In addition to popular attractions, there are several offbeat places to visit in Kerala that few tourists are aware of. Kerala has for long enticed travelers with its lively backwaters, gorgeous hill stations, remarkable wildlife sanctuaries, and Ayurveda resorts. But there are less known places in Kerala which are equally exciting to visit. These fantastic albeit unexplored places in Kerala are worthy to be included in the bucket list of travelers around the world. Keep reading to know more about these and plan the most spectacular Kerala offbeat itinerary ever!
Lesser-known Kerala Tourist Places List:
Plenty of travelers book cheap flights to Kochi and other major places in Kerala quite often. However, visiting less crowded tourist places in Kerala is among the best ways to enjoy the greenery of the place. You don’t even need to make plans way ahead of time for a trip to explore some of these offbeat places to visit in Kerala. Just get a hold of some cheap last minute flights and jet off to explore some of the best unknown places in Kerala mentioned below.
Nelliyampathy
At an incredible elevation of about 1,585 meters above sea level, Nelliyampathy is situated approximately 60 km from Palakkad district. This is among the most scenic tourist places in Kerala with pictures slowly making their way across the web. Sprawling tea plantations on rolling lush green hills are absolutely amazing to look at and a photographer’s delight. The sole way into this offbeat Kerala destination is via Nemmara Town and the flora you pass along the way is simply breathtaking!
Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad
This is perhaps among the last unexplored parts of the stunning tropical evergreen forest in India and one of the best offbeat places to visit in Kerala. Under consideration to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region was transformed into a national park in the year 1980 as the aftermath of an environmental social movement termed as Save Silent Valley. Besides being covered in a blanket of lush greenery, the region is home to beautiful bird species, diverse types of monkeys, and a myriad variety of plants.
Muzhappilangad Beach, Kannur
Kerala’s exclusive drive-in beach, this is among the best offbeat places to visit in Kerala. It’s also famed for being the largest drive-in beach in Asia. Occupying a spot in the Kerala tourist places photo gallery, Muzhappilangad beach is fast becoming a hit with the youngsters. You will find plenty of people showing off their driving skills here while others head out to the shallow waters for a swim. Plenty of people also come just to lie down and relax. There are adventure ops as well such as paragliding, catamaran rides, and jet skiing among others.
Vazhachal Waterfalls
Situated quite close to Athirapally Waterfalls which is among the most sought-after waterfalls in Kerala, Vazhachal waterfall is an incredible place to visit. Both of these sparkly waterfalls are on the Chalakudy River and a fantastic sight to behold. Placed approximately 90 km from Kochi, the best time to visit is between October and March when the falls are at their spectacular best. Make sure to include a visit to this place in your itinerary when visiting Kerala on economy or business class flights.
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary
This is among the topmost tourist places in Kerala for 2 days or more if you’re an avid bird watcher. The state’s first bird sanctuary, Thattekad forms an innate part of Central Kerala’s dense tropical forest. The sanctuary is home to more than 300 species of birds and an extremely diverse wildlife. One of the most beautiful offbeat places to visit in Kerala, it’s also a nature lover’s paradise. Visit and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the sanctuary while at the same time spotting some of the exotic wildlife the region is home to.
Ashtamudi Backwaters
Overshadowed by popular cities and the backwaters of Alleppey, Ashtamudi backwaters is one of Kerala’s deep-rooted secret attractions. You can check Kerala tourist places map with distance and find there are 8 channels to this mesmerizing wetland ecosystem. Populated by a myriad species of marine life, the elaborate backwater network comprises several canals, brackish lagoons, inlets, and rivers. You can also go on houseboat cruises and enjoy staying at floating huts in one of the many resorts here.
Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad
Famed for being the country’s biggest earthen dam, it is also the second biggest of such kind in all of Asia. The spectacular Banasura Sagar Dam is among the best offbeat places to visit in Kerala. Nestled between the mesmerizing misty hills of Banasura, the dam has been built across the Kabini River tributary. In addition to boating facilities at this ideal picnic spot, there’s also a nature park here for visitors to enjoy. The small islands formations that take place during the monsoon offer an unmatched visual retreat.
Thenmala, Kollam
Spanning over acres of dense forests and perched comfortably at an altitude of 1650 feet, Thenmala is among the most astounding offbeat places to visit in Kerala. Famous for being an eco-friendly place, Thenmala is home to an abundance of medicinal honey. Book some cheap flights and come to explore Thenmala, the most enchanting of all less crowded tourist places in Kerala. Top attractions include a Leisure Zone, Culture Zone, an Amphitheater, Musical Dancing Fountain, and Adventure Zone. Foodies will be delighted to know that the region also offers the chance to enjoy the mouthwatering traditional cuisine of the state.
