Things to do in Kerala
Although most commonly associated with sedate boat trips through beautiful, labyrinthine waterways, Kerala does have a variety of tourist attractions. It is true that things to see and do in Kerala tend to revolve around the lush landscapes and natural assets of the region, but as India's most populous state, Kerala is also an ideal destination for those seeking insight into local customs and lifestyles.
Kerala is endowed with more than its fair share of nature's bounty, through its stunning rivers, lagoons and backwaters, numerous wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, and sublime beaches. In fact, one of the most famous attractions in Kerala is the coastal resort area of Kovalam, which some insist has the best beach in India. Other much-loved beaches include Varkala Beach and Papanasam Beach on the southwestern coast. For those interested in the local wildlife, there are five national parks and thirteen wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, making it an amazing destination for animal lovers. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary are both favourites. And, of course, a trip to Kerala would be woefully incomplete without meandering through the backwaters in a boat.
As visitors explore the beautiful landscapes of Kerala they will also witness the day-to-day activities of locals and for many the region's laid-back, rural lifestyle is fascinating. Although not celebrated for its cities, Kerala does boast some decent urban sightseeing as well. The capital of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (still commonly known as Trivandrum), has some cultural attractions to explore, including the Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, the Puttan Malika Palace, and the Padmanabhapuram Palace.
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum)
Thiruvananthapuram (still commonly known as Trivandrum) sits on a hilltop at the southern end of India and is Kerala's capital. For most visitors the capital is simply a transit-po…
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in the Cardamom Hills region of the Western Ghats, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in India. It is home to a great variety of g…
The Backwaters of Kerala
One of the most memorable experiences for many travellers in Kerala is a boat journey on the state's famous backwaters. The best known of these areas is Kuttanad, situated between …
Varkala
Located on Kerala's southwestern coast, just 32 miles (50km) from the state capital of Trivandrum, Varkala is one of those tourist destinations that get more and more popular each …
