WORDS: AISHWARYA MENON PHOTOGRAPH: JEREMIAH CHRISTANAND RAO, JYOTHY KARAT, VINOBHA NATHAN
TOEMBRACE KERALA AGAIN
In August last year, Kerala saw its worst rains in a century.
The state was hit hard, its railways, airports and roads
temporarily out of action. Now, a year on, God’s own country
is back on its feet, ready to welcome the world again.WHAT AWAITS YOU?
THE BEACHES: Kerala’s seemingly endless coastline
throws up a slew of unforgettable beaches. From Kovalam
and Alleppey to Varkala, the white sands, the coconut trees
and the calm waters offer a great sun-and-sand experience!THE SLOPES: If the ocean does not call out to you, the
stunning mountains definitely will. Kerala’s mountain
ranges such as Palani Hills, Cardamom Hills and the
Nilgiris, offer much more than just trekking options. From
touring the tea, coffee and spice estates nestled on their
slopes in the hill stations, to staying in a treehouse amid
a lush forest, you’re looking at languid ‘high’ holidays.THE BACKWATERS: Kerala’s backwaters are known
to the world; no holiday here is complete without a ride in
a vellam (boat) to catch a spectacular sunset or, if you can
manage it, a night on a kettuvallam (houseboat ride) that
will bring you up close and personal to life on the banks
of the waterways.THE CULTURE: From festivals to art forms, from costumes
to cuisines, the cultural heritage of Kerala is very unique and
different from the rest of the country. Attend a Kathakali
performance, explore the tharavads (ancestral houses) and pay
your respects at the different places of worship that are each
so different from those in other Indian states.THE FOOD: The food in Kerala will gladden a food enthusiast’s
heart. From unique rice-based dishes such as appam and
idiyappam and distinctive vegetable dishes (thorans and
pachadis) to fiery meat and seafood (try the karimeen pearl spot
fish – that is synonymous with the state), don’t miss putting
Kerala on your plate. Want to taste a lot of variety in a single
sitting? Ask for sadya on a banana leaf!Kerala’s government and tourism department
are now rejuvenated and ready to take on
the influx of travellers the state deserves.
God’s own country relies heavily on the
tourism rupee, and, given its spectacular
sights, mesmerising culture and delicious
food, it’s no difficult decision to go back — let it
be your way of helping the locals rebuild their
lives and livelihood!47
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