Kerala - Off the Tourist Map

Dhanya Damodaran
Jul 13, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Mar 23

Forever in Kerala

A few glimpses of beautiful places I have been to in Kerala, which are quite off the usual tourist map; here for you :)

Vazhalikkavu:

Located near Thozhupadam, Thrissur, this beautiful place is a gem for nature lovers. Sprawling paddy fields, banyan trees, beautiful temple; to add the charm, Bharatapuzha (River Nila) flows flaunting her curves by the side of the temple premises. Altogether a feast for your senses. I thank my sister who suggested me this place and we visited here, together.

The ravishing natural rustic beauty of the place has drawn the attention of film makers and several movies are shot here.

On our way, we also saw Panjal Lakshmi Narayana Temple, where the famous ritual of 'Athirathram' was held. The ritual is aimed at promoting universal brotherhood, peace, solidarity, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment

Peruvanmala:

Located near Kechery, about 30 minutes drive from Thrissur is the beautiful Peruvanmala Shiva temple. There is a close to steep climb up hill to reach the temple. The landscape and beauty uphill is worth the climb.

Uthralikkavu:

This beautiful temple is located by the foot hill plains of Akamala, Thrissur.

Rayiranallur Mala:

Located near Pattambi, Palakkad, this place has a lot of legends associated with it. It all revolves around the 'Parayi petta panthirukulam' and Naranathu Bhranthan.

Climb up the steps to get rewarded with magnificent views of the beautiful villages around. Also, a large sculpture of Naranathu Bhranthan at the top. This is where, as per legends, Naranathu Bhranthan rolled up huge boulders daily to the hill top and pushed it down to see it fall and burst into laughter. People called him a mad man seeing this; however they never realised the valuable message he conveyed to the humans by doing this act!

Bhranthachalam Temple:

This is again associated with Naranathu Bhranthan, nestled over a huge rock near Rayiranallur Mala.

Pullazhi Kolpadam:

Located at the beautiful village of Pullazhi, Thrissur, this place hosts vast stretches of fields which are known as Kolpadam. These get filled with water during monsoons and look like backwaters.

Kavalapara, Ottapalam:

I got to know from my friend who lives here, this banyan tree and its surroundings were the location for so many Malayalam movies.

Paniyeli Poru, near Malayattur

This is a beautiful nature reserve near Aluva. as per the forest guide, 'poru' is when water converges from all sides to form a small waterfall. During non-rainy seasons, visitors are allowed to take dip in the water surrounded by scenic views. There are changing rooms available and place is well-maintained.

Kozhikode:

My hometown - The views of Arabian sea from Kozhikode beach

Mukkom:

My little village located 25 km from Kozhikode

Malamalkkavu:

Most of us would have known of 'Neelathamara' from the works of veteran writer MT Vasudevan Nair. The beautiful flower blooms in the holy pond of this age old temple.

Thiramangalam Temple and other surroundings of Nagalassery, Koottanadu

Pristine countryside views of Palakkad district...Abundance of peace and serenity guaranteed

Chemmanthata Temple, Akkikavu

The Gopuram at the temple entrance and the beautiful holy pond is itself a marvel to watch and enjoy.

Angadippuram

The famous Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagawaty temple and the beautiful premises around the holy shrine

Kalpathi Theru

Visited the third day of the festival to witness 'Rathasangamam' where the chariots of all the temples align in front of the Vishalakshi Sametha Vishwanatha Temple