(Kerala is famous for its backwaters, luscious green terrain and laidback environment, but Kerala has much more to offer outside of its usual tourist hotspots. Sean Sequeira lists out the best of the lesser known destinations in Kerala)
Athirappilly Waterfall
Known as ‘The Niagara of India’, Athirappilly Falls is best seen during or after the monsoon. Apart from the views of the waterfall, there is plenty of other sightseeing for wildlife enthusiasts including fauna like the Lion Tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill and Cochin Forest Cane Turtle.
Getting There:
Cochin International Airport
Chalakkudy
Places to Stay
Riverok Villas – (Rs. 1,226)
KTDC Tamarind Kalady – (Rs. 1,097)
Bekal Fort
The largest fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort was built from the sea up. There is plenty to explore in this fort; stairways and tunnels, a water tank, temples and mosques nearby and plenty of views of neighbouring towns from the observation tower. There is also a beach adjacent to the fort.
Getting There:
Mangalore Domestic Terminal
Kasargod
Place to Stay
K-Tees Residency (Rs. 1,800)
Chandralayam Homestay (Rs. 1,500)
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are located 1,200 metres above sea level in the Ambukuthi Mala mountain. The caves have pictorial writings with human and animal figurines. which date back upto 7,000 years and are rumoured to have been made by the Neolithic man. These are the only known carvings in south India which date back to the Stone Age.
Getting There:
Kozhikode International Airport
Kozikhode
Place to Stay
The Edakkal Hermitage (Rs. 2,750)
Green Mountain Cottages (Rs. 1,046)
Vagamon Meadows
A fairly unknown destination, Vagamon is a hill station located 1,100 meters above sea level which is nicknamed ‘Scotland of Asia’. The most enchanting highlights of Vagamon are the beautiful valleys and meadows which are covered green by the thick flora. The meadows make for an excellent picnic destination.
Getting There:
Coachin International Airport
Kottayam
Place to Stay
Green Meadows (Rs. 3,000)
Chamundi Hill Palace (Rs. 1,600)
Volume 2 Issue 9
