What is Kerala Famous for? Top 20 Popular Places & Things to do

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Ranging from tranquil backwaters, lush green tea plantations, unique art forms to varied spices, there are many features you will find when searching for what Kerala is famous for. Kerala, also called 'God's Own Country,' is a beautiful tropical destination where people come to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty.

So, if you are visiting this state, here are some factors that make Kerala a popular place in India!

Situated between the Arabian Sea in the west and the Western Ghats in the east, Kerala is a perfect blend of natural beauty. It is blessed with abundant geographic as well as cultural diversity. So, if you plan a trip here, make sure to visit its famous places like:

1. Alleppey

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It is the Venice of the East and a hub of the state's backwater. In addition, Alleppey is the best weekend spot to spend time boating in its water. Further, the picture-perfect lagoons, calm breeze and the mirror still backwaters offer an overall memorable experience. Moreover, what makes it more amazing is the intricate grid of canals and how deep the connection between the waterways and their marine life is.

2. Kochi

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Kochi, also known as Cochin, is Kerala's economic and cultural capital, attracting worldwide tourists. What attracts people the most is the perfect amalgamation of Portuguese, Chinese, and British influences. Moreover, if you visit the place, explore the historical towns of Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. It will let you relish the undeniable remnants of colonial time.

3. Thekkady

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Thekkady is the home to the country's largest Tiger Reserve and thus one of the top jungle vacation spots in Kerala. Further, the sanctuary sprawls over an area of 777 kilometres square and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 1978. Apart from that, here you can explore the verdant green forest, observe elephants around the sanctuary or ride on a cruise boat over Periyar Lake.

4. Munnar

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Munnar is another place that Kerala is famous for. Situated at 1600 metres above sea level, Munnar is heaven on earth. The site contains beautiful winding narrow lanes, endless tea gardens, spice-scented fresh air and mountains covered with mist. Other things worth exploring include Mattupetty Dam, tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, etc.

5. Thrissur

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Thrissur is the cultural capital of Kerala and is rich in archaeological wealth. The political, historical and religious learning is evident through its museums and monuments. Moreover, you can also find an array of beautiful churches and temples here that turns into a hub of activity during the festive period. However, if you visit Thrissur, try the delectable Vellayappam, i.e., a rice hopper.

6. Kovalam

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Kovalam appears in the top suggestion when searching for some of the famous places in Kerala. The things that make it popular include Vellayani Lake, Karamana River, Light House, Kovalam art gallery, and Valiyathura pier. What more? Its stunning azure waters, falcate-shaped beach and white sandy shore, adds a cherry on top. Lastly, you can also try a few activities here, like parasailing, wind-surfing, etc.

7. Wayanad

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Wayanad is a picturesque plateau perching at 700 to 2100 m above sea level. Nestled among the mountains of Western Ghats, it makes Kerala popular by offering scenery that is a sight to sore eyes. The Chembra peak, Meenmutty waterfalls, Neelimala, Banasuragar dam, Kuruva Islands, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Pakshipathalam, and Edakkal caves are only a few picturesque spots to mention.

8. Thiruvananthapuram

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The largest city in Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum, is another major tourist attraction of the state. There are tons of things famous about this place, like its beaches, backwaters, lagoons and socio-cultural diversity. Moreover, it is also home to the world's richest temple, i.e., Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. Other places to visit include, Kanakakunnu palace, Neyyar Dam, etc.

9. Kozhikode

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Kozhikode, now known as a commercial centre, was once the capital of the Zamorin kingdom. It is a city of historical and cultural significance and welcomes tourists from all parts with open arms. Top things worth exploring here include Thusharagiri waterfalls, Kuttiyadi Dam, Kappad Beach, Regional Science Centre and Mananchira Square. Lastly, you will also find lip-smacking delicacies here.

10. Padmanabha Swamy Temple

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Padmanabha Swamy Temple is undoubtedly one of the most famous places in Kerala to explore. What makes it special is that people discovered a treasure worth 1 trillion dollars on its premises a few years back. However, apart from being the richest shrine, this temple was also mentioned in the Hindu religious book, the epic Mahabharata.

Here is a list of things that makes Kerala famous:

11. Houseboats

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Kerala's houseboat is something that everyone wants to ride at least once in their lifetime. It is like living in a star hotel over water while enjoying the mesmerising view of the inaccessible rural areas of Kerala. While the most renowned houseboat is the 'Alappuzha', also referred to as the Venice of the East, other houseboats are available at Kollam, Trivandrum, Thrissur, etc.

12. Art Forms

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Kerala is rich in culture that also gave birth to one of the most popular dance forms, i.e., Kathakali. It is an intricate dance form featuring delicate moves and exuberant makeup.

Moreover, the vibrant dance costume makes it a treat for the eyes. Other popular things about the state include Kalaripayattu (mother of all martial arts) and Theyyam (a mesmerising dance form).

13. Beaches

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Kerala has 600 kilometres of shoreline situated on the Western Malabar Coast of India. A big proportion of this land comprises fine sand beaches, thus offering a variety of choices to all beach lovers. However, the best-known beaches of Kerala include Kappad, Kovalam and Varkala. Here you can soak yourself in the warm sun rays or try different water activities.

14. Natural Beauty

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Kerala has a setting whose natural beauty cannot be emphasised enough. The adventure trek trail laid out in Thekkady, the National parks containing abundant fauna and the offbeat location like Munnar are some of the things that Kerala is known for. So, make sure to go on a silent retreat walking up the trail, explore elephants in the park, and discover the unspoiled beauty of nature.

15. Architecture

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The top thing that is famous about Kerala is its past as an amalgamation of indigenous princely states. As many of its places were British-ruled lands and Portuguese trading ports, the state contains more architectural heritage than any other place in India. Some of them include Kannur, known for St Angelo Fort, constructed by the Portuguese settlers in 1505, and Kowdiar Palace, built by a maharaja for his sister in the 1930s.

16. Eco-Tourism

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Eco Tourism is perhaps the best initiative taken by the Kerala government so far. The officials have launched many defined programs to make it easy for tourists to reach offbeat places one can hardly find on maps. These destinations usually are serene, silent and away from any city chaos. Moreover, the natural trails winding through the woods give a wholesome experience.

17. Spices

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There is a reason why Kerala is called the 'Land of Spices.' One of the things famous about Kerala is its variety of spices and how it adds uniqueness to its cuisine. So, if you are a culinary enthusiast, try the mouth-watering seafood, Sadya (a feast containing all vegetarian cuisine) and the different pickles. What more? They are all served on a plantain leaf.

18. Ayurvedic Treatment

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Kerala has always embraced its rich culture and is now the only state to practice Ayurveda as its mainstream medicine. People here believe Ayurveda treatment can bring harmony to your mind, body and soul. Moreover, the healers use only natural ingredients to treat patients, i.e., oil, milk and natural herbs. So, if you visit Kerala, do try Ayurvedic massages and therapies.

19. Tea and Coffee Plantation

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The state is home to various plantations, including tea, spices and coffee, which is also one of the famous things about Kerala. The major areas adding to this popularity are Periyar, Kochi and Munnar regions. Moreover, due to this plantation, you can find a delicious fragrance wafting in the air. Also, if you drive through these mesmerising gardens, you will get a slice of beauty and peace.

20. Aranmula Mirrors

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The last but not the least thing what Kerala is famous for is Aranmula Mirrors. It is a handmade mirror made using metal alloy instead of glass. People here treat these Aranmula mirrors as one of the eight auspicious items that must be present in Kerala's bride trousseau. However, the exact metal used by people to make this mirror is still unknown and still remains a family secret.

Know more about:

• Bike Trips to go for in Kerala
• Temples in Kerala
• Waterfalls in Kerala
• Bird Sanctuaries in Kerala