Beyond Munnar and Alleppey
Most Kerala itineraries follow the well-trodden Cochin-Munnar-Thekkady-Alleppey route. While those destinations are wonderful, Kerala has dozens of lesser-known spots that offer equally stunning landscapes with a fraction of the crowds. Here are 10 hidden gems we recommend to travellers looking for something different.
1. Vagamon — The Meadow in the Sky
Location: Idukki district, 1,100m elevation | From Cochin: 120km, 3.5 hours
Vagamon is an emerald plateau of rolling grasslands, pine forests, and dairy farms that feels more like the Scottish Highlands than tropical India. Paragliding here is among Kerala's best — tandem flights cost INR 2,500-3,500 and launch from Vagamon hills with views stretching to the Tamil Nadu plains. The annual Vagamon Monsoon Festival (July-August) celebrates the rains with music and adventure sports. Accommodation is limited to boutique resorts and homestays, keeping the crowds small.
2. Nelliampathy Hills — The Poor Man's Ooty
Location: Palakkad district, 1,572m elevation | From Cochin: 160km, 4.5 hours
Nelliampathy is a chain of hills with orange groves, tea estates, and dense forests — virtually unknown to international tourists. The drive up involves 12 hairpin bends through a forested reserve where you might spot elephants crossing the road. The Seethargundu viewpoint at 3,500 feet offers jaw-dropping views of the Palakkad Gap. Stay at government guesthouses (INR 1,000-2,000 per night) or private tea bungalows. Best visited October-March.
3. Athirappilly Falls — India's Niagara
Location: Thrissur district | From Cochin: 73km, 2 hours
At 80 feet high and 330 feet wide, Athirappilly is Kerala's largest and most spectacular waterfall. The falls are set within the Sholayar forest range and are best seen during or just after monsoon (July-October) when water flow is at maximum. Entry fee is INR 40 per adult. The nearby Vazhachal Falls (5km away) is less crowded and equally beautiful. Keep an eye out for the great Indian hornbill — this is one of the best places in South India to spot them.
4. Marari Beach — Unspoilt Fishing Village
Location: Alappuzha district | From Alleppey: 12km, 20 minutes
While tourists crowd Kovalam and Varkala, Marari remains a pristine stretch of golden sand backed by a working fishing village. Mornings bring the sight of fishermen hauling in their catch from traditional boats. There are no hawkers, no jet skis — just the sound of waves. The CGH Earth Marari Beach Resort pioneered responsible tourism here. Budget travellers can find clean homestays for INR 1,500-2,500 per night just steps from the beach.
5. Bekal Fort and Beach — Northern Kerala's Crown Jewel
Location: Kasaragod district | From Cochin: 560km, 10 hours (or fly to Mangalore, 50km)
Bekal Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, built in 1650 and spread across 40 acres on a headland jutting into the Arabian Sea. The observation tower gives 360-degree views of the coastline. The adjoining Bekal Beach is clean and quiet, with dramatic rock formations. The Taj Bekal Resort and Spa offers world-class luxury nearby. Bekal is best combined with a North Kerala circuit including Kannur and its theyyam ritual performances (October-March).
6. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary — The Birdwatcher's Paradise
Location: Ernakulam district | From Cochin: 60km, 1.5 hours
Famed ornithologist Salim Ali called Thattekad the richest bird habitat on peninsular India. Over 300 species have been recorded here, including the Sri Lanka frogmouth, Malabar grey hornbill, and crimson-backed sunbird. Boat rides on the Periyar River within the sanctuary cost INR 150 per person. Early morning (6-8 AM) is best for birdwatching. A knowledgeable local guide costs INR 500-800 for a half-day tour.
7. Illikkal Kallu — Kerala's Table Mountain
Location: Kottayam district, 1,050m | From Cochin: 135km, 4 hours
A massive flat-top rock formation at 6,000 feet that offers 360-degree views of the Western Ghats. The trek to the top is moderately challenging (2-3 hours round trip) and passes through tea estates and grasslands. This spot is virtually unknown even to most Keralites. No entrance fee. Best visited October-February when skies are clear. Start early to avoid afternoon clouds obscuring the view.
8. Ashtamudi Lake — Backwaters Without Crowds
Location: Kollam district | From Cochin: 140km, 3.5 hours
Ashtamudi (meaning "eight branches") is a palm-shaped lake system that rivals Alleppey's backwaters in beauty but sees a tenth of the tourist traffic. The Kollam-Alleppey boat service (8 hours, INR 400) is the longest commercial backwater route in Kerala and passes through stunning countryside. Houseboat rates are 20-30% cheaper than Alleppey. The Munroe Island canoe tour through narrow canals is a highlight — INR 800-1,200 for 3 hours.
9. Ponmudi — Trivandrum's Hill Escape
Location: Thiruvananthapuram district, 1,100m | From Trivandrum: 55km, 2 hours
Just 55km from the state capital, Ponmudi is a quiet hill station with 22 hairpin bends leading to a misty plateau of tea gardens and tropical forests. The Golden Valley viewpoint and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary are the main attractions. The government-run Golden Peak Resort (INR 2,000-3,500 per night) sits at the summit with spectacular views. Ponmudi works perfectly as a day trip from Trivandrum or a one-night addition to a southern Kerala itinerary.
10. Kannur — Theyyam and Cliffside Beaches
Location: Kannur district | From Cochin: 300km, 6 hours (or direct train, 5 hours)
Kannur is the heartland of Theyyam, a dramatic ritual art form where performers embody deities through elaborate costumes, face painting, and trance-like dancing. Theyyam performances happen at small village shrines from October to March — they are free, deeply spiritual, and utterly unlike anything else in India. By day, explore Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach (the only drive-in beach in Asia, 4km long) and the dramatic cliffside St. Angelo Fort built by the Portuguese in 1505.
How to Include These in Your Itinerary
Most of these hidden gems can be added to a standard Kerala trip with just 1-2 extra days. Ask your tour operator to customize your itinerary — at Series Tours, we specialize in taking travellers off the beaten path while ensuring comfort and reliability.