When it comes to choosing a summer vacation spot, we are certain to pick a hill station. This vacation season we decide to explore the state of Kerala. My Family planned a 8-day Kerala trip and visit places that would be soothing enough for the senses and visually appealing too. Never would you expect the nature's treasures hidden in Kerala. Such surpries sre still fresh in my memories as if we were there yesterday.
One of the most tranquil and relaxing things you can do in Kerala is take a trip in a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals, known as the Backwaters. Time truly seems to stand still. Indian food cooked by a chef and that too in local taste and side items on board the boat make the experience even more enjoyable.
There are 44 rivers in Kerala mostly originating in the Western Ghats as rivulets, later joined by tributaries to grow into large rivers and flowing westwards ending up in the Arabian Sea or in the famous backwaters of Kerala.Some of these are great rivers worth the name, but quite a lot are big streams or river-turned-into stream because of unwise usage. Water never seemed to defy Kerala from gives its showers, be it Monsoons, or Rivers, or the Arabian Sea.
From scenic tea gardens of Munnar to breathtaking lake view at Thekkady to unbelievable to eyes view at Kovalam beach, has flooded my mind to God's intention to multiply my curiosity towards His Creativity.
Boarded our flight from Ahmedabad and arrived Cochin. On arrival, took public transport to Abad Plaza hotel in Cochin. On reaching, checked-in to the hotel, unpacked and relaxed. In evening hours, we went to explore the local markets on MG road or enjoyed some local Keralan cuisine.
Came back and then had the dinner in the hotel itself.
After early breakfast the next morning, checked-out of the hotel and proceeded for a quick half day sightseeing tour of Fort Kochi. When you are at this place, you would feel like you are abroad and why it was built by the Portuguese who had come to India. Also visited Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue and St. Francis Church and Chinese fishing nets. Awesome Time Utilization.
Later in the afternoon, proceeded for Munnar. On the way to Munnar, halted at a good restaurant(no specific names, there are many) where lunch will be served. Checked-in to the hotel Clouds Valley Resort in the evening. Personally, I spent most the time looking at scenic views itself. We spent some time in the local markets for shopping and enjoyed the evening(had local Keralan Cuisine as Dinner). As the night grew dark we returned to the hotel for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. After breakfast at the hotel, took a sightseeing tour of Munnar. Munnar is famous for its tea plantations. We also visited the beautiful serenity of the tea plantations (remains closed on Mondays). Also visited Eravikulam National Park and explore its rich flora and fauna.
Relished the local food at a good restaurant. Later in the afternoon, visited Mattupetty Lake and Dam. Enjoyed the echo phenomenon at the famous Echo Point.
Returned to the hotel and when we returned we realised how tiring the day was.. Had a quick but a warm, hearty dinner.
After early breakfast, checked-out from the hotel and we all went to Thekkady.
On arrival, checked-in to the hotel Periyar Meadows and had lunch. In the afternoon, proceeded for a soul soothing boat cruise through the backwaters near Thekkady. Thekkady is known for its Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. During the cruise, stopped over at this fascinating town and observed the wild animals in their natural habitat.
Later in the evening, visited the theatre and enjoyed the traditional Kathakali Show (in a non-air-conditioned theatre).
Common activities which travellers do and we did too was indulge in shopping, take a tour around the Spice Plantations or enjoy an elephant ride in the evening.
Returned to your hotel in the eveningand enjoyed a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel after a hearty dinner.
We all woke up early in the morning, checked-out from the hotel at Thekkady. On the way to Kumarakom, explored the Spice Plantation (which will last for an hour). Later, we indulged ourselves into some spice shopping like cinnamom, etc.
Afte the exciting ride besides the Arabian Sea, reached there by afternoon.
On arrival, checked-in at the Manor Backwater Group House-Boats, unpacked and relaxed. In the evening, went for an evening boat cruise on the backwaters for an hour(what is common to Kerala is backwaters). Once done,my parents opted for a traditional Ayurveda massage. Relished a warm dinner and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in your room.
checked-out from the hotel at Kumarakom and went to Kovalam. The Highway is just awesome. On reaching Trivandrum, we halted for lunch at a good restaurant. Later visited Napier Museum and Zoological Park and walk through the lush green zoo for a memorable experience. (the zoo remains closed on Mondays).
In the evening, proceed towards Kovalam.
On arrival, checked-in at Sagaara Beach Resort hotel and relaxed. Enjoyed a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel after a hearty dinner.
After breakfast, we all proceeded to Kanyakumari (approximately 87 kilometres). First, visited Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Gandhi Mandapam and witnessed the beautiful statue of Tiruvalluvar and the meeting point of Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.Came back to Kovalam by evening
(The non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple. The temple opens from 0430 hours to 1130 hours in the morning and from 1730 hours to 2030 hours in the evening.) Return to our hotel and spend time at our own leisure. Kerala trip seemed to have not eneded, but time had come to say "GOOD-BYE KERALA"
