10 Offbeat Places to Visit in Kerala

Kerala has an inviting mix of beaches, backwaters, plantations and forested hills. The weather varies by coast, altitude and season, so choose a place that suits the kind of getaway you want. The cuisine, art forms and landscapes offer plenty to explore. Here are ten destinations for looking beyond the most familiar stops.

Plan by region: Use a north Kerala trip for Ranipuram or Wayanad, a Palakkad trip for Nelliyampathy, an Idukki route for Vagamon, Peerumedu and Ramakkalmedu, or a southern itinerary for Ponmudi and Thenmala. Gavi needs a separately confirmed forest programme.

 

1) Nelliyampathy

Source: flickr.com/photos/ashwinkumar/14828823549

Nelliyampathy is a serene hill station located at a distance of 60 km from Palakkad in the state of Kerala, India. The height of the hills here vary from 467 m to 1572 m. Pothundy Dam serves as an apt entrance to this place. The most common sights here are tea plantation, orange cultivation and bio farming. Though, the natural beauty of this place is in itself enough to lure tourists but Nelliyampathy offers a wide range of others activities too; like camping, trekking, Kinloch birding trail and spice plantation visit. A 100m high waterfall increases the grandeur of this hill station.

Nelliyampathy’s plantation landscape and viewpoints are the main draw. Private estates, forest trails, camping and any stay at a historic bungalow need individual confirmation; a scenic route does not imply that every estate road is open. Ask about the final approach, current road conditions and any required permission.

 

2) Kuruva Islands

Source: flickr.com/photos/rejik/8407733838

Kuruva islands or Kuruvadweep is located in Wayanad, Kerala, India. It is a protected river delta on River Kabini and spreads across an area of approximately 950 acres. This area is characterized by alluring dense evergreen forests. Owing to this factor, you can easily spot some remarkable varieties of flora and fauna. Some exquisite species of orchids and herbs can also be spotted here.

Kuruva’s wooded islands lie in the Kabani River, with birds, orchids and herbs adding interest. Access and rafting depend on river conditions and current forest operations. Kerala Tourism lists a usual October–May visitor season, 9 am–4:30 pm, with Mondays closed; seasonal flooding or other restrictions can change this. Check the official Kuruva visitor information and Kerala Forest Department booking directory before making the journey.

 

3) Ponmudi

Source: flickr.com/photos/thejasp/6541692637

Ponmudi is a beautiful hill destination in Thiruvananthapuram district. Tropical forests, tea-growing landscapes and viewpoints are part of its appeal. Plan any visit to Kallar or the nearby Meenmutty waterfall separately and confirm its current access rather than assuming every stream or waterfall is open.

Ponmudi offers a winding hill drive and opportunities for authorised walks in its surroundings. Kallar and its Meenmutty waterfall can require separate entry and operating checks. Agasthyarkoodam is a different, permit-controlled trek, not an unrestricted add-on to a Ponmudi visit. Use official forest and ecotourism contacts to check the specific programme, weather restrictions and access before leaving.

 

4) Thenmala

Source: flickr.com/photos/zoomed-in/3610090586

Thenmala is situated near Punalur in the state of Kerala. This place is regarded as the first ever planned site for eco tourism. The fact that it is a common shooting location, will assure you that the scenic beauty of this place is awe-inspiring. The Thenmala Dam built over River Kallada is a beautiful spot for admiring the sunset. There is also a musical fountain which will attract your attention.

Thenmala offers different culture, leisure and adventure zones, while boating or forest programmes can have separate arrangements. Choose the activities you want and confirm their current availability, age restrictions and total price through the official Thenmala package site. Palaruvi Waterfall is a separate excursion with its own access checks; leave time for transfers rather than treating every attraction as one compound.

 

5) Ramakkalmedu

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramakkalmedu

Ramakkalmedu is a magnificent hill station in Idukki, Kerala. Being approximately 3500 feet above sea level, you can see the most majestic bird’s eye view of Tamil Nadu. The Kuravan–Kurathi statue is a prominent modern landmark, with panoramic views towards Tamil Nadu. Bamboo forests are another striking characteristic of Ramakkalmedu. It is one of the most windy places in India with powerful winds that make care around exposed edges particularly important.

Ramakkalmedu, indeed has much to offer to all the nature and photography enthusiasts. There is another fascinating attribute of this place which will attract all the devotees of Lord Rama. It is believed that at the peak of this place, Lord Rama placed his feet to reach Lanka. Being full of scenic beauty, Ramakkalmedu will attract each and every one.

 

Also Read: 10 Exciting Things To Do in Kerala

 

6) Vagamon

Source: flickr.com/photos/sanchantr/8269871076

Vagamon is a popular hill destination near the Kottayam–Idukki border. Meadows, plantations and cooler hill weather make it attractive, with established tourism facilities and busy popular stops. Choose quieter dates or a stay away from the busiest attraction roads if solitude is your priority.

Pine forests, meadows, valleys and plantations are part of Vagamon’s appeal. Activities such as paragliding depend on the operator, weather and current permissions. Check the meeting point, eligibility, cancellation terms and safety arrangements before paying, and use permitted walking routes rather than approaching exposed cliff edges.

 

7) Lakkidi

Source: flickr.com/photos/ashwinkumar/16287722160

Lakkidi is located near Wayanad, Kerala. In fact, it is the gateway of Wayanad. Being at a height of 700 m above sea level, it is a high viewpoint at the entrance to Wayanad. It is also at the top of Thamarassery ghat pass. The towering mountain peaks, transparent streams, green vegetation cover and a panoramic view of a deep valley is some of the reasons why Lakkidi will sweep you off your feet. Surrounded by hills and meadows, it is an ideal place if you are looking for a serene holiday destination.

Nearby Pookode Lake can be combined with a Vythiri-area stay, subject to its current visitor arrangements. Lakkidi receives heavy rain, and visibility on the ghat can change quickly. Stop only where parking is permitted; do not block bends or feed roadside wildlife. The official Lakkidi guide explains its location at the crest of the Thamarassery pass. Wildlife sightings should never be treated as guaranteed.

 

Also Read: Kerala: Understanding God’s Own Country

 

8) Peermedu

Source: wiki

Peermedu is another addition to the list of hill stations in Kerala. It is at a distance of 40 km from the city of Kumily, Kerala. It is at an approximate height of 915 m above the sea level. Peermedu can be called a plantation town as it has a good production of tea, coffee, rubber and cardamom. Among the natural attractions of this place are, several silver waterfalls, rocks in the form of sculptures, serene hill tops and green meadow covers.

Peerumedu’s plantation scenery, hill views and local heritage suit a slower stay. Confirm any palace or bungalow visit and the actual accommodation offered rather than assuming a historic building operates as a resort. Walking, cycling or other activities need agreement with the landowner or authorised provider.

 

9) Gavi

Source: flickr.com/photos/rejik/15353107141

Gavi is a forested destination in Pathanamthitta district, known for regulated nature programmes and stays. Book the specific programme and access route in advance, and confirm what accommodation, guiding, meals and activities are included. Wildlife lives in the surrounding landscape, but neither a jeep trip nor a stay guarantees sightings. Use the Kerala Forest Department’s ecotourism directory or the official Gavi contact information to identify the appropriate authorised option.

Boating, guided walks and birdwatching may form part of a Gavi programme, depending on the package and conditions. Check before booking rather than assuming open forest camping or a fixed November–March camping season. Follow the guide’s instructions and leave plants and animals undisturbed.

 

10) Ranipuram

Source: wiki

Ranipuram in Kasaragod district is known for grassy hilltops and forested surroundings. A permitted walk can be rewarding for landscape and birdwatching interests, but weather, route conditions and forest restrictions determine what is possible. Check the official Kerala ecotourism destination directory for the relevant contact and programme; wildlife sightings are not promised.

Confirm the current trek opening, guide arrangements, last admission and accommodation directly before travel. Rain and poor visibility can change a hill visit substantially. Choose a stay and a route that match the group’s fitness and comfort needs.

 

This is not an exhaustive list of Offbeat Destinations in Kerala but it does contain some of the places which can not be missed if you are ever thinking of visiting Kerala. The friendly behaviour of the locals will elevate the number of unforgettable memories you make here. I am sure the ravishing beauty of this state will leave you enraptured. We will keep discovering and bringing to you more offbeat places in Kerala in our coming articles.

Booking and seasonal access

Do not try to fit all ten places into a short Kerala holiday: the drives between northern and southern districts take substantial time. For forest islands, waterfalls and hill programmes, check the exact operating date, ticket, last entry and local weather warning. Use IMD forecasts and official programme contacts; heavy rain can close an attraction even in its usual visitor season.

For another quiet-trip comparison, see digital-detox places in India. Travelling across the border? Our offbeat Tamil Nadu guide helps choose a separate regional extension.

Frequently asked questions

Credits and last update

This post was originally published on Trodly Travel Blog. 

Featured image by sandeep chandra

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Last updated: 17 October 2026. Seasonal access and activity claims reviewed, unverified quotation removed, and original photographs and credits retained.