📍 Kerala, India
Kerala · 7 destinations & hidden spots
Bekal, Kasaragod district
The largest and most impeccably preserved fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 coastal acres. Built in dark laterite stone in the shape of a keyhole by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi in 1650, its massive battlements, observation tower, and water tank jut right into the roaring Arabian Sea waves.
Kappad, Kozhikode district
The historic beach where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first set foot on Indian soil on May 20, 1498, changing world trade history. Features a historic stone monument, rocky headland with a cliffside temple, landscaped sea-walk, and Blue Flag certified clean waters.
Malampuzha, Palakkad district
The largest reservoir in Kerala, built across the Malampuzha River framed against the rugged Western Ghats hills. The extensive grounds feature landscaped Japanese gardens, dancing fountains, Kerala's first passenger passenger ropeway, and the famous colossal Yakshi sculpture crafted by artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.
Muzhappilangad, Kannur district
Asia's longest drive-in beach, stretching 4 kilometres of firmly packed golden sand along which cars and motorbikes can safely drive right beside the breaking waves. Featuring dramatic black rock formations that protect the cove from rough ocean currents.
Palakkad town centre, Palakkad district
A remarkably preserved 18th-century square granite fortress built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore to guard the strategic Palakkad Gap through the Western Ghats. Surrounded by an intact, wide water moat, massive granite bastions, and sprawling green landscaped lawns with an ancient Hanuman temple inside.
Hidden Gem
Panathady, Kasaragod district
Known as the 'Ooty of Kerala', Ranipuram sits at 2,460 feet in the Kasaragod Western Ghats. A scenic 2.5-km trek through dense evergreen shola forests and rolling montane grasslands leads to a dramatic rounded rocky summit offering views over Coorg in Karnataka.
Cantonment, Kannur
A massive triangular stone bastion overlooking Mopila Bay and the Arabian Sea, constructed in 1505 by the first Portuguese Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeida and later fortified by the Dutch. Features laterite ramparts, historic cannon emplacements, and an ancient chapel.
