6 Tourist Places in Kerala that You Must Visit:

Kerala, in south India, is often referred to as "God's Own Country". This coastal state is rich in distinctive traditions and culture, and lush unspoiled tropical beauty. Most of all, Kerala is known for its elephants, elaborate temple festivals, and the tranquil backwaters. The pace of life is slow, making Kerala the perfect place for a leisurely vacation.

Don't miss these top 6 Kerala tourist places.

Prefer to see Kerala on a tour? This seven day small group Beaches & Backwatersbackpackers trip from popular G Adventures includes Kochi, the Kerala backwaters, and Varkala on its itinerary. G Adventures also offers this seven day Highlights of South Indiasmall group tour to Kochi, Kumarakom, Kerala backwaters, and Marari beach.

Here are 15 Unique Things to Do in Kerala to inspire your travels as well!

1.  Fort Kochi

Famous Chinese Fishing Nets at Fort Kochi, Kerala. Martin Child/Getty Images.

Known as the "Gateway to Kerala", Kochi is an enchanting city that's had an eclectic influence. Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese have all left their mark there. The architecture and historical sites in Fort Kochi attract most of the visitors to the area.

• 10 Kochi Attractions and Places to Visit
• 12 Kochi Hotels and Homestays for All Budgets
• Top Book Online Kochi Tours

Continue Reading Below

2.  Kerala Backwaters

Martin Child/The Image Bank/Getty Images

One of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in Kerala is take a trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals, known as the backwaters. Freshly cooked Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more enjoyable. You can even spend the night out on the middle of a lake. Stay a few nights at a hotel or resort along the backwaters too. Bliss!

• Kerala Backwaters and How to Best Visit Them
• Guide to Kerala Houseboat Hire
• 10 Relaxing Kumarakom Hotels and Resorts

3.  Munnar

Bartosz Hadyniak/ Getty Images

If you like tea, a visit to Munnar is a must! The surrounding region isrenowned for its sprawling tea plantations.See tea being picked and processed, and try fresh tea straight from the gardens. There's even a tea museum. The area is blessed with the natural beauty of winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. Adventure enthusiasts can trek to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India, explore Eravikulam National Park, or go rock climbing and para gliding.

These 10 Munnar Hotels and Homestays offer a diverse range of accommodations.

Continue Reading Below

4.  Varkala

Varkala Beach, Kerala.Sharell Cook

The setting of this Varkala beach is striking enough to take your breath away, with a long winding stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea. A paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, bordered by coconut palms, quaint shops, beach shacks, hotels, and guest houses. Nestled at the bottom of the cliff is a long stretch of sparkling beach, reached by steps leading down from the cliff top. It's not surprising that Varkala is one of India's best beaches.

• Varkala Temple Festival Photo Gallery
• Romantic Varkala Honeymoon or Getaway

More »

See Also: Discover When's the Best Time to Visit Kerala

5.  Wayanad

Chembra Peak, Wayanad district, Kerala. Tim Draper / Getty Images.

Wayanad is a bright green mountainous region that stretches along the Western Ghats. It has a great deal of scenic appeal. Abundant coconut palms, thick forests, paddy fields, and lofty peaks form the landscape. Due to the nature of its terrain, the area also has much to offer adventure enthusiasts. Popular attractions include trekking to Chembra Peak and Meenmutty Falls, exploring old Jain temples, climbing to Edakkal Caves, and wildlife spotting at Muthanga and Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuaries. Another highlight of Wayanad is the many delightful homestays in the area.

• Review of Glenora Homestay Wayanad
• Wayanad Kerala Photo Gallery

6.  Periyar National Park

Boat safari at Periyar, Kerala. Mohan Singh / Getty Images

Kerala's Periyar National Park, in the Thekkady district, is one of the most popular national parks in southern India. One of the best things about the park is that it stays open all year round, even during the monsoon season. Periyar is known for its elephants, and 30 minute elephant rides through the jungle are offered. Safaris are carried out by boat, with the lake being particularly captivating at sunset. Visitors can also take part in an excellent variety of eco-tourism activities there. More »