'Gods own Country' - Kerala
My itinerary arranged with our Destination Management Company in India TBI featured city, backwaters and beach. I enjoyed sightseeing and visiting hotels to enhance my knowledge of what is regarded as India's second most popular area to holiday in.
Arriving in Kochi by road and ferry was a unique way to reach our hotel in the tourist popular area of Fort Kochi. Calm and easy to get around the city was a lovely surprise. Our half day city tour of Fort Kochi was so interesting. Architecture, religion and cuisine influences from India, the Portuguese, Syrian Christians, Jews, Dutch and British. Travel should broaden the mind and I felt that I had learned so much in the space of 3 hours! Did you know that Kochi has the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth?
We also enjoyed a Kathakali dance performance. A unique part of the tour offers you an early entry to watch the performers put their make-up up on and teaches you their art of eye and facial movements which are key to the performance.
We had a private car and driver Mr Rajesh for our whole stay. A 2-hour drive took us to the Backwaters. This is the name given to Lake Vembanad and all the little channels that run off it. It's almost described as a sea because it's so vast. Coconut trees, paddy fields and lush trees make it a beautiful green vision. We enjoyed staying at our lakefront hotel, relaxing by the pool and going on a bird watching tour where we caught sight of the Snake bird. Now a threatened species the Kerala government have called 22nd June 'Snake bird day’ to protect its existence. Sunset cruise, cookery class, yoga and meditation are amongst the many activities to participate in.
Our other experience was to stay on a house boat, a converted rice barge. Spend a day sailing the waterways watching village life. It's a unique experience, rustic and with basic comforts. Something I had always wanted to do and very pleased that I now have. If you don't want to stay overnight a half day excursion can easily be arranged. It's worth noting that there are several categories of houseboat, deluxe to super.
Our final stay would be on the coast. There are two resorts I have sent many clients to and I have always wanted to see them for myself. The first was a lunch stop and hotel inspection of Marari Beach Resort. It was a lovely hotel on the beach. Very high standards, excellent customer service and we enjoyed a delicious meal there. The second was Kovalam where I chose to spend a few nights. The Leela is beach front, a buggy takes you down to their private section of the beach. It's a working beach where you can watch the fisherman. Lighthouse Beach comes to life in the evenings with lots of souvenir shops and restaurants, specialising in seafood. There's a laid-back atmosphere. Both beach resorts feature Ayurvedic spas, a very popular form of relaxation and treatments using natural organic ingredients. Many visitors follow a treatment plan and stay between 7 and 31 days.
Kerala is a delightful state to visit. It offers a great variety of experiences for the traveller. Both private journeys and escorted tours are offered. Enjoy city, culture, history, wildlife reserves, tea plantations, hill stations, home stay, lakes and beach. 'Gods own Country', it is aptly named.