Kerala is known as “God’s Own Country” and is one of the most beautiful states in southern India, renowned for its lush greenery and serene backwaters, making it one of the prime travel destinations in Kerala.
Two must-visit destinations in this beautiful state are Munnar and Alleppey. Let’s take a journey to explore these beautiful places and find out why they are so special.
Munnar: The Hill Station of Tea Gardens
Munnar is a very beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats mountain range. The place is known for its rolling tea plantations, misty hills, and pleasing weather. Here are some highlights:
Best Time to Visit Munnar
October to March is the best time for Munnar visitation because the climate during this time is cool and pleasant to engage in Kerala travel, good for sightseeing. During monsoon (June to September), heavy falls can hamper your travel.
How to Reach Munnar
- By Air: The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 110 kilometers. Here you can hire a taxi or get into a bus from there.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Aluva which is 110 kilometers.
- By Road: It can be reached by road by making use of buses or cabs from the key towns of Kochi and Coimbatore.
Places to Visit in Munnar
1. Tea Gardens: Learn to make tea by walking through these plush green tea plantations.
2. Eravikulam National Park: Features rare Nilgiri Tahr and spectacular views of hills.
3. Mattupetty Dam: A perfect place for boating and sightseeing.
4. Top Station: Famous for the panoramic view of the Western Ghats.
5. Echo Point: A place where your voice bounces back.
Best Viewpoints for Photos
- Pothamedu Viewpoint: Scenic view of tea gardens and valleys.
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: One of the highest tea plantations in the world.
Image Gallery of Munnar
Where to Stay in Munnar
- The Leaf Munnar
Website: theleafmunnar.com - Tea County Munnar
Website: ktdc.com
Best Cafés in Munnar
1. Rapsy Restaurant: For delicious Kerala-style food and mouthwatering momos.
2. The Tea Tales Café: Share tea and snacks while overlooking a scenic view.
Alappuzha (or Alleppey): The Backwater Paradise
Alleppey, officially known as Alappuzha is the town of serene backwaters, houseboats, and beaches. Perfect place to relax and release your stress.
Best Time to Alleppey
Alleppey can be visited between November and February. It is a great time to visit Kerala. Summers are scorching, while the monsoons pour in heavy rains.
How to Reach Alleppey
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 75 km away.
- By Train: Alleppey has its own railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis are available from cities like Kochi and Trivandrum.
Places to Visit in Alleppey
1. Backwaters: Take a houseboat cruise and enjoy the serene beauty of the waterways.
2. Alleppey Beach: A great place to relax and watch the sunset.
3. Vembanad Lake: The longest lake in India, perfect for birdwatching and boating.
4. Kuttanad: Known as the “Rice Bowl of Kerala,” it offers picturesque views of paddy fields.
Best Viewpoints for Photos
- Marari Beach: A quiet beach with golden sand and clear water.
- Houseboats on Backwaters: Capture the unique beauty of traditional houseboats floating on the water.
Image Gallery of Alleppey
Where to Stay in Alleppey
- Houseboat Stay: Experience a night on a traditional houseboat.
Website: alleppeyhouseboats.com - Lake Palace Resort: A luxury resort near Vembanad Lake.
Website: lakepalaceresort.com
Best Cafés in Alleppey
1. Café Catamaran: Famous for seafood and beachfront views.
2. Mushroom Restaurant: This is a cozy place offering both Indian and international cuisine.
Other Nearby Places to Explore
1. Thekkady: Famous for the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, only 110 km from Munnar.
2. Kumarakom: Another backwater destination, only 33 km from Alleppey.
3. Cochin: A historic city with colonial architecture, about 53 km from Alleppey.
Online Booking Sites
To make your trip easy, you can use these Kerala travel booking sites:
Conclusion
Munnar and Alleppey are the best travel destinations in Kerala, with the perfect blend of hills and backwaters.
From exploring the tea gardens of Munnar to cruising through the backwaters of Alleppey, it is sure to leave you with some memories that would be remembered forever. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the beauty of Kerala!