Kerala itself is an underrated gem of South India. We all know about the famous touristy places in Kerala. But in this era of exploring unexplored places, tourist places aren’t enough. What we look for in any destination is quite different than it was used to be. Nowadays we search for places that are often not so crowded with tourists. Kerala is a juxtaposition of scenic beauty, pristine beaches, backwaters, mountains, plantations, and traditional culture. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India.
The offbeat places in Kerala will rule your heart. The enigmatic beauty of nature and picturesque landscapes captivate every traveller’s heart. There are still many unexplored areas of Kerala that are yet to commercialised for tourism. Some offbeat places should remain unexplored and away from tourism for nature’s sake. However, with the growing urge to travel and explore unexplored places, it seems impossible to keep these places hidden. So it is entirely our responsibility to take care of these offbeat places. In this article, we have shared some of the underrated places to visit on the Kerala trip to for a unique experience.
Edakkal Caves, Wayanad
This is one of the underrated places in Kerala. Imagine being inside a cave with carvings 8000 years old. The view from this cave is worth every minute spend to reach the destination. The Western Ghats look refreshing. To reach the caves, you have to hike up to a cliff. It is an experience of a lifetime. Go on this adventure tour and make your Kerala trip memory last forever. This cave in Wayanad is the only cave in South India to have Stone Age carvings. A glimpse of the history combined with such enthralling beauty of nature, what more do you want.
Kolukkumalai Estate, Idukki
Kolukkumalai Estate is not only India’s but the world’s highest tea estate. Since the 1900s, the tea estate is functioning at a height of 7,900 feet. If you are someone who is in absolute love with nature, then we suggest you head over to Kolukkumalai. It is one of the unexplored places of Kerala. Away from the human beings and their nuisance. Witness the Nilgiris and treat your eyes to this offbeat beauty. Besides, you also get to watch waterfalls. You can only reach the estate by a jeep ride. This ensures the beauty of the place is not destroyed by vandalism by tourists.
Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Silent Valley National Park at Palakkad is one of the best offbeat destinations to visit in Kerala. If you love wildlife, then this National Park becomes a mandatory place to visit. The National Park resides calmly in the Nilgiri Hills. The exotic flora and fauna of this place that can only be found in the Western Ghats, will leave you astonished. If you have patience, then keenly observe and spent time in the National Park. You might get to spot several endangered species here.
Kappil Beach, Varkala
The beautiful amalgamation of ocean & backwater can be seen at the Kappil Beach of Varkala. There is the ocean on one side of the beach and backwater on the other. People often miss out on this place in Kerala. But it’s a must-visit if you want to visit the underrated gems of Kerala. You can watch the sunset and watch some birds as you spend your time on the beach relaxing. The best way to reach the place is to drive down to the beach. However, if you would like to ride a bike, you can do so by renting one at the beach.
Agasthyarkoodam, Trivandrum
Kerala is often related to the scenic beauty of mystic valleys, hills, backwaters, and plantations. But one of the famous parts of Kerala is its trekking trails through the Western Ghats. Trekking is one of the best ways to explore unexplored places. Agasthyarkoodam is one such underrated place. It is to be believed that Sage Agasthya meditated at top of this mountain. The views from the top of Agasthyamalai are so captivating that you will be enjoying yourself in the tranquil atmosphere without a doubt. The trek is about 28 kilometres and can be easily done over a weekend. So keep some time in hand and experience this place in Kerala.