 |
| Kerala |
Kerala in southern India has a reputation for being one of the country's most beautiful destinations, but experiencing it on a journey through the state reveals why it is known as God’s Own Country.
Our Kerala tour took us from the historic streets of Kochi through spectacular waterfalls, mountain tea plantations, tranquil waterways, temples and beautiful beaches, creating an unforgettable introduction to southern India.
A big part of the success of our journey was having a knowledgeable local driver and guide, Sameer Koya, known as Mr Koya, who went above and beyond to accommodate our requests and help us discover his homeland.
Kochi: The Historic Beginning
 |
| Street mural located in Fort Kochi, Kerala |
From Kochi, our journey continued towards Athirapally, with the changing scenery providing a taste of the extraordinary landscapes that make Kerala such a popular destination for travellers.
Athirapally and the Tea Plantations of Munnar
Athirapally provided another memorable stop before we continued towards Munnar, one of Kerala's most famous hill destinations.
Munnar is surrounded by spectacular green hills and seemingly endless tea plantations. The cooler mountain climate and peaceful scenery provided a complete contrast to the tropical landscapes experienced earlier in the journey.
And, of course, enjoying some of the best tea in Munnar was an essential part of the experience. For visitors interested in Indian tea, the Munnar region provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the connection between the tea plantations, local communities and Kerala's mountain environment.
Kottayam and the Peaceful Kerala Backwaters
 |
the famous seasonal pink water lily (ambal) fields in Malarikkal |
We then travelled to Munroe Island, one of the most memorable destinations of the tour. Floating along the backwaters offered a completely different perspective of Kerala, passing through tranquil waterways surrounded by tropical vegetation and local communities.
For anyone planning a Kerala holiday, experiencing the backwaters should be high on the itinerary. It is an opportunity to slow down and experience a quieter side of India away from the busy cities.
Temples, Varkala and Kerala's Beautiful Beaches
Our journey also included visits to temples along the way, providing fascinating insights into Kerala's religious traditions, architecture and culture.
We eventually reached Varkala, where the beaches were a major highlight. The relaxed atmosphere reminded us of what Goa was like around 10 years ago, with beautiful coastal scenery and a more laid-back feeling.
Our Kerala adventure concluded in Thiruvananthapuram, where we visited the magnificent Shree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the city's most renowned landmarks.
Travelling Kerala with Mr Koya
 |
| Mr Koya |
Thank you to Mr Koya for going above and beyond throughout our journey and for sharing a part of his homeland with us.
We had heard through social media that Kerala was beautiful, but seeing it ourselves showed us that it is so much more than photographs can convey. The food was phenomenal, the people were kind and the scenery was unbelievable.
Kerala truly has a way of resetting the soul. After travelling through Kochi, Athirapally, Munnar, Kottayam, Munroe Island, Varkala and Thiruvananthapuram, it has become one of those destinations that we would happily return to again.
Sameer Koya – Mr Koya Kerala Travel
For enquiries about Kerala tours, local driving, sightseeing and personalised travel arrangements, contact Sameer Koya through his Facebook profile for current information.
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment