In God's own country

And we're back. With tales to tell, of course. And as the title screams loud and clear- we went on a trip to Kerala. Would you believe me if I said this was my first time? Really! And I fell in love with this beautiful state. My God, what a variety in natural resources- from tea to herbs, to Ayurvedic treatments to spices, from beaches to backwaters, from coconuts to banana chips, from beauty to serenity- can you think of another place that delivers all this in just one strip of land? I cant!

So here's how it all started.

Day 1 : We landed at Kochi and immediately started driving towards Munnar. Within an hour's time we were driving up the mountains, towards the cool, clear temperatures of this southern hill station. Vast expanses of tea plantations became visible in a couple of hours. The drive from Kochi to Munnar takes about 4 hrs. We took a 45 min break to grab a quick lunch.

We stayed at the Royal Retreat. Let me tell you, this is the cutest B&B type of place you will find in this area. The place has cabin like rooms- not too many of them. Probably about 15-20 rooms in all. But the quaint rooms, the brightly painted corridors, the colors and scents of the flowers in the yard- all add to its charm. A stream divides this "royal retreat" from a park that is filled with walking trails and a cheery flower garden. This became our evening walk as we settled into our rooms.

Day 2 :The next morning found us driving towards a few popular tourist spots around Munnar such as Pothamedu viewpoint, Mattupetty dam, Echo Point and some waterfalls. While these spots are essentially touristy in nature, its the drive that provides the best views of the luscious green of the tea plantations topped by brilliantly blue skies.








And as we drove around, we eventually were well on our way to our next destination-Thekkady. The drive from Munnar to Thekkady takes about 5+ hrs and is a strenuous one filled with steep slopes and sharp bends. Not a pleasant ride for those that suffer from motion sickness.

Thekkady : What can I say about this destination- so unlike Munnar. But so unique in its own wealth of resources. Our first stop at Thekkady was at a spice plantation- we went on a guided tour. Do take one if you can. There are many of these spice plantation along Thekkady road and its worth a visit. The guide explains the many herbs and spices that grow in this treasure trove that has medicinal value of Ayurvedic significance and home remedies. Its no wonder Kerala was one of the biggest trading ports in India for spices.

We next went to a Kathakali performance at the Mudra arts center.

We stayed at the Rangerwood Nature Castle hotel at Thekkady. This is a new hotel and hence the rooms were freshly painted, the place was well kept and minty fresh. Service was good, though room service is ordered from a Cafe right across from the hotel and hence quality of food was sub-standard. The rooms have a wonderful view of the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary and has a cabin-like feel.










Day 3 : Next day, our first activity was a 2 hr boat ride at the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. We only sighted some wild boars, elephants and birds. Nothing much to write home about. Post lunch, we spent some time shopping for spices, tea and handicrafts. One problem we had at Thekkady was finding good restaurants that catered to the vegetarian palate.

Day 4 : We set off for our last destination- Alleppey. Along the way we stopped by at the Connemara tea factory where we were given a guided tour on the process of tea making. The whole factory smells warmly....of what else...but tea! The steps that are followed to convert the green tea leaves to "tea leaves" that go into the cartons and land right at your dining table as garam chai is nothing short of wonder-mazing!

The drive from Thekkady to Alleppey takes about 3+ hrs. Whoa, what a change of scenery. One steps down from the mountains to the flat lands of luscious green fields lined with coconut trees and water.

Alleppey is the land of back waters- scenic, serene and laid back. Our 3 hr cruise along these calm waters was the perfect end for this great holiday. It was a time to gaze at blues of the sky and water, at the sponge like clouds that dotted the sky, the green of the coconut trees and foliage, the houseboats and fishing boats that amble along the way, the people that live along the shores of the backwaters- doing their thing- be it washing clothes, taking a bath or buying stuff from the peddler-on-a-boat.
















And thus we were done. Our eyes brimming with nature's beauty that's packed more in our minds and longer lasting than any compact flash card could fit.

Signing off
-altoid