When it comes to a dream vacation and travel destination in India, Kerala is probably the name that would come to most of the minds. The God’s Own Country has never seized to mesmerize its visitors with its variety of landscapes, abundance of natural beauty and awe-striking places of interest that you will not find in any other place in the country.

Coconut palm fringed coastline, labyrinthine backwaters, tea plantations that cover the hills like blankets and spice plantations that fill the air with their distinct aromas – Kerala gives you so many things to encounter that your vacation will definitely fall short to enjoy the state to the fullest.

Though there are many places in Kerala that are not known to the common touristy crowd, here is a list of the top 10 popular destinations in Kerala that you must visit.

1. Alleppey:

Kerala is almost synonymous with its stunning backwaters that no other state in the country is blessed with such a beautiful landscape. And the best place to enjoy the beauty of backwater is  Alleppey or Alappuzha. The network of rivers, brackish canals and lakes makes up the entire backwater region a perfect destination for hiring a Alleppey boat house and cruise around. The houseboats in Kerala are unique as they are traditional in their décor and yet, move swiftly along the backwaters to give you a taste of the local life, surrounding the region.

2. Thrissur:

It is not just the natural beauty of Kerala that has attracted people from different parts of the globe, but also its cultural richness. Thrissur represents the cultural diversity of the state and is the cultural capital of Kerala. Visiting Thrissur during the Thrissur Pooram festival is a great chance to encounter the grand festive procession, along with the many churches and temples that are worth paying a visit to.

3. Kochi:

One of the most popular cities in Kerala is Kochi, where many foreign travellers including Vasco da Gama came in and the city has been a place of interest ever since. The Chinese fishing nets and the spice markets are remarkably beautiful and a must visit when you are in Kochi. Take a walking tour to experience the history of the city through the various monuments here.

4. Munnar:

One of the best Hill Stations of South India that some people consider to be more beautiful than many other North Indian hill stations is Munnar. The green blanket that covers the hills of Munnar will make your trip to Kerala complete in a single glance. Undoubtedly the beauty of Munnar makes it one of the most popular Kerala honeymoon destinations in India.

5. Kovalam:

If you are more of a sea person than a hill person, do not be demoralized as you are in one of the few states in India that has sea coast and hill stations lying close to each other. And Kovalam is the most stunning sea beach in Kerala. With numerous luxury resorts and hotels available in Kovalam, surely you will spend a great amount of time in this city.

6. Thekkady:

While talking about hill stations, coastal cities with stunning beaches, wildlife sanctuaries should not be left behind. Kerala has a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary that can be visited through cruise along the Periyar River in Thekkady. Elephant observation along with many birds is the most popular activity here.

7. Thiruvananthapuram:

This is the capital of Kerala and the most affluent city in the state. Historical architecture, monuments and lavish temples that are not just places of mere religious interest, but a place of awe and aura – Thiruvananthapuram, also known as Trivandrum is a must visit destination, when you are in Kerala.

8. Wayanad:

Another hill station in Kerala that is no less popular amongst hill lovers is Wayanad. This hill station is known for its spice plantations that offer cardamom, pepper and other spices, along with coffee and tea. The best part of Wayanad is here you can find wildlife such as bison, spotted deer, bears and cheetah in the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and also natural beauty such as caves, dams, lakes and waterfalls.

9. Varkala:

Though Kovalam takes away most of the limelight when it comes to the best coastal towns and cities in Kerala, Varkala is no less in terms of beauty. There are many beach shacks that are a perfect destination to enjoy your beach evenings with food and fun.

10. Poovar Island:

One of the less known destinations in Kerala that are extremely beautiful is Poovar Island. The bungalows over water and the stunning view of sunrise from behind the sea water will give you a feel of Maldives within India.

With so many beautiful places waiting for you, all that you need to do is find Kerala tour packages and plan your trip soon. Happy journey to you!