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Offbeat road in Kerala
Written by Amitabh Das on July 28, 2023 Share on

Offbeat Places in Kerala – Hidden Treasures

When you think about God’s own country, you might wonder is there any other offbeat places in Kerala left to visit? Well, this destination is sure to swipe your feet away as there are plenty of other places to choose from. Though Kerala is quite a commercial destination, there are many Offbeat places in Kerala you can look forward to exploring.

To bring you another side of God’s own untouched country, we have created this curated list of Offbeat places in Kerala. Enjoy reading!

1. Nelliyampathy: Picturesque hill station

Tea gardens in Nelliyampathy
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Located about 40 km off Pallakad, this less known hill station is bound to charm you with its tea gardens, rolling hills and orange plantations. Thus recommended for offbeat travellers, you can look forward to escaping in the laps of pristine landscape. Also, it offers a wide range of thrilling activities like trekking, camping, plantation stays that you can indulge in. Above all, be sure to check out Pagalpandi, an elegant British built bungalow turned resort. Truly a treat for the nature enthusiasts, you will find ample photographic opportunities here. Also, you can check on some good local wines and fresh coffee to bring back home.

THINGS TO DO:
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, located 18 km away.
Nelliyampathy Hills – take a short hike.
Padagiri – tallest peak about 1500 MSL.
Raja’s Cliff: A must visit 8 km away – you can see a panorama of mountain ranges, waterfalls and reservoirs from here.
Pothundi Reservoir
Malampuzha Gardens – recommended if you are travelling with children. A picnic spot, your little ones can enjoy an aquarium and mini zoo here.

CONNECTIVITY: Cochin Aiport is 120 km and Palakkad railway station is 56 km

2. Ranipuram in Kasargod district a paradise for Nature lovers

Ranipuram in Kasargod
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

A well-kept secret, you are bound to feel the charm of untouched nature in this offbeat destination. Above all, fringed by lush green meadows and a varied array of flora and fauna, you will be astonished by the views. Also, known for its many trekking routes, you can enjoy Manimala the highest point in these hills. Ranipuram is also famous as an Eco-tourism hot spot, and you can look forward to staying in such resorts. Lastly, You can opt for a jeep safari which will take you to the interiors of the shola woodland. Keep a watch for wild boars, elephants and deers which throng the region.

CONNECTIVITY: Mangalore Airport is 50 km and the nearest railhead Kasargod about 85 km.

Also Read: Best Road Trips To Enjoy In India

3. Vagamon a scenic hill station among Offbeat places in Kerala

Vagamon scenic Offbeat places in Kerala
Credits: PRANAYAKAN RAMACHANDRAN from Pexels

A place which offers a myriad of experiences, Vagamon is a less known gem. A place suitable for a weekend getaway, you will find untouched nature among lush green mountains, cascading waterfalls. Also, you can look forward to visiting Vagamon all throughout the year, for its pleasant climate. Secondly, the drive is one of a kind to reach Vagamon from Kochi, as you pass through some of the most scenic roads in Kerala. And lastly, Vagamon is also known for religious harmony for its three hills. Murugan, Thangal and Kurisumala hills represent Hindu, Muslim and Christian faiths.

THINGS TO DO:
Kurisumala Ashram: Around 2 km from Vagamon, find peace in this Christian Ashram among the Sylvian settings.
Vagamon Grasslands: the rich green meadows are ideal if you just want to relax and take a nature walk.
Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary: Get up and close with wildlife by taking a jeep safari.
Vagamon Lake: A serene at the base of rolling meadows.

CONNECTIVITY: Cochin Airport is 97 km and the nearest railhead Kottayam about 45 km.

4. Kalpetta in Wayanad district

If you are looking for the ultimate getaway with lots of things to explore, Kalpetta is an ideal town. Situated in the Wayanad district this scenic town attracts nature enthusiasts from all walks of life. Though it is a bustling town with all major amenities, a lot of scenic places are very near to it. Also, the town itself is surrounded by lofty western ghats and large coffee plantations.

Chembra peak view near Kalpetta
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

THINGS TO DO:
Chembra Peak: The highest peak of Wayanad, you can actually camp at the top. Six km from Kalpetta.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 37 km away, it’s a scenic getaway for birdwatchers and animal lovers.
Meenmutty Falls: One of the most scenic falls in the Wayanad region. Located 25 km away from Kalpetta.
Wayanad Heritage Museum: For the art lovers, it has an antique collection from 2nd century B.C, located 16 km away.
Karapuzha Dam: Offers amazing views of Karapuzha river, 12 km away.
Vythiri: Another picturesque hill station located 11 km away offering a majestic view of western ghats.Vaduvanchal: Look forward to visiting Cheenigeri Mala and Phantom Rock which are famous picnic spots.

CONNECTIVITY: Kozhikode Airport is 85 km and the nearest railhead Kozhikode about 75 km.

Also Read: 10 Best Kerala Backwaters You Should Explore During Your Kerala Trip

5. Silent Valley National Park – best among the Offbeat places in Kerala

A drive through Silent Valley National Park best of the Offbeat places in Kerala
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Another untouched and unexplored jewel, the beauty of this nature preserve is just matchless. Located among the pristine Nilgiris, this preserve derives its name due to absence of noisy cicadas. You can look forward to taking your own trail but with a guide as lots of areas are prohibited. Also, you can look forward to camping in the fringes in case you are a wilderness enthusiast. This park is also famous for preserving several endangered species and giving them habitat. Popular among those is Lion-tailed Macaque monkeys. Also, this preserve also protects some thousand varieties of endangered flora too.

CONNECTIVITY: Coimbatore Airport is 91 km and the nearest railhead Palakkad about 75 km.

6. Kappil, Varkala – about beaches and backwaters

Kappil beach near Varkala
Credits: Wikimedia Commons

If you looking for a peaceful and scenic beach apart from the crowded ones. Kappil, a lesser-known beach getaway comes to your rescue. Fringed by palm trees and rocky outcrops, this beach is some 7 km from well-known Varkala. Also, if you are in for rides, grab a bike from Varkala and drive through the backwaters and sea on either side. A lot of camping and hiking options are available nearby.

CONNECTIVITY: Trivandrum Airport is 40 km and is the nearest railhead also.

7. Ponmudi – Enchanting jewel of Western ghats

Beautiful view of Ponmudi
Credits: Thejas Panarkandy on Flickr

Surrounded by pure nature, Ponmudi is a hidden paradise amidst the lofty western ghats. An enchanting place with small rivulets, colourful flowers and surrounded by lofty mountains, it is a true paradise. Also, look forward to visiting some picture-perfect tea gardens and crusading waterfalls on your way. Very popular among the Offbeat places in Kerala, this place is surely the most well-kept secret of the western ghats.

Also read: Houseboats in Alleppey – Have the most satisfying houseboat rides in Alleppey

CONNECTIVITY: Trivandrum Airport is 67 km and is the nearest railhead also.

Kerala is definitely a place which offers you much beyond the ordinary. Something which is truly closer to nature and away from the crowds. We at pickyourtrail are at your service to give you a premium experience to these offbeat places in Kerala and help you plan your International tour package.

FAQ’s

Which are the unpopular hill stations in Kerala?

Athirapally, Charalkunnu and Nelliampathy are some of the unexplored hill stations in Kerala.

Which is the most remote place in Kerala?

Edamalakkudy is said to be one of the most remote places in Kerala.

Which is the coldest hill station in Kerala?

Munnar is the coldest hill station in Kerala.

Which place is best for 2 days trip in Kerala?

Munnar, Kovalam Beach, Wayanad, Varkala, Thekkady are some of the best places in Kerala for a 2 days trip.

Which month is best for Kerala?

Consider visiting Kerala between September and March.

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