Most Scenic Road Trips in Munro Turuttu, Kerala, India
1. Munnar Hill Station
Experience the enchanting beauty of Munnar, a hill station that offers scenic tea plantations and rolling hills.
- Lush Tea Gardens: Explore the vast expanse of lush tea plantations and learn about the tea production process.
- Eravikulam National Park: Visit the national park to observe the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy the rare Neelakurinji bloom.
- Trekking Opportunities: Embark on exciting treks through the Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India.
2. Vagamon
Discover the serene hill station of Vagamon, renowned for its meadows, pine forests, and picturesque valleys.
- Thangal Hill: Climb Thangal Hill to visit the Thangal Para, a memorial dedicated to a Muslim saint.
- Meadows and Pine Forests: Stroll through the lush meadows or hike through the fragrant pine forests for breathtaking views.
- Paragliding and Ziplining: Experience adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding and ziplining against the beautiful backdrop of Vagamon.
3. Thekkady
Journey through Thekkady, a destination known for its lush greenery, spice plantations, and the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot elephants, tigers, and various other wildlife species during a boat ride or jungle safari.
- Spice Plantations: Visit local spice plantations to learn about the cultivation of cardamom, pepper, and other aromatic spices.
- Kumily Market: Indulge in shopping for spices, handicrafts, and traditional Kerala souvenirs at the bustling Kumily Market.
4. Kollukumala
Travel to Kollukumala, a secluded village nestled amidst tea plantations and offering panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
- Tea Gardens and Hiking Trails: Explore the sprawling tea gardens and hike through various trails to immerse in nature.
- Local Culture and Cuisine: Experience the simple yet delicious local cuisine and engage with the friendly villagers.
- Silent Valley National Park: Plan a day trip to Silent Valley National Park for an opportunity to spot various wildlife species and explore the rich biodiversity.
5. Peermede
Visit Peermedu, a scenic hill station that boasts of coffee plantations, lush valleys, and serene waterfalls.
- Coffee Plantations: Explore the vast coffee estates and learn about the cultivation process.
- Valley View Points: Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills from various viewpoints.
- Waterfalls and Hiking Trails: Explore the breathtaking waterfalls like Valara, Athafram, and Thommankuthu or embark on scenic hiking trails.
6. Vythiri
Experience the charm of Vythiri, a picturesque hill station known for its sprawling rubber plantations and enchanting landscapes.
- Rubber Plantations: Walk through the vast expanse of rubber plantations and learn about their cultivation.
- Tree House Stays: Stay overnight in tree houses for a unique, immersive experience amidst nature.
- Rainforests and Hiking Trails: Explore the rich rainforests and hike through various trails to discover diverse flora and fauna.
7. Pakshipathalam
Embark on a trek to Pakshipathalam, a sanctuary housing various rare bird species and exotic flora in the Wayanad region.
- Bird Watching: Spot rare birds like the Great Pied Hornbill and Malabar Grey Hornbill.
- Trekking Opportunities: Embark on challenging treks through dense forests and rocky terrains to reach Pakshipathalam.
- Cave Exploration: Explore ancient caves with intricate carvings and murals, believed to be the dwelling places of ascetics.
8. Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Discover the serene beauty of Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, home to various migratory birds and lush backwaters.
- Bird Watching: Spot a diverse range of resident and migratory birds like the Siberian crane, egrets, herons, and cuckoo.
- Backwaters and Boat Rides: Cruise through the picturesque backwaters to enjoy the scenic beauty and spot wildlife.
- Fish Sanctuary and Farming Demonstrations: Learn about traditional fish farming techniques and observe the unique species of fish found in the sanctuary.
9. Alappuzha Beach
Relax at Alappuzha Beach, a pristine stretch of sandy coastline with the tranquil Arabian Sea as its backdrop.
- Sunset Viewing: Witness stunning sunsets and enjoy the calming sounds of waves.
- Boat Rides: Embark on boat rides to explore nearby islands, backwaters, or lighthouse.
- Food and Shopping: Indulge in mouth-watering seafood at beachside eateries and shop for local handicrafts.
10. Kodanad Elephant Training Centre
Get up close with elephants at the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre, an organization dedicated to conserving and training these majestic creatures.
- Elephant Interaction: Interact with elephants during feeding sessions or witness their daily activities.
- Mahout Training Demonstrations: Watch mahouts (elephant trainers) demonstrate their skills in training and handling elephants.
- Nature Walks: Embark on guided nature walks to observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat.
11. Kumarakom Cheriya Kavu
Visit Kumarakom Cheriya Kavu, a sacred island temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
- Religious Significance: Learn about the religious significance of the temple and its history.
- Boat Rides: Reach the island by boat, offering scenic views of the surrounding backwaters.
- Bird Watching: Spot various bird species that make their home in the temple's surroundings.
12. Chottanikkara Temple
Pay a visit to the Chottanikkara Temple, a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, known for its spiritual significance and unique architecture.
- Religious Significance: Learn about the spiritual importance of the temple and seek blessings.
- Architecture: Admire the unique architectural style of the temple, blending Kerala and Dravidian elements.
- Ayurvedic Treatments: Visit the adjacent Ayurvedic center to experience traditional healing treatments.
13. Chempaka Beach
Relax at Chempaka Beach, a serene and secluded beach located near Kollam, offering stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
- Sunset Viewing: Witness beautiful sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
- Swimming and Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming or engage in other beach activities like volleyball or beach football.
- Food and Shopping: Indulge in fresh seafood at local eateries and shop for souvenirs.
14. Varkala Beach
Experience the charm of Varkala Beach, a pristine stretch of sandy coastline with its unique cliff-top black sand and tranquil waters.
- Cliff-Top Viewpoints: Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea from cliff-top viewpoints.
- Swimming and Surfing: Take a dip in the clean waters or try your hand at surfing.
- Ayurvedic Massages and Yoga: Indulge in rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages or practice yoga on the beach.
15. Kovalam Beach
Spend a day at Kovalam Beach, a popular beach destination known for its stunning views, water sports, and local cuisine.
- Water Sports: Try various water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, or scuba diving.
- Food and Shopping: Indulge in mouth-watering seafood at beachside eateries or shop for local handicrafts.
- Lighthouse Viewpoint: Climb the Kovalam Lighthouse for panoramic views of the coastline.