Solo trip to Kerala: God's Own Country

At long last i decided to take some time off of my mundane routine and do my long awaited trip to Gods Own country, Kerala. This finally happened and I'm still in awe of the beauty of this corner of India.
With it's highest literacy rate in India ie. 94 percent , Kerala serves as  the best and safest holiday destination for a solo female traveller having said that some general precautions should be taken like avoid travelling alone after 07:00pm until and unless you are at city centers, because locals prefer to be at home with family after dark falls and the streets & roads seem all like deserted.

Whenever we think of southern India , things that strike mind are idyllic beaches with coconut palm trees swaying on shores. But besides all of this Kerala has everything from serene beaches to scenic mountains (Western Ghats), from tea & spice plantations to dense forests , from thundering waterfalls  to calm backwaters.

  This slim slice shaped state is located in the southwestern region of India, known for its rich cultural and traditional heritage. From its colorful dance forms and traditional music, to its unique cuisine and intricate arts and crafts. Kerala has a cultural landscape that sets it apart from other Indian states.

Best time to visit Kerala

October to February are best months to visit Kerala since you will get to experience pleasant weather with mild to moderate rainfall and the lush green tea estates seem even more astonishing.

Start your journey from  Kochi. This is the largest metro city with intriguing mix of architecture from its varying colonial past.
Famous tourist spots are:
-Fort Kochi
-Kochi marine drive
-Jew Street market
-Antique Chinese fishing nets along the coastal areas
-Unique spice gardens
-Experience the thundering Niagara falls of India  "Athirapilly  waterfalls" situated in Thrissur District 2 hours away from Cochin Airport. It had been featured in a famous south Indian movie 'Bahubali' , hereby making it popular pitstop.

Leave for Munnar early morning which is nearly 3.5 hours away from Kochi .  Stop at Thoovnam waterfalls on the way which is a very good pitstop. The journey to Munnar itself becomes scenic as you inch closer to Munnar offering your eyes beautiful winding roads punctuated with tea plantations.

Reach Munnar and depending upon your budget you can either  stay in resort in the midst of gorgeous tea plantations or hotels in the main market area.
Start with sightseeing tea estates stretched to kilometres which are absolutely breathtaking , visit the tea museum, stroll down the streets lined by chocolate stores alongside and feed yourself with aromatic coffee and scrumptious local meals.

Start your day with journey to Mattupetty Dam and lake ,a famous tourist spot nestled between hills of Kerala.
Also visit the top station of Munnar which is the highest point of Munnar offering plethora of panoramas and echo point.
Explore lush green tea estates in Kolukkumalai too.

Leave for Thekkady from Munnar Early morning.
Things to do in Thekkady :
- Devouring local delicacies by the backwaters
- Visit Periyar National park which is unspoiled model of nature’s lavishness with abundant charming beauty and ironic biodiversity.
-Visit the famous Abraham spice Garden and buy some freshly grounded spices.

Thekkady to Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Alleppey  is a home to massive backwaters with over a thousand  houseboats. With floating along and gazing over paddy fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks is one of Kerala’s most mesmerisingly  beautiful and relaxing experiences.
Spend a day in houseboat or preferably a hotel nearby as personally I don't like the fact of polluting water.

A 2 hours drive from Alleppey to Kollam will take you to kerala's another most picturesque place.
A 25-acre spread of mangroves at Ayiramthengu in Kollam district that was on the brink of extinction 10 years ago is today a thriving ecosystem. It is the habitat of a number of creatures, marine and terrestrial.
Local Shikara will cost ₹1000  for 2 hours which covers some of the serenic areas like Munroe Island.
Passing through the  lush green mangroves and the tranquility of backwaters will leave you spellbound.

Return back to Cochin Airport, all rejuvenated and refreshed .  Wave a goodbye to the most beautiful state of India !