Night Trekking In Periyar To Shipyards Of Kochi: 10 Unique Experiences In Kerala

A scenic village just outside Munnar, Marayur has long captured the imagination of history buffs and archaeologists. The village is home to dolmens, or burial chambers, that are believed to be from pre-historic times – the Iron Age, to be exact. The stout stone structures give visitors a glimpse into the lives of those that lived centuries before us. Marayur is also popular for its rock paintings and its natural sandalwood forests.

For over 1,500 years the town of Beypore, the sits close to Kozhikode (or Calicut), has dedicated itself to ship building. Once a prominent port that occupied the mouth of the Chaliyar River, ship building was introduced to Beypore by the trading Arabs. Today, while the port has lost much of its sheen, you can still witness skilled artisans building boats from timber. You can even pick up a replica of the boats as a souvenir.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Periyar Tiger Reserve is paradise. Over the years, the reserve has crafted a range of curated experiences that offer plenty of thrills. Chief among these is the Night Trek – a three-hour experience that brings your face-to-face with the Reserve’s rich wildlife. Accompanied by forest guards and guides, you’ll hike your way through the lush forests while stopping to observe mouse deer, owl, civets,flying squirrel and bison who on their way to bed.

Show the endangered Nilgiri Tahr plenty of love on a visit to the Eravikulam National Park in Munnar. You can trek through a lofty, green hill to encounter the mountain goat that nonchalantly walks around (it’s unaware of its endangered status, we guess). The National Park is also home to the Neelakurinji Bloom – a purple flower that blooms only once in 12 years.

Kochi’s rich history has been influenced by people and cultures from across the world. And you can go back in time and relive it at the the city’s many museums. At the Indo Portuguese Museum you can study how the Portuguese changed the art and architecture of the city. Meanwhile at the Kerala Folklore Museum, showcase the life of the common man over a 1,000 years. And, at Mattancherry Palace, you can get a glimpse into the lives of the Rajas of Kochi.

 

Kerala’s famed backwaters attracts millions of tourists each year. But if you want to escape it all, we’ll point you in the direction of Thekkekadu. A sleepy village that’s nestled amidst thick coconut groves that are surrounded by the expansive, unspoilt backwaters of Kasargod. You can park yourself at Oyster Opera and spend your days in a hammock or enjoying a dip in the cool waters.

 

God’s Own County offers plenty when it comes to lush greenery but for a true slice of Paradise, look no further than the Silent Valley National Park. Nestled in the Western, in Kerala’s Palakkad district, the Park is said to be one of the last standing rainforests in this part of the world. You can sign up for safari at Sairandhri and soak in the stunning views on offer.

Gawk at doodles left by Neolithic man at the two natural caves in Edakkal, in Wayanad. Believed to be from around 6,000 BC, the etchings or petroglyphs are a rare find in South India and depict human and animal figures.

Not far from Vagamon, Parunthumpara is made up of scenic hills covered in overgrown grasslands. You can hit the trekking trails and make your way through the steep slopes to emerge at the top of the mountains. Once there, you can treat your eyes to the sight of seemingly endless hills, ravishing open skies and deep trenches.

The hills are truly alive at this little known hill station near Palakkad. Surrounded by fluffy clouds, the hill station offers all the serenity you need. The nearby Pothundy Dam makes for a fine picnic spot while neighbouring Mampara is ideal for treks.