If you are more of an explorer then you should head off to Kerala. Trust me, you will never stop exploring. I tell this to you from my personal experience. I mean, the place is literally divine. Well, this gorgeous state is named ‘God’s own country’ for a reason! Every time I travel down south to Kerala I am lucky enough to encounter some amazing people, good food and above all fabulous destinations to explore and experience. Kerala never fails to arouse my curiosity. The land has every sort of travel destinations. It is like an all-in-one package; literally a traveler’s paradise. From waterfalls and green hillocks to beaches and historical sites, the land has loads to offer. So, during my last trip to Kerala as per my travel planner, Dream Holiday‘s suggestion, I booked a tour package to Kerala from my hometown, Delhi. I am so glad that I chose it because such packages came with great offers for us Delhites. This time my trip was focused on two beautiful districts, Idukki and Alleppey. Both the districts offer you something very unique. If Idukki houses luscious green hills and spice cultivation, then Alleppey is home to pristine backwaters and sprawling paddy fields. Each spot is different from the other yet uniquely ravishing. Here are some of the tourist spots of Idukki and Alleppey that are absolutely stunning. These places shouldn’t be missed at any cost.
Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary
Sprawling up to an area of 70 sq. km, the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is a place that attracts a large number of tourists. The sanctuary is set at an altitude of 450 to 748 meters and is basically the stretch of forest that lies between Cheruthoni and Periyar rivers. The forest is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. The entire sanctuary offers great vistas for the travelers along with a pristine lake set amidst the lush green thicket of trees. The sanctuary is open for visitors from 9 AM to 6 PM on every day of the week. You should not miss an opportunity to visit the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary as the wildlife safari conducted here is considered the best.
Idukki Arch Dam
Idukki’s Arch Dam is familiar to each and every Indian, such is the popularity of this particular dam. Being Asia’s first and the world’s second arch dam, the Idukki Dam is a massive structure overlooking the Periyar River. The Idukki Arch Dam is constructed across the hills of Kuruvan and Kurathi and towers to a height of 550ft. This dam is built amongst ravishing sceneries and a tranquility that is quite enchanting. When viewed from a distance, the lake formed by the reservoir brings in a shade of the deepest and the most beautiful blue that you can’t take your eyes off the bewitching sight that it offers. The Arch Dam is so popular that even the cheapest of tour packages to Kerala include it.
Idukki is a beautiful district that is blessed by panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. The Calvary Mount is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Idukki. The picturesque sceneries offered by this place is literally owned by it as you won’t see such exquisite bird’s eye view in any other location. The vistas of the Calvary Mount stretches from the Idukki reservoir to Ayyappancovil. The Calvary Mount also houses a lovely lake beside it which adds to the immense natural beauty that it already possessed. No trip to Idukki is complete without visiting the Calvary Mount.
Kuttanad
Arthungal Church also known as the St. Sebastian Forane Church is undoubtedly one of the most famous churches in Kerala, which invites hundreds of devotees every single year. The church is situated 1.2 km away from the town of Cherthala. The 10-day festival called Arthungal Perunnal conducted every year is extremely famous all around Kerala. The church is influenced by the Portuguese architecture as well which has brought out conclusions that the Portuguese built the structure in the 16th century. After their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Temple, the Hindu devotees too, visit the Arthungal Church. If you are a staunch believer, you ought to visit the church.
Karumadikuttan is actually a granite Buddha statue located in Karumady, a place near Alapuzha. The black color of the statue gave its name Karumadikuttan. The statue is of utmost importance and is protected by the Archaeological Department. It is believed that the Buddhist Monks from China sculpted it during their visit to Alleppey. But today, only a part of the statue remains. The statue is very interesting and thousands of tourists visit the statue every year. The popularity of the Buddhist statue keeps increasing and is one of the major attraction of the district. Do add it in your itinerary.