Kerala -- God's Own Country!

Alleppey Backwaters

Looking back at history, Kerala was the first state which had trade links with the western world, it was from this very coast Indian spices reached Europe and trade flourished between India and the west as never before. Though it has been said that Kerala traded spices since Sangam era, if we go further back around 1st century B.C. Muziris--was an ancient harbour on Malabar Coast in Kerala, it was a center for trade links with Romans and Greeks as well as Persians. The exact location of Muziris is unknown to historians and archeologists and is a controversial issue.

In this post some unchartered destinations in Kerala and also some enthralling holiday destinations have been covered:
A. Kochi
B. Allapuzha (Allepey)
C. Kovalam beach
D. Thiruvananthapuram

A. Kochi
Kochi is referred to as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'. No city in India blends so many diversified cultures: apart from traditional culture of Kerala, an intrigue mix of Jews, Portuguese, Dutch and British cultural influence can be seen, showcasing historic cosmopolitan legacy of the city.

Tourist destinations in Kochi

1. The Synagogue
It is a landmark of the Jew town in Mattancherry. It is often said that no visitor passes Kochi without finding himself at the door of the Synagogue.

Jewish Synagogue, Kochi

Walking down the Jewish street one will observe an old clock mounted on serene white colonial structure with clay tile sloping roof  which freezes the moment and breaks the dialogue one had with the Jewish street. That pause gives a room for thought, it seems walls of the glorious Jews Synagogue has a lot of stories to tell....

Jewish Synagogue,  Kochi

How to reach?
One may board a ferry from Ernakulam to Mattancherry. In the narrow streets of Mattancherry one may board a Rickshaw--(a three wheeler) which was originally imported from Japan, introduced in Kochi by a Jewish.

2. Some vignettes of  Kochi-Muziris Biennale--2014
I visited Kerala in December 2014, during Kochi- Muziris biennale, it is one of the largest art and architecture exhibition in Asia, in its name Muziris reflects the idea to invoke the ancient legacy of the state.

Pavilion for Kochi-Muziris Biennale--2014

Pavilion for Kochi-Muziris biennale--2014

Street-art, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Street-art, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Street-art, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Street-art, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

Street-art, Kochi-Muziris Biennale

 B. Alappuzha (Alleppey)
If globetrotters looking for finest beaches in the country, Kerala is lined up with entire coast of 600km with sandy beaches. Alleppey beach is the one which leaves the visitor in the state of tranquillity.

Alleppey Beach

Alleppey Beach

Backwaters

If one thing that distinguish Kerala from other sea shore destinations is not only its serene beaches but also its backwaters. Taking a houseboat ride for a day in inland backwaters is a most thrilling experience of a lifetime. It is for this reason, Kerala has been recommended as "50 destinations of a  lifetime" by National Geographic Traveller. A visit to the state is incomplete without exploring a day in backwaters.

Alleppey Backwaters

Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala

House Boat, Backwaters, Kerala

Entrance of a bungalow opening directly onto the backwaters

Inland waterways as the means of transport

How to reach?

Alleppey is around 50km from Kochi and can be reached by road via NH 66, Kerala is a linear state so trip should ideally be planned covering each destinations as you drive from north Kerala to south Kerala. We landed in Kochi and from Kochi we took a cab for Alleppey. 

Accomodation

Heritage home stay in century old houses designed in traditional Kerala architecture with wooden carvings, is highly recommended.

House-boat Tariffs:
Houseboat for a day ride in Alleppey and a night stay will cost: Rs 9000.

For House-boat Reservations:
Alleppey Backwaters
Raj Residence Building,
Near KSRTC Bus Station, Boat Jetty Road,
Alappuzha, Kerala
Telephone: +91 477 3201258
Cell phone: +91 9846184528
Email: alpybackwaters@yahoo.co.in

Heritage Bungalow, Alleppey

Homestay in Heritage Bungalow

Traditional wood carvings 

C. Kovalam beach
Kovalam beach is one of the most pristine beaches in Kerala. The Raviz Kovalam beach resort in the backdrop enhances its beauty and the design of the resort is site specific, instead of imposing a massive structure on the shores of the coast, architect tried to preserve the serene landscape of the beach.

Raviz Kovalam Beach Resort in backdrop of Kovalam beach

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam Beach

How to reach?
Kovalam beach is 4h drive via NH 66 from Alleppey.

Accomodation
Raviz Kovalam Beach Resort is one of the exotic sea facing resorts in Kerala, stay in the resort is an experience in itself. It has been designed by eminent architect Charles Correa in contemporary vernacular style.

Raviz Kovalam Beach Resort, Kerala

For Reservations:
Website: https://www.theraviz.com/
Telephone: +91 471 3051234

D. Thiruvananthapuram

Padmanabhaswami Temple
The temple built in a fusion of Chera style and Dravidian style of architecture, infact its an intricate fusion of Traditional Kerala architecture and Tamil architecture. The temple is one of the main holy abodes of Vaishnavism. A lot of mythical stories can been heard about this temple.
The serene landscape of temple premises may leave visitors in the trance of tranquillity, the temple gopuram (long entrance gate) stands next to the Padma Theertham (Lotus spring water body) with number of traditional Kerala style roof structures and number of palm trees all around.

Padmanabhaswami temple

Napier Museum
It is an architecture masterpiece designed by Robert Chisholm, if one inspect closely it is a blend of gothic elements, indo- saracenic arches, traditional Kerala roof system. The museum houses art and historical artefacts. It was built in late 19th century.

How to reach?
It is 5 km from the city center.

Visiting hours:
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Napier Museum

Napier Museum

Best time to visit Kerala
For Backwaters: November to Febraury
For Hill stations and beaches: September to March
For Ayurveda: June to August

Flight fare: We booked Mumbai to Kochi return Indigo flight that cost us around 8,000 INR.

Accomodation:
We didn't spend much on hotels, we rather preferred hostels, lodges that were quite reasonable except for a night stay in Kovalam Beach Resort.

Cost of travelling in Kerala
For backpackers total cost of the trip per head was Rs 25,000 (inclusive of flight fare, accomodation, shopping etc.)

Shopping and Souvenirs:
Kerala is famous for coir handicrafts, artefacts, spices, Kerala sarees.

I hope this post will help you plan an incredible itinerary. If you have any further queries....
Just give me a shout!