24 Best Scenic Places in Kerala

At a distance of 16 km from Kollam, Paravur is a beautiful place with a combination of Sea, Lakes, Rivers, Backwaters, and vast green fields. This is one of the fabulous places in Kerala and among the must-include places in Kollam tour packages.

Paravur town has a small lake that merges with the backwaters of Kerala. The mangroves standing along both sides of the lake intensifies its beauty, making it more attractive. This lake is popular and significant as it connects as a part of the Trivandrum-Shornaur Canal System to the Edava and Ashtamudi Kayal.

Another real fascination in the region of Paravur lake is the Priyadarshini watercraft club. This watercraft club uncovers immense boating choices in the realm where the Arabian Sea, river, and the Kappil backwater merge. With a thin stretch of narrow land dividing the sea and Pravur lake, the beach at Paravur is ideal to sit and gaze at the natural beauty.

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About Kuruva Island

At a distance of 13 km from Mananthavady, 26 km from Kalpetta, 35 km from Irupu Falls & 32 km from Sulthan Bathery, Kuruva Island, also known as Kuruva Dweep, is a protected river delta in Wayanad district of Kerala. Kuruva Dweep is being developed as an eco-tourism project and is one of the popular places to visit in Wayanad.

Kuruva Island is a cluster of small islands formed by the delta in the River Kabini and is spread over 950 acres of uninhabited area. These are true natural islands with no other activities. Kuruva Island is densely populated with rich flora and fauna. Rare species of birds, orchids, and herbs are the main attraction of the island apart from its breathtaking natural beauty. Several migratory birds are also seen on the island. The main island contains two small freshwater lakes. Other unique features of these islands are the bridges made of bamboo and rare species of trees.

The island has two entry points, Cheriyamala and Palvelicham. If you stay in places like Sulthan Bathery, Pulpally, and Kenichira area, you can consider reaching the Cheriyamala entry point for accessing the island. If you are staying at Kalpetta, Vythiri, Padinjarathara, Mananthavady, etc, you can consider reaching the Palvelicham entry point. The island is open to visitors from October to May and is closed during the peak rainy season which is ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Kothamangalam, and 62 km from Kochi, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a protected area located at Thattekkad near Kochi, Kerala. Also known as Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary, it is one of the best bird sanctuaries in India, and among the major places to visit as part of Kochi tour packages.

Spread across 25 Sq. km at the foothills of Western Ghats, the Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary was established in 1983 and is the first bird sanctuary in Kerala. Lies across the Periyar River, this sanctuary owes much of its fame to Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. His famous survey of Travancore in the 1930s led to the formation of this modern-day paradise for avian life. This is one of the popular places to visit near Kochi.

The sanctuary is home to about 300 species of birds including Peninsular Bay Owl, Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Gray Hornbill, Crested Serpent Eagle, Rose-Billed Roller, etc. It also boasts of over 28 mammal species and over 9 species of reptiles. The place offers one of the best boating options in River Periyar. A brief ride on the river might take you close to cormorants, kingfishers, and many other birds, which feed off fish and other small creatures in the water.

There is a deer park inside the sanctuary. Adjacent to the deer park, the Taxidermic Museum showcases the natives ...

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At a distance of 7 km from Peermade and 25 km from Thekkady, Parunthumpara is a hill top situated at Perunthumpara village in Idukki district of Kerala. Situated between Thekkady & Peerumedu, it is one of the top places to visit in Thekkady.

Also known as Eagle Rock, Parunthumpara Viewpoint is located in one of the beautiful mountain top near Peermade. The word parunthu denotes Eagle and para denotes rock and so it is called as Perunthumpara because of a large area around like an eagle. The viewpoint provides a spectacular 360 degree view of Peerumedu hills and the surrounding plains. On a sunny day, one can get the view of the Sabarimala forests and Periyar Tiger Reserve. Sabarimala devotees visit the area to witness makarajyothi, making it a busy place during the pilgrimage season. During winter the hilltop will be under mist which may reduce the visibility.

Parunthumpara is a perfect choice for those who wish to have a holiday off the beaten track and to explore the unseen and the unexplored beauty of the pristine forests around. Locals calling this point as suicide point, because of the fearful trenches in one side. Now the administration provided protection barriers for the safety of visitors. Usually, the place is visited by tourists who are on their way to Thekkady and others as well.

It is possible to reach by vehicle without any difficulty. Be careful at the edges and curves. The route to this place is so beautiful amidst beautiful tea gardens. ...

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At a distance of 11 km from Kuttikkanam, and 45 km from Thekkady, Panchalimedu is a small hill station near Peerumedu in Idukki district in Kerala. It is an ideal spot for hiking in Kerala and among the top Thekkady tourist places.

Situated at an altitude of about 2,500 feet, Panchalimedu is known for its climate and viewpoint. The place is surrounded by deep valleys and hills, accompanied by meadows and grasslands. According to the legend, the Pandavas of Mahabharata along with their wife Panchali took shelter at Panchalimedu during their exile. Hence, the name Panchalimedu is derived from the words 'Panchali' meaning Draupadi, and 'medu' meaning hill.

There are two hills at Panchalimedu, one has a temple dedicated to Bhuvaneswari Devi. Several Shiva lingams, Trishulas (trident), and Naga idols are also placed near the temple. A small circular pond known as Panchalikulam is situated here, which is the place where Pandavas and Panchali take their daily bath. It is about 5 m in diameter. Even during hot summers, it will be filled with plenty of water. There is also a cave named Pandavaguha, in which the footprints of Bhima can be witnessed.

Panchalimedu is more of a soft hiking spot rather than a hiking trail that can be completed by elderly people and children. It is the perfect place to take a day off with your family. From Panchalimedu, one can see Mundakayam, Ponkunnam, Kanjirapally, ...

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At a distance of 8 km from Peermedu, and 36 km from Thekkady, Kuttikkanam is a small hill town located in the Idukki District of Kerala. It is one of the scenic places to visit near Thekkady.

Situated at an altitude of 3500 feet, Kuttikkanam is surrounded by lush green tea plantations and is situated within the territory of Peermade. During the 16th century, the territory of Kuttikkanam was under the rule of Changanacherry kings and was uninhabited. In the year 1756, the king of Travancore conquered Changanacherry and brought the place under his supremacy. A Church Mission Society missionary, Henry Baker, started coffee plantations, and under the regency of Sri Moolam Thirunal. Under the rule of the British East India Company, Kuttikkanam became an up-market resort.

The pristine hill town of Kuttikkanam is between high-range and low-range terrain. Dew from the valley to the mountain will make your heart and mind rejoice. The wild beauty of nature and the mild climate make Kuttikkanam one of the most sought-after destinations for honeymooners. Various tea plantations across the hills and Valanjanganam Waterfalls are the other best-visited attractions close by. There is also a 100-acre Pine forest that serves as the location for shooting films. The summer palace of the Travancore kings was located in Kuttikkanam.

Kuttikanam also serves as one of the best hiking locations in Idukki. The ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Payyanur and 25 km from Kannur, Madayi Para or Madayipara is a flat topped hillock located in the Madayi village of Kannur district of Kerala. On the bank of Kuppam River, Madayipara is renowned as one of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire state of Kerala.

Often called as the land of flowers, Madayipara is typical of the laterite foot hills of the Western Ghats. With a luxuriant variety of 300 flowering plants and more than 30 species of thick grass, Madayipara is no less than a heaven for nature lovers. This mystical land is one that changes its appearance with the seasons. The spring decorates the entire hillock in a spectacular carpet of blue, pink, yellow and white flowers throughout the terrain which is a glorious sight to behold. As the summer approaches, the hillock turns into a glamorous golden field filled with knee-high grass. The place is dotted with leaves that paint the field a raging crimson red in autumn while the monsoons decorate the whole land in striking shades of green. These stunning changes adapted by Madayipara have awakened the interest of countless tourists around the world.

This rich ecology of Madayipara draws the attention of 150 different species of stunning butterflies that charm you with their mind-boggling designs and vivid colours, including the Atlas butterfly - the world's biggest butterfly. The place is also home to over 150 species of birds, both endemic and migratory.

Besides, Madayipara ...

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At a distance of 26 km from Kumily, 80 km from Kottayam, 128 km from Kochi, and 184 km from Trivandrum, Peermedu is a hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala. Also known as Peermade, it is one of the least-explored hill stations in Kerala, and among the most famous places to visit in Thekkady.

Peermedu is situated at an altitude of 915 m in the Western Ghats between Kuttikkanam and Thekkady. The town takes its name from Peer Mohammed, a Sufi Saint who is believed to have been the first trader of spices in the region and close associate of the royal family of Travancore. Peermade once served as the summer retreat for the Rajas of Travancore and the palace here is an important monument. It is one of the lesser-known hill stations near Kochi.

The landscape of Peermedu includes spectacular waterfalls, rubber plants, tea, coffee, pepper, and cardamom plantations, open grasslands, and pine forests. The cloud-covered hilltops and lush greenery make this an ideal place for a weekend trip. Some of the popular attractions in Peermedu are Thrissanku hills, Panchalimedu, Madammakkulam, Amrithamedu, Parunthupara, Kuttikkanam, Summer Palace, St. George's CSI church, Pattumala, Vagamon, and Kanjirapally. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest wildlife reserves in India, is 43 km away from Peermedu.

Peermade is also an ideal ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Palakkad & 60 km from Coimbatore, Dhoni Hills is a famous picnic spot near Palakkad. It is one of the best places of sightseeing in Palakkad.

Adjacent to the Malampuzha Reservoir, Dhoni Hills is a wonderful destination for trekking. Dhoni is named after a boat-shaped rock on one of its hills, where thoni/dhoni means boat in Malayalam. It is famous for Dhoni Waterfalls and the Western Ghat forests. Visitors have to walk 4 km from the bottom of the hill to reach the waterfall.

Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains. The trek from the base area to Malampuzha and Meenavallam and Dhoni waterfalls is very interesting. It is one of the famous trekking places near Coimbatore. One can encounter some rare species of flora and fauna on the trek here. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Rs. 100 for Person

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At a distance of 34 Kms from Palakkad, Kanjirapuzha Dam is a fascinating dam surrounded by hills with rich natural beauty.

The reservoir is surrounded by an evergreen forest named Vettilachola. Three islands at all sides of the reservoir gain a special attraction. These islands are abundant with marine life including commercial varieties grown by the fisheries department.

There is a wonderful garden at bottom of the dam with several facilities. Boating facilities is also available in the reservoir.

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At a distance of around 5 km from Idukki Bus Station, 53 km from Munnar, 107 km from Kochi & 130 km from Alappuzha, Painavu is a cute hill resort and also the headquarters of Idukki district. This is one of the popular weekend getaways from Munnar & Kochi.

Painavu is an important commercial center and a popular tourist hot spot in Idukki. At an altitude of 3,900 feet, Painavu is situated inside the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also home to several State Government institutions such as Civil Station, and Government Engineering College, Idukki.

The place is popular for its pleasing ambience and picturesque location. This is a stopover for visitors, who travel to Idukki Arch Dam, Cheruthoni Dam and Kulamavu. Boats are available from here for cruises between Cheruthoni and Kulamavu. In winter and rainy seasons elephants can be spotted moving on the roads. Surrounded by pristine forests and green hills, Painavu is also a good trekking destination. Trekking in Painavu is said to be an outstanding experience and visitors can see many routes through the forests, plantations and to other small towns.

Painavu can be accessed easily by road as it is a 5 km from Idukki Bus station. Also, Painavu can be reached via water from Cheruthoni to Kulamavu junction. The closest railway stations are at Ernakulum (114 km) and Kottaym (98 km). The nearest international airport is at Cochin ...

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At a distance of 35 km from Munnar, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a sprawling tea plantation situated at Kottagudi village in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. Located near Munnar, it is one of the most beautiful tea estates in India and among the must-visit places as part of Munnar tour packages.

At an altitude of 7900 feet, Kolukkumalai is the world's highest elevation tea plantation and one of the premier South Indian industries in India. This tea estate is a part of Tamil Nadu but Munnar is the most popular gateway to Kolukkumalai tea estate. The estate was built up by the British from 1920 to 1927 with the assistant of the Chettiar Brothers belonging to Bodinayakkanur, Tamilnadu, India. Sprawling over an area of 81 hectares, the estate was run by the Chettiar Brothers from 1935 to 1971. Thereafter, the Chettiar brothers transferred their rights to AJ Group in 1971.

The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate produces tea using the orthodox method in the time-tested tea factory which means that the tea is handpicked and goes through the seven-step process, including withering, rolling, sieving, fermenting, drying, fiber extraction, and grading. Kolukkumalai tea is one of the premium teas in South India as it possesses a special flavor and freshness because of the high altitude. The Kolukkumalai Tea has been a winner of the 'Golden Leaf' award given by UPASI (The United Planters' Association of Southern India) for the best quality ...

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At a distance of 39 km from Munnar, Kallippara Sunset Point is a beautiful viewpoint situated at Vathikudy near Munnar, Kerala. It is one of the best viewpoints in Munnar and among the prime places to visit in Munnar.

If you like to go for an off-road drive, head towards Kallippara where you experience the panoramic views of orange-red sunset skies, Anayirangal Dam and the soaking mist. One can reach Kallippara on a 4WD jeep through the lush cardamom forests. The ride takes about 20 minutes and this is followed by a 30-minute trek uphill to the sunset point, which is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Munnar. Also, the uphill trek with the view of greenery interrupted with gushing streams in the valleys below, and a culmination at the Shola sunset point is an ecstatic activity. And, this is the perfect way to end your day.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 40 km from Ponmudi and 43 km from Trivandrum, Manakayam is an eco-tourism spot situated near Palode in Nedumangadu taluk of Trivandrum district, Kerala. It is one of the popular eco-tourism places near Trivandrum and among the top places to visit in Ponmudi.

Mankayam eco-tourism center is situated at Peringamala Section in Palode Forest Range under Thiruvananthapuram Forest Division. The Mankayam River, a tributary of the Chittar River, flows through this scenic tourist spot. Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas, intended as a low-impact and often small-scale alternative to standard commercial (mass) tourism. Mankayam acts as the focal point for a huge array of picnic spots in the area.

Situated at an altitude of around 500 m, Manakayam is known for its picturesque milky cascades. The undulating terrain with rocky patches shelters the Kalakkayam Waterfall, one of the biggest falls in this area. There is a small pond at the bottom of the falls which is cool and taking a refreshing bath in the pond is a great experience. The entire area from Mankayam to Kalakkayam covers a long stretch of forest vegetation on the banks of the Mankayam River. Also, there are two smaller falls in the Kurisadi area. Fed by the Mankayam River, these waterfalls are the most popular weekend getaways for the residents of Thiruvananthapuram.

Manakayam ...

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