OFFBEAT PLACES IN KERALA

OFFBEAT PLACES IN KERALA

Kerala is named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler. The state is blessed with a beautiful landscape from mountains to beaches, from evergreen forests to backwaters and from tea slopes to paddy fields and is also gifted with a calm tropical climate. There are many places in Kerala that are not yet commercialized in the name of tourism which offers a real travel experience. So if you want to explore such places, here are the offbeat places in Kerala. 

#1. GAVI

Gavi situated in the district of Pathanamthitta is one of the few forest stations in Kerala where tourists can stay inside the forest as part of the Kerala government eco-tourism program. Gavi is one of the best places in Kerala to enjoy and feel the immaculate forest and wildlife.

Best time to visit: September to March 

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport
Nearest railway station: Thiruvalla 

How to reach: The only bus in this route starts at 6:30 am from Pathanamthitta KSRTC depot, which is 32km from Thiruvalla. The bus will reach Gavi by 11:30am. Return bus to Pathanamthitta will be at 2:30 pm and reaches by 7:30 pm.
You can also take your private vehicles to Gavi.

Where to stay: Gavi is a part of Periyar Tiger Reserve. There is no private hotels or homestays in Gavi. The only option is the 'Green Mansion' which is run by the Kerala Forest Development Cooperation (KFDC). You can check here!

#2. JATAYU EARTH CENTER

Situated in Kollam district, Jatayu Earth Center is the largest bird sculpture in India. It contains all aspects of tourism offerings and will be a complete God’s own Country experience to each one of you. Spread across 65 acres of land, Jatayu Earth's Center has elegant and mesmerizing elements that tempt you for a visit.

Best time to visit: Year-round destination

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Nearest railway station: Kollam Junction

Where to stay: You can find a lot of hotels in Kollam which is 
35 km away. You can find some here!

#3. PONMUDI

Ponmudi is a hill station situated in Thiruvanthapuram district offers a lot of things to do for holidaymakers. Hiking on Agasthyarkoodam, the highest peak in Ponmudi which is 1868ft above sea level is an unforgettable experience.  The landscape of Ponmudi is an intermix of hills and valleys with forestland and plantation

Best time to visit: October to March
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, 67 km away.

Nearest railway station: Trivandrum Central, 61 km away.

#4. SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Situated in Palakkad district Silent Valley is the home to rare animals like Nilagiri Thar and Lion-tailed Macaques. This evergreen forest is an authentic place to explore the natural beauty at its best. Silent Valley got its name because of the absence of crickets. The river Kunthi, a tributary of Bharathapuzha, flowing through the Silent Valley is one of the less polluted rivers in the state.  The Silent Valley National Park homes to some rich and rare flora and fauna.

Best time to visit: September to April

Nearest airport: Coimbatore International Airport, 117 km away.
Nearest railway station: Palakkad Junction, 45 km away.

#5. RANIPURM

Situated in Kasargod district of Kerala, Ranipuram lies 3350ft above the sea level in Western ghats ranges of Kerala-Karnataka border. The topmost peak of Ranipuram is known as Manimala. To reach there, an hour slog is required. So it is an ideal place for trekking. On the way, you can see a different type of unique plant species. 

Best time to visit: September to February

Nearest airport: Mangalore

Nearest railway station: Kangangad

#6. KADAMAKUDY

A cluster of fourteen islands,  Kadamakkudi is an island suburb of the city of Kochi in Kerala. Located 15km away from Kochi, Kadamakkudy is a perfect destination to unwind yourself from the hustle and bustle of city life. This countrysides landscape and rich flora and fauna will give amazing experience and picturesque views. 

Best time to visit: September to January

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, 26 km away.

Nearest railway station: Ernakulam Town, 12 km away.

Where to stay: Kadamakudy is nearly 45 minutes ride from the city centre. You can stay in Kochi, where you find a lot of hotels and resorts. You can find some here!

#7. MEESAPULIMALA

Meesapulimala near Munnar lies 8661ft above the sea level is the second peak in the Western Ghats after Anamudi, is a destination for highly adventurous. The 8km trek through the Rhodovalley offers breathtaking views of grasslands and rainforests. Rhodovalley is named thus due to the presence of Rhododendron flowers. Meesapulimala is a perfect destination for trek and camp in Kerala. The trekking is organised by the Kerala Forest Development Cooperation. You have to book slots to get part in the trek. For more details and booking a slot, you can check Kerala Tourism.


Best time to visit: September to February
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, 168 km away.
Nearest railway station: Alwaye, 169 km away.
Distance from Munnar to the base camp: 24 km away.

#8. KONNI-ADAVI ECO-TOURISM

Adavi Eco-Tourism is jointly launched by the Department of Forest and Wildlife Kerala and Kerala Tourism Development Corporation which gives an amazing experience with nature. Adavi, a beautiful forest, 20 km away from Pathanamthitta town, situated on the banks of Kallar river is the main tourist destination in Konni. The main attractions of Adavi are the coracle boat ride and the bamboo hut stay. 

Konni Elephant Reserve is also a must-visit place in the eco-tourism. The main attraction is the huge wooden cages or the elephant kraal, locally known as Aanakoodu, built to house the elephants. It houses 3-4 elephants at a time.

For more details and packages, visit Kerala Tourism.

Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, 100 km away.
Nearest railway station: Punaloor, 25 km away.

#9. POOKODE LAKE

Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake which is 800 meters above the sea level situated in Wayanad district of  Kerala. Surrounded by thick green lush forest, gives a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views. The forest which is surrounded by the lake homes some of the rich and rare flora and fauna. The lake is filled with different types of fishes is one of the attractions of  Pookode Lake. 

Best time to visit: September to February

Nearest airport: Kozhikode International Airport

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode

#10. MARAYOOR - KANTHALOOR

Marayoor, the only natural sandalwood forest in Kerala is a nearby village, 40 km away from Munnar in Idukki district. Marayoor is also famous for sugarcane farms. There are many jaggery making plants near the roadside. Marayoor has different varieties of medicinal plants and also more than 1000 varieties of flowering plants.

Kanthaloor, a hill station, 14 km away from Marayoor is also a must-visit place. Kanthaloor which is not commercialised in the name of tourism is the best alternative choice for Munnar because of its climate and picturesque landscapes. It is the only place in South India where apples are grown. Different varieties of orange, strawberry, blackberry, plum etc. are also grown here.

Best time to visit: August to March

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, 146 km away.

Nearest railway station: Alwaye, 147 km away

Distance from Munnar: 40 km

Where to stay: As Marayoor is just 40 km away from Munnar, you can stay there. You can find some here!

You can also stay in Kanthaloor where there are a lot of homestays and cottages near the farms. You can find some here!