Places to Visit in Kerala

With the advent of Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese; Kochi has become an enchanting city with eclectic influence. There are many historical and architectural sites in Kochi that attract tourists from across the world.

• Location: Kochi
• Known for: Architectural sites.
• How to reach: Kochi has its own airport named the Cochin International Airport.
• Type: Landmark

This day is marked as the first day of the Malayali Year. It is mostly celebrated at home that includes a pooja with the family followed by an evening feast. This festival falls in April.

• Why you should attend this: To know better about the Malayali culture and traditions.
• Who should attend this: Usually, the native Malayalis attend this festival. However, you can still participate in it if you know people in Kerala.

A subtle yet gorgeous presentation of the last rainforest in Kerala, the Silent Valley National Park carries its own charm and aura. Initially occupying only 89.52 sq km, this national park grew with time to be declared as the Reserved Forest. Home to the unusual Nilgiri Tahr and the Lion Tailed Macaques, this is one of the most sought after the evergreen forest in this part of India. Regarded as one of the most popular biodiversity hubs among the nature lovers and the wildlife enthusiasts, the Silent Valley National Park is a beautiful reserve that you must definitely visit!

Location

This gorgeous national park is located in the lap of Palakkad in the God’s Own Country.

Address: Wildlife Warren, Silent Valley Division, Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala 678582

Hours: 6:45 am to 2:45 pm on all days except Fridays.

Telephone: 08589895652

Timings

This year-round destination is the best place to visit from the months of December to April to have the most comfortable experiences. During this period, the temperatures are mostly average, ranging from 18-21 degrees Celsius. 

The park is open for tourists to venture on a safari ride from 8 am to 5 pm. Hence keeping these timings in mind book a slot that is comfortable for you.

Highlights

• The Silent Valley Park is the core of the prestigious Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve that is a plethora of green meadows and plants. 
• It is home to the largest population of the unique lion-tailed macaques in the world. 
• You can find a wide range of rare birds and more than 100 species of beautiful butterflies that stutter around in the park.
• Due to the presence of the unique tropical rainforests preserve, this bio-reserve owns habitats that cannot be found in any other national park in India.

Price

It will cost you INR 50 as the entrance fee of the Silent Valley Park. The guide will cost you INR 150-200 approximately, Still Camera INR 25-30 approximately, Video Camera INR 200-250 approximately. 

Nevertheless, the Jeep Safari will cost you INR 1,600 per person for five people in a jeep.

Recommended for

The Silent Valley National Park is recommended especially for all the wildlife lovers and photographers. However, people from all age groups are welcome here to enjoy the surreal beauty of this national park.

How to get to Silent Valley National Park

By Air: The Coimbatore International Airport is the closest to the Silent Valley Park with a distance of about 117 km. This airport is well-connected to all the major metropolitan cities of the country like Chennai, Pune, Delhi; and many other famous places like Bangkok and Singapore. After arriving at the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach the designated destination according to your wish.

By Rail: The Palakkad Junction Railway Station is the closest to the Silent Valley Park. It is approximately 45-46 km away from the park and is connected to the major metropolitan cities of the country. There are direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai, and Mumbai to reach the destination. However, after reaching, you can hire taxis or take a bus to reach the destination in the same route as in the case of airports.

By Road: There is a well-maintained chain of roads nearby the Silent Valley Park which makes it easily accessible from the major cities. You can easily pull off a spectacular road trip to Palakkad as you enjoy the sublime greenery of Kerala. If you are travelling from Chennai, Bangalore, or Coimbatore; it is going to be an amazing ride either on a rented taxi, bus or a personal vehicle if you are ready to bear the thrill. If you cannot find cabs, there will always be buses which are much more economical when compared to the cars. The KSRTC provides regular buses from the major cities to Palakkad.

About Silent Valley National Park

The park is home to a vast range of animals, plants, birds of various species that cannot usually be found in the country. There is about 50-80 percent of the species that you cannot find on a daily basis within the park. Apart from this, the park also possesses an interesting range of flora that attracts nature lovers from across the country. Primarily dominated by the Evergreen forests, it also features Orchids, Liverworts, Algae, Legumes, Asters, Black Pepper, Rice, Ferns, Lichens, Grasses, Rubiaceae, Cardamom, and Beans. Other than these, there are more than 110 plant species that will grab the attention of all the nature enthusiasts. 

That being said, there is also a large scope for the Fauna which includes the Nilgiri Langurs, Hairy-winged Bat, Tigers, Panthers, Lion-tailed Macaque and many other species that are one of a kind. Besides, there is also a large range of birds which include the famous Ceylon Frogmouth and the Great Indian Hornbill that attract bird-watchers from various parts across the world.

While in the Silent Valley park, you can go on some fun safari through the deep jungles to experience the park from a closer point of view. Else, get yourself to the top of the Watchtower to capture those Instagram-worthy pictures that you are ready to post on your Instagram handles!

Nevertheless, you can also go on a simple trek to the glistening Kunthi River that is filled with clear waters. You can take a short walk through the lush evergreen forest lands of the Silent Valley, and this trail will eventually lead you to the beautiful anchored boats that are tied to the banks.

Interesting facts about Silent Valley National Park

• It has great accommodation in and around to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
• It is the only existing evergreen forest in the vicinity of Kerala
• You can go on a small trek to reach the Kunti River, where there is a stream of clear water flowing through the gorgeous land.
• Located in the God’s Own Country, this national park has a lot of species that you cannot find in any other national parks in India.
• It has a wide range of birds that it a literal treat for all the bird watchers.

Located at the entrance of the Sholayar Hill Ranges, the Athirapilly Falls are really lovely. Flowing out on the River Chalakudy, these breathtaking waterfalls cascade down from a massive height of 80 feet, with water gushing through different parallel streams forming a magnificent view. These falls are often regarded as the 'Niagara Falls if India.'

• Location: Athirapilly
• Known for: Breathtaking views
• How to reach: Located 73 km away from Kochi.
• Operating hours: 8 am to 5 pm
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Wear comfortable shoes, as you might have to trek longer distances.
• Type: Waterfalls.

Kovalam Beach is one of the most charming beaches of Kerala that you don't want to miss. It hosts a serene ambiance, making it the perfect place to spend a laidback evening. There is pleasant weather, calm breeze, warm sand and tall coconut trees that make the site look like it is has been taken out of a dream. It also has an array of Ayurvedic parlors and yoga centers that will end your day correctly with relaxing massages.

Location: Kovalam, Kerala

Known for: Picturesque beach with a lighthouse

How to reach: There are public transport systems that will directly take you to the beach.

Operating hours: Open 24 hours

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Make sure you don't dive on the beach during full moon days, as the waves can be a bit harsh.

Type: Beach.

The beautiful Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located at Kumarakom in Kottayam district in Kerala. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Vembanad Lake in the enchanting backwaters of Kerala, which is why it is also known as the Vembanad Bird Sanctuary. Kumarakom is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kerala as its home to many native as well as migratory birds. A wide range of rare birds make it an alluring place for birdwatchers. The sanctuary sees a lot of tourists all through the year and serves as an amazing place to get close to nature.

Highlights of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

• There’s an exciting walk of about 2 kms to reach the end of the site and people can spot different birds while walking on the trail. The journey itself is wonderful as there’s a small butterfly garden on the way. One can enjoy a leisurely stroll listening to birds twittering in the trees. 
• One can also take a boat ride in the Vembanad Lake and enjoy the picturesque views while being surrounded by bright blue water. 
• There’s an interpretation centre at the entrance of the sanctuary that showcases pictures of different birds that visit throughout the year.  

About the sanctuary:

The Kumarakom Sanctuary covers a large area of about 14 acres and is controlled by the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The sanctuary was earlier known as Baker’s Estate as it was originally developed as a rubber plantation by George Alfred Baker. 

The pleasing views of this lush and evergreen place are literally a treat to the eyes as one can spot many local birds like owls, cuckoos, herons and waterfowls, along with a lot of migratory birds during their migration season. Some of these migratory birds come all the way from Siberia, while others make their journey from the Himalayas.  

Best time to visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months of November to February as migratory birds from different parts of the globe fly here at this time. It can be visited during the months of June to August too as one can spot a lot of local birds there.  

In terms of comfort, most seasons in Kerala see moderate climate, so travelling here at any time should be quite pleasant. 

How to reach Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary:

By road: Kottayam is just 13 kms away from the sanctuary and local cabs and taxis are easily available for hiring. One can also hire private transport to reach the destination. 

By train: The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is the Kottayam railway station. It is at a distance of 12 kms, and is connected with all major Indian cities. 

By air: The nearest airport to the sanctuary is the Cochin airport, located just 38 kms away. The airport is connected to all major cities in India, so flying to this wonderful place should not be a hassle. 

Thekkady, also known as Periyar is home to wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves. The spice plantation out here is one of the leading attractions of this beautiful land. Pepper is the most popular and abundantly grown spice in Thekkady. There are also varieties of clove, sinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, curry leaves and turmeric that are cultivated on the slopes plantations.

• Location: Thekkady
• Known for: Spice Plantations, Tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• How to reach: You can take a train or bus to Thekkady from Kochi.
• Operating hours: The best time to visit is from November to July.
• Type: Park.

The glorified European era of Kochi has transformed this place into an architectural wonder. The Princess Street is flooded with shops selling handicrafts, clothes, jewelry and traditional items. There are also many Ayurveda centers located along the Princess Street. It is one of the most popular tourist places with Europeans structures and lip-smacking food with perfect beverages that will make your evening. A long stretch of Colossal Colonial homes with vibrant avenues that match the European architecture and a vast array of shops is what the Princess Street is all about.

• Location: Kochi
• Known for: European architecture
• How to reach: You can take a taxi to the Main Street in Kochi.
• Operating hours: 24 hours of the day.
• Type: Landmark.

This is one of the most significant wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. It is not only an Elephant and Tiger Reserve but also a home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. This vast area is inhabited by sambars, bisons, wild boars, elephants, langurs, and tigers. You can have a jeep safari in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and get a glimpse of some of the rarest species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, and butterflies that roam about in the jungle freely.

Location: Periyar.

Known for: Rare species of animals.

How to reach: Take any of the public transports in Periyar to arrive here.

Approximate Cost: INR 1500-2000 for the Safari ride and INR 50-100 approximately as the entrance fees.

Operating hours: 6 am to 6 pm

Type: Wildlife Sanctuary.

Known to be a really beautiful beach in Kerala, Varkala is located in a hill station known as Pythal Mala. It is a principal place of worship for Hindus and is the only place in Southern Kerala where you can see cliffs which are adjacent to the western coast of India and the Arabian Sea. It is also known as the Papanasam Beach as it is believed that taking a bath on this beach will clean all the sins of a person. It is one of the calmest and isolated beaches of Kerala where you should spend a relaxed evening.

• Location: Varkala, Pythal Mala hill station.
• Known for: Beach views and temples nearby.
• How to reach: Take a road trip from Thiruvananthapuram.
• Operating hours: 24 hours.
• Type: Beach.

Bearing a European style of architecture, St. Francis Church is one of the most famous churches of Kerala. It is an entirely wooden structure, established in the year 1503. It is constructed by Portuguese Franciscan friars and resembles the Trinity Church in Bangalore. There are several anecdotes of Portuguese and Dutch rulers, in the form of inscriptions that can be found inside the church.

Location: Kochi

Known for: European Architecture and inscriptions.

How to reach: Take a local ride in Kochi until the Francis Church Road.

Approximate Cost: None

Operating hours: 7 am to 6:30 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am to 6:30 pm on Sundays.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Photography is not allowed inside.

Type: Historic Site

Popularly known as the Dakshin Dwarka, Guruvayoor temple is one of its kind. There is a 33.5 m tall Dhwajastambham amidst the courtyard which is gold plated and is home to Lord Krishna. It is the most preferred temple for marriages and rice feeding ceremonies in Kerala.

• Location: Guruvayoor, Kerala
• Known for: Lord Krishna's abode.
• How to reach: It is situated 29 km northeast of Thrissur and is well connected by road to other places in Kerala.
• Approximate Cost: Free
• Operating hours: 3 am to 1 pm in the morning, 4:30 pm to 10 pm in the night.
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Only Hindus are allowed.
• Type: Temple

Also known as the Paradesi Synagogue, the Jewish Synagogue in Kochi Kerala is the oldest of its kind in the commonwealth nations. It has scrolls of law; gold crowns, alluring chandeliers, clock tower, and Chinese tiles hand painted in blue.

Location: Kochi

Known for: Offerings to Synagogue on display.

How to reach: Take the National Highway 17.

Approximate Cost: INR 5 per person

Operating hours: 10 am to 12 pm, 3 pm to 5 pm. Closed on Saturdays.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Cameras and handbags are not allowed inside this place.

Type: Historic Site.

Fantastic houseboat rides on the calm backwaters, offering a breathtaking view of the sceneries; Alleppey backwaters are to die for! All the months from September to May are fun to check out the backwater trips in Kerala. Lord Curzon defined the breathtaking beauty of Alleppey in a single phrase, by naming it the 'Venice of the East.' Need we say more about it?

• Location: Alleppey, Kerala.
• Known for: Backwaters and houseboat rides.
• How to reach: Kochi Airport is 51 kilometers away from Alleppey
• Approximate Cost: It will cost you INR 5,000 to 10,000 depending on the ride you choose in the houseboats.
• Operating hours: You can visit Alleppey throughout the year.
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Carry an umbrella handy.
• Type: Village

There are boat races held in the backwaters of Kerala, elevating the charm of these water canals. These races are all about enjoyment, and most importantly about teamwork. The boat festival is celebrated from July to September.

• Why you should attend this: To witness some of the most popular races of Kerala; Champakulam Moolam Boat Race in Alappuzha, Nehru Trophy Boat Race in Alleppey, Payippas Jalotsavam in Payippad Lake and Vallam Kali in Punnamada Lake.
• Who should attend this: If you love races, then this is the perfect event for you!

Theyyam is one of the oldest and most famous festivals in Kerala. This much-awaited 800-year-old festival displays a huge array of folk dances and arts. They showcase more than 400 different performances, out of which the best ones are Kari Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, Muchilottu Bhagavathi, and Wayanad Kulaven. Theyyam falls during April to December.

• Why you should attend this: To get a glimpse of some of the best mythological acts performed by talented artists.
• Who should attend this: Someone who would want to get a deep insight into the Kerala culture will enjoy this festival.

This 10-day celebration is a pure feast for the eyes! It is a harvest festival of Kerala which is celebrated to commemorate the Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu and homecoming of King Mahabali. With delicious dishes, music, dances, rituals, and boat races; Kerala turns into an incredibly vibrant place. Onam falls between August and September.

• Why you should attend this: There is a colorful extravaganza of dances and fireworks all over the state. You should attend this most importantly for the Onam Sadhya, which is a customary feast comprising a vegetarian meal.

5000 years old, and one of the wealthiest temples in the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is an abode to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the leading attractions for Hindu tourists who wish to witness the majestic five-hooded serpent in the form of an idol, Anantha. This temple has a rich Dravidian architecture that is evident on its intricate carvings and sculptures that add beauty to it. One of the best parts of this temple is the seven-tiered gopuram with a height of 100 foot, built in Pandyan style.

• Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
• Known for: Five-hooded serpent idol, Anantha.
• How to reach: Take any of the public transport services in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Approximate Cost: No entry fees.
• Operating hours: In the mornings, from 3:30 am to 12:00 pm and in the evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:20 pm.
• Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Make sure you wear traditional attire.
• Type: Temple.