Kerala is a state in the southern part of the country. Also known as God’s Own Country, Kerala lies on the tropical Malabar coast. It is flanked by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Boasting of immense natural beauty, Kerala is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in India. Tea plantations, coconut tree lined beaches, backwaters, a network of canals – Kerala has everything that one would want. Munnar, Alleppey and Thekkady are among the most visited locations in Kerala. If you are in Kerala, you cannot miss going to these places.

Places to Visit in Munnar:-

Given below are a few things to do in Munnar:-

• Mattupetty: Mattupetty is located approximately thirteen kilometres away from Munnar. To reach Mattupetty hills, you have to drive through lush green valleys and rolling hills. Kundala, is another beautiful hill station and picnic spots, located around seven kilometres from Mattupetty. Mattupetty hills is around 1700 m above the sea level. Around the hills, you can also see the lake and the dam. Boating or canoeing on the waters of Mattupetty lake is an activity that you cannot miss doing. Bordering the lake is a forest, and you can often see herds of elephants and deer walking across the forest.

• Eravikulam National Park: This National Park, spread across ninety-seven square kilometres, is on the top of the list of the things to do in Munnar. It is about thirteen to fifteen kilometres away from Munnar. This national park is Kerala is home to various kinds of plants, animals, flora and fauna. The two unique features of the national park are the Nilgiri Tahr and the Neelakurinji plant. The Neelakurinji is a flower which blossoms once every twelve years. If you are visiting the park during the blooming season of the flower, then you are certainly in for a treat. The Nilgiri Tahr is an endangered species, which remains protected inside the Eravikulam National Park. It is also home to Anamundi, which is the highest peak in South India.

• Marayoor: This is among the most important things to do in Munnar. Vast sugarcane farms and an enormous sandalwood forest are the major attractions of Marayoor. Ezhuthupara, situated inside the forest of Marayoor forest, is a site which a history lover should not miss. The caves in Ezhuthupara are filled with paintings, which date back to the Stone Age. The cave paintings are of two kinds. One is drawn with reddish brown soil and other with white clay soil.

Places to Visit in Alleppey:-

• Alappuzha Beach: This is among the most popular things to do in Alleppey. It is among the most scenic beaches in the country and has a 150 year- old pier which merges into the sea. The beach often hosts festivals like the extremely popular Sand Art Festival. If you are an adventure lover, then you shall love this beach. Surfing, parasailing and scuba diving are regular water sports here.

• Vembanad Lake: In the past couple of years, Vembanad Lake has become a regular feature in the list of things to do in Alleppey. Alleppey, which is also known as Venice of the East, is filled with innumerable lakes, backwaters and tunnels. Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in the country. The lake flows across several districts in Kerala. Flowing across these districts, has given Vembanad Lake different names such as Kochi, Vembanadu and Punamada Lake. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race on Vembanad Lake is a major attraction. The houseboats or Kettuvallams are also a major highlight on the lake.
• Mary’s Forane Church: This is one of the oldest Syrian Catholic churches in the country. It dates back to 427 AD. The church’s architecture is an amalgamation of Syrian and Portuguese designs. The church has a history of rekindling the friendship between Catholics and Jacobian Syrians. The church has hosted 2500 families for the past few years and makes it one of the best places to visit in Alleppey.

Places to Visit in Thekkady:-

• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located on the banks of the river Periyar. If you are an animal lover, this is an ideal place for you. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is among the most important things to do in Thekkady. The sanctuary is home to several animals and a great diversity of flora and fauna. Flanked by the Western Ghats, the sanctuary is home to a significant number of elephants and tigers.
• Murikkady: The southern part of Kerala is filled with tea and spice plantations. Murikkady in Thekkady is famous for its spice plantations. In the last few years, this place has become one of the most important things to do in Thekkady. Murikkady cultivates around twelve kinds of spices which consist of turmeric, clove, and ginger. Not only spices but Murikkady is also known for coffee and tea plantation.

Do not miss out on these places when you are visiting Thekkady, Alleppey and Munnar!

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