic paddy fields of Kuttanad on the west, Kottayam is a beautiful land of unique characteristics.
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Kovalam

Kovalam is known as paradise of South India. The scenic beauty of kovalam includes Sandy beaches, palm-fringed lagoons and rocky coves.
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Koyikal Palace

This is a two-storey palace at Nedumangad and is one of the ancient palaces belonging to the erstwhile Venad dynasty, built during the 15th century in the traditional Nalukettu style.
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Kozhikode (earlier known as Calicut)

Once the capital of the powerful Zamorin rulers of North Kerala and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Calicut was the most important region in Kerala in ancient times.
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Kozhikode Beach

A favourite of sunset viewers, where the old world charm is retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than 100 years old.
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Krishnapuram Palace

The Krishnapuram Palace, located 47 kms from Alappuzha en-route to Kollam, was built by Marthanda Varma in the 18th century. This palace bears the stamp of Kerala's unique architectural opulence.
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Kumarakom

Yet another beautiful and famous destination on the bank of Vembanad lake, with abundant greenery, canals, lakes, coves, lush green paddy fields, meandering waters, mangrove with bird sanctuary…
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Kuruva Islands

This is a breathtaking 950-acre wooded island wrapped around by rivulets and is ideal for camping and peaceful nature trails.
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Malampuzh

An awe-inspiring structure, the Malampuzha dam is a 6,066 feet masonry engineered construction built across Malampuzha, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha river.
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Malappuram

Malappuram literally means ‘a land atop the hills' and is situated 50 kms southeast of Kozhikode.
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Malik Deenar Mosque

Kasargod was considered an important centre for Islam.
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Mannarshala Temple

Mannarshala covers an area of 16 acres of dense green forest grove devoted to serpent worship.
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Mararikulam (Marari)

Mararikulam (or Marari) is a small fishing village located in close proximity of the land of backwaters, with white sandy stretch of un-spoilt beach.
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Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace)

Built by the Portuguese in 1557 as a gift to the ruler of Kochi, the palace was renovated by the Dutch in 1663 and oddly is named after the Dutch.
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Mattupetty

A drive through to the Matupetty takes you through some very picturesque locations of Munnar.
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Meenmutty Waterfalls

An interesting 2 km trek from the main road, Meenmutty is the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Wayanad.
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Munnar

Munnar is known as nature lover's paradise & the gateway to hill stations of Kerala.
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Muzhipillangad Beach

Perhaps Kerala's only drive-in beach, this long clean white sand virgin beach is an absolute marvel and you could drive for about four kms on the beach.
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Napier Museum

Built in the 19th century, this Indo Saracenic structure boasts a rare collection of archaeological and historical artifacts, idols, ornaments, a temple chariot and ivory carvings to name…
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Nattika Beach

Located about 30 kms from Trichur, this is a relatively undiscovered beach offering miles of palm-fringed golden sands and picturesque surroundings.
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Nedumkayam Forests

A beautiful and dense forest, ideal for trekking, it offers a large variety of flora and fauna.
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Neliyampathy Hills

About 40 kms from Palakkad, this captivating hill station with its hair-pin bends is a favourite with trekkers
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Neyyar Dam

A one-hour drive from Trivandrum, the Neyyar dam is a popular picnic spot and has a watchtower, the Irvin crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park.
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Padmanabhapuram Palace

This majestic old palace is 63kms from Trivandrum. Situated at Thakkala, on the way to Kanyakumari, this was once the capital of the State of Travancore.
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Pakshipathalam

This is a bird sanctuary which is accessible only by trekking and houses many rare species of birds.
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Pala and Kanjirapally

Nourished by two rivers, these two towns close to Kottayam are centres of rubber plantation
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Palakkad

The district of Palakkad, also known as the rice granary of Kerala, is a land of hillocks, valleys, rivers, forests, mountains and meandering streams.
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Palakkad Fort

Built by the ruler Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766, this granite fort situated in the heart of Palakkad is known to be one of Kerala's best preserved forts.
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Palaruvi Waterfalls

‘Palaruvi', which literally means ‘stream of milk', is an enchanting waterfall that makes its way down the rocks from a height of 300 feet.
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Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Situated in a valley stretching over 250 sq kms, this sanctuary boasts of being the first ever scientifically managed teak plantation and has the world's tallest teak tree.
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Parassinikkadavu Temple

Set by the backwaters, this is a temple where the famous Theyyam can be witnessed even during off-season.
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Paravur and Chendamangalam

Paravur or Parur is about 35km north of Kochi and Chendamangalam or Chennamangalam is located 4kms away from Parur. The drive to the village is quite beautiful.
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Pathanamthitta

The town's name is a combination of two Malayalam words ‘Pathanam' and ‘Thitta', which together mean -œhouses by the riverside-.
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Payyambalam Beach

This beach is famous for its flat laterite cliffs which jut into the sea. There is a well laid-out garden with a massive captivating sculpture of ‘Mother and Child'
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Peerumede

The famous plantation town takes its name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi saint.
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Periyar

Periyar or Thekady is where the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated.
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Periyar Tiger Reserve

One of the 27 tiger reserves in India, the Periyar valley in Thekkady is the oldest and largest protected area in Kerala.
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Pookot Lake

This is a perennial fresh water lake nestled amongst the hills offering breathtaking views and is ideal for boating.
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Punnathoor Kotta

The palace ground of the erstwhile kings of Punnathoor, it houses an elephant camp with more than 60 elephants and is said to be the only one of…
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Pythal Mala

Located 65 kms from Kannur, this enchanting hill station is about 4,500 feet above sea level and offers rich flora and fauna.
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Sabarimala

One of the most famous pilgrim centers in India and one of the largest religious congregations in the world, this shrine is situated in the high mountain ranges…
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Santa Cruz Basilica

This historical church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. In 1795, the British took over Kochi and demolished the church.
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Sasthamkotta Dharmasastha Temple

Kollam abounds in temples dedicated to the Lord ‘Ayyapa' and the Sasthamkotta temple is believed to possess great powers. Monkeys colonise the trees near the temple.
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Secretariat

Built in the Roman architectural style, this is the centre of government administration in Kerala and houses the offices of Ministers and the beaureocracy.
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Sentinel Rock Waterfalls

Known locally as Soochipara (Soochi- Needles), this waterfall derives its name from the needle-like granite stones shaped by the falling water.
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Shanmugham Beach

Just 8 kms from the city, this is a favourite haunt of sunset-watchers and is very close to the airport
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Silent Valley National Park

One of the last remaining patches of evergreen forest, the Silent Valley has been evolving for millions of years having remained undisturbed because of its difficult terrain
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Snake Boat Races

Manned by 100-120 boatmen and involving about 10 boats a time, the boat races in Alleppey are the world's largest team sport event and an absolute must-experience if…
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St. Angelo Fort

This seafront laterite fort was constructed in 1505 AD by the first Portuguese Viceroy in India.
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St. Francis Church

Built in 1503 by the Portuguese, this is India's oldest European church. Vasco Da Gama was buried here in 1524 before his remains were moved to Portugal. The tombstone still remains.
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Sweet Meat Street

Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the many sweetmeat stalls that line the street.
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Teak Museum

Situated in a place called Nilambur this is the only teak museum in the world. It also houses around 55 types of bamboos.
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Tejaswini Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous small islands, this backwater stretch is excellent for boat rides
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Thalassery Fort

Constructed in 1708, this fort was the military centre of the British and is now a historical monument.
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The Bekal Fort

The three-centuries-old Bekal fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala.
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Thekkady

The drive to Thekkady is enchanting as the road winds through tranquill countryside, rich plantations & thick jungles.
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Thenmala

Covered by dense forest, rubber and tea plantations, Thenmala is home to India's first planned eco tourism project.
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Thevally Palace

Built between 1811 and 1819, this erstwhile residence of the King was used for meetings with the British. It overlooks the scenic Ashtamudi Lake and is best viewed from the Lake itself.
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Thirumandhamkunnu Temple

Dedicated to the goddess Durga, this is an important pilgrim centre in Malappuram. The annual festival celebrated in March/ April attracts a large number of devotees.
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Thirunakkara Temple

The highlight of this shrine, believed to have been built by a Thekkumkor king, is the low roofed stage or ‘koothambalam,' one of the finest in the whole…
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Thirunelly Temple

Situated in possibly one of the most beautiful settings in Kerala, this temple is surrounded by the Bramhagiri peaks
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Thunchan Memorial

This is the birth place of Thunchan Ezhuthachan, the father of the Malayalam language.The iron stylus with which Ezhuthachan wrote his texts on palm leaves and the ancient…
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Trichur

Trichur, also known as the cultural capital of Kerala, is steeped in history, cultural heritage and archaeological wealth.
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Trippunithara Hill Palace

This palace, built in 1865, was once the residence of the Raja of Cochin and is a majestic structure set in 52 acres of green carpets.
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Trivandrum

Renamed as Thiruvananthapuram, is Kerala's seaside capital. Located on the west coast and near the extreme south of the state, Thiruvananthapuram, otherwise known as Trivandrum, is the capital of Kerala.
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Vagamon

Vagamon is covered in hills and is a curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies. The chain of three hills, which belong to different faiths, marks religious harmony
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Valiyapally

Valiyapally, literally meaning ‘big church', was built in 1550 by the descendants of the 72 families whose forefathers were believed to be among the seven clans who migrated…
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Valiyapally Church

Valiyapally or big church was built in 1550 by the descendants of the 72 families whose forefathers were the seven clans who migrated to India in 345 AD from Jerusalem.
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Vandanmedu

This is one of the world's largest auction centres for cardamom. A walk through the sprawling cardamom plantations of Vandanmedu is a heady experience.
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Varkala

Varkala is a nice seaside resort on the Arabian sea, situated 40km north of Trivandrum.
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over more than 300 sq kms, this sanctuary is a haven for many species of birds and animals.
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Waynad

Waynad or so called the land of spicy hills is located in north east Kerala. The etymology of the word Wayanad is Vayal (paddy) Naad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields'.
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Willingdon Island

Named after Lord Willingdon, a former British viceroy of India, this man-made island was created by a British engineer.