7 Hidden Gems to Explore in Kerala

If you want to know more about Kerala, don't just look at it from a geographical perspective. It's all about experiencing the surroundings. The. Visualize yourself in a humid and fragrant environment, breathing in deeply. Kerala's landscape is typified by gentle seas at night, dry and damp seasons, and calm canals. The everyday routine is full of surprises. Watch how Kathakali actors use precise eye movements to convey an entire story. One vendor smiles as they walk into the busy fish market. A wealthy woman sips tea from her family's collection, while an elderly woman cooks coconut stew without any fuss on the cold hillsides.

Kerala has its own unique character that sets it apart. Literacy is a common attribute, and traditional Ayurvedic practices for health promotion, as well as festivals, are all familiar. Their energy and enthusiasm propel each other. The land feels like a welcoming friend, verdant, thriving, and producing an abundance. Coconuts, spices with a nostalgic smell, and a calming lifestyle for relaxation are all included. And it doesn't just invite you; it nurtures. The phrase "God's Own Country" holds true; it resonates with the community; everyone feels as though they have discovered a place that is genuinely alive, tranquil, and stunning.

1. Munnar: Where Green Never Ends

Open up your vision and watch countless shades of green, rolling hills that extend as far back as the eye can see, turning into gentle white mist. Munnar has an upbeat atmosphere, with the aroma of damp earth and tea leaves radiating from the air. It's a welcome break from the heat. Strolling through endless tea plantations feels like stepping into a painting. However, Munnar offers more than just beautiful views. It is an active location where visitors can tour a tea factory and observe the journey of tea leaves from harvesting to becoming the final, aromatic beverage. Additionally, it serves as a sanctuary for endangered species, including the Nilgiri Tahr goat, which can be found on the steep cliffs of Eravikulam National Park.

To experience something truly unique, seek a calm place in the early morning and watch the clouds drift through the valleys below. But Munnar is not about the thrill; it's about a deep green peace that stays within you.

2. Alleppey (Alappuzha): Life on the Water

Life in Alleppey is a result of the water's movement. Among the canals in Kerala, the one that's complex is the front yard, where boats and cars can share. The most suitable place to experience this style of movement is on a houseboat. Walking through the lush green rice fields, kids frantically waving in the air and watching ducks swimming nearby will give you a different experience than those around you. It's mesmerizing and very peaceful.

Picture yourself in a snake boat race, with thousands of rowers on the most luxurious boats and people cheering as they dance. Waves dance on the pier at Alleppey Beach, where stories of its ancient trading days are recounted. The only way to experience life is by being together and enjoying the water, as Alleppey pointed out. The assertion is considered to be universally accepted.

3. Kochi (Cochin): A City Of Stories

Like, every part of Kochi is a story. Fort Kochi has a distinct history, not that of 'a museum.' It is present in the ancient Chinese fishing nets that lean over the water, which are still used as tools. It's light yellow like an old Portuguese house, with the aroma of spices coming out of warehouses in the Jewish Quarter and the peaceful ambiance of the Paradesi Synagogue with its painted tiles. This is a world-class city that has been welcoming people for over 600 years.

Experience the magic of Kathakali, a show where artists create gods and demons with impressive facial expressions, or take glimpses of Kalarippayattu martial arts during late evening. Following that, discover a high-end cafe in refurbished buildings from the past. The city of Kochi has an air of old-fashionedness and modernity, where the past is a part of the present.

4. Wayanad: For The Wild At Heart

Wayanad appeals to individuals who appreciate the unrefined, aged, and incomprehensible. The state of nature isn't flawless; it's lush and sturdy. Visiting this place requires driving through dense rainforests along meandering roads that eventually lead to enormous spice fields on the slopes.

5. Thekkady (Periyar): Where Wildlife Wanders

Thekkady is a fantastic place to see wild animals. Its focal point is the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a protected area where the forest plays. A serene lake cruise is the ultimate way to spend a day or night. As the boat heads around a bend, you wait anxiously for pictures of elephants swimming in the water, deer drinking from their holes, and even spotted kingfishers fishing for food.

But the real magic of Thekkady is not on board. While strolling through the forest, you'll encounter details such as scuffs on a tree stump, the sound of chirping birds, and various tree layers. Following that, visit a spice farm with the aroma of cardamom, vanilla, and black pepper. At the festival, one can enjoy both peaceful nature and the sweet taste of spice.

6. Kovalam: Relax By The Sea

The three beaches are diverse: the lively Lighthouse Beach with its cafes, the calm and upscale Hawah Beach, and the serene Samudra Beach featuring its own resorts. At Kovalam, the atmosphere is very human, from the pleasant conversations with a masseur on the beach to the pleasures of eating fresh seafood in the sand and watching fishermen fix their nets as the sun sets.

7. Kumarakom: A Backwater Secret

Kumarakom is the only safe place in the backwaters. The environment here is calming and serene. The Siberian birds that inhabit this bird sanctuary flock here during the winter and can hear the water flowing through it. A cottage by the water or a luxurious houseboat can provide an opportunity to admire stunning sunsets, where women wash clothes and boats transport goods to markets. Kumarakom provides an experience that makes you feel at ease, as opposed to relying on maps of the world. That’s what we call the soul of Kerala.