Munnar Holidays, Hotels, Accommodations

MUNNAR

Beaches and backwaters apart, Kerala has some enchanting hills stations as well. My favorite of the lot is Munnar,  situated at the confluence of three mountain streams. The excitement of Munnar begins much before you actually reach there. The winding lanes that take you to this tourist destination is dotted with trees and make your drive up hill a pleasant one. Something that really interests the tourists is the tea plantation. The visitors can set their eyes on acres of   tea estates and take in their beauty.

What’s best? - When you are holidaying in Munnar, take a trip to the famous Eravikulam National Park, which is 15 km from Munnar. If you love trekking, then the Panoramic Attukkal will be a great place to head to. Fore More Details Visit:http://koothattukulam.in/kerala-tourism.html

Kumarakom, Luxury Hotels,Homestays,Houseboats

KUMARAKOM

Think Kumarakom, and you will feel yourself wrapped up in a cocoon of greenery and scenic beauty. Pretty country sides, lagoons, country boats and canoes make it an interesting place to unwind.  If you want to take a breather from the cluttered city life, head to Kumarakom and immerse yourself in its simplicity. Go for leisurely stroll, hire a cycle and pedal your way through the country sides, take a swim in the backwaters with the village kids, go canoeing, chat up with the curious onlookers , sample some freshly tapped toddy  or  go fishing. Kumarakom has plenty of premium resorts for the benefit of the tourists.

Whats best? -  Visit the famous Kumarakom Bird Life Sanctuary and catch glimpses of exotic flaura and fauna.

Alleppey Hotels, Homestays,House Boats

ALLEPPEY

Shift to Alleppey and the scene changes drastically. This is Kerala at its purest, unadulterated form. If you are a poet or have ever taken poetry seriously, then you would really want to pen down few lines. If you are in love, make sure your honey is beside you. If you are newly-married, then there are not many places that can be a better honeymoon destination. If you are enjoying a retired life, then this is the best place to fix yourself a coffee and be nostalgic about your good old days. And if you are city-dweller, you would want to run here every time you want to take a break from the maddening pace of city  life. It has almost everything for a peaceful holiday, so what is there not to like? Champakulam -where the St Mary Forane Church built in 1942 is situated,  Karumadikuttan - a granite figure of Great Budha and  Ambalapuzha are some of the attractions.

Whats best? – Alleppey teaches you to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Just like being in the company of good people, bring out the goodness in you, the natural goodness of the place coupled with the simple folks will give you a sudden rush of goodness. The best time to visit is during the Nehru Boat race held annually on the second Saturday of August. A houseboat cruise along the backwaters is one of the highlights.

Fort Cochin, Fort Cochin Hotels, Homestays, Budget Accommodation in Fort Cochin,Luxury Hotels In Fort Cochin

FORT COCHIN

Fort Cochin is a hip town in the otherwise rural Kerala. Thanks to its European heritage, the town has a very cosmopolitan temperament to it.  All you got to do is take a walk through the streets and take in its essence.  From natural harbors to historical sites, the town has a lot to offer to a tourist. Fort Cochin has a very quaint charm to it that will immediately attract the history enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The experience of wandering  through Fort Cochin can be likened to flipping pages of a history book.  A melting pot of culture, this town opens doors to the past. Synagogue, Portuguese palace and Dutch homes are some of the prominent things that are in store for you.  Chinese fishing net may catch your fancy,  so would the spice markets which have an assortment of spices on sale.

 

Whats best?  – A lazy day on the beach followed by a cozy meal at one of the continental 

restaurants.  If you are in Kerala, then Fort Cochin is the best place  for a continental experience. Kashi Art Cafe is a favorite among the tourists.

Kerala Hotels, Luxury Hotels,Budget Accommodation,Homestays

KERALA

Kerala is a small strip of scenic land situated at the Southwestern tip of India. “God’s own country” as it is lovingly called is one of the most toured places in the world.. If you are a fact-finder, then it would interest you to know that National Geographic Traveler recommends it as one of the 50 destinations of a lifetime and one of the thirteen paradises in the world. Facts and credits aside, I totally root for the warm fuzzy feeling it gives me each time.

A tourist visiting Kerala is welcomed by a bouquet of surprises - salubrious climate, stretches of greenery , lot of rustic beauty, quiet backwaters, misty hill stations, beaches, wildlife., traditional art forms, vibrant festivals, unique cuisines, Ayurveda and a versatile shopping experience. Kerala has a lot of hidden treasures embedded across its length and breadth . I have handpicked some of my favorite destinations and detailed about the nuances that set it apart from the rest, yet intricately connect them all together through a thread of wistfulness. Join me in this journey of discovery….

Five Things not to miss when you are in Kerala

Crunchy banana chips – Raw or ripe bananas diced and fried in oil is a popular snack. It can get a little addictive though. You put one into your mouth and you would need a handful.  Goes best with hot tea

Thattu kadas – Traditional tea shops where the simple village folks gather, drink tea, read newspapers and  talk. Everything ranging from international politics to local gossip is dissected and analysed at length. Steamed cake (puttu) and Kadala (black gram) is the mostly ordered breakfast.  They also serve hot , spicy or sweet evening snacks.

Kathakali –  This  traditional dance of Kerala is definitely a unique experience. Elaborate costumes complete with head gear and  vibrant colours are sure  to fascinate tourists. The dancers enact different stories on stage and communicate through facial gestures. That said, this is no everyone’s cup of tea. Ayurveda – Do not miss a chance to get an Ayurvedic session while you are at Kerala. It is rejuvenating, relaxing and revives your senses. Wrap off your holiday at one of the many Ayurvedic Resorts here.

Sadya – What is a trip to Kerala without sampling its cuisine  . The Sadya is traditional vegetarian meals served on a Plantain leaf. There are a host of  side dishes and the Sadya is often wrapped off with Payasam, a sweet dish.