Tourist destination in Central Kerala
"Discover the Heart of Kerala: Culture, Nature, and Urban Charm in Central Kerala"
Tourism in Central Kerala is a vibrant blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and dynamic urban experiences. This region includes Thrissur, celebrated as the cultural capital with its spectacular Thrissur Pooram festival, and Kochi, a cosmopolitan city renowned for its historic sites like Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Nature enthusiasts can explore the lush hill stations of Idukki and Munnar, famous for their expansive tea plantations and scenic vistas, or enjoy the tranquil backwaters of Kottayam and Alleppey through serene houseboat cruises. Additionally, Central Kerala is home to wildlife sanctuaries such as Periyar, offering exciting opportunities for wildlife safaris and eco-tourism. With its diverse attractions ranging from cultural festivities and historical landmarks to breathtaking landscapes and adventure activities, Central Kerala provides a comprehensive and enriching experience for all types of travelers.
Top destinations in Palakkad
Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu’s Fort, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the region. Built by Haider Ali in 1766 AD, this well-preserved fort narrates stories of battles and bravery. Its robust structure amidst the sprawling greenery makes it a sight to behold.
Dhoni Waterfalls
Dhoni is bordered by Western Ghats on north. It is also a popular trekking spot for tourists. Dhoni farm is situated at Dhoni. Dhoni Waterfalls is located around 15 km from Palakkad and around 34 km from Kollengode Town in Palakkad. An entry pass is required before entering the area.
Malampuzha Dam
Malampuzha Dam, a majestic engineering marvel, is surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden. The dam offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the garden features a ropeway, amusement park, and a rock garden, making it a favourite among all age groups..
Nelliyampathy Hills
Lying in the lap of Western Ghats, Nelliyampathy Hills are decorated with a wonderful sight of tea, coffee, cardamom and Orange plantation.
Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park is an ecological paradise, home to some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna. This well-preserved stretch of tropical rainforest in India offers a glimpse into untouched nature. It’s renowned for its dense forests, riveting mountain scenery, and the rare Lion-tailed Macaque.
Mangalam Dam
Mangalam Dam, constructed across the Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the Mangalam River, is known for its picturesque surroundings and serene atmosphere. The dam’s reservoir area is a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment for relaxation.
Kollengode Palace
Kollengode Palace exudes an enchanting blend of traditional Kerala and European architectural styles. Now transformed into a museum, it houses a fascinating collection of murals, paintings, and historical artifacts that depict the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, which also includes the erstwhile Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is a 643.66 square kilometres protected area lying in Palakkad district and Thrissur district of Kerala state, South India.
Meenkara Dam
Meenkara Dam is an embankment or earthen dam built on the banks of the river Gayatripuzha, a tributary of the river Bharathapuzha, at Muthalamada in the Muthalamada Grama Panchayat near Kollengode in the Palakkad district of Kerala with masonry spillway sections. It is part of the Gayatri Irrigation Project.
Top destinations in Thrissur
Vadakkunnathan Temple
With a collection of beautiful Mural paintings, some of which are more than 400 years old, this gigantic 1000 year old temple and historical structure is famous for the Nataraja Mural near the main gate.
Basilica of Our Lady of Dolours
With murals on its walls and ceilings, this 1875-built Roman Catholic Minor Basilica has the largest church interior in South India. It is adorned with 140 ft long steeple, which is visible from anywhere in the town.
Kerala Kalamandalam
Kerala Kalamandalam, established in 1930, is a premium institution that provides education about the cultural and traditional art forms of Kerala. The institution is said to have resurrected the three classic dances of Kerala.
Thampuran Palace
The Shakthan Thampuran Palace is situated in the heart of the city. It is constructed in a typical nalekettu style and was reconstructed in 1795 , by infusing Kerala and Dutch architecture.
Athirappilly Waterfalls
Athirapilly Falls is situated in Athirapilly Panchayat in Chalakudy Taluk of Thrissur District in Kerala, India on the Chalakudy River, which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats at the entrance to the Sholayar ranges. It is the largest waterfall in Kerala, which stands tall at 81.5 feet.
State Museum
Take a family outing to the Thrissur Zoo and State Museum. Spot a variety of animals from around the world at the zoo.
Snehatheeram Beach
Relax and soak up the sun on the sandy shores of Snehatheeram Beach. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the coastline.
Vilangan Kunnu
Explore the archaeological significance of Vilangan Kunnu, an ancient burial site dating back to the Megalithic period.
Top destinations in Idukki
Hill View Park
Lush green park with a wide variety of flowering plants, pedal boating & views of the Idukki Dam.
Idukki Dam
The Idukki Dam is a double-curvature arch dam constructed across the Periyar River in a narrow gorge between two granite hills locally known as Kuravan and Kurathi in Idukki district in the state of Kerala, India. It is constructed and owned by the Kerala State Electricity Board.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is Wildlife Sanctuary located in Idukki district of Kerala, India. Situated around the catchment area of Idukki Dam, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and rich flora and fauna.
Periyar National Park
Periyar National Park is famous for its wildlife and is home to a variety of species, including elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, and a variety of bird species.Periyar Lake is popular for boat rides.
Cheruthoni Dam
The Cheruthoni Dam, located in Idukki District, Kerala, India, is a 138m tall concrete gravity dam. Preliminary work on this project was initiated under the leadership of Superintending Engineer, E.U.Philipose.
Mattupetty Dam
Mattupetty Dam, near Munnar in Idukki District, is a storage concrete gravity dam built in the mountains of Kerala, India to conserve water for hydroelectricity. It has been a vital source of power and huge revenue for Idukki District.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km² national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki and Ernakulam districts of Kerala in India. The park is situated between 10º05'N and 10º20' north, and 77º0' and 77º10' east and is the first national park in Kerala. It was established in 1978.
Cheeyappara Waterfalls
The Cheeyappara Waterfall is on the Kochi - Madurai Highway, between Neriamangalam and Adimali. It is in Idukki district, Kerala, India. The Cheeyappara Waterfall cascades down in seven steps. This is also a great place for trekking.
Top destinations in Ernakulam
Hill Palace Museum
Hill Palace is an archaeological museum and palace located in the Thrippunithura neighbourhood of Kochi, Kerala. It is the largest archeological museum in the state and was the imperial administrative office and official residence of the Cochin Maharaja.
Wonderla Amusement park
Wonderla is the largest chain of amusement parks in India. The loudest, craziest, and most amazing part of town. Wonderla Kochi simply is not just an amusement park, but a world of breath-taking charm. It’s a place to celebrate the smaller moments and share big wonders.
Subhash Bose Park
Breezy, lakefront park featuring lush lawns, a children's playground & benches with water views.
Marine Drive Kochi
Marine Drive, also known as APJ Abdul Kalam Marg, is a famous promenade in Kochi, India. It is built facing the backwaters, and is a popular hangout for the local populace. Despite its name, no vehicles are allowed on the walkway. Marine Drive is also an economically thriving part of the city of Kochi.
LuLu International Shopping Mall
LuLu Mall, Kochi is a shopping mall located in Edappally, Kochi, Kerala. Spanning 17 acres with a total built up area of 2.5 million square feet, Of this, the Lulu mall occupies a space of 1.7 million square feet and is the largest mall in kerala.
Kochin Shipyard
Cochin Shipyard Ltd is the largest shipbuilding and maintenance facility in India. It is part of a line of maritime-related facilities in the port-city of Kochi, in the state of Kerala, India.
Fort Kochi
Foreign control of Fort Kochi ended in 1947 with the Indian independence. A mix of old houses built by the Portuguese, Dutch and British in these colonial periods line the streets of Fort Kochi. St Francis Church was built in 1503 by the Portuguese as a Catholic church.
St. George Forane Church, Edappally
St. George's Syro-Malabar Forane Church, locally known as Edapally Church is a Catholic pilgrimage church in Edapally, Kochi, India. It is considered as Asia's largest shrine dedicated to Saint George, about five million people visit it every year. The church is thought to have been founded in 593 AD.
Top destinations in Kottayam
Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple
The Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple situated in the heart of Kottayam is one of the 108 revered Shivalayas in central Kerala, India. The temple is about 500 years old and was built by the Raja of Thekkumkur. It also preserves a number of unique sculptures and murals of various Hindu deities.
Illikkal Kallu
Illikkal Kallu is a Thalanadu located on top of the Illickal Malaa in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India.The distance from kottayam railway station to illikal kallu is 57km. Situated at around 3500 feet above sea level, Illickal Kallu is a major tourist attraction in Thalanadu.
Elaveezhapoonchira
Time to visit the hill station. It lies in the vicinity of Melukavumattom. Three stunning hills viz. Kudayathoormala, Mankunnu, and Thonippara bounds this hill station. Spreads over an expanse of thousand acreages, this place has no trees or plantations. Folklores say that this has been the bathing place for Draupadi.
Marmala Waterfalls
Marmala Waterfall is a waterfall which is located a few kilometres away from Erattupetta, in Kottayam district, Kerala, India, It is exactly 8 km from Teekoy. The road from Mangalagiri to Marmala Waterfall is currently under construction.
St. Alphonsa's Tomb
This historic tomb holds the remains of the first woman to be given sainthood by the Kerala Church.
Vaikom
Vaikom is secluded and situated amidst nature, making it a great getaway spot from the hustle-bustle of the city. Vaikom is close to the beautiful backwaters of Kerala and has many ancient churches and historical spots that are worth visiting.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
It is a paradise for bird lovers where one can sit in the green fields and watch these magnificent birds in their natural habitat.
Vembanad Lake
Vembanad is the largest lake in India and one of the most popular Kottayam tourist places. It is a great picnic spot for nature-lovers to watch the rivers and canals in Kottayam combine. It’s a good spot for sightseeing, fishing, and boating.