9 places that aren't on your bucket list

Kerala is the land of coconuts, Ayurveda, backwaters, lush greenery and a beautiful culture. It has numerous tourist destinations but we bring to you the 9 places that aren’t on your bucket list.

1. Alappuzha- Andhakaranazhy –Marari

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Alappuzha has one of the cleanest beaches in Kerala, a 150 year old boat jetty and a 19th century lighthouse. Andhakaranazhy, which is situated a little over 30 kms from here, is a beautiful coastal village with an isthmus lake. A bridge across the lake, an aerial pathway stretching up to the sea wall gives a breathtaking view of the sun set. Mararikulam or Marari at 16 kms from Alapuzha is famous for its white sandy beach bordering a fishing village and acres of coconut palm groves.

2. Kochi-Fort Kochi-Mattanchery

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Kochi is the commercial capital of Kerala and a few water-bound areas away from the main land is old Kochi or Fort Kochi. You can visit the Indo Portuguese museum, Chinese fishing nets and other beautiful places. Matancherry is a tourist destination that is surrounded by the backwaters of Arabian Sea. Paradesi synagogue, Mattancherry palace museum, the famous Jew town etc woo you with their charm.

3. Munnar-Thekkady

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Munnar is a hill station located at around 5,200 ft above sea level in the Idukki district. Bound by the Western Ghats it experiences a cool climate throughout. Kurinjimala sanctuary, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary, Munnar tea museum are few of the attractions. Thekkady in Idukki district is home to Periyar National Park and acres of Spices plantation.

4. Kulamavu-idduki

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Kulamavu in Idukki district is known for its dam that is built on the Periyar river. Located in the high range, Kulamavu enjoys a pleasant climate throughout. It is one of the three dams associated with the Idukki hydro electric power project.

5. Wayanad

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Wayanad district is nestled along the Western Ghats on the eastern portion of North Kerala. Acres of Spice plantation stretch give the area a rich green cover. A cool climate and heavy rainfalls makes the water gush in splendid waterfalls. Summer months of March-May are better suited for outdoor activities and wildlife safaris.

6. Kumarakom

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It is a popular tourism destination located near the city of Kottayam famous for its backwater tourism. Nestled beside the Vembanad lake, Kumarakom is home to a bird sanctuary, Karimeen(pearl spot fish), Poovalan chemeen(shrimp ). It is close to the Aymanam village mentioned in Arundhati Roy's ‘The God of small things’

7. Kovalam-Trivandrum-Ponmudi

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Thiruvananthapuram or Trivandrum is the capital city of Kerala. Located at 16 kms south of the city is the beautiful Kovalam beach which has become a hub for international tourists and Ayurvedic salons. If you move further at an approximate distance of 60 km from Trivandrum is Ponmudi – a nature’s delight. Meenmutty falls, Trekking at Kallar, Peppara wildlife sanctuary etc. are some must visit places.

8. Bekal

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Bekal is a small town in the Kasaragod district which has the popular keyhole shaped Bekal fort that towers above giving a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea.

9. Kozhikode

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Kozhikode or Calicut is a city on the Malabar Coast. This is the largest city in Kerala and is also tagged as the ‘city of sculptures’. The famous ‘Mithai Theruvu’ or sweet meat street has given a distinct identity to this place.