Travel: Kerala beyond the backwaters

Kerala is famous for its backwaters, luscious green terrain and laidback environment, but Kerala has much more to offer outside of its usual tourist hotspots. Sean Sequeira lists out the best of the lesser known destinations in Kerala.

Athirappally Waterfall

Known as 'The Niagara of India', Athirappally Falls is best seen during or after the monsoon.

Apart from the views of the waterfall, there is plenty of other sightseeing for wildlife enthusiasts including fauna like the Lion Tailed Macaque, Great Indian Hornbill and Cochin Forest Cane Turtle.

Getting there

Closest airport: Cochin International Airport

Closest railhead: Chalakudy

Places to stay

Riverok Villas(Rs 1,226 per night)

KTDC Tamarind Kalady(Rs 1,097 per night)

Courtesy:YouthIncMag.com

Bekal Fort

The largest fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort was built from the sea up.

There is plenty to explore in this fort; stairways and tunnels, a water tank, temples and mosques nearby and plenty of views of neighbouring towns from the observation tower. There is also a beach adjacent to the fort.

Getting there

Closest airport: Mangalore Domestic Terminal

Closest railhead: Kasargod

Place to stay

K-Tees Residency (Rs 1,800 per night)

Chandralayam Homestay (Rs. 1,500 per night)

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves are located 1,200 metres above sea level in the Ambukuthi Mala mountain.

The caves have pictorial writings with human and animal figurines. which date back upto 7,000 years and are rumoured to have been made by the Neolithic man.

These are the only known carvings in south India which date back to the Stone Age.

Getting there

Closest airport: Kozhikode International Airport

Closest railhead: Kozikhode

Place to stay

The Edakkal Hermitage (Rs 2,750 per night)

Green Mountain Cottages (Rs 1,046 per night)

Vagamon Meadows

A fairly unknown destination, Vagamon is a hill station located 1,100 meters above sea level which is nicknamed Scotland of Asia.

The most enchanting highlights of Vagamon are the beautiful valleys and meadows which are covered green by the thick flora. The meadows make for an excellent picnic destination.

Getting there

Closest airport: Cochin International Airport

Closest railhead: Kottayam

Place to stay

Green Meadows (Rs. 3,000 per night)

Chamundi Hill Palace (Rs. 1,600 per night)