Varkala
Varkala is a coastal town, although in Trivandrum district, located closer to Kollam. Varkala is the only place in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast. Known among geologists as Varkala Formation it is declared as a geological monument.
Varkala beach is comparitively a new entrant in the beach destinations in Kerala compared to Kovalam. Varkala is preferred by younger tourists and the place is also popular because of the backwaters located very close to the beach. Ashtamudi lake is located very close to Varkala. Many of the hotels and budget cottages in Varkala is located along the walk way on the cliff offering beautiful views of the sea.
Ilaveezhapoonchira
The beautiful valleys of Ilaveezhapoonchira is spread across thousands of acres in the district of Kottayam. The place is surrounded by three hillocks: Mankunnu, Kodayathoormal and Thonippara, making the place ideal for trekking. Each of these hills rise to about 3200 feet above sea level and during monsoons when the valley fills up forms a scenic lake
Ilaveezhapoonchira is a set of hills located in melukavu village in Kottayam district near Kanjar. Ilaveezhapoonchira more than anything else is a beautiful hiking destination. During the monsoons, the valley between the complex of hills fills up to form a large pond. An important attraction in Ilaveezha poonchira is the ancient krishna temple, beleived to be founded by Panchali - wife of Pandavas.
Munnar
Ramakalmedu stands tall in the western ghats at a height of 3500 feet above sea level. Constant wind is one thing which makes Ramakkalmedu unique. Wind blows at a speed around 35 km per hour at Ramakkalmedu throughout the year irrespective of the season and time. A wind energy farm with a capacity of 12.5 MW is installed at Ramakalmedu.
Munnar is an idyllic tourist destination in God's own country. Munnar was the favored summer resort of the erstwhile British rulers in the colonial days. Munnar is home to the only sandalwood forest in Kerala and is also famous for its exotic flora and fauna. The Nilgiri thar, giant squirrel and the once-in-twelve-year blooming Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana) are specialities of Munnar.
Ramakkalmedu
Located south of Candolim beach, Sinquerim is an arc shaped beach which extends up to Baga 9 kms up north via Candolim and Calangute! Sinquerim beach is located on the way to the famous fort Aguada from the Candolim market. Sinquerim is comparitively much quieter than Candolim and boasts of the most expensive resorts in the area
Ramakkalmedu is located almost at the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu in Karunapuram panchayath near Nedumkandam on Thekkady-Munnar road.
The statue of Kuravan - Kurathi sculpted by C.B. Jinan has now become symonymous to Ramakkalmedu. The statue was erected in 2005. There is quite a nice resting place here located behind this statue meant for visitors.
Vagamon
Grass covered hills, velvet lawns and the cool mountain air make Vagamon a perfect holiday retreat. A curious blend of religious mysticism and European legacies, this hillside village is a haven of tranquility. The chain of three hills - Thangal Hill, Murugan Hill and Kurisumala - is a mark of religious harmony. Kurisumala in Vagamon is a famous pilgrimage center of Christians.
Vagamon, a tiny plantation township at the border of Kottayam and Idukki districts is a perfect tourist place surrounded by the greenery of tea gardens located about 1200 meters above the sea level. Reaching Vagamon itself is an extraordinary experience. The meandering road to Vagamon is cut in solid rock and as you wind your way up, the rolling plains come into view thousands of feet below you.
Athirapally
Athirappally waterfalls is located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges. Athirappally waterfalls is a popular picnic spot in Thrissur district. Athirappally Falls plunges down from a height of about 80 feet high on the Chalakudy river. Another popular waterfall Vazhachal Falls is located very close to Athirapally waterfalls. A police camp is always positioned here for the safety of the tourists.
The beautiful Athirapally water falls, the largest waterfall in Kerala, is located on the way from Valparai to Chalakkudi. The entrance to the falls is steep and is a 2 km trek to reach the Athirapally falls. As you walk higher and higher, the forest area gets denser. During monsoon, the trek turns slippery however the ideal time to visit Athirapally is during the monsoon. Swimming here is not recommended
Meenmutty Waterfalls
Meenmutty Falls located near the Neyyar reservoir area on the way to Ponmudi is 60 km from Trivandrum city. No transportation is available to the falls. The visitor has to trek from ahead of Kallar through dense forests to reach the falls. The Kombaikani waterfalls is also located near Meenmutti. It is 2 km upstream the Meenmutti falls. Kombaikani waterfalls is on the trek path to Agastyakoodam
A trek of two kms from Kallar, through dense forests, would take one to Meenmutti waterfalls and a further two kms, to the Kombaikani waterfalls. Kallar, famous for round-shaped boulders and pebble, is situated en route to the popular hill station of Ponmudi. Golden Valley another mountain stream is located very close by however to reach Golden Valley one has to travel slightly ahead towards Ponmudi.
Palaruvi Waterfalls
Palaruvi means "Stream of Milk". The waterfall cascades from a height of 300 feet, and is a popular tourist attraction. The picturesque beauty of the surroundings cloaked in dense tropical forests, with the hills and valleys is magnificent. Ayurvedic physicians sometimes prescribe a bath in the waters of Palaruvi. Palaruvi waterfall is located 35 km from Punalur, in Kollam district.
Palaruvi, literally meaning the stream of milk is located about 75 km from Kollam and is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Kerala. The force of the water falling from a height of about 300 feet produces a milky white froth hence the name Palaruvi. The water of Palaruvi is believed to be medicinal and doctors (ayurvedic) sometimes prescribe a bath in Palaruvi. The cool shower in Palaruvi is quite refreshing anyway!
Thommankuthu Waterfalls
Thommankuthu waterfalls is a beautiful seven-step waterfall. Located near Thodupuzha in Kottayam Thommankuthu waterfalls is named after Thommachen Kuruvinakunnel a hunter of yester years who discovered the waterfalls in 1920s. The seven-step fall drops down a rock from a height of 1,500 m, and at each step, there is a cascade with a pool below it.
Thommankuthu, a beautiful eco tourism destination, has a series of waterfalls. Two falls at the bottom of the seven step waterfalls - Thommankuthu and Ezhunilakettu are the most popular of the seven step waterfalls. Arrange a local guide if you want to trek to the top of the mountain. The trek is about 12 kilometres and through hilly terrain and forest. There also are a few caves alongside the trail.
Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park 97 sq km in extent is situated along the western ghats in the high Ranges of Idukki district. The Park holds the largest viable population of the endangered (IUCN) Nilgiri Thar (Hemitragus hylocrius). Apart from Thar, the Park is the abode of other little known fauna such as Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose,small clawed otter, dusky striped sqirrel etc.
Situated in Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Eravikulam consists mostly of high altitude grasslands interspread with sholas. The highest peak in the park is Anamudi at a height of 2690 m. The only motorable road inside the Park, passes through the southern extremity inside the tourism zone to the Rajamala tea estate. Entry fee to the park for Indians is Rs. 15/- and for foreigners Rs. 200/- per head per day
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