Kerala – Tripping In God’s Own Country!!

Kerala rolls out like a verdant carpet from the hills to the sea. The fabled Malabar Spice coast of yesteryear once attracted merchants and missionaries. Today it brings in tourists!! A state with multifaceted virtues, Kerala stands out like a gem of South India. Much before many other Indian states began marketing and branding of destinations, Kerala realized its immense natural treasure troves were meant for the rest of the world to be seen and experienced. And thus in the early nineties, India's most literate state was given the tagline- `God's Own Country'. The label lived to its reputation with visitors pouring in from across the globe, some spending three weeks at a stretch for health and rejuvenation programs at Ayurvedic resorts while others came to laze and gaze at the vast stretch of the Arabian sea skirting the state from North to South. Many discovered and soaked in its ancient cultures, traditions and customs. Quite naturally, it was voted as one of the ten best places in the world for an enthralling leisure experience by National Geographic Traveler in early 2000.

According to legend, Kerala's bond with the sea is like that of a mother and child. It is widely believed that Kerala emerged from the sea, when Parasu Rama, one of the ten incarnations of the Lord Vishnu, threw his battle axe into the sea to atone for his sin of killing thousands of Kshatriyas [Warriors]. The sea forgave, and receded, bringing into existence Kerala, a marvel of water and land, that is unique in every way. Post A.D. it was ruled by the Chera Dynasty for more than 1000 years, until it was defeated by Chola rulers in 12 AD. The state grew in importance as a trading post for spices and pepper from its ancient trading port of Muziris (north of Kochi), and traded with the Roman Empire and other important international trading centres.

The southernmost state in India on the western border, Kerala stretches out with outstanding sights from north to south with tourists destinations accessible by road, boat and in some cases by train. A network of backwaters and canals map the state like arteries and veins on a human body. Having to spend less time travelling between destinations augurs well for first time and seasoned visitors seeking quality time to soak in a destination. Journey time between Kochi and Alleppey is less than three hours, yet, the transformation from the historic town of Fort Kochi to romantic waterways of Alleppey is magical. Moving east in a span of three hours you enter the Periyar National Park, teeming with lion tailed macaques, Malabar squirrels & those wondrous creatures - the Asiatic Elephant. The quad is complete for first time visitors who enjoy a scenic drive to Munnar, four hours to the west and north of Periyar. Known for tea estates planted in the 19th century, Munnar is a carpet of verdant green, and home to a near extinct species, the Niligiri Thar. Returning back to Kochi takes less than four hours.

Kerala's attractions don't end here, breathtaking beaches line the coastline, with Cherai, Marari, Varkala, Pulinkudi and Kovalam (to name a few) vying for visitors. The view of the beach from a hill-top and possibility of spotting dolphins on a clear day along with affordable accommodation is what brings the tourist class to Varkala. Kovalam has a mix of discerning, luxury and backpackers. Specialty Ayurveda resorts alongside beachfronts, overlooking languid oceans, add the extra zing for long stay visitors. Year after year, some return back. A combination of beach spray and ancient traditional hand (in some cases, foot) massage takes visitors to a new state of bliss or super consciousness!The art of enjoying a backwater ride on a rice-barge (ketuvallum) was introduced more than two decades ago by a couple of enterprising tour operators. Rice boats were converted into single bedroom houseboats; as the boat chugged along, peregrinators were treated to insights on village lifestyles, enchanting greenery and some outstanding quiet (not easily found in India!). The trend continues to this day, though number and size of houseboats have increased many times over. Today conferences are held on luxury houseboats. The trick though, is to go off the beaten water paths for more secluded and serene spots. Coming close to nature or being one with it, then becomes a possibility. Hospitality is the hallmark of Keralan homes, this transformed into providing visitors with an experience of staying in traditional houses with owners quite often doubling up as gracious hosts as well as providing exemplary Malabar cuisine. Homestay are the new rage, on many occasions' visitors find homestay experiences memorable, invigorating and relaxing.

Northern Kerala remained largely unknown to the outside world until early 2002. Today it draws a large number of visitors in search of ancient rock cut caves at Edekkal, pristine beauty at Waynad and historical monument and Forts at Sultans Batthery. Kozhikode is the nearest airport; an array of magnificent resorts overlooking languid rivers offers genuine reasons for overnighting. Tree-houses first made their mark at Waynad, the trend continues today in the rest of India. Locations though, may not be as scenic!!There are many reasons to visit Kerala, ranging from religious to leisure, serious research to relaxing massages, discovering natural beauty to a taste of the modern, finding transformed communities and ancient age-old traditions. Kerala's best kept secret is that as tourist destination it keeps throwing up surprises and has an endearing branding program that ensures travelers visit 'God's own Country,' several times over. Who wouldn't? Even the flip-flop visitor trips & falls over Kerala!!!!!!

-Hector Dsouza