Itinerary to God’s Own Country: Kerala
The year 2022 definitely calls for more traveling in India, and what better than visiting a paradise location in India. Lying far apart from the rest of the polluted states is ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala. The rich tea plantations, paddy fields, serene coastline, coconut meadows, and serene beaches will leave you spell-bounded. A well-rounded tour of the state of Kerala is going to take you to explore the famous backwaters, therapeutic ayurvedic massages, and some delicious spicy cuisine of Kerala.
Places To Visit In Kerala
Content yourself with the best of the places you can make out of Kerala, surely a God’s own country. Rejuvenate yourself among the abundance of nature’s gift and incredible landscapes.
KOCHI
Kochi or Cochin in the southwest region of India is the financial, commercial, and industrial capital of Kerala. Also called the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea, Kochi was previously the center of the Indian spice trades for Jews, Syrians, Arabs, and Chinese. It showcases great diversity and cultural aspects, defining why it is one of the best places to explore in Kerala. In fact, the World Travel Tourism Council and the National Geographic Traveler’s ’50 greatest places of a lifetime acknowledge it. Kochi is surrounded by a unique blend of Jewish, Dutch, Portuguese, and British Architecture. It is however a treat to witness. Spending a day at Kochi while exploring the extent of this god’s own country, Kerala is an apt amount of time to devote to it.
MUNNAR, THE PRIDE OF KERALA – GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
After exploring the rich culture of Kochi, it’s time for you to head to the most popular and beautiful hill station in South India, Munnar. The famous hill station of the south, Munnar is just a forty-five-minute ride from Kochi. It was once the summer resort of the British Government. Munnar has gained popularity amongst many tourists for its large spread of tea plantations, diverse fauna, rich forests, and grasslands. Adjudged as the ‘Kashmir of South India’ for the purity unperturbed beauty that lies in its nature is something that should surely be experienced while touring from Kochi to other significant towns of Kerala. Munnar is especially perfect for honeymooners.
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THEKKADY
Tourists especially wildlife enthusiasts across the globe love to travel to Thekkady. The sole reason is that it is home to the country’s largest Tiger Reserve, the Periyar National park. It is a three-hour ride for people traveling from Munnar. Thekkady is a perfect spot to spend a day or a couple of hours to experience varied adventurous activities. The most popular is the bamboo rafting around the Mullaperiyar dam. It is one of the most fun activities to try around the town. Surrounded by the rich flora and fauna, Thekkady is perfect to spend some quiet time around. You could also choose a little quiet spot for your family, spread a bamboo mat, soak in the sun and eat snacks. The magnificent view of the hills surrounding you, adds a nice touch of perfection.
KUMARAKOM, BEAUTIIFUL ISLAND IN GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
Kumarakom lies on a cluster of small islands with the backdrop of the largest lake in Kerala, the Vembanad Lake. The Vembanad is one of the most stunning locations to visit in Kerala. The reason is, that it inhabits various kinds of marine species. The town promotes rich flora and fauna through its popular bird sanctuary, the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The Kumarakom is the prime spot where various extinct birds are known to visit. Due to its abundant fertility, the town is full of lush fields, and coconut and mango orchards. Hence, visitors can spot the nature’s natural phenomena in abundance here. They are bound to leave you spell-bounded on every step. Kumarakom was also one of the world’s 25remote and exotic destinations by the Cande Nast Travellers. Thekkady to Kumarakom is an approximately three-hour drive.
ALAPPUZHA
Alappuzha is formerly known as Alleppey. It is regarded as one of the most famous towns in God’s own country, Kerala. That is due to its cleanliness in the entire state of India. It is also popular as ‘the Venice of the East as it is the hub of Kerala’s backwaters and has over a thousand houseboats situated on its waters. The houseboats are an inspiration for the Kettuvallams that were used for transporting tonnes of rice and spices. The interiors of the houseboats are like a hotel room with an air conditioner, toilet, living room, kitchen, and a balcony.
The sheer beauty of the lagoons, coconut trees, beaches canals and other beautiful elements surrounds the backwaters. Located at a distance of 53 km from Kochi, Alleppey is great to spend some time at. Beach lovers can choose to stay near the beach houses. Most probably they can opt for a swim or a rich ayurvedic massage.
KOVALAM
A four-hour drive from Alappuzha will land you at the paradise location known as Kovalam. Kovalam is a hit among the Indians as well as foreigners due to its vibrant and high vibes of the numerous places that will leave you confused about which to visit and which to skip. A unique blend of native fishes and calm waters makes for the perfect opportunity to take a dip. Non-swimmers also have plentiful options to act on. One of the must-have experiences in Kovalam for visitors to experience are the Ayurvedic massages at the Yoga and Ayurvedic massage centers. It will eventually relax every strained muscle of your body. There are various kinds of Ayurvedic health resorts, herbal body toning massage facilities, convention facilities, and shopping zones to enjoy some relaxing and therapeutic time. Indeed a heart-throbbing spot in the God’s own country, Kerala.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, THE CAPITAL OF THE GOD’S OWN COUNTRY
Thiruvananthapuram or formerly known as Trivandrum, the capital of the very God’s own coumtry, Kerala is one of the most crowded cities of Kerala. It is one among the topmost Information Technology hubs in the country as well as in the world. The great father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi called the ‘Evergreen city of India’. It is Home to various research centres and media institutions. Thiruvananthapuram is today’s premium hub spot for students too. In 2013, India Today acknowledged the city as the best city to live in India and ranked the fifteenth. It was also selected as the best-governed city in India in the survey conducted by Janaagraha Centre for citizenship and democracy in 2017.