Have you been to Kerala?
How long have you been thinking of visiting a place where you want to be with nature at its very raw form? I invite you to take a trip to Kerala. Agreed that its in the southernmost part of the peninsula! But no worry, the state is well connected through its road, rail and air networks. Let me help you set your plans to visit Kerala by listing the must see places… Lets start from the southernmost tip, lets start our journey from Trivandrum.
The first place to visit would be Kanyakumari (was part of the state till a couple of decades ago). You must visit the rock temple. The ambience is serene and its worth spending a day on the rock. Spend an hour or so inside the meditation hall inside the rock temple. I am guaranteeing you some time for self discovery and unwinding.
The tranquility you feel sitting calmly in the middle of the ocean is something inexplicable. Right then, the next place to visit is the palace of the great king of Kerala – Marthanda Varma on the way back from Kanyakumari. Known as Padmanabhapuram Palace. The palace showcases the elegance of traditional Kerala architecture. The palace also gives an indication of the lifestyles of our kings, which unlike many other counterparts, is based on simple living and strict adherence to traditions and values.
Comedown straight to Trivandrum after having spent enough time listening to the heroics of Marthanda Varma from the Palace guides. If you are a foreigner you can get cozy accommodation at the Kovalam beach resort. Trivandrum as you know is the capital of the state and is blessed with one of the most beautiful temple complexes in the state – Padmanabha Swamy Temple. You might be wondering now, how come the palace name also sounds the same!! Well, Padmanabha is the name of the deity Vishnu who to whom Kings of the Travancore empire dedicated their services. You heard it right, the Maharajas used to serve the kingdom as servants of God.
Do visit the Museum, zoo and spend your evening at Veli watching the sunset. If you reach Veli before 4.00 PM, you can spend your time in water sports. Kids will definitely enjoy the science and technology museum and the planetarium at Palayam.
For those workaholics, the next place to be is in one of the traditional Spa’s either at the recognized Kerala Ayurvedic Pharmacy centers or at Varkala, near the Papanasham beach. Experience those tense muscles of yours undergoing a massage and later an oil bath. The most refreshing experience you will ever experience in your life. Ask for the “shirodhara” and a full body oil massage “pizhichil”.
For those who love spending time being with nature, I would recommend you to come straight down to Kumarakom Bird sanctuary and spend one night inside a house boat. You will have a great time being inside the Vembanadu lake all through the night, watching stars and enjoying a calm float!
You have not seen Kerala if you have not seen her backwaters. If you can strike a chord with the local fishermen, they will take you out into the deep sea in their traditional boat fitted with the latest Yamaha engines. I need to tell you that this involves risk of its own, and is not advisable if you have people who are prone to sea sickness!
For those of you who love to taste the local brew, known as “Kallu”, Kumarakom is the place you will get the sweetest of them. Again at your risk!!
Move straight up the mountains to Thekkady to spend some time in real jungle. If you are lucky, you can spot a lot of wild animals in the still virgin forests of Thekkady. I would definitely spend my night in one of the cottages available there – scary, but its part of life.
Next is the place, which is known for its cosmopolitan culture and hi-fi living amongst the Keralites – Cochin, the Queen of Arabian Sea. Cochin is a paradise, a little congested though! The must see places include the Bolgaty palace, Jew town etc. Cochin is the place where I would want you to exercise your taste buds to the maximum. Cochin is again blessed with the most talented cheff houses in this part of the world. If you are an antique collector do search around in Cochin, she won’t disappoint you.
Next is Trichur, the reason why people call Kerala Gods own country. Trichur is famous for “Poorams”, the temple festivals. Ideal time to visit Kerala would be during the yearly Pooram time. Did you know that Kerala has massive 44 rivers flowing across her length and breadth? Again a local friend might take you for fishing and a pleasant journey through one of her rivers.
The next place to go in Kerala is the region known as Wayandu. One of the largest reserves natural forests in India. Must go places include Nelliyampathi, Panamaram, Mananthavady and Kabini.
Take a taxi and go these places. Don’t hurry through them but take your time and spend time walking through the grass on your bare foot…
Also do remember to take your food from local tea shops, it will be tasty and cheap. But do carry your bottle of water.
Hope you have a very pleasant journey through Kerala – perhaps we might meet in one of those restaurants!
Bon Voyage!