We took this bold decision to spend more time checking out various things in Kerala, rather than get stuck in one place or a resort. Arrived at the fact that it has a lot of Beach Front .. so we pitched on having alook at the Rivers. Little did we realise that, even this can be a daunting task.
Getting off the Train at Palghat, we looked at the huge expanse of water ... The Bharatpuzha !! Its wide and meanders down south with the most prominent Malampuzha Dam , standing ever so majestcally. Its worth spending a day, seeing this place and is like any other dam !! Except, the Restaurants, serve Good Fresh Water Fish !!! The museum is a treat for the Children !!! On weekdays, specially during monsoon, there is not a soul, and the silence is Bliss. The aproximate cost was Rs 500 / - per person.
A big debate on the next River, and we headed to Aluva, for the Scenic Periyar !!Its gorgeous, and has many a twist in its long journey to the sea. Also inspired many a poet to write https://lyrics. A Shiv temple in the middle of the River, is the place to visit for both as a pilgrimage and for its history !!!Shiv Rathri being the high point where the river is flooded with lit lamps floating on the water , they say... a sight worth a million lamps ! The Govt Guest House, on its banks is picturesque, and we were lucky that no Govt Official was staying there at the time of our visit, so the caretaker was kind enough to serve us a terrific dinner on the River Front !!! By all means KEEP OFF PERIYAR RESORT .. which is a rip off and a seedy joint !!!Aprox cost for the whole day Rs 500 / - per person
Having tasted Alleppey, we decided to conclude our visit to Kerala on a high !!!The Kuttanad lake is a conflence of Rivers.Getting off the beaten track , we took the Govt Boat Service to Kottayam. It was truly a memorable experience. The ride gave us a chance to see the life style of people living in remote corners of this huge water body. Not a Car, Not a Bus, Lorry, or even a Cycle for two hours .. duration of the ride from Alleppey to Kottayam that costs just Rs 8 / - where the only means of transport are Row Boats !!! Aorx cost of the day was again Rs 500 / - per person
God’s Own Country .. Is Paradise ... Provided you get off the Luxury Trail, stick to basics and meet the most Literate, Worldy wise and Highly politically concious people !!!