Raghav Chadha’s favourite go-to vacation place in India is…

Munnar is located at about 1,600 meters above sea level in the Western Ghats and is known for its signature rolling green hills. Its tea plantations are popular for producing some of India’s finest tea varieties.  Its coo,l misty mornings make it a year-round retreat. Another tourist attraction is Eravikulam National Park, which turns pink once every 12 years when the flower blooms.

What not to miss here: Eravikulam National Park, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station, Tata Tea Museum

2. Alleppey – Venice of the East

Alappuzha is the official Malayalam name of Alleppey, which is the anglicized version used during British rule that became popular internationally (photo: pexels)

Alleppey is famous for its enchanting backwaters, canals, and lagoons, many of which also offer houseboat cruises. As the boat glides past paddy fields, coconut groves, and village life, tourists get a closer look at the true essence of Kerala. Alleppey’s coir industry, handwoven mats, and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race are also popular.

What not to miss here: Houseboat cruise on Vembanad Lake, Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Pathiramanal Island, Alappuzha Beach, lighthouse visit

3. Kochi – A Blend of Cultures

Kochi is one of India’s oldest port cities with the old-world charm of the Arabs, the Dutch, and the Portuguese. The colonial-era bungalows and European churches add to the nostalgia. The city has a rich maritime legacy and is a seafood paradise, with delicious prawn curry and karimeen pollichathu on the menu. Kochi International Airport is also India’s first fully solar-powered airport.

What not to miss here: Fort Kochi Beach, Chinese fishing nets, Mattancherry Palace, Jew Town, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

4. Wayanad – Nature’s Hidden Gem

In Frame: Scenic Road through Wayanad’s Lush Tea Estate (photo: pexels)

Wayanand stands out with its lush forests, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and coffee estates. The landscape is perfect for trekking and exploring caves like Edakkal, which feature ancient petroglyphs dating back 6,000 years. India’s largest Earthen dam, Banasura Sagar, is also found in Wayanad.

What not to miss here: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Thekkady – For the Wild at Heart

Home to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Thekkady offers thrilling boat safaris and jungle safaris where you might spot elephants, deer, and exotic birds. A spice paradise, Thekkady is also famous for its cardamom, pepper, and cinnamon plantations, which often offer guided tours.

What not to miss here: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, spice plantation tour, bamboo rafting, Mangala Devi Temple, Kathakali show

6. Varkala – Cliffs and Calm Seas

A Kathakali show is a vibrant South Indian dance-drama from Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and expressive mudras, telling stories from epics

Varkala is the only coastal town in Kerala where one can enjoy dramatic cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is also a bustling hub for yoga retreats, Ayurvedic spas, and natural springs with medicinal properties, earning it brownie points in the wellness tourism sector. The city also has Janardanaswamy Temple, which is over 2,000 years old.

What not to miss here: Papanasam Beach, cliffside walk, Ayurvedic massages, Janardanaswamy Temple, seaside cafés

7. Kumarakom – Serenity on the Backwaters

With a cluster of small islands on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is an eco-tourism paradise. From luxury lake resorts to colourful houseboat stays, it offers plenty of on-water hotel options to tourists. Sunset cruises and canoeing through the mangrove canals are also popular.

What not to miss here: Vembanad Lake houseboat ride, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Ayurvedic spa, seafood lunch, sunset cruise

8. Kovalam – Kerala’s Iconic Beach Town

Kovalam beaches have patches of dark sand due to heavy minerals like ilmenite and monazite (photo: pexels)

Known for its crescent-shaped beaches and lighthouse views, Kovalam is a paradise for those who love the sea. Adventure seekers can enjoy water sports like parasailing, surfing, and swimming here, and even enjoy Ayurvedic massages by the shore.

What not to miss here: Lighthouse Beach, parasailing, Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium, Kathakali performance, Ayurvedic massage

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