Kerala, popular as the ‘God’s Own Country’, is full of natural wonderments that set even the most blasé travellers on a quest for cheap flights and holiday deals for this Indian state. This article discusses some best kept secrets of Kerala.
Kerala! The name evokes images of splendidly pristine beaches fringed with swaying palms, dome-shaped houseboats voyaging through the virgin backwaters, and neatly groomed tea plantations on the misty slopes of the Western Ghats. The untamed beauty of this southernmost Indian state has touched many hearts, the result of which is that tickets on flights bound for Kerala sell like hot cakes!!
Although, a large majority of tourists who flock to the God’s Own Country follow the usual tourist trail: houseboat stay in Alleppey, wildlife tours to Thekkeddy and hilly escapade to Munnar, there are many who choose the unbeaten paths and explore the various secrets this lively Indian province holds in its cusps. Here are a few such secrets that people can unearth during their Kerala holidays!
Thottada Village, Kannur
If serenity and solace, amidst untouched beauty of nature, is what you’re craving, then this place is a heaven for you! On the concourse of the Arabian Sea and tranquil backwaters in Kannur District of North Kerala, the mellow hamlet of Thottada is where your appetite for tranquillity will be satiated to the core. See the gorgeous sunset over the Thottada beach, or row your way through a virgin backwater lagoon, spotting many aqua and bird species like otters, darters and kingfishers! The laid-back life and interesting, delicious cuisines of Thottada will make you rejoice on your selection of this part of South India to book flights’ tickets to and holiday deals for!
How to get in there: On Kannur-Tellicherry highway, Thottada Village is about 8kms from Kannur Railway Station.
Wayanad
The freshness of air, richness of wildlife and vibrancy of culture in Wayanad create a unique spell that will impress you in ways you may not have thought earlier. Despite the abundance of natural marvels, this part of Kerala is surprisingly quite, being usually overleaped by tourists, which allows it to remain very cultured and leisurely unhurried, both on land and at hills. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Western Ghats, Wayanad features lofty mountains and deciduous, evergreen forests brimming with an interesting array of flora and fauna, giving nature-lovers another reason to grab cheap air tickets on flights landing in Kerala. If you’re seeking to learn about the rich traditions of this part of South India, do visit the tribal folks living in bamboo-houses on the edge of the forest.
How to get in there: Kozhikode International Airport is the nearest airport, which has scheduled flights from Mumbai, Delhi and several other prominent cities in India.
Bekal
If you’re a beach-bummer and looking for something a bit more sedate, Bekal is the place to be! Wonderful scenery awaits you on this white beach, nestling against a historical fort. After a whole day of sea, sun and surf at the beaches, go explore the region’s interesting history at the mammoth Bekal Fort! Feeling more ambitious? Drive through the coconut groves, or kayak across serene backwaters this fascinating region in Kasargod district boasts. From the fort, views of the sunset over the Indian Ocean are just breathtaking, making the experience here even more gratifying and worth every penny spent on travel tickets, hotels and other holiday essentials.
How to get in there: Bekal is about 77kms from Mangalore. The nearest railhead is Kasargod, about 14kms.
Gavi
The landscaped beauty of Gavi amazes one and all. The reserved forest in the area, which is a part of Periyar Tiger Reserve, displays unique wildlife and wonderful natural formations, such as waterfalls, lakes and caves. Tourists who spend on flights for holidaying here can enjoy all this by trekking, or can simply relish the breathtaking views! Either way, they are sure to have a mesmeric experience in this fascinating corner of South India. Gavi is also famous for its ‘eco-tourism project’, handled and promoted by KFDC (Kerala Forest Development Corporation) at a large scale. Apart from the picturesque natural beauty, the regions boasts various outdoor adventures including camping, canoeing, trekking and night safaris, and hence sets scores of adrenaline junkies on a mad scramble for travel tickets for the destination.
How to get in there: International tourists can buy flights’ tickets for Kochi (about 200kms from Gavi) and use Kerala’s excellent transport system to get in there.
Marari Beach
It cannot be disputed that Kerala houses some of the most incredible beaches in India, and Marari beach is one of them. With pure white sand, clean blue waters and captivating greenery of coconut trees, it literally looks like a piece of heaven! Driving the winding roads along Marari and admiring the captivating vistas along the way is simply a mesmeric treat and worth the cost of flights for holidays here. Another must-do thing is to swim in its pristine, clear waters. Thrill-seekers can try kayaking and even surfing. Flora and fauna found here is captivating and tempt many to buy tickets and land in this part of India. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to fall in love with this charming Kerala beach.
How to get in there: It is located about 12km from Alappuzha town and is well connected by rail and road.