Kerala, where history, culture, and nature weave together in a vivid tapestry of timeless beauty
Overview of Kerala Tour
As a tour operator, I had the opportunity to explore the picturesque state of Kerala, traversing through a diverse array of destinations and experiencing the rich cultural tapestry that defines this southernmost region of India. We started our journey from the Kochi International airport and embarked on an itinerary that took us from the bustling city of Kochi to the serene hill station of Munnar, then onward to the wildlife haven of Thekkady, the charming village of Aranmula, the tranquil backwaters of Kumarakom, and finally the historic port city of Alleppey, the tranquil beaches of Marari, before returning to Kochi.
Throughout this journey, we had the chance to inspect a range of hotels and accommodations that cater to the diverse needs of tourists visiting Kerala. Kerala's unique geographical diversity, from its pristine beaches to its lush highlands and verdant backwaters, has made it a prime high-end tourism destination in the Indian subcontinent. The state's moderate climate, rich art, colorful festivals, and natural and cultural attractions have contributed to the flourishing tourism industry.
With the rich culture and historical significance, Kerala has been rated as "one of the fifty destinations to be visited in one's lifetime" by the National Geographic Channel. From the famous jew town, to the Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Kerala can be seen as a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions and traditions.
MUNNAR:
Our first stop was the picturesque hill town of Munnar, nestled amidst the rolling tea plantations and misty mountains. We inspected a range of accommodations, from the quaint colonial-era tea bungalows to the more modern luxury resorts that blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty. The idea of living a life amidst the tea gardens, with the cool mountain breeze caressing one's face, is a unique selling point for this destination, especially with the added thrill of seeing wildlife like the Nilgiri Tahr, porcupines, various non venomous snakes, and a variety of birds species that are uncommon, exotic, and simply breathtaking.
The experience of walking through the verdant tea estates, and understanding the intricacies of tea processing, was a highlight for us in many ways. Learning that the cup of tea we drink has been a result of not one, not two, but thousands of people as they put their heart and soul into it, is astounding to say the least.
As the breeze got cool, we got to experience something even cooler. We went to experience the Kalarikshetra - an amalgamation of spectacular yoga, acrobatics and martial arts - which left us awestruck and mesmerized. This authentic cultural experience allowed us to end our evening on the highest of notes, as we were to excited to see what Thekkady has to offer.
THEKKADY:
After a 2.5 hour drive from Munnar, we reached Thekkady, the wildlife haven and nature’s basket. Thekkady’s Periyar Tiger reserve is home to more than 44 Tigers, and a multitude of other animals including sloth bears, elephants, bisons and more. It is important to realize that Periyar Tiger reserve extends over 325 kms, which makes seeing animals somewhat unrealistic. This is not to say that the Reserve is to be eluded, since the untamed trails and meandering by the lake where only butterflies are to be heard, cannot be described with just words.
Apart from rambling and sauntering in the greens, you have many more options to take in the serene spirit of the forest. One can choose to go for a boating tour and look for animals like elephants from the very center of the forest, or to camp in the very heart of the reserve, and experience the nightlife while being surrounded by the occult nocturnals.
One can be led to believe that Thekkady is only about the Tiger Reserve, but to the true enthusiast, what draws one to this little town, is the plethora of spice gardens and the accompanying spice tour.
The spice garden tour was an enriching experience for us, as we got to learn about the different spices, herbs and medicinal plants that are native to the region. The Cardamom Hills, also known as the "Green Gold" of Kerala is a vital economic aspect of the region. Learning about the cultivation, harvesting and processing of spices like pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and others was truly eye-opening as we got to understand the essence of real spices that are vastly different from their store-bought counterparts. After the invigorating tour, we embarked on an experience that took us back in history, in Aranmula.
ARANMULA:
Approximately 100 k.m from Thekkady, the town of Aranmula greeted us with its rich cultural heritage and a beautiful confluence of traditions. The ancient epicenter if filled with lores to hear and sights to behold. From the famous Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to Sree Krishna, to the boat racing and the unique glass-making, it shimmers of history and glitters of living culture. With mural paintings all over to look at, and heritage homes to explore, Aranmula was an immersion into the essence of Kerala's legacy, as they ensure they duly preserve it by teaching Sanskrit, a sacred classical language, and Kathakakali, an ancient form of dance drama, to its young generation.
The famous Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, with its magnificent architecture and the grand Aranmula Boat Race were the highlights of our visit to this mesmerizing town, as we learned the lore of the Aranmula Vallasadya, a grand ritual offering to the Lord Parthasarathy with more than 64 traditional delicacies, which is considered to be one of the greatest culinary masterpieces of Kerala. One may be led to believe that the town of Aranmula and its offerings are a strict religious affair, but the locals took immense pride in showcasing their traditional arts, crafts, and rituals to us, creating a truly immersive cultural experience. The unique and innovative glass making process, where metal pieces are melted and molded to create intricate designs, was an absolute delight to witness.
Our stay in Aranmula was eye-opening and revealed to us how the rich heritage and culture of India is still preserved and celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm, despite the onslaught of modernization.
ALLEPPEY:
From Aranmula, we embarked on a journey to Alleppey. With serene canals, meandering waterways, and rows of swaying coconut trees, one might think Alleppey is a fictional setting straight out of a postcard. Houseboats galore, Alleppey invites you to take a step in the slow lane of life, as you float on the tranquil backwaters, lavishly eat sumptuous fresh seafood, and witness the myriad avian life that thrives in the bountiful wetlands. Alleppey also offers a dive into Kerala’s traditional way of life. We got to experience coir making, boat-making, screw pine making, and even got to see toddy making, which allowed us to truly understand the village’s people, their livelihood, and their culture.
KUMARAKOM:
Those who do not want to stay on a houseboat can opt for a homestay experience, which provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local way of life. The homestays and resorts in Kumarakom offers a blend of luxury and local culture, with the added benefit of access to the backwaters. Kumarakom is also home to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, a delight for birdwatchers, as it serves a haven for numerous species of both indigenous and migratory birds. Not just the luxury of the houseboat and the glimpse of the bird life, but the relaxing Ayurvedic treatments available in Kumarakom were a true highlight of our stay.
MARARI:
As we neared the end of our Kerala sojourn, we visited the quaint seaside town of Marari. After the backwater experiences, Marari provided us with the perfect opportunity to unwind on the pristine beaches. From the soft white sand to the swaying coconut palms, Marari exuded tranquility and serenity. With phenomenal resorts and plentiful options for relaxation, Marari can be characterized as a beach lover's paradise. The resorts provided us with the perfect blend of luxury and local culture, with live Cattle farms, traditional fishing villages, and Ayurvedic wellness centers in close proximity.
KOCHI:
Our final stop was the vibrant city of Kochi, which seamlessly blends the old and the new. From the ancient Chinese fishing nets to the Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial influences, Kochi is a melting pot of diverse cultures and historical legacies. We explored the historic Fort Kochi area, with its quaint streets, art galleries, and boutique cafes. The Mattancherry Palace, with its magnificent murals, and the Jewish Synagogue, with its intricate Belgian chandeliers, and the Chinese flooring tiles, were true highlights of our Kochi experience.
The Jew Town showcases India’s integral yet profound history, which is preserved and much celebrated in the hustle and bustle of the street. From the artifacts, antiques, and paintings, to the rich history behind the religious relics, Kochi proved to be an amalgamation of the past and the present, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
The glimpse of Chinese fishing nets, the Kathakali dance performance, and the local cuisine made our Kochi experience truly unforgettable.
In conclusion, our tour of Kerala provided us with a multifaceted experience - from the serene backwaters and the lush tea plantations of Munnar, the wildlife of Thekkady, the cultural heritage of Aranmula, the tranquil beaches of Marari, the backwater bliss of Alleppey and Kumarakom, to the vibrant and historic city of Kochi, Kerala truly lived up to its reputation as "God's Own Country”.
