If you’ve been longing for a houseboat experience in Kerala, now is the perfect time to take the plunge!
With its stunning scenery that has drawn the renowned director S.S. Rajamouli back time and again, Kerala is a paradise for nature lovers, offering lush greenery and fascinating wildlife. It is not just the physical beauty that alludes but the spirit of the land which beckons the weary traveller. Curating a unique travel experience for each visitor, the land has something to offer in every nook and cranny. Still don’t have a clue about where to start first? The following locations will surely not disappoint!
Tourist hotspots
- Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kovalam, and Kumarakom backwaters and beaches: Kerala is almost synonymous with its backwaters and beaches that offer the best mix of temperatures during winter. You must be thrilled to know that Alappuzha, often dubbed as the “Venice of the East”, namely offers the best houseboat touring experiences. For those who prefer sandy shores, Alappuzha Beach and Marari Beach offer a great opportunity for swimming and sunbathing. The powerhouse of surfing and various other water sport activities, Kovalam has three different beaches for you to pick and choose! Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and Hawah Beach are each known for their exclusive vibe and flavour, and what’s better than taking a look for yourself? For a space out of the spotlights, Kumarakom is the perfect backwater destination. But that’s not all there is to the locality. Taking a different route, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, offering a variety of migratory and resident species. Quite a manifestation of heaven on earth!
- Thekkady and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries: Both the sanctuaries are pretty popular within the state for being home to fauna not to be found in any other part of India. Dubbed as one of India’s largest wildlife reserves, a safari through Thekkady will find you face to face with elephants, tigers, leopards, and various bird species. A lot of tourist activities are also available on-site such as trekking, boating, spice plantation tours and many more. One of the major attractions of the sanctuary is the Periyar National Park, a renowned tiger reserve. More on the docile side, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors the lucrative option of camping out under the stars, surrounded by serene nature. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking up The Chembra Peak for breath taking views.
- Eravikulam National Park: Located only a hair’s width away from the Munnar hill station, Eravikulam is the largest and also the first national park of Kerala. The area is currently under the administration of Kerala Department of Forest and Wildlife, which accounts for the lack of private vehicles allowed within the space Providing as a self sufficient ecosystem, the park is famous for sightings of the Nilgiri Tahr, a rare mountain goat. It is particularly busy during the flowering season of the Neelakurinji, a rare plant that blooms once in 12 years. For a good trekking experience, don’t miss the various trails that have been marked out within the park for a spectacular viewing experience!
- Munnar hill station: Any trip to Kerala is incomplete without finding repose in the picturesque hills that house the state’s highest point. Standing at 2,695 m high, Anamudi is also the highest point of South India. What is most impressive and captivating about the Munnar hills is the variety of flora and fauna that one gets to see-all in a bird’s eye view. The hill station also attracts a ton of visitors owing to its strategic location. Situated at the intersection of three mountain streams, Munnar celebrates the union of Mudrapuzha, Nallathanni, and Kundala, making it a highly favourable land for the cultivation of tea. Here, countless tea plantations offer tasting and visiting options that are perfect for daylong visits. With plenty of hotels and lodgings in the area, you can relax knowing that accommodation is taken care of.
Take-backs:
Backwaters aside, Kerela really does exceed expectations! Its time to pick up your luggage and embark on a trip that will change your worldview. The land anticipates your arrival.
