Kerala-God’s Own Country

By: Pradeep Chamaria

Pics By: Pradeep Chamaria

Visiting Heavens in a lifetime can only be a dream for almost every living being, but I think I did visit heavens when I visited and experienced Kerala, God’s Own Country.

When I was planning my trip to Kerala, I found Kerala as a slender coastal strip on the map. Kerala in fact is a tropical sonata; 600km of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a leisurely network of radiant backwaters; and the spice and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats. The state in fact  is full of mystical destinations all over.

As I studied the travel literature to find out more about Kerala, I learnt that it was known as Keralam in ancient times, the land where culture and heritage has thrived since ages. I found out that it is famous for its backwaters, elegant houseboats, ayurvedic treatments and delicately spiced and tasty cuisine. Kerala is home to wild elephants, exotic birds and the odd tiger, while vibrant traditions such as Kathakali Plays, the martial art forms such as Kalaripayattu, dances like Mohiniattam; temple festivals and snake-boat races frequently bring even the smallest villages to life.

Besides the natural beauty and ancient culture Kerala is also an important center for holistic ayurveda treatments for the body and the soul. And for this the state is also known as God’ pharmacy. Being an ardent follower of Ayurvedic treatments, I was keen to to experience my trip to Kerala to rejuvenate my body, soul and mind though treatments based on ancient Ashtangadhridaya text. The state today is an important hub for wellness tour ism in India.

The climate is almost good throughout the year for tourism. But as I normally try to avoid very hot and humid weather, I planned for the best months, which are between October and February when its neither too hot nor cool.

Language wise too I did not have any problems as English is very well understood by everyone here. A lot of younger generation today knows Hindi too, though Malayalam is the official and the major languages used.

 

Since I had plenty of time for my trip, I thought of experiencing Kerala at my own pace, and enjoyed visiting the following places:

I landed at the Ernakulum Airport and after enjoying my day boating in the tranquil waters around the city; I spent one of the most stunning evenings of my life on the Marine Drive. Next day I visited Fort Kochi to experience catching fish on the Chinese fishing nets, and Matencherry to visit the Paliam Dutch Palace, Paradesi Synagogue and the Spice market at the Jew Town.

The next stop on my itinerary was Alleppey, known as Alappuzha today. Loads of tourists come here every year for its backwater trips, houseboat stays, and serene beauty, which has been aptly described by Lord Curzon as the “Venice of the East”.

I loved my 2 day stay in a Houseboat and cruising on it through the serene lakes formed because of the backwaters. The backwaters are an extensive network of interlocking rivers (41 west-flowing rivers), lakes and canals that centre on Alleppey, Kumarakom  and Punnamada (where the famous annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held in August).

Munnar, my next stop is one of the best hill stations in Kerala. I stayed here in a cozy British era bungalow from the times when Munnar was the summer capital for British. It is one of the major tea plantations areas in South India.

Driving on through the tea gardens and serene hilly roads, I reached the spice centre Thekkady, a heaven hidden in thick forests and wild vegetation. Here I got a chance to see various species of animals like Cheetals, Sambars, Asiatic Elephants and lion tailed macaques. Playing with monkey kids while waiting for my boat ride on the river was another out of the world experience here.

I now drove to Varkala, one of Kerala’s most scenic sea-side. I thought I was in the French Riviera and enjoyed my stay here on the tantalising coastline with cliffs on one side and lush greenery on the other. Varkala is also an important religious place in Hindu culture and a place for worshipping Lord Vishnu for Nirvana to our ancestors (similar to Gaya in North).

I initially had planned for just one day here, but I was so spellbound by the beauty of the area that I decided to stay here for 3 days.

After coming back to Ernakulam, I still had 2 days to spare and I decided to visit the Vishnu Temple at Guruvayur and then the Athirappilly Water Falls.  By grace of Lord Vishnu and sheer good luck I got a chance to witness a dance festival in the temple where young girls were performing Mohiniattam dance form. It gave me a great photography opportunity and I thanked Lord Vishnu for giving me the opportunity.

They say that if you not seen at least one of the great chattering waterfalls, cascading from gigantic rocky cliffs waterfalls in Kerala, you have missed the best. Hence, I decided to go out and enjoy the beauty of the great Athirappilly waterfalls.

Though I was not willing to but it was time for me to head back to my base, Delhi. With a heavy heart, I packed my bags and said bye-bye to the beautiful state where I think I really was in the lap of the almighty gods. I am sure the ever kind gods will give me another chance to come back into their loving laps.