Top 5 Destinations in North Kerala to Visit Now

North Kerala has often been mistakenly underrated. It’s more popular southern counterpart seems to get all the attention!

The hidden treasures of north Kerala include white beaches, green hills, flourishing tropical vegetation, crisscrossing rivers and tranquil backwaters. Add to it, the aroma of spices and coffee in the air, warm locals, a unique culture and a well-regulated tourism industry. Throw in the abundance and variety of animal and avian life found in the surrounding dense jungles and you have the recipe for a great holiday that is not only ideal for a laid-back family vacation but also perfect for an adventurous backpacking trip. Take a look at some of the best North Kerala destinations that you might want to explore on your next holiday.

Book Kerala Tourism Packages Now

Wayanad

Wayanad could easily be the prettiest part of Kerala with its lush forests and sprawling plantations of spices and coffee. The district has several unblemished hill stations for a laid-back holiday amidst remote mountain scenery. Soak in the breath-taking vistas of the Western Ghats at Neelimala or trek up to Chembur peak. Frolic in the clean water of the Meenmutty Falls, go bird watching or cave exploring at Pakshipathalam. Spend a day by the Banasura Sagar Dam on one of the little islands formed by the construction of the dam. Also shop for Wayanad specialities like indigenous bamboo products, herbal plants, spices and coffee to round off your wonderful visit.

Wayanad district is well connected by road. Guided jeep tours can be arranged to any part of the district with great accommodation scattered throughout. Kozhikode is the nearest airport and railway station.

Read more: Boutique Hotels in Kerala for a One-of-a-Kind Experience

Calicut (a.k.a. Kozhikode)

Between the lush greenery of the Western Ghats and the azure waters of the Arabian Sea is the historical port town of Kozhikode, previously known as Calicut. Kozhikode was once the entry point and trade centre for foreigners in India. Southern India has a history of trade with the Arabs, the Europeans and the English who made Kozhikode a very significant port town.

Kozhikode is also the most important city for north Kerala tourism as it happens to be the central point from where tourists can travel to the more secluded countryside. At Kozhikode, visit the Beypore shipbuilding yard to see how trading ships are constructed, drop in at a Kalari school where traditional Kerala martial arts are taught and shop at the bustling marketplace, the sweet meat street and Mananchira Square. The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary located on the river islands is great for bird watching. The best time to visit the city is in January during the Malabar Mahotsavam.

Bekal

A quaint little place in the Kasargod district of north Kerala, Bekal is famous for the well-kept Bekal Fort, the golden beach stretching along the sea surrounding the fort, the pleasant backwaters, pristine hill destinations and water sports facilities. The Bekal Fort has a unique keyhole shape and was built in the 17th century for the sole purpose of protecting Bekal against enemies entering via the endless expanse of the Arabian Sea. The bastions of the Bekal Fort rise to a great height providing splendid views of the nearby villages, vast coconut groves and rows of abandoned fisherman boats. Sunset views from the fort are enchanting. The most wonderful part of Bekal is its seclusion. While the rawness of the countryside is well preserved in Bekal, it also boasts of luxury hotels, resorts and budgets hotels.

Read more: Kerala: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

Guruvayoor (in Thrissur)

Guruvayoor is a temple town dedicated to Lord Krishna surrounded by hills, fresh green fields and a winding river. The Guruvayurappan Temple dates back to the 16th century and the town abounds in legends, mythological stories and elephants.  At night, the temple is lit up with a thousand oil lamps making the walls shimmer.  A dance form specific to Guruvayoor, Krishnattam, is performed in the evening here. Witness an artist enacting the birth of Krishna in a spellbinding performance. A local legend has it that at one such performance, the idol of Krishna was moved to dance by the brilliance of the performance.

Guruvayoor Temple has the unique distinction of owning the largest number of elephants. The best time to visit is during Utsavam in February and March. The start of the temple festival is marked by ‘Anayottam’ or the elephant race. Thousands of musicians and artists flock this temple town during Utsavam to participate in the festivities. While in Guruvayoor, also visit the wild and beautiful harbour at Chettuva Backwaters and  Blangad Beach for a mesmerising sunset and a pleasing evening stroll.

Book Your Kerala Holiday Now!

Silent Valley (in Palakkad)

The huge expanse of luxuriant greenery enclosed on three sides by high ridges is broken only by River Kunthi descending from the lofty Nilgiri hills to traverse the tropical forest. Silent Valley is opulent in natural beauty and thriving in forest life that really comes alive during monsoons. There is lush greenery everywhere and lurking within it are animals like the lion-tailed macaque, leopard, Nilgiri tahr, tiger, Malabar giant squirrel and hordes of elephants. The place is also teeming with birds like thrushes, koels, Tailorbirds, drongos and some varieties of hornbill. The tropical evergreen forests of the Silent Valley are one of the densest and ecologically diverse areas on the planet. It is also considered a botanist’s treasure trove for the hundred species of orchids found here. Take short hikes to the two waterfalls of River Kunthi and enjoy a jungle safari.

The nearest railway stations to Silent Valley are Palakkad and Coimbatore. It is convenient to rent a jeep and drive down for a day’s visit or stay at a tree house resort or an Ayurveda resort to experience the best of this region.

You now have enough reasons to plan a trip to north Kerala. It has been blessed with resplendent natural beauty so exotic, as if favoured by the gods themselves. The spellbinding natural beauty and sheer remoteness of the region is inspiration enough to spend your next holiday here.

Book Your Flight to Kerala Book Your Kerala Tour Packages Now!

(Ordered by Siddharth Bhatnagar)