Gently swaying palms, gleaming white pristine beaches, endless captivating stretches of meandering backwaters and lots of happy friendly folks. The list is infinite when it comes to describing Kerala’s myriad charms. Aptly known as ‘God’s Own Country’, the destination is an indescribably beautiful place and is best explored during the months of November to March.
Like countless other travellers, I feel that the biggest highlight of a Kerala trip is to cruise the backwaters on a houseboat. The experience is all the more merrier if you are on a romantic outing. In fact, everything about Kerala spells pure bliss. Be it simply gorging on scrumptious South Indian cuisines or drinking in the natural wonders of game filled lush forests, huge tranquil rice paddies, or the softly rolling green hills – Kerala slowly grows upon the senses and finally enraptures one completely.
Kerala is also as much known for its exquisite temples as for its abundance of virginal natural beauty. Some of the most famous ones that I was lucky enough to see include Thirunelly Temple, Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ochira Temple, Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, Thiruvalla Temple, and the jungle temple of Mangla Devi. Even if you are an atheist, the temples are worth a visit for their aesthetic beauty and architectural genius.
To make the most of your Kerala trip, make sure that you indulge in some alternate therapy like ayurvedic treatments, naturopathy, panchakarma, siddha, spa therapy, and yoga classes. I promise that the experience is worth much more than what you spend and will rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. My personal favourite centre for such therapy was learning Hatha Yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram.
Wish you a great Kerala trip. Will be back soon with stories of another fabulous destination to be shared.
– Pinak Shome
