Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” has captivating natural beauty and various landscapes. There are many offbeat places to visit in Kerala. Its tourist industry has traditionally revolved around its well-known backwaters, verdant beaches, and verdant tea plantations, but the state also has a wealth of undiscovered hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Our goal in this travel blog is to find the hidden treasures that await daring visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
Discover untamed wilderness, immerse yourself in traditional cultures, and enjoy nature’s extraordinary marvels in the state’s eccentric places. These locations provide peace, quiet, and the chance to make lifelong memories away from the busy tourist masses.
We’ll go to Kerala’s unexplored regions, which await the daring traveller with serene hill stations, enigmatic woods, and remote villages. Prepare to see pristine scenery, taste regional food, and make friendly connections with the friendly inhabitants.
Top 10 Offbeat Places to Visit in Kerala!
Nelliampathy
One of the offbeat places to visit in Kerala, Nelliyampathy, is a picturesque hill station covered with tea and coffee plantations. Its unspoiled natural beauty offers people looking for peace of mind an enticing haven. Its ethereal appeal and breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys make it one of Kerala’s most unusual destinations. Adventurers and environment lovers alike will find Nelliyampathy an undiscovered gem, with its nice weather, abundant biodiversity, and countless trekking paths.
Thus, if you want to go away from the usual tourist spots, go to Nelliyampathy, a retreat where the harmonious sounds of nature surround you.
Vembanad Lake
The stunning Vembanad Lake near Kumarakom is one of the best offbeat places to visit in Kerala. The longest lake in India, Vembanad, has green waters rich in algae that are comparatively undiscovered. It is the biggest surface water supply and a component of a vast wetland ecosystem. The lake is separated into fresh and brackish water by a saltwater barrier that keeps seawater out of the lake.
Tours and vacation packages on the Vembanad Lake are available from the Kumarakom Tourist Village. Take a classic houseboat ride over the backwaters, furnished with all the contemporary conveniences. Take in the exuberant snake boat racing during the Onam celebration. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is perfect.
Thenmala
One of the offbeat places in Kerala and a well-hidden secret is the Thenmala Dam near Kollam. At 1650 feet, it stretches across acres of lush woodland and produces a lot of therapeutic honey. There are many entertaining, adventurous, and relaxing things to do at the ecotourism location.
Thenmala is divided into zones based on visitor interests. Enchanting is the Musical Dancing Fountain at the Culture Zone. Enjoy a little shopping or sample some of Kerala’s traditional food. Admire Kerala’s artistic and cultural traditions in the amphitheatre as well. A walkway that leads to the dam is also included in the Leisure Zone. It’s worth investigating the exquisite Sculpture Garden, which features Man and nature as its subject. In addition, the Adventure Zone provides riding, rock climbing, river crossing, and hiking.
Chembra Peak
The highest mountain in Kerala, India’s Wayanad district, is Chembra Mountain, a well-liked vacation spot for adventure lovers. At 2,100 metres above sea level, the summit offers stunning sweeping views of the low-lying clouds that cover the hills and the verdant Western Ghats.
The ascent route meanders through lush, animal- and plant-rich woodlands. The heart-shaped lake, “Hridaya Saras,” located on the approach to the peak and is a timeless emblem of pristine nature, is the most distinctive aspect of the hike. The mystery and appeal of this place are increased by the belief that this perpetual lake has never dried up.
Trekkers from all over the world are drawn to the Chembra Peak trip because of its intermediate difficulty level. Every step of the journey displays the beauty of nature in its most unadulterated state, making the whole trek an experience in and of itself.
Ashtamudi Lake
Kollam’s Ashtamudi Backwaters are one of the offbeat places to visit in Kerala. It is the second-biggest and deepest ecosystem of wetlands. The lake’s eight arms, or channels, are the source of the name Ashtamudi. Numerous brackish lagoons, canals, rivers, and inlets make up the intricate network.
The backcountry areas of Ashtamudi are home to countless varieties of wildlife. The environment is home to around 50 species of avifauna, 40 species of birds that depend on wetlands, and 26 species of butterflies. Houseboat trips in the backwaters are well-known. Boats for rent are offered by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) in Kollam. Many backwater resorts provide a special chance to stay in floating huts.
Banasura Lake
One of the offbeat places to visit in Kerala is the 3200-foot-high Banasura Sagar Dam, tucked away in the foggy Wayanad district. Made of enormous piles of stones and rocks, it is the second-biggest earthen dam in Asia and the largest in India. The Karamanathodu River, a tributary of the Kabini River, has its waters collected by a dam.
A lovely picnic area with a stunning view of the Banasura hills in the distance is Banasura Sagar Dam. A stunning sight is the group of islands created during the monsoon season. Hike to the summit of Banasura Peak via the thick trees. Set off on a boat. The region is full of classic tree swings. Relive the happy times you had as a youngster.
The site of Banasura Dam is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors since it provides a variety of activities, such as speed boating and trekking. Every tourist is captivated by the enchanting atmosphere created by the lush vegetation, foggy hills, and large reservoirs. When the monsoon arrives, the surrounding foliage and overflowing reservoir create an even more ethereal scene at the dam.
Ponmudi Lake
Tucked up in the picturesque Western Ghats, Ponmudi is one of the most beautiful offbeat places to visit in Kerala. The meandering paths and lush slopes provide a charming escape from the bustle of the city. Its name, “Golden Crown” in Malayalam, is appropriate given its majestic majesty.
The alluring views of Ponmudi beckon tourists to discover its unspoiled terrain. Numerous indigenous species of plants and animals may be seen when strolling around the tea gardens of the area. With its rivulets, tropical woods, and profusion of spice crops, it represents the lush wealth of the Ghats.
Learn about the local legend by visiting the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary or ride up the 22 hairpin turns to the mountaintop, where every turn offers a fresh panoramic vista. The milder weather, especially in the mornings, adds to the peaceful environment.
Ponmudi is an ornithologist’s paradise, with hundreds of bird species calling it home. The place will please birdwatchers. The hills will be filled with the sound of their symphonies, a monument to the natural beauty of the area.
Edakkal Falls
Can you picture hiking up to a rock overlooking the stunning Western Ghats and entering a cave with about 8,000-year-old carvings? You may accomplish this in the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, one of the most popular offbeat places to visit in Kerala. With its unique 6,000 B.C. Stone Age sculptures, the caves are a type of rock shelter akin to the Bhimbetka shelters in Madhya Pradesh. You follow stony roads as you ascend from the base to the cliff, which finally leads to a breathtaking vista. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Gavi
The area of Pathanamthitta is home to the visually arresting hamlet of Gavi. Gavi, away from the spotlight, is a wildlife and environment lover’s paradise. The unparalleled splendour of nature captivates the sightseers. As a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve and Ranni Reserve Forest, you may see bears, Nilgiri Martens, elephants, and sambars at this hidden gem of the state. It is one of the greatest offbeat places to visit in Kerala because of the pleasant weather, even in the heat.
Silent Valley National Park
Worldwide, environment and animal enthusiasts go to the Silent Valley National Park, which has verdant woods and breathtaking vistas of diverse flora and fauna. The 89 square kilometre Silent Valley National Park is in Kerala, southern India, amid the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats. This national park is well worth seeing because of its extensive history and special status as a rainforest. The well-designed safari and the lovely rest areas within the park only enhance the value of a visit to this area of Kerala.
Travellers and environment lovers should make a point of visiting this national park since it is the last remaining pristine stretch of tropical evergreen woods in India. The region’s sylvan atmosphere, combined with its tall and beautiful hills and the various rivers that stream through it, are what distinguish the Silent Valley National Park from all other similar places, despite its smaller size when compared to other national parks in India.
How to Reach Kerala
The beautiful state of Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is situated in India’s southwest. It is a popular tourist destination worldwide because of its beautiful beaches, backwaters, lush scenery, and rich cultural history. Whether you’re travelling locally or abroad, you have a few alternatives for getting to this enchanted state.
Via Air:
Flying is the most popular and practical way to get here. Four significant international airports here are:
Kerala’s busiest and best-connected airport is Cochin International Airport (CIAL), in Kochi (Kochi International Airport). With so many domestic and international flights, it is a major travel hub.
Trivandrum International Airport is a great option for travellers travelling to the southern region of Kerala because it is conveniently located in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram and provides both local and international connections.
The Calicut International Airport, which serves the northern region of Kerala and has a few international connections, is situated in Kozhikode.
Kannur International Airport serves northern Kerala, including the Malabar area and is the most recent addition to Kerala’s aviation network.
Depending on where they are going in Kerala, visitors from other countries can select one of these airports for their journey. Additionally, local travellers can benefit from the vast network of domestic flights that connect Kerala with India’s major cities.
Via Train:
Kerala boasts a well-established rail system, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a picturesque train ride. Ernakulam Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central, Kozhikode, and Kannur are some of Kerala’s major train stations. Numerous regions of India, including important cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore, are well-connected to these stations. Indian Railways offers various train services to fit your comfort level and budget,
ranging from superfast express trains to passenger trains.
Via Road:
You may go to Kerala via bus or private car if you like doing road vacations. Kerala has excellent access to its neighbouring states via
state and national roads. Kerala is reachable by car from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and other adjacent states. As you get closer to Kerala, you can see how the scenery changes and the roads are typically well-maintained.
Via Water:
Kerala’s distinctive topography makes it possible to travel across its backwaters and discover the state. A houseboat tour is an option, and they depart from locations like Kochi, Kollam, and Alappuzha (Alleppey). It offers an alternative and picturesque route to several of the state’s highlights, such as coastal locations and backwater settlements.
Commuting Within Kerala:
It’s simple to navigate Kerala once you’re there. The state boasts a well-developed public transit network that includes rental automobiles, taxis, autorickshaws, and buses. Certain locations can also be explored on foot or by bicycle, according to your tastes and the nature of the terrain.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, culture, and adventure, the offbeat places to visit in Kerala are a delight. Not only is the trip to this breathtaking location unforgettable, but so is the experience itself. Thanks to Kerala’s well-connected airports, trains, and roads, your trip there should be a smooth and amazing experience. This southern treasure has plenty to offer any traveller, regardless of whether they are drawn to the backwaters, hill stations, or cultural activities.
Conclusion
The offbeat places to visit in Kerala, such as the foggy Chembra Peak and the serene Nelliampathy, can take you to another realm where time appears to stand still, and the beauties of nature take the stage.
You may have deep conversations with residents in these undiscovered regions of the state, take part in distinctive customs, and enjoy the untainted natural beauty of the surroundings. You may develop a stronger bond with the natural world and local culture by visiting these unconventional locations, which provide a welcome diversion from the typical tourist routes.
These secret locations are more than tourist attractions; they are portals into Kerala’s soul. Gather your belongings, venture off the main track, and let Kerala’s undiscovered treasures enchant your heart and spirit.
