10 Hidden Gems of Kerala That Most First Time Visitors Miss
Kerala is often introduced through its famous backwaters, beaches, tea plantations and hill stations. Places such as Munnar, Alleppey and Kochi attract travellers from around the world, but they are only a small part of what the state has to offer.
Beyond the familiar tourist route are quiet villages, forested hills, historic settlements and little known coastal landscapes. These places can offer a slower experience and a chance to see a more peaceful side of Kerala.
Here are 10 hidden gems to consider for your next Kerala trip.
The area is known for its natural sandalwood forests, traditional sugarcane products and ancient dolmens. Its landscape is noticeably different from the lush surroundings usually associated with Kerala.
The nearby Kanthalloor region also offers orchards and cool mountain scenery, making this an interesting area for travellers who want to explore beyond Munnar.
Unlike some of Kerala's more developed hill stations, Vagamon has a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the pine forests, enjoy panoramic views or simply spend time surrounded by greenery.
The area is also popular for activities such as paragliding, but you do not need an adventure filled itinerary to enjoy its scenery.
Muziris was an ancient port that played an important role in maritime trade, connecting the region with traders from different parts of the world. Today, the area includes historic sites, museums, churches, synagogues and other reminders of its multicultural past.
Exploring Muziris offers a different perspective on Kerala, where history and trade are just as important as beaches and backwaters.
The area consists of islands surrounded by waterways and is known for its peaceful landscapes. A boat ride through the backwaters allows you to see coconut palms, small settlements and everyday life along the water.
It is an excellent choice for travellers who want the classic Kerala backwater experience without the same level of tourist activity.
The destination lies near the Western Ghats and offers opportunities to explore forest landscapes, reservoirs and walking trails. It is also associated with India's early planned eco tourism initiatives.
Thenmala works well for travellers who want to combine nature, outdoor activities and a quieter environment.
Bekal Fort stands beside the Arabian Sea and offers impressive views of the coastline. Beyond the fort, the area has beaches, coconut groves and peaceful stretches of coast.
Spending a little more time around Bekal allows you to enjoy both its historic character and its relaxed coastal atmosphere.
The village is known for its fishing traditions, Chinese fishing nets, mangroves and narrow waterways. Visitors can explore the area at a much slower pace and observe everyday activities connected to the backwaters.
Its proximity to Kochi also makes Kumbalangi an easy addition to a Kerala itinerary.
The area is known for its forests, lakes, wildlife and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore the region through guided nature experiences and forest activities.
Because it is located within a protected natural environment, travel here requires more planning than visiting a typical tourist town. The effort can be worthwhile for anyone who enjoys forests and wildlife.
Located not far from Thiruvananthapuram, it can be a convenient escape for travellers who want cooler weather and forest scenery without travelling deep into the state.
The journey itself is scenic, with winding mountain roads and changing views as you climb higher.
The waterways pass through coconut groves, villages and narrow canals, creating a tranquil setting that feels far removed from busy city life.
Visitors can explore the waterways by canoe or small boat and observe local life along the canals. It is a particularly good choice for travellers who want a slower backwater experience.
The lesser known destinations offer different experiences. Marayoor and Vagamon are ideal for mountain scenery, while Valiyaparamba and Munroe Island provide quieter backwater experiences.
Kumbalangi offers village life, Muziris provides history and Bekal combines heritage with the coast. Nature lovers can consider destinations such as Thenmala and Gavi.
Keep your schedule flexible and allow enough time to enjoy each place. The appeal of many lesser known destinations lies precisely in their slower pace.
When visiting villages and natural areas, respect local customs and avoid disturbing wildlife. Carry reusable bottles and take your waste with you, especially when exploring forests and waterways.
The monsoon can transform Kerala into an especially lush landscape, but heavy rain can also affect travel plans. Check local weather and road conditions before setting out.
Beyond the familiar tourist route are quiet villages, forested hills, historic settlements and little known coastal landscapes. These places can offer a slower experience and a chance to see a more peaceful side of Kerala.
Here are 10 hidden gems to consider for your next Kerala trip.
1. Marayoor
Marayoor is a beautiful destination in the eastern part of Kerala, surrounded by mountains and forests.The area is known for its natural sandalwood forests, traditional sugarcane products and ancient dolmens. Its landscape is noticeably different from the lush surroundings usually associated with Kerala.
The nearby Kanthalloor region also offers orchards and cool mountain scenery, making this an interesting area for travellers who want to explore beyond Munnar.
2. Vagamon
Vagamon is a peaceful hill destination surrounded by rolling green meadows, pine forests and misty mountains.Unlike some of Kerala's more developed hill stations, Vagamon has a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore the pine forests, enjoy panoramic views or simply spend time surrounded by greenery.
The area is also popular for activities such as paragliding, but you do not need an adventure filled itinerary to enjoy its scenery.
3. Muziris
History lovers should consider exploring the Muziris region in northern Kerala.Muziris was an ancient port that played an important role in maritime trade, connecting the region with traders from different parts of the world. Today, the area includes historic sites, museums, churches, synagogues and other reminders of its multicultural past.
Exploring Muziris offers a different perspective on Kerala, where history and trade are just as important as beaches and backwaters.
4. Valiyaparamba
Valiyaparamba is a beautiful backwater destination in northern Kerala that remains considerably quieter than the better known backwater centres.The area consists of islands surrounded by waterways and is known for its peaceful landscapes. A boat ride through the backwaters allows you to see coconut palms, small settlements and everyday life along the water.
It is an excellent choice for travellers who want the classic Kerala backwater experience without the same level of tourist activity.
5. Thenmala
Thenmala is surrounded by forests and is known for its natural beauty and eco tourism activities.The destination lies near the Western Ghats and offers opportunities to explore forest landscapes, reservoirs and walking trails. It is also associated with India's early planned eco tourism initiatives.
Thenmala works well for travellers who want to combine nature, outdoor activities and a quieter environment.
6. Bekal
Bekal is known for its enormous coastal fort, but the surrounding area is often overlooked by visitors rushing through Kerala.Bekal Fort stands beside the Arabian Sea and offers impressive views of the coastline. Beyond the fort, the area has beaches, coconut groves and peaceful stretches of coast.
Spending a little more time around Bekal allows you to enjoy both its historic character and its relaxed coastal atmosphere.
7. Kumbalangi
Located near Kochi, Kumbalangi offers a chance to experience village life surrounded by water.The village is known for its fishing traditions, Chinese fishing nets, mangroves and narrow waterways. Visitors can explore the area at a much slower pace and observe everyday activities connected to the backwaters.
Its proximity to Kochi also makes Kumbalangi an easy addition to a Kerala itinerary.
8. Gavi
Gavi is a forest destination in the Pathanamthitta district surrounded by the Western Ghats.The area is known for its forests, lakes, wildlife and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore the region through guided nature experiences and forest activities.
Because it is located within a protected natural environment, travel here requires more planning than visiting a typical tourist town. The effort can be worthwhile for anyone who enjoys forests and wildlife.
9. Ponmudi
Ponmudi is a small hill destination surrounded by green mountains and winding roads.Located not far from Thiruvananthapuram, it can be a convenient escape for travellers who want cooler weather and forest scenery without travelling deep into the state.
The journey itself is scenic, with winding mountain roads and changing views as you climb higher.
10. Munroe Island
Munroe Island is a peaceful collection of islands where the Ashtamudi Lake and Kallada River meet.The waterways pass through coconut groves, villages and narrow canals, creating a tranquil setting that feels far removed from busy city life.
Visitors can explore the waterways by canoe or small boat and observe local life along the canals. It is a particularly good choice for travellers who want a slower backwater experience.
Why Explore Kerala Beyond the Famous Destinations?
Popular places such as Munnar, Kochi and Alleppey are popular for good reason, but travelling beyond them can make a Kerala holiday more varied.You may also like
- 8th Pay Commission: Pensioners have high hopes! Full list of 12 major demands, including minimum pension and DR..
- Atal Pension Yojana: Want to withdraw money from the Atal Pension Yojana before maturity? Know these rules first..
- 8th Pay Commission: DA hike four times a year and merger with basic pay at 25%
- In 2007, Mieko Catlett visited Uttarakhand's Bageshwar with her husband Robert; 19 years later, she returned from Japan carrying his ashes to fulfil his final wish
- “I honestly thought there is an emergency”: Korean woman's unexpected India movie theatre experience leaves her saying, “Now I actually think India's system is better”
The lesser known destinations offer different experiences. Marayoor and Vagamon are ideal for mountain scenery, while Valiyaparamba and Munroe Island provide quieter backwater experiences.
Kumbalangi offers village life, Muziris provides history and Bekal combines heritage with the coast. Nature lovers can consider destinations such as Thenmala and Gavi.
Tips for Visiting Kerala's Lesser Known Places
Some of these destinations have fewer hotels, restaurants and transport options than Kerala's major tourist centres. Plan accommodation and transport in advance, particularly if you are visiting remote areas.Keep your schedule flexible and allow enough time to enjoy each place. The appeal of many lesser known destinations lies precisely in their slower pace.
When visiting villages and natural areas, respect local customs and avoid disturbing wildlife. Carry reusable bottles and take your waste with you, especially when exploring forests and waterways.
The monsoon can transform Kerala into an especially lush landscape, but heavy rain can also affect travel plans. Check local weather and road conditions before setting out.
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
