Check out these places before you venture abroad

The world is full of beautiful and famous places. But at times, one wonders why we should travel half the way across the globe – when we have such beautiful places – which are almost as beautiful closer home. **Kuzhipilly beach and Phuket, Thailand** We bet most of you know about Phuket, but have you heard about the peaceful and serene Kuzhipilly beach near Ernakulam? [Also read: Have you been to these beaches?](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/my-discovery/must-visit-beaches-on-your-trip-to-kerala.html) **Palakkad and Laos** Palakkad is known as the rice bowl of Kerala. See any similarities with Laos? **Munnar and Sri Lanka** If you have been to Munnar, this may come as a total surprise to you. Don't you think the tea estates look similar? [Go on a trip to Munnar](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/reasons-why-you-should-head-out-to-munnar-now.html) **Athirappilly and Niagra Waterfalls** Athirappilly Waterfalls, which has been featured in a lot of movies is known as India's Niagra. Read more about [Athirappilly Waterfalls](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/of-athirappilly-vazhachal-and-charpa-waterfalls-kerala.html) **Alappuzha and Venice** Before you are enthralled by the gondolas in the canals around Venice, take a cruise on the houseboats at Allapuzha. More about [Alappuzha](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/around-alappuzha-in-24-hours.html) **Also read**[Would you believe that these places are in Kerala](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/my-discovery/places-unseen-kerala-idukki-marayoor-munnar-chokramudi-less-visited.html)