Top 5 Hidden Gems to Visit in Kerala

Think of Kerala and the first thing that will come to your mind are the sunlit beaches of Kovalam, the tranquil houseboats gliding through Alleppey, or the verdant tea estates of Munnar. Though they are only one part of the story, these postcard favorites surely deserve the attention. Hidden away from the throng, in areas where time is slow, nature is still untamed, and beauty emerges in whispers rather than shouts, is where Kerala's true spirit can be found.

This is for you if you love out-of-the-box experiences. Read on and discover the five best-kept secrets of Kerala.

1. Meesapulimala

Imagine moving through the clouds, rising higher with each step as you enter the Western Ghats' hazy embrace. Kerala's second-highest peak, Meesapulimala, provides all of that and much more. A trekker's paradise, this towering beauty near Munnar goes surprisingly unnoticed on the usual tourist circuit.

The journey starts at the base camp in Silent Valley and travels through mountain ranges, meadows, and pine forests. You feel like you've entered a painting as the trail gets narrower and the air gets cooler.

There are infinite hills rolling into the clouds, a silence broken only by the wind, and the clarity that comes with being physically above it all. What greets you is not simply a view, but a sense. It’s just you, the sky, and an enduring sense of wonder—no crowds, no souvenir shops.

2. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary

The forest near Kothamangalam is filled with soft sounds of birds chirping, wings fluttering, and animals calling—more like a gentle symphony than a loud noise. Hello from (Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is a little-known haven for avian enthusiasts and everyone who takes solace in the cadence of nature.)

More than 300 bird species, including elusive frogmouths and uncommon hornbills, can be found in this emerald nook, which is frequently referred to as the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. You may see the forest awaken in the early morning hours, with every tree, leaf, and branch contributing to this beautiful music.

Thattekad encourages you to slow down, regardless of your level of interest in birds or travel. Inhale the moist dirt, enjoy a cup of chai at a peaceful homestay, and listen with all of your senses.

3. Silent Valley National Park

Silent Valley is quiet in a reverent, sanctified, and unspoiled sense, not in the sense of being soundless. One of India's last remaining areas of authentic tropical rainforest, this national park is nestled deep within the Nilgiri Hills.

This is not a destination for ostentatious tourists. Wildlife exhibitions and amusement rides are not available. But, you will discover something far more uncommon: an intact area of untamed, old forest that is brimming with life, most of it endangered and exclusive to this biosphere. It's easy to think you've travelled back in time as you stroll through its verdant canopy. One of nature's silent gems, the uncommon lion-tailed macaque, might even be visible to you.

Silent Valley provides a return to equilibrium in addition to a respite from noise. It's a haven of calm in a world full of hustle and bustle.

4. Kavvayi Backwaters

Most tourists think of Alleppey or Kumarakom when they think of backwater paradise. However, Kavvayi, a lesser-known maze of lagoons, rivers, and small islands in the more sedate northern district of Kannur, offers the same charm without the throng.

Life moves slowly here. The air smells of wood smoke and coconuts, children wave from riverbanks, and canoes float by fishermen lowering nets. The canals wind through quaint communities where customs continue to permeate everyday existence.

Staying here is an opportunity to connect, not merely to see the sights. Homestays in the area provide heartfelt meals and a homey atmosphere. Kavvayi provides you with the space you need to reflect, feel, and simply be, whether you're riding around the local trails or floating on the backwaters.

5. Muzhappilangad Beach

Have you ever envisioned driving down a beach with waves crashing next to you? This is fulfilled at Kannur's Muzhappilangad Beach! It is the only drive-in beach in India and one of the few places in the world with sand that is solid enough for fun on four wheels. However, this location is unique for reasons other than the novelty of driving along the shore. Feel the horizon unfold before you as you roll down your windows and let the salty breeze rip through your hair. You'll know this beach is more than just a place to visit; “It’s a surreal sight to watch the sun go down and the sky turn orange-gold.”

Despite Muzhappilangad's unique beauty, it is comparatively uncrowded. You can sit by the sea and do nothing at all, walk for kilometers, or chase the tides here and still feel satisfied.

Kerala is a live, breathing canvas of tales, landscapes, and moments just waiting to be explored; it's not just a list of well-known locations. The essence of this area can be found in the cloud-kissed heights of Meesapulimala, the bird-filled silence of Thattekad, the primordial serenity of Silent Valley, the backwater embrace of Kavvayi, and the infinite shoreline of Muzhappilangad.

“So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Kerala, skip the cliche and pick the less-known!”