Festivals make sure we get to spend enough time with our families amid our hectic schedules and nothing to make the most of this time than to take a fun trip together.
Most destinations in Kerala are always abuzz with tourists and not ideal for a relaxing getaway with family. Here is a list of not-so-popular, offbeat destinations where you can go with your family on this Onam vacation to relax and have fun!
Ponmudi
Situated near the state capital, Ponmudi's major attraction is the tropical rain forests. Eco Point and Golden Valley are the two important spots in Ponmudi. Top Station is located around 2 kilometres away from Ponmudi. Ponmudi Guest House and KTDC Cottage are available for accommodation but you may have to book the rooms in advance if travelling with a big family.
Yellapetty
'Yellappetty,' which translates to 'last village' in Tamil, marks the boundary between Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the rolling mountain ranges of Western Ghats. Cloaked in mist and soft lights, Yellappetty lies to the east of Munnar, away from the crowd and fanfare. The hills are home to breathtaking sunrises – ones that will be etched in eyes and hearts like the memory of a loving glance.
Kuttanad houseboats
This could be the little song that could follow you like the gentle wake of the houseboat you are on. If it is a true break from the world you are looking for, board a well-outtted house boat moored at either the Punnamada nishing point or the Pallathuruthi Kadavu in Alappuzha, Kerala's own Venice.
The houseboats range from one-room non-AC ones to large vessels equipped with 100-seater conference halls. There are at least a 1,000 boats here but the routes the boat take and the menu are largely the same.
Ranipuram
Ranipuram is one of the most popular tourism centres in Kasaragod. Known as the Ootty of Kasaragod, Ranipuram is a dream come true for trekking enthusiasts. So, if yours is an adventurous family, this is the place to be!
Gavi
A drive to semi-hilly Pathanamthitta will be a good idea if your aim is an off-beat destination. Murmuring brooks and near-dark thickets are constants as you travel by road, covering stretches inhabited by deer, elephants and also the tiger. That would only tempt you to further explore the interior belts of this south-eastern Kerala district, which has several spots that keep wooing the average visitor.
