10 Most Beautiful Places In Kerala Beyond The Backwaters

OT Staff

Gavi

Located in the Pathanamthitta district, Gavi is a quiet eco-tourism haven inside Periyar Tiger Reserve. It offers boat rides, forest camping, and sightings of elephants, sambars, and over 260 bird species.

Coracle boats float on the Gavi Lake | Shutterstock

Athirappilly Waterfalls

Often dubbed the "Niagara of India", Athirappilly is Kerala’s largest waterfall, cascading down 80 ft. Surrounded by forest, it has been featured in numerous Indian films and documentaries.

The Athirappilly Falls of Kerala | Shutterstock

Ponmudi

A lesser-known hill station near Thiruvananthapuram, Ponmudi features winding roads, tea estates, and lush green peaks. The area is rich in butterflies and endemic flora and fauna.

Views from Ponmudi | Shutterstock.com

Edakkal Caves

These prehistoric caves in Wayanad feature petroglyphs dating back to 6000 BCE. Reached via a steep trek, they offer insight into ancient human settlements and Stone Age culture.

Edakkal Caves | Shutterstock

Silent Valley National Park

A pristine rainforest in the Western Ghats, Silent Valley is home to endangered lion-tailed macaques and rare orchids. It remains one of India’s least disturbed biodiversity hotspots.

A watch tower inside the park | Shihab Sha/Wikimedia Commons

Meesapulimala

The second-highest peak in Kerala, Meesapulimala offers panoramic views and cloud-kissed trekking trails. Its shola grasslands and rhododendron forests are ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Meesapulimala Trek | Shutterstock.com

Thenmala

India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, Thenmala is known for its bio-reserve, adventure zone, and musical dancing fountain. It’s ideal for cycling, river-crossing, and nature photography.

Thenmala | Shutterstock.com

Vagamon

Tucked away in the Idukki district, Vagamon blends misty meadows, pine forests, and tea gardens. It is popular for paragliding and has a growing reputation as a wellness retreat.

Within the beautiful Pine Hill of Vagamon | Shutterstock

Banasura Sagar Dam

Located in Wayanad, this is India’s largest earthen dam. Surrounded by hills and islets, it offers boating, trekking, and views of the Banasura Hills reflected in pristine waters.

Views from Banasura Sagar Dam | mxbxs2001/instagram

Agasthyakoodam

One of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam is both a trekking paradise and a UNESCO biosphere reserve. It’s also revered in Hindu mythology as sage Agastya’s abode.

Trekking at Agasthyakoodam | trip2kerala/instagram

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A view of the Dudhsagar Falls on the way from Mumbai to Goa | Shutterstock
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