What to do and see in Kerala, India: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

March 4, 2022 Nobuko Falco

Kerala (/ˈkɛrələ/), called Keralam in Malayalam (where Kerala is the adjectival form), is a state in South India on the Malabar Coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 following the States Reorganisation Act by combining Malayalam-speaking regions. Spread over 38,863 km (15,005 sq mi), it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. With 33,387,677 inhabitants as per the 2011 Census, Kerala is the thirteenth-largest Indian state by population. It is divided into 14 districts with the capital being Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram is the largest city in the state. Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and is also the official language of the state.
Restaurants in Kerala

1. Eco Reach

Pathanamthitta District Tekthod, Konni India
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Eco Reach

2. Ashtamudi Lake

India +91 77366 26576 http://www.keralatourism.org/destination/ashtamudi-backwaters/426
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 90 reviews

Ashtamudi Lake

Reviewed By vimshine - Mumbai, India

KeralaAah.... blissful break at Ashtamudi.... We are just back from our short sojourn to Ashtamudi, in Kollam district of Kerala. The holiday had been planned in a hurry but turned out to be one of the most memorable ones in my life.  My excitement at the thought of staying in a floating cottage on lake Ashtamudi crystallized as soon we entered the idyllic surroundings of the Club Mahindra Resort.  As we walked down to our floating cottage, we could see the vast expanse of the lake Ashtamudi. No wonder it is the most sought after backwaters in Kerala.  Ashtamudi meaning eight knots or branches draws its name from the eight lakes which are part of the whole. It jostles with the river Kallada and also meets the Arabian Sea.  The floating cottage was as inviting inside as much as it was beautiful outside. The tastefully done wooden interiors with a sit out overlooking the lake almost felt like the sea. The soothing sound of the lapping waves added charm. The waters sparkled in the twilight and twinkled with the stars at night. The cool breeze soothed our minds. Our tranquility increased since the serene waters of the lake was visible from every part of the cottage.  More had yet to come as we set out on the cruise next morning. As our boat meandered through the waters we explored the breathtaking views surrounding the lake. The vibrant green coconut trees dotted the lake side making it appear like a scene freshly painted. Birds fluttering around made us point at them like gleeful kids. A kite, an eagle, a drongo and some water birds.  Intermittently we found chinese fishing nets along the lake kindling our curiosity. Fishing was one of the main sources of livelihoods no doubts.  Our boat passed a few habitats which also comprised of a single home island. We wondered how the household managed such a tough life. Totally cut off from an urban world their mode of transport were small boats which they themselves had to row. Like a two wheeler in modern houses each house had a small boat tied outside. Blissfully unaware of the modern ways of life they were surviving despite the tsunami. In fact the sailors of our boat had been saviours of the locals from the island during the Tsunami and had been awarded for the same. A Mumbaikar would surely feel like a fish out of water if he had to live forever in such surroundings.  Our boat stopped at the Munroe Island which had about 500 households inhabiting in it. We walked down the concrete path winding its way through the intriguing waterways. As we explored its beauty we also came across a breeding space for tiger prawns. The Island housed an ancient church but had no hospital or police station.  On our onward journey most of us had our fill getting photographed in titanic poses but while returning we got a bonus of posing as captains of the boat.  As we returned to our floating cottage , I wondered how many of us knew about Ashtamudi and its beauty. Holidaying abroad is the most happening thing. In fact holidaying in our own country is looked down upon and causes a lot of heartache for the present generation. However for us, every holiday in India has made us yearn for more.  Ashtamudi, of course was a dream vacation in the lap of nature, calm, comforting and soothing. I have had my fill when will you have yours?  P.S: Ashtamudi is about 80 kms from Thiruvananthapuram which has an airport.  The nearest railway station and bus station is at Kollam in Kerala. 

3. Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

Tholpetty 7 Km from the Thirunelli Temple, Kalpetta India +91 98470 30110 http://www.inwayanad.in/
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 35 reviews

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary

4. Mavoor Wetlands

Mavoor Calicut Road, Kozhikode 673661 India
Excellent
43%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
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4.5 based on 7 reviews

Mavoor Wetlands

5. Kerala Backwaters

India
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,856 reviews

Kerala Backwaters

Reviewed By Manu6jeeva

Hi All, GoGeoKerala tourism provides one of the best experiences when it comes to Kerala Trips. We had planned for a 5 day trip and the Tour Executive (Sajith) was very helpful from the beginning to the end. The driver (Sijo) provided was very cooperative and guided us through out the trip. The Hotels and house boats provided was of top class. If any of you are planning for a Kerala trip you can go ahead and book it via GoGeo. It was a splendid time in Kerala. A must try Tour.

6. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Parambikulam Road Anappady, Thunakadavu, Palakkad 678661 India +91 94422 01690 [email protected] http://www.parambikulam.org/
Excellent
50%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 217 reviews

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is situated at a distance of 89 kilometers from Palakkad and 44 km from Pollachi, adjacent to Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Although Parambikulam belongs to the state of Kerala, it is accessible only via Pollachi in Tamilnadu. The Western Ghats mountain range along with Anamalai Hills and Parambikulam is currently under consideration for se

Reviewed By fabkerala - Kerala, India

TIGER Reserve forest / Bird watching / wild trekking / Jungle Safari / Jungle camps / Tent camping Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a well protected ecological portion in the Nelliampathy - Anamalai landscape. the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna , minimal human interference in the area, The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplys make it an abode for wildlife and there by for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature. Facilities to stay on Tree Houses, Natural Camp , Campfire etc..

7. Kannimara Teak

Palakkad 678508 India
Excellent
42%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Kannimara Teak

Reviewed By sssajin - Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), India

The world largest teak is the Kannimara Teak Tree. It's calculated age is almost 500 years ago and it didn't stop growing until it was nearly 40 meters tall. Then the route to this teak tree is muddy paths and metal in some stretches.

8. Vagamon

Vagamon, Idukki district, Kerala, 685503 India +91 86689 20349 http://www.meetmytour.com/Map/Details/1?_ga=Vagamon,%20Idukki.%20Vagamon,%20also%20spelt%20Wagamon,%20is%20a%20hill%20station%20located%20in%20Meenachil%20taluk%20and%20Kanjirappally%20taluk%20of%20Kottayam%20district%20and%20Peerumade%20taluk%20of%20Iduk
Excellent
46%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 298 reviews

Vagamon

Reviewed By 910vipin - Kochi (Cochin), India

This place is located in Iduki district and the boarder of kottayam. Still untouched by commercialisation, the sleepy town is surrounded by valleys, green meadows, pine forests, mists, fogs, tea estates, waterfalls and overall greenery. The landscape is mostly hilly bald with green meadows. Vagamon is also home to a variety of flowers and orchids. Three hills - Thangal, Murugan and kurisumala.I have visited vagamon in the last year may with my four friends. 

9. Chenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

Chenduruny River, Thenmala India
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Chenduruny Wildlife Sanctuary

10. Madayipara

Kannur India +91 98470 90077 http://www.vengara.com
Excellent
58%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 36 reviews

Madayipara

Reviewed By Praveenop - Chennai (Madras), India

Madai Paara literally is a huge, huge laterite rock which measures about 600 acres. This place is not for people who seek adventure, It is a place for nature lovers.This small place and its surroundings are different from the surroundings. This is also a great for lepidopterologists ( study of moths and butterflies). If one come here during the right time one can see some of the worlds largest butterflies. It is a sight !!!! The place also has an ancient temple dedicated to goddess Kali and a fort. One can also see the sea which is far away due to its slight elevation. History also says that this place had hosted ancient Jewish settlers . The name of the small but famous perennial Handheld mirror shaped pond which has never gone dry is even now called Jewda Kulam (Pond of the jews) and the centre of Ezhimala kings and their administration. The laterite hills of Madayi also home of many many species of rare plants and flowering plants. The sunset from here is something that one should not miss. The Madayipara is best visited just after the rains when everything is green and life in this place is at its best.

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