Untouched And Unexplored: 10 Captivating And Offbeat Tourist Places In Kerala We Bet You Have No Idea About

Kerala is blessed with a much-enchanted beauty which is still unknown and unexplored. Situated in the southernmost region of India, exploring Kerala would be fun and adventurous in every way. The backwaters, clear blue Arabian Sea, thick lush green forested areas, fresh seafood, and houseboats are not to be missed when in Kerala. But the above kinds of stuff are not enough for the traveler in you who wants to explore a lot more than the touristy stuff when visiting any new place. You always expect more, better, imaginary and exceptional. But you know what!? Kerala is crowned with all above the things you could ever imagine. Kerala entices travelers with its spectacular beaches, beautiful hill stations, sparkling backwaters, excellent wildlife sanctuaries, revitalizing Ayurveda resorts and wonderful adventure opportunities. It has a lot more to offer for travelers than just the touristy places of Munnar, Thekkady, Kumarakom, and Kovalam. Thus, this is your ultimate guide to help you update your itinerary for your next trip to Kerala. Leave the cliche behind, and explore the unexplored and lesser-known paths of this God's Own Country. Let's unearth the 10 untouched, unexplored, captivating and offbeat tourist places in Kerala you have no idea about. Let the journey begin.

1. Ponmudi

A not-so-popular! beautiful hill resort with green environment and narrow pathways is the estate of Ponmudi. If you love trekking, this tourist destination is for you. Looking down on a mist-covered valley and vast stretches of tea plantation, lush green hills and stunning waterfalls, Ponmudi is the place for you. The most magical and fascinating thing about the place is its wild mountain flowers growing all around and the uncountable number of butterflies. There are many cottages, hotels, and dormitory staying facilities in Ponmudi for a comfortable stay in this peaceful tourist place in Kerala.

Highlight: Golden Valley near Ponmudi has crystal clear water and golden sand in the middle of the green valley. There's also a mini zoo near the place
How To Reach Ponmudi: 61 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala which is also the nearest railway station. Trivandrum International Airport (67 Kms) is the nearest Airport

2. Gavi

Gavi, a beautiful village located in the Pathanamthitta district is one of the unexplored, offbeat tourist places in Kerala. A village as a tourist destination may sound odd to any other place, but not for a beautiful place such as Kerala. For nature and wildlife lovers, this village has to be the top offbeat tourist destination in Kerala. The place is a part of the well-known Periyar Tiger Reserve which makes it a pristine tourist spot. You can spot elephants, bears, sambars, barking deer, tigers, Indian Gaurs and Nilgiri Martens. In addition to that, there's much more to do such as boating in the Gavi Lakes or Kochupampa, spice garden visits, trekking, visit the cardamom factory and bird watching. 

Highlight: Forest camping facility is also provided in this tourist spot but only from November to March. The famous Sabarimala shrine is also very near to this tourist spot
How To Reach Gavi: Pathanamthitta and Kumily Depots of Kerala State Road Transport Corporation provide public transports by KSRTC buses. Nearest Airports are Madurai Airport (140 Kms); Cochin International Airport (190 Kms) and the nearest railway station to this unexplored tourist place in Kerala is Kottayam (114 Kms)

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3. Kollam

It's a surprise that this place is still one of the unexplored tourist places in Kerala. The Ashtamudi Backwaters in Kollam is one of Kerala’s unrevealed secret. The place is the second largest and deepest wetland ecosystem and has 8 channels in total which make it stature grand. Lagoons, canals, rivers, and inlets together make this splendid beauty worth visiting. The place is worth exploring because of its rich wildlife and diversity. More than 50 species of avifauna, 40 species of wetland-dependent birds and 26 species of butterflies have been identified inhabiting the ecosystem. 

Highlight: Houseboat tours, Bird watching, Indulging in Ayurvedic therapies
How To Reach Kollam: Kollam district is a major Laccadive Sea seaport. There are no regular flights from other major cities of the country to Kollam. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (51 Km). It is well connected to other major cities of the country via regular trains (Kollam Junction (QLN), Eravipuram (IRP)

4. Palakkad

This lesser known place in Kerala has to be one of the most beautiful sites if compared to any best tourist places in India. Nelliampathy in Palakkad is basically cloud-caressed peaks settled at heights of from 467 m to 1572 m giving you the most breathtaking and picturesque view. In midst of these bio farming villages, are wide vast spread the plantation gardens. The aroma of the place is enough to attract you to it. The hills of Nelliampathi are also well known for its orange cultivation. This one of the offbeat tourist places in Kerala is surely a sight worth seeing.

Highlight: The place is home to over 200 species of birds and 90 species of butterflies
How To Reach Palakkad: The nearest airport to Palakkad is located in Coimbatore at a distance of 100 km from Palakkad and the nearest railway station to Palakkad is located in Pollachi about 60 km away from the city

5. Cherai Beach - Kochi

A beach from where you can easily spot Dolphins near the shore? That sounds exciting and worth visiting. This offbeat beach is one of the lesser known tourist places in Kerala. This beautiful beach is known for its breathtaking scenery of the backwaters merging with the sea and a seashore that loos like it gives birth to seashells. This water lover's heaven is the perfect place for swimming, a picnic, a stroll barefooted, cycling, fishing or just going for a boat ride with the locals. 

Highlight: Thick coconut groves and Chinese fishing nets
How To Reach Cherai Beach: Located on the north-end of the Vypeen Island, it is accessible only by boat

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6. Banasura Sagar Dam - Wayanad

High at an altitude of 3200 feet in the misty and cloudy Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad is one of the best tourist places in Kerala. A dam is not really considered to be part of anyone's itinerary, but this dam is no ordinary like the rest of the beautiful state of Kerala. The largest earthen dam in India and the second largest of its kind in Asia, it is made of massive stacks of stones and boulders. The place is not only a peaceful picnic spot where you only hear the calm gushing water and the cooing of birds but forms a set of islands during monsoon season which in itself is a breathtaking view. 

Highlight: You can trek through the forest of Banasura Peak, go boating, swing on many traditional tree swings or go bird watching
How To Reach Wayanad: The closest airport to the dam is Calicut (65 Km). Local cabs ply straight up to Wayanad. With crisscrossing railway networks built all across the country, there are a number of trains available to Kozhikode, which is the nearest railway station to Wayanad. There are no direct rail lines to Wayanad (110 Km)

7. Vagamon

Kerala is never mentioned in a list for a place to go for adventure sports in India. But what if I tell you that's a total misconception. The beautiful offbeat hill of Vagamon is one of the lesser known tourist places in Kerala. Safe and away from the prying eyes of regular tourists, this scenic place is calm and peaceful and a break away from the hustle and bustle of your urban cities. With mid-day temperatures not exceeding the 25-degree mark, the place even maintains a pleasant weather throughout the year as compared to its counterpart districts of the state. It is often referred to as the mini-Munnar without the commercialization.

Highlight: Dip into its many waterfalls as you look over the valley, Paragliding, Parasailing
How To Reach Vagamon: On the border between Kottayam and Idukki lies the idyllic hill station of Vagamon. The nearest railhead is Palai from where you can catch a local bus to take you on the adventurous & winding journey towards Vagamon

8. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

It is said that Kerala possesses a huge wetland with thick dense forests and marshy waterbodies which technically means that a very rich wildlife. This huge rainforest hardly has any recognition as a wildlife safari place which is a drawback. But that's not completely true! The  Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is one of India’s prominent habitats of the Royal Bengal Tiger. This place is not for your regular tourists. Goings inside these jungles is a task only skilled and enthusiasts can perform. The place has been maintained to perfection and if you want to explore, be ready for the time of a lifetime at this offbeat tourist places in Kerala.

Highlight: Long forest treks, Jeep safaris, Treetop camping, or even Fish safaris
How To Reach Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: The reserve is located in the district of Palakkad, around 130 km drive away from Cochin. You could also fly into Coimbatore and drive to Parambikulam

9. Silent Valley National Park

In considerations for being announced as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this offbeat tourist places in Kerala is one of the last unexplored parts of the tropical evergreen forest in India. Which makes it completely untouched or hampered by human anywhere whatsoever. The natural beauty of the place is scenic and gorgeous to bits. The site is part of the Western Ghat region. Spread across a large area of about 237.52 Sq.km, it shelters a rich wildlife comprising of animals such as the threatened Lion-tailed Macaque and rarest of birds like Ceylon Frogmouth. 

Highlight: The winding rivers of Bhavani and Kunthipuzha fall from the top of the forested hills making a splendid waterfall in midst of the beautiful wilderness
How To Reach The Silent Valley National Park: The nearest railway station is Palghat Junction (Palakkad). For Indian travelers, the fees are not much high. Get around by hiring jeeps from Mukkali (nearest point) or Mannarkkad (nearest town).

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10. Poovar

The town of Poovar is unheard and untouched by usual travelers. This offbeat tourist places in Kerala is no less than an astounding miracle. The village is right on the beach, which means vast stretches of sparkling sand, refreshing breeze, and calm environment which will undoubtedly treat all of your senses. The word Poovar is formed by combining two Malayalam words ‘Poo’ and ‘var’ meaning flower and river. The place sure is an aesthetic combination of fragrant flowers and gushing backwaters. 

Highlights: Explore the Poovar Beach and nearby Kovalam Beach, Go Fishing, Thirparappu Falls and local flea market shopping
How To Reach Poovar: Poovar is in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The Nearest Airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (30 km) and the nearest Railway Station is the Thiruvananthapuram Central ( Also 30 km)

So, you know by now!  Kerala is a true gem with many hidden and unexplored jewels that awaits your presence. What are you waiting for now! Pack your bag, put on your shoes and ready to explore the best of Kerala.

FAQs

Q. What is the best time to visit Kerala?
A. Summer Season from March to May, is hot but not humid, as it is near the tropics. Monsoon season between June and August is the best time to visit Kerala for Ayurveda treatments. The time from November to April is the best time to visit Kerala as a tourist.

Q. Which are the best backwaters of Kerala to visit?
A. Today Kozhikode is the largest port in Malabar region. It lies between the backwaters of Kallai and Beypore rivers which is considered among the best backwaters Kerala. The backwaters here offer unforgettable backwater experience to the tourists.