Kerala is a complete package as a tourist destination and should be on everyone’s bucket list for all the right reasons. The place has got beautiful mountains and beaches which is a treat for every travelling enthusiast. Even if you are not one then also you can just sit and relax to enjoy the pleasing beauty and weather of Kerala throughout your vacation. However, once you step into this God’s adobe then you would be attracted towards its vibrant culture, mouthwatering yet simple delicacies and Ayurvedic treatments to heal yourself. The place is perfect for both family vacations and a romantic gateway. Do not forget to book yourself a self-drive car from Avis as you go on this memorable vacation. Here is our list of best places in Kerala that you must visit:

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Allepey

 Alappuzha Beach

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This place is indeed the ‘Venice of the East’ as said by Lord Curzon.  The best place to enjoy Kerala’s backwaters, Allepey’s tourism is flooded with demands for houseboat stays. The serene beauty every spot of Allepey has to offer is out of the world. You can see paddy fields, fishing villages and waterlilies floating around the lakes.

Best time to visit: September to May

Recommended tourist attractions:

• Alappuzha Beach
• Punnamada Lake
• Sri Krishna Temple
• Pathiramanal

Munnar

Life of Pi Church

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This hill station is laden with the aroma of tea and vegetation plantations all around. You can hire a car rental in Kochi and drive yourself to this hill town to lose yourself along with your significant other in the romantic aura as you drive through the hills. Munnar is the perfect blend of luxury and beauty and got some beautiful bungalows, cosy homestays and luxurious resorts and hotels to spice up your time.

Best time to visit: October to March

Famous places in Munnar:

• Anamudi
• Life of Pi Church
• Lockhart Gap
• Marayoor Dolmens

Wayanad

Papanashini River

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If you are a trekking enthusiast, then this is the perfect place for you. There are many campsites which provide all the equipment for trekking in Wayanad and proper guide for hiking through the area. Treks like Chembra Peak and Pakshipathalam are said to be the riskiest treks in Kerala. If you are not into trekking, then you can simply enjoy the greenery this place has to offer and indulge in its rich culture. This place is a perfect combination of nature and man-made heritage.

Best time to visit: October to May

Recommended tourist attractions:

• Thirunelli Temple
• P Kuruvadeep
• Kabini
• Papanashini River

Kovalam

Rock Cut Caves

Image source: Keralatourism

This one is for the beach babies. With its internationally recognized beaches, this place is surely going to fill your mind with tranquillity and joy. The beaches have got a lot to offer other than their beauty that is water sports activities. Go for water diving, parasailing, windsurfing etc. along the waves of the clear water. Below mentioned are the famous places to visit in Kovalam.

Best time to visit: September to May

Recommended tourist attractions:

• Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium
• Rock Cut Caves
• Valiathura Pier
• Halcyon Castle

Our recommendations of things to do in Kerala:

Celebrate Festivals

Image Source: Keralabackwater

Check out Kerala’s festival calendar and you will find different festivals scheduled throughout the year- ranging from harvesting festivals to traditional festivals which are being celebrated since old times. When it comes to festivities then Keralites do no settle for anything less than grand. Drive your way in your self-drive car through the beats of Chenda(drums) and decorated houses and animals. Being the capital of Kerala, Onam is celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram with huge pomp and show. To make your journey hassle free book a self-drive car rental in Kochi from Avis.

Experience Ayurveda

 Image source: Keraltourism

The 5000 years old system of Ayurvedic healing persists in its purest form in God’s own country due to its geographical location. Kerala possesses a pleasant weather throughout the year with an average temperature of around 24 to 28 degrees Celsius which makes the therapy even more potent and effective. Sanskrit is deeply rooted in Kerala’s heritage which makes it easier for people to directly understand the long back written texts. Even the elephants there are pampered with Ayurvedic treatment and diet. Below are the following Ayurvedic centres:

• Athreya Ayurvedic Centre, Kottayam
• Dhanwanthari Vaidyasala, Multiple locations
• Ayurmana, Thiruvananthapuram

Stay in Houseboats

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Houseboats are just another thing Kerala is famous for. Initially, the Kelttuvallams (boats) were used as a means of transportation of goods but now they are widely enjoyed by the tourists and locals who wish to sail through the backwaters for either sightseeing or just simple relaxation. These houseboats can be of primitive variety or they can be the ones which provide all the luxuries of a hotel including furnished bedrooms, well-equipped toilets and at times even a balcony to enjoy the sceneries better.

Feast on exquisite Sadya

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Any visit to Kerala is incomplete without treating your taste buds with traditional flavours and the feast of Sadya is something that comes to the rescue. It is a complete vegetarian meal which can consist of up to 28 dishes at a time. It is served on a banana leaf and is no less than a 3-course exotic buffet. Rice is the first thing that is served followed by curries like Paippu, Sambar, Thoran, etc. The major savouries are fried banana chips(Upperi), fried wafers of black gram(Pappadams), etc. For dessert, they have got Payasam. At the end of the meal rice is served again with Rasam-this combination is said to help in digestion of the food. For a traditional Malayalee Sadya head towards Kochi.

Our Recommendations for stays

Alleppey Beach Garden

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As the name says this hotel sits right at the Alleppey beach and you can enjoy the view of coastal waterfront throughout your stay there. Gorge into authentic Malabar cuisine and you will keep asking for more. The rooms are fully furnished with all the modern amenities. You can go for a refreshing swim or maybe boating after a tiring sightseeing spree. The beach house also arranges traditional ayurvedic treatments and massages for you on request.

Where: 34/1001A, Esi Ward, Vattalay, Thiruvampady Po, Alappuzha, Kerala 688002

Contact info: 8606210813, 7561072676

Deshadan Mountain Resort

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Deshadan resorts are famous all over Kerala with their multiple branches, but this one is the highest resort in Kerala built at a height of 5300 feet from the ground. Check in to this hotel if the sight of mountains please you. They offer various categories of accommodations like Mountain view cottage, standard 2-bedroom cottage and deluxe 2-bedroom cottage. They have a multi-cuisine restaurant as well that serves Indian, Chinese, Continental and local dishes.

Where: Bisonvally Road, Pothamedu, Munnar, Kerala 685612

099463 51005

Banasura Hill Resort

Image source: Banasura

This resort is located in a breathtaking place just at the foothills of Banasura hills and is surrounded by greenery everywhere. You will feel one with mother nature when staying in this resort. This resort offers authentic Malabari cuisine which is lip-smacking and heavenly. They provide special BansurAyur Spa which is a holistic ayurvedic treatment and a must if you want to relax.

Where: Vellamunda, Wayanad, Kerala 670731

Contact info: 095397 01354

Best Places to eat food in Kerala 

 Jubilee Restaurant

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This is one of the finest restaurants in Wayanad providing impeccable service along with delicious food. It offers both Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. The taste of the food on offer is very good and great value for money. The ambience of the restaurant is excellent and very cosy.

Where: Main Road, Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala 673592

Contact Info: 04936 226 629

Rapsy Restaurants

Image source: blogspot

A budget restaurant offering both veg and non-veg cuisines, head on to this place if you want to get the real flavours of Munnar. There is a wide variety of choices and the service is very prompt.

Where: Main Bazaar, SH 17, Munnar, Idukki, Kerala 685612

Contact Info: 04865 230 456

Special Mention: Neelakurinji Bloom

Image source: Keralatourism

The flowers of Strobilanthus Kunthiana bloom once in 12 years and 2018 is the time. People wait eagerly for this as the blooming season is a beautiful view for the eyes of tourists and the locals alike. Book your own self-drive car and drive through the beautiful site of the blue hills.

Where: Munnar

When: July 2018-October 2018

Book your car rental in Kerala here.

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