World Tourism day is celebrated on September 27 every year and the official tourism day programmes will be hosted by Bangkok at 9:00h local time (GMT+7) on Tuesday.
As India has become one of the top tourist destinations in the world, here we list out the must visit affordable tourist destinations in the South Indian state of the country -- Kerala, which is known as God's Own Country for having many beautiful locales.
Fort Kochi
Kochi, which is known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, was once the centre of the world spice trade. The must visit areas in and around Kochi include Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Kumbalangi, Marine Drive, Hill Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Bolgatty Palace and Cherai Beach, among others.
Best time to visit: October to April.
Munnar
If you want to get refreshed with fresh air, Munnar is the best place for you in Kerala. The cool climate and the location will make you fall in love with the hill station in Idukki district, which has many homestays and resorts that retain the beauty of the place. The major locations you must visit in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Bisonvalley, Kunchithanny, Marayur, Mattupetty Dam, Munnar Tea estates and Pallivasal.
Best time to visit: December to February - Winter season
March to May - Summer
June to September - Monsoon
Wayanad
The picturesque plateau in the Western Ghats is one of the popular spots that interests the tourists. It is known for its cash crops like cardamom, pepper, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments. The important places to visit in Wayanad are Chembra Peak, Neelimala, Banasura Sagar Dam, Sulthan Bethery, Kalpetta, Kuruvadweep and Edakkal Caves.
Best time to visit: October to February.
Thekkady
Thekkady, situated near to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border, is known for the Periyar National Park that is home to elephants, tigers, sambar, lion-tailed macaques, gaurs and Nilgiri langurs. Apart from the wildlife sanctuary it also has spices and coffee plantations.
Best time to visit: September to March
Kumarakom
Set in the backdrop of the largest lake Vembanad, Kumarakom is known for its backwaters that is the habitat for a variety of marine and freshwater fish species. You can spend the holidays at the luxury and budget resorts, and to enjoy the panoramic views of the lake, tourists can make use of the luxury houseboat service. Kumarakom also has a bird sanctuary that is open from 6am to 6pm everyday.
Best time to visit: March to May - Summer
June to September - Monsoon
October to February - Winter
Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala is located in Kasaragod. The fort was featured in the hit song Uyire from veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam's Tamil movie Bombay. Tourists can also visit the nearby places Kanhangad, Kannur Fort and Thalassery Fort.
Best time to visit: March-May
Silent Valley National Park
The national park Silent Valley, located in the Nilgiri Hills in Palakkad, was explored by the botanist Robert Wight in 1847. It is said to be a home for more than 16 species of birds, at least 34 species of mammals, 500 species of earthworms and leeches, and 730 identified species of insects.
The national park is be open on all days of the week from 8am to 1pm. Tourists are asked to exit the park by 5pm.
Kovalam
Kovalam is near Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, where tourists can spend a day by visiting Lighthouse beach, Hawah beach and Samudra beach. You can enjoy your holidays at the beach resorts in and around Kovalam.
Best time to visit: November to February
Vagamon
The hill station Vagamon in Kottayam-Idukki border has been listed among the 50 most attractive places to visit in India by National Geographic Traveler. It is a home to a variety of flowers and tourists can visit Thangal, Murugan and Kurisumala hills, which are the representation of Muslim, Hindu and Christian religions in Kerala.
Athirappally
Have you ever wondered in which foreign country the scenes and songs of Baahubali or Mani Ratnam's Raavan, Dil Se.., Kannathil Muthamittal, Iruvar, Guru were shot? It is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, falling from a height of 80 feet.
Best time to visit: September to January
