Any regular traveler to India will tell you that there’s a lot more to the land of the Taj Mahal than monuments, deserts, markets and the Himalayas. The state of Kerala is an outstanding example. Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” because it has historically traded spices with Europe and other regions and civilizations across centuries.
One of India’s most southern states, Kerala is located on the Malabar coast, boasting nearly 600km of Arabian Sea on India’s south western shoreline. It’s known for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters network of canals. Steeped in history, with a laid back, almost Polynesian attitude, Kerala is truly where East meets West. Religiously diverse, one is apt to see a Catholic church alongside a Mosque next to a Hindu shrine. A most peaceful coexistence.
We’ve visited Kerala a few times so this visit was more about enjoying the elements and abundant hospitality, and perhaps a little less about exploring. That said, every time one visits this tropical paradise, one is likely to see something missed during the previous visits.
We began our stay by flying into Kochi, about a three hour non-stop flight from Delhi. Called the “Queen of the Arabian Sea”, Kochi has been an important spice trading centre on the west coast of India from the 14th century onward and was the main seat of Portuguese India until 1530, when Goa was chosen instead.
Kochi has a charm all it’s own. Quaint and colonial, with an almost village-like atmosphere, there is a substantial historical legacy in the coastal portion of the city. Fisherman reap the harvest of the sea from the shoreline using giant Chinese fishing nets…the daily fresh bounty is offered right there on the shoreline. Locals and tourists alike stroll the waterfront and the town square, stopping to dine at a vast variety of local restaurants or partake of the food stalls. There is also the old Jewish quarter of the city, with an abundance of antique shops and gift stores, where with patience one can find remarkable pieces and souvenirs. There is also an old Synagogue and a Jewish cemetery, reminders that this was also once an even larger multi-religious venue.
For this visit we chose to stay at the Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond, one of the most beautiful waterfront retreats in Kumarakom about a 2 hour drive from the airport. Nestled on the banks of Lake Vembanad, amidst lush tropical gardens, the retreat offers a limited number of luxurious villas offering glorious views of the lake. Meandering pathways amidst breezy coconut palms and tropical foliage lead to the accommodations. The retreat features a world-class wellness spa rooted in Kerala’s ancient wellness practices (an oil massage unlike any other you’ve ever had), a large outdoor swimming pool, performance deck, two gourmet restaurants offering regional and global cuisine, a well equipped fitness center, and meeting spaces.
Walk into a world of bliss created by the ripples of warm, tranquil backwaters in God’s own country. In Kumarakom, you can watch the sun work its magic on the backwaters while you relish on delicious recipes. One of the highlights each morning was planning the day’s meals with the amazing chef Anish Kumar.
No visit to Kerala is complete without traversing the peaceful backwaters by traditional thatched roof houseboat. Set up in 2-10 bedroom configurations, each boat comes with a porter/mate and a captain-cum-chef. These boats travel slowly and silently through the backwaters so one gets to see lots of different scenery and wildlife. It is wonderful to see the life along the banks as locals go about with their daily chores. Meals are served on the boat and are available in the traditional Sadya style, whereby banana leaves take the place of placemats and plates.
Kerala-The place to relax mind, body and spirit. Serene tranquillity.
This blog is our unsolicited personal opinion. By no means, a requested review from the owners.
Robindro Saikhom
robin@serenejourneys.co
www.serenejourneys.co
Robin is the founder of Serene Journeys, an lgbtq+ owned & operated travel company based in Delhi & Bangkok, a travel curator & a travel photographer, exploring the beauty of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Southeast Asia.
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