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Find divinity in Kerala's pristine beaches, hill stations, rivers, and backwaters
Like any local will tell you, the best time to visit Kerala is during the monsoon. The scenic landscapes and lush rainforests come alive during the rains. This aspect got me excited when I planned my first monsoon trip to Kerala. Of course, I had little idea I would meet the thundering clouds in all their glory.
When my train reached Thiruvananthapuram Central, I found the nearby areas flooded due to heavy rains. I changed into shorts and a t-shirt, channelled the Mumbaikar in me, and decided to wade through the flooded station with my wallet, cash, and cell phone safe in plastic bags. After a 20-minute trudge through thigh-high water, I managed to exit the station and hail an autorickshaw to the hotel.
The beautiful state of Kerala is one of India’s most visited tourist places. It enjoyed a free flow of domestic and international tourists throughout the year. A long coastal line zipped around the city, housing the amazing beaches of Varkala, Kovalam, Kappad, and Payyambalam. There is also a network of rivers and backwaters, where houseboats offered an experience you cannot miss. Add to this the abundant hill stations and tea plantations, which is Kerala for you.
The first place I visited in Kerala was Varkala beach. About an hour's scenic drive from Thiruvananthapuram Central, Varkala is one of the most popular beaches. There are natural cliffs on the coast that overlooked the Arabian Sea.
Varkala's layout allows several resorts and hotels to be located on the coast. While I stayed at a resort on the south side, a walk by the beach would take me towards Varkala Cliff in the north. This route made for excellent after-dinner strolls.
The beach is famous for adventure sports, yoga centres, and ayurveda spas. My first yoga session here was in a quaint garden overlooking the Arabian Sea. The locals and foreigners here are welcoming. On any given evening, you can sit for dinner at the seaside eateries and end up with a handful of new friends.
Long stretches of lakes, lagoons, and canals make up the scenic backwaters of Kerala. A houseboat cruise is an experience of a lifetime, and Alappuzha is the most popular venue for cruises. The houseboats are equipped with the latest comforts and offered almost every facility a hotel room can churn up. My taxi from Kochi airport to Alappuzha dropped me at the cruise pick-up point, and from there onward, for the next two nights, I enjoyed the serene cruise through the backwaters.
The houseboat had two bedrooms, a dining area, and a lounge area. The meals were served on time in large portions. For most of the day, I lounged on the couch, sipping coconut water and catching up on much-needed sleep. It is best to enjoy the beauty of the backwaters through a slow and relaxed sail, and houseboats offered just that. For a few heavenly minutes, the captain of the boat even handed me the steering wheel, allowing me to play sailor.
Kerala has over 50 hill stations, each offering a unique experience. These hill stations are replete with unending miles of tea, coffee, and spice plantations. My trips through Kerala’s hills were always adventurous.
Whether it is Munnar’s tea gardens or Thekaddy’s cardamom plantations, I always experienced something I never felt before. I love trekking, and the nature trails are always fun and surprising. The hills in Vagamon, Wayanad, Lakkidi, and Idukki are full of adventure sports for adrenaline junkies.
Kerala is home to several spices, mainly cardamom, turmeric, pepper, clove, and nutmeg. For centuries, the state has been the country's spice capital and an important trade centre for the British, Portuguese, French, and Chinese.
Kerala was always a stop for me to shop for spices, primarily for the authentic taste and rich nutritional value. I would pick cardamom, jasmine, cinnamon, and coconut oils from local manufacturers. Though ayurvedic centres prescribe these oils, it is best to buy them after a consultation with an expert.
With its abundance of hills and forests, Kerala is home to several wildlife reserves. The Periyar National Tiger Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Eravikulam Reserve, Silent Valley Park, and Wayanad Reserve are famous places to visit. I spent several days capturing the beauty of the national parks with my camera. It takes patience and time to enjoy wildlife in its natural habitat. So, make sure you spare time when visiting the parks.
A word of caution: you may not always be able to spot a wild animal. So be ready for disappointments, especially with the weather is not friendly.
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