Kerala India Vacation

Kerala Houseboat

My stress took me to rejuvenation! Sounds odd, but true. Once I realized that my work is getting heavies and unbearable day by day, I planned a week-long trip to Kerala. It was the first month of monsoon and Kerala backwaters welcomed me with full enthusiasm. I was booked in a Kerala houseboat. A houseboat in Kerala is a medium that can let you explore all the major parts of this green state and offers true joy of living on waters. Moreover, you can halt at any of the beach resorts to savour lip-smacking Kerala cuisine and a wide variety of sea food delicacies. These beach resorts also offer a wide range of Ayurveda therapies for complete rejuvenation of mind, body & soul.

My sightseeing stated with Alleppey – the Venice of the East. My guide told me that these luxurious houseboats were earlier called ‘Kettuvalloms’ and were used as a medium to transport food grains and spices. My houseboat was well equipped with facilities like spacious bedroom with attached bath, kitchen, dining area, sun deck, living area etc. it was no less than an accommodation unit of a star rated luxurious hotel. The best part with the houseboat was it was completely made of natural products like bamboo mats, sticks, palm leaves and wood. The smooth wooden flooring and coir mats also added to the beauty of my houseboat.

The houseboat took me to places like Kumarakom, Kasargod, Guruvayur, Periyar, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram. While staying on waters I easily explored all these cities. I wandered across market streets and collected some of the rarest handicraft items. I visited the most ancient Hindu temples. I witnessed the finest of greenery. I spotted the rarest of animals in picturesque wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The best part of my tour in Kerala was a long relaxing nature walk amidst spice and tea/coffee plantations in Periyar.

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Kerala Wildlife

A large Indian wildlife book, start to finish, could take one to two years. But it could not satisfy my thirst to explore the divine greens and click the rarest & endangered species of animals / birds in India. All I really wanted to do was wildlife photography. I feel like I’m nothing without wildlife. They are the stars. I feel awkward without them.

And then I booked my tickets to Kerala – God’s own country. This was the ideal place where I could find the most exciting wildlife patters flourished amongst soothing greens and serene waterways. It was a two day journey by train, so I bought Kerala travel guide along with me. Those two days I kept on reading about Kerala wildlife and its enchanting elements.

The first place I came across was Periyar Tiger Reserve. Easily accessible from Madurai, Trivandrum, Cochin and Thekkady – Periyar is one of the most prestigious regions on the high ranges of the Western Ghats. Tranquil countryside, rich plantations, thick jungles and much more – I could imagine the true beauty of this fascinating natural wildlife sanctuary. Kerala vacation guide says that Periyar comprises of 171 grass species, 143 orchid species, 35 mammal species and over 265 avifauna species. That was a true love without any sight, where I lost my soul to the diverse geomorphology, wildlife and beautiful landscapes of Kerala.

Later, Kerala travel guide transported me to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, the second habitat of the endangered giant squirrel in India. Located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor – Udumalped Road. Elephants, Gaurs, Spotted Deers, Panthers, Sambars, Hanuman Langurs & Rabbits can also be easily spotted here.

Later I came to know that Eravikulam National Park, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are some other ideal places to visit if you are a wildlife lover. These wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala are so well nurtured by the divine nature that one will surely surrender his spirit. And after two days – I was there at Trivandrum railway station – all set to explore the virgin beauty of this charming state.

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Kerala Honeymoon Tour

While going through the Kerala travel guide, one thing that I noticed was that pick any of the Kerala tour packages – you will find yourself surrounded by serene and picturesque waterways. This is one such divine green land that is blessed with 44 rivers, canals, lagoons and backwaters. I, being there for my Kerala honeymoon tour, was booked in a luxury houseboat.

My Kerala vacations started off with Cochin where I enjoyed my visits to Jewish structures and various churches. The market was dotted with authentic handicrafts and aromatic spices. Next I headed for Kumarakom backwaters through Vembanad Lake – the longest backwater stretch in Kerala. This was the time when I experienced a superb stay in Kerala while living on waters.

After exploring enough of marine life, I paid a short visit to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary that is undoubtedly called as the Paradise of Ornithologists / Bird Lovers. Kovalam Beach, next in our list, was again a splendid place where I could spend some quality time with my beloved cum wife watching the pleasant sunset.

Next day, we headed for the rejuvenating plantations of tea / coffee and spices in Periyar and spent a couple of house enjoying nature walk there. In the second half, after lunch, we decided to step in the thrilling Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary. There I came across a number of rarest of mammals and migratory birds.

We both also availed few of the premium Ayurveda therapies on our houseboat. That was completely refreshing and made our honeymoon in Kerala simply memorable for a lifetime.

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