This year, Independence Day falls on a Thursday and if you manage to get a holiday on Friday, you have a four-day weekend to relax and rejuvenate before you head to work the next week. If what you have in mind is a Kerala holiday, it would be better to avoid the most popular spots as they would be teeming with crowds. The state is blessed with many fantastic destinations which still haven't fallen prey to mass tourism and can offer you a 'one-with-the-nature' feel. Here are a few places which were featured recently on the Kerala Tourism online page. They might not be crowded, but are not hidden and tough to access regions either. 

Kavvayi village in Kannur
A tranquil space that offers a scenic beach known for its great sunset views of the Arabian Sea, Kavvayi aka Kavvayi Pattanam near Kannur's Payyannur is also famed for its island groups. The region offers tourists a chance to experience water sports, paid boat rides, water zorbing and even a 'village life tasting' session. The best times to enjoy the boat rides here are the mornings and evenings. Kunjimangalam, known for its special mangoes, is 12 km away from Kavvayi. 

Posadi Gumpe
This hill station in Kasaragod's border region 2000 ft above sea level, is 15 km from the famous Bekal Fort of the district. Also known as Posadi Hills or Posadi Gumpu, it offers stunning viewpoints, misty forest roads and hilltops and an amazing view of the Arabian Sea, Kundremukh and Mangalore from its hillock. The best time to visit is early mornings and evenings. You will have to trek for an hour to reach the top station, which is carpeted with grasslands. 

Nadukani Hills
Nadukani Hills in the Idukki district is known for its panoramic sunrise and sunset points, beautiful trekking and hiking trails, biodiversity, the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Idukki Arch Dam located not too far away, and the numerous waterfalls that form in the area during the monsoon season. If you go with a local guide, you can enjoy the area the best as they can help you with the permits required and provide you with weather updates. 
Thommankuthu waterfalls
The seven-stage waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery, attains the peak of its beauty during the monsoon season. The area also has trekking trails, Kundala Lake known for its picturesque surroundings, biodiversity, various photography points and even camping locations. 

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