Meesapulimala Trekking
Meesapulimala in Idukki stands at height of 2,640 metre and it is the second tallest peak in Kerala. KFDC gives a leg up to trekking to Meesapulimala. It has a group of officials to guide and help you. The trekking starts from Silent Valley and takes 6-8 hours to cover a distance of 8 kilometres. On the way up to Meesapulimala, we are treated to breathtaking views of the vast plains of Tamil Nadu to your East and the never ending Sahyadri to your West.
Alappuzha-Kottayam Boat Ride
Though it has been around for years and many people don’t consider it a ‘tourist’ thing to do, the Alappuzha-Kottayam boat ride is one of the best ways to know the famed backwaters of Kerala. Apart from getting a glimpse of the rural life on the banks of the backwaters, one also gets to see fishermen on boats, lotus and water lily blooms, rows upon rows of coconut palms lining the mud embankments. It is best to take the ride around sunset as the view is heavenly.
Vazhachaal-Malakkapara Drive
The 44 kilometre stretch is one of the best routes in the city to have a comfortable and enriching bike ride or drive. Both sides have thick, green and dense forest. One can also get a glimpse of elephants, langurs and other wild animals on the way. The most important feature of the road is that unlike others in the state this one offers a smooth ride.
Alappuzha-Changanassery Road
The State Highway 11 connecting Alappuzha to Changanasserry, covering a total distance of 25 kilometres, passes through Kuttanad. A place which is famous as the rice basket of the state. Vast green paddy fields form a velvety green carpet on both the sides of the road.
Periyar Tiger Reserve Trek
The trek through the Periyar Tiger Reserve takes two days and a night. It can be one of the best experiences in ones life. One can spot wild animals like Nilgiri langur, giant squirrel and elephants. The trek route passes through hills and valleys blanketed with a variety of tropical plants and wide-open spaces.
Thumburmizhi
Thumburmuzhi, on the banks of the Chalakudy river, lies at a distance of 48 kilometres from Ernakulam. It is famed for its butterfly park. The park, which is a natural habitat of butterflies, is an important destination also because it harbours almost all species of these winged beauties in the world. Close to 150 species of butterflies are found here. Added to it, is the presence of various flowers and birds, which make it look like a set out of a Shanker movie.
Kumbalangi
It is a fishing hamlet, which is the first designated ecotourism village and the first rural tourism village of the state. One of the major attractions of here is the long queue of Chinese fishing nets numbering over hundred. The place also provides an opportunity for the outsiders to have a closer look at how fishermen live and work. The many homestays dotting the village also give a taste of rural living.