5 offbeat tourist destinations in Kerala
Located in the southern part of India, Kerala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The lush green forests, delicious seafood, crystal clear backwaters, and enchanting beaches in Kerala are sure to intrigue you. However, there are still many places in Kerala that are untouched and unexplored. Let's check out some of these hidden gems in God's Own Country.
Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a stunning hill station in Kerala that many are not aware of. Situated at a height of 915 feet above sea level, the place is also called the "Kashmir of Kerala." The beautiful hill station is surrounded by wild mountain flowers, springs, exotic butterflies, gushing waterfalls, and tea plantations. You can enjoy trekking here or just go for some long walks.
Gavi
Located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, Gavi is a beautiful unexplored village in the state that is a delight for nature and wildlife lovers. Gavi is basically a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, surrounded by the stunning Gavi Lake. The forest reserve houses over 260 bird and wildlife species. When here, you can spot Nilgiri martens, barking deer, bears, elephants, bison, and lion-tailed macaques.
Vagamon
Vagamon in the Idukki district is the ideal place if you wish to spend a peaceful vacation with your friends or family while having the option to do some adventure activities, minus the crowd. The place is also known as the "Scotland of Asia" due to its mesmerizing surroundings and pleasant weather. Do try paragliding over the rolling meadows here.
Silent Valley National Park in Palakkad
Located in the Nilgiri Hills of Kerala's Palakkad district, Silent Valley National Park is the perfect offbeat destination to include in your Kerala travel itinerary. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. The place houses several endangered wildlife species including 34 species of mammals, 730 insect species, and 138 bird species. It also has 1,000 plant species including the fascinating cobra plant.
Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is another unexplored hill station in Kerala which is surrounded by orange farming, tea, coffee, cardamom plantations, and lush green meadows along with misty mountains. The hills here are of varying elevations ranging from 467 meters to 1,572 meters. When here, you can enjoy various adventure activities like camping, trekking, and boating while enjoying the beautiful landscape.
