For most travellers, Kerala means backwaters, beaches, luxury resorts and Ayurveda. It is no surprise, when people only end up visiting Kochi, Allepey and Munnar. But if you are not one of those regular tourists and love to walk the lesser known path, then Kerala has some pretty amazing surprises up its sleeves.

1. Bekal Fort in Kasargod

Bekal fort is surrounded by glorious stretch of the sea and the magical sound of the waves crushing against its exterior. It is spread over 40 acres of land and reminds one of the illustrious era.

Unlike other forts in India, Bekal Fort was not meant for administration but for defence purposes. One of the prominent features of the fort is the presence of a stepped water tank with a tunnel and an observation tower. The view from the observation tower is magnificent, one can admire the landscape along the coastline and imagine the joy of the people who were stationed here in olden times.

The fort is built of Laterite blocks directly over the bedrock. The twelve meter high fortification wall is impregnated with fifteen bastions os semicircle, octagonal, oval, square and rectangular shape. [Source: ASI]

2. Aranmula in Pathanamthitta

I first read about Aranmula Kannadi in a travel magazine and since then it was always on my mind to go and see how these metal mirrors are made.
Aranmula Mirrors are not made of glass like other mirrors, these are made up of bell metal plate. 

The mould for the mirrors are covered with mud taken from the paddy fields and molten metal is put into it. The mould is sealed with mud again and these moulds are kept in fire upside down for 2.5 hours. After that the mould is turned back again so that the molten metal flows to the bottom of the mould. After the mould is broken, the metal mirror is taken out and cut into the desired shape (usually round or oval). The unfinished product is then stuck to a wooden handle and rubbed with sand grit paper till the desired reflection is achieved. 

3. Thenmala in Kollam

Promoted as India’s first planned ecotourism destination, Thenmala situated at foothills of the Western Ghats is gaining popularity as a tourist spot. in recent years. A place, well suited for those who wants to enjoy nature far away from the maddening crowd of the cities.

Thenmala is famous for adventure activities like jungle trek, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing and mountain biking. For nature lovers, there is a butterfly safari, a sculpture garden, a deer rehabilitation centre and a garden called Trees of The Nakshatravanam where 27 varieties of trees are there associated with each Nakshatra [constellations].

The most fascinating for me in Thenmala was the 13th Arch bridge made by the Britishers in early 1900s. It was made for trade purposes along the Kollam–Sengottai railway line. Surkhi Method was used to construct this bridge which substitutes sand with brick dust. Lime and jaggery is also used along with brick dust in this method.

4. Cherai Beach in Ernakulam

The shimmering sunlight makes the sand sparkle like tiny precious stones at Cherai Beach. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the wind blowing lightly into your hair as you smell the sea air is just blissful.

Cherai is one of the most enchanting beaches in Kerala. At Cherai, one can witness the beauty of the beach as well as the backwaters merging into the Arabian Sea.

The drive is the most riveting part about Cherai, narrow roads surrounded by backwaters on both sides, fishermen’s lines hanging off the wharf into the water in hopes of catching dinner. Just imagine driving on that route during monsoons!

5. Neyyar Dam in Thiruvananthapuram

Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Neyyar dam is an offbeat tourist destination in Kerala. But it is quite a popular picnic spot with the locals and it gets crowded over the weekends. One can get the view of the famous Agasthya kooodam from inside the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

There are many activities that can be taken by visitors here like taking a yoga & meditation class in Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram, boating in Neyyar River, visit to the Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre and deer park, or climb the watch tower to get a 360 degree view of the place.

6. Thalaserry in Kannur

Thalassery is an important city in Kannur District of Kerala. It is known as the political and cultural capital of the Malabar. It’s also the birth place of 4 Cs – Communism, Cricket, Cakes and Circus. In addition to that, how can I forget their world famous Biryani.

Thalasarry boasts of experiential travel, one can take lessons in Kalaripayattu, witness the ritual art form of Theyyam or take a cooking class in malabar cuisine. Some of the nearby places to explore are:

• Dharmadam Island
• Odathil Palli
• Overburry’s Folly
• Peralassery Temple Pond
• Tellicherry Fort

7. Iringal Crafts village in Kozhikode

If you are an art lover, then visiting Saargalaya – Art and Craft Village in Iringal by the shores of Moorad River is something that you will enjoy. One can see live demonstration of fine craftsmanship in art and craft from Kerala’s traditional heritage. Many tourists visit Iringal to attend workshops in pottery, bamboo crafts and coir jewellery making. There are 60 huts inside their campus dedicated to various handicrafts and art forms. Cultural programs like Mohiniyattam, Kerala Nadanam, Kathakali and Kalaripayattu are arranged for visitors on request.

8. Gavi in Pathanamthitta

This lesser known ecotourism destination in Kerala is known for its rich flora and fauna. Gavi is part of the Periyer Tiger Reserve and is located inside the Ranni reserve forest. Untainted by modernity, Gavi makes people feel that they have gone at least 100 years back.

One can go on a cardamom plantation visit, boat ride in Gavi reservoir and Kochupamba, witness nature’s bounty with wildlife safari and spend the night at Green Mansion.

9. Vagamon in  Idukki

When we think of hill stations in Kerala, the first few names that comes to mind is Munnar and Wayanad. But Kerala has more to offer, one such place is Vagamon. Listed by National Geographic Traveller as the “50 most attractive places to visit in India”.

This hill station draws a lot of local tourists because of adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, rock climbing and off-roading. Another attraction of Vagamon is its trio hills called Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala. If you are looking for some ‘alone time’ then spending a weekend at Vagamon is a good idea.

10. Nelliampathi in Palakkad

Surrounded by plantation of coffee and tea, Nelliampathi is another lesser hill station in Kerala. With breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Ranges in Western Ghats and hairpin roads makes Nelliampathi perfect for the monsoons. The whole area is lit up with lush greenery and waterfalls during monsoons.

Other nearby attractions are:

• Pothundy Dam
• Seetharkundu
• Trekking base at Kaikatty Junction 
• Padagiri
• Raja’s Cliff
• Nenmara

The above-mentioned places ranges from providing experiences to learning a skill, spending time with yourself at a secluded beach to exploring the wildlife, from watching traditional dance form to tea tasting sessions. Kerala has it all, you just need to do your research before visiting God’s own country to experience its true beauty beyond the ordinary.