20 Must-Visit Attractions in Kerala, India

Built in Kodungallur in Thrissur district, by Malik Bin Deenar, an Arab propagator of Islam, in 629 AD, Cheraman Juma Masjid is the first mosque in India. It is believed that the Chera king, Cheraman Perumal went to Arabia, embraced Islam, and changed his name to Tajuiddin. He died while returning, in Dhufar, Oman. From there he had sent letters with Malik Ibn Dinar to his relatives in Kerala, asking them to be courteous to the latter.

Cheraman Juma Masjid, Padakulam, Kodungallur, +91 480 280 3170

Vagamon is an enchanting hill station situated at 1,100 metres above sea level on the Idukki-Kottayam border. The landscape is mostly bald hills with green meadows, and is dotted with pine forests, tea gardens, and waterfalls with some of the most mesmerising viewpoints in the state. Three hills – Thangal, Murugan, and Kurisumala – represent the major religions, Islam, Hinduism, Christianity respectively and the naming of these hills in this manner is a testament to the cultural and religious harmony prevalent in Vagamon.

Papanasam beach more popularly known as Varkala beach. The unique geological feature of sedimentary cliffs known as Varkala Formation found adjacent to the Arabian Sea in southern Kerala made Varkala Beach a magnet for tourists from all over the world. It is also famous for its 2,000 year old Janardana Swami Temple and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Varanasi of the South).