Kerala: God's Own Country - A Journey Through the Land of Backwaters, Beaches, and Spice Plantations

Kerala, known as the "God's Own Country" is a small state located in the southernmost tip of India. It is known for its palm-lined beaches, tranquil backwaters, and lush green hill stations. One such popular hill station in Kerala is Munnar, situated in the Western Ghats, and is famous for its tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene atmosphere.??

Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone who wishes to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and a plethora of adventure activities, Munnar is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kerala.?

Here are some of the must-visit places in Munnar:?

Tata Tea Museum:?

?If you are a tea lover, then this museum is a paradise for you. This museum showcases the history of tea cultivation in Munnar and also offers a glimpse into the tea-making process. The museum is located in a vintage tea processing plant, and the aroma of tea leaves wafts through the air.??

Eravikulam National Park:?

?Mattupetty Dam:??

Located at a height of 1,700 meters above sea level, Mattupetty Dam offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. Visitors can take a boat ride on the dam's tranquil waters or simply enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Echo Point:?

This place is known for its natural echo phenomenon, where your voice reverberates through the hills. The place is also ideal for trekking and camping and offers a stunning view of the surrounding hills.?

Valara Waterfall:??

Located between Adimali and Neriamangalam, Valara Waterfall is a popular tourist destination in Munnar. The waterfall cascades down from a height of 1000 feet, surrounded by lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.?

The Spice Farm - Plantation and Spices & Herbs:??

Take a guided tour of this spice farm and learn about the different herbs and spices grown in the region. Visitors can witness the process of cultivating and processing spices and herbs, and also purchase some for personal use.?

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Dreamland Fun and Adventure Park:??

Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and more at the Dreamland Fun and Adventure Park. The park also offers camping facilities for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Take Anand The ride offers a unique experience for visitors who wish to explore the region's natural beauty from a different perspective.?

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Pothamedu View Point:??

This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. The place is ideal for a quiet evening stroll, and you can also enjoy a cup of tea while soaking in the view.?

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Elephant ride at Munnar:??

Take an elephant ride and explore the hills and forests of Munnar. The ride offers a unique experience for visitors who wish to explore the region's natural beauty from a different perspective.?

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Hot air balloon ride at Munnar:??

Soar above the hills and tea gardens and enjoy the stunning aerial views of Munnar. The hot air balloon ride offers a unique and thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts from above.?

Continuing our journey in Kerala, let's explore Thekkady, a beautiful town nestled in the Western Ghats. It is known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural attractions.??

Here are some of the must-visit places in Thekkady:?

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Yodha Cultural Village Thekkady:??

Thevillage is a perfect representation of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Kerala. The village is home to various traditional art forms, including Kathakali and Kalaripayattu. While kathakali is a classical dance form and on the other hand kalarippayattu is considered as the oldest martial art of the world, the village has accepted and nurtured both art forms.??

Kathakali Show:??

Kathakali l dance form dates back to the 17th century. It is known for its vibrant costumes and makeup; the performance is a visual treat. You can catch a live Kathakali performance and enjoy the dance drama.?

Kalaripayattu Show:??

Kalaripayattu has its roots in the 3rd century BC. The performance is an impressive display of physical strength, agility, and coordination. You can witness a live Kalaripayattu performance and get amazed by the skills of the performers.?

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:??

The sanctuary is spread over an area of 925 square kilometers and is home to various endangered species like the Nilgiri Tahr, Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, and Lion-Tailed Macaque. The sanctuary also offers a unique opportunity to take a boat ride on the Periyar Lake, which is located within the sanctuary. You can take a guided tour of the sanctuary and explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the region.?

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Moving on to Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a coastal city in Kerala and is popularly known as the "Venice of the East" because of its network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and backwaters. One of the main attractions of Alleppey is the Allapuza Beach, which is a popular destination for water sports like surfing and parasailing. The beach is also a great place to relax and soak up the sun. But did you know that Alleppey is also a great place to shop for traditional items like kasavu silk sarees, handmade home decor, art, and craft! Shopping enthusiasts let’s get into the details!?

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Kasavu silk sarees, are a traditional attire of Keralite ?made of pure silk and have a gold border known as kasavu. They come in various colors and designs, and are popular among both locals and tourists. The best place to shop for kasavu silk sarees in Alleppey is at the local markets. The main market area in Alleppey is called the Mullakkal Street, and you can find a variety of shops selling these sarees here. The prices may vary depending on the quality and design of the saree, but you can expect to pay around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 per saree.?

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If you are looking for handmade home decor items, then you must visit the Coir Board Showroom in Alleppey. Coir is a natural fiber that is used to make a variety of products like mats, rugs, wall hangings, and more. At the Coir Board Showroom, you can find a wide range of handmade coir products that are unique and beautiful. You can also watch the artisans at work and learn more about the coir-making process. The prices of these products may vary depending on the size and design, but you can expect to pay around Rs. 500 to Rs. 5000 per item.?

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Another great place to shop for handmade items is the Alleppey Handicrafts Co-operative Society. Here, you can find a variety of handmade art and craft items like wooden figurines, pottery, and more. The products are made by local artisans and are of high quality. You can also learn about the different traditional art forms of Kerala and watch the artisans at work. The prices may vary depending on the product, but you can expect to pay around Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000 per item.?

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Here are some of the must-visit places in Alleppey:?

Allapuza Beach:??

Beach can never go wrong with a vacation.This beautiful beach is a perfect place to relax and unwind. Take ?a peaceful walk on the sandy shores, watch the sunset, let the waves soothe your skin and let go of your worries while indulging ?in some beach activities.?

Mullakal Rajarajeswari Temple:??

This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeswari, and its architecture is a fine example of traditional Kerala style. The temple is located in the heart of Alleppey and is a popular pilgrimage site.?

Backwaters Kerala:??

The backwaters of Kerala are a major tourist attraction, and Alleppey is the perfect place to experience them. The backwaters are a network of interconnected canals, lagoons, and lakes that offer a unique and peaceful experience. Visitors can take a boat ride along the backwaters and witness the beautiful scenery, which includes paddy fields, coconut groves, and small villages.?

Alleppey Lighthouse:??

This lighthouse is a historic landmark in Alleppey and offers a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic view of the surroundings.?

Vembanad Lake:??

Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala and is a popular tourist attraction. You can take a boat ride on the lake and explore the beautiful surroundings. The lake is also home to various species of fish, and you can try your luck at fishing, you will surely enjoy it.?

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Kerala is a land of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. A visit to this beautiful state is a must-do for every traveler. From the misty hills of Munnar to the serene backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags and head to this paradise on earth.?