“In the beginning, God created the earth, and He looked upon it in His cosmic loneliness.”
And God said, “Let us make living creatures out of mud, so the mud can see what we have done.”
And God created every living creature that now moveth, and one was man.
Mud-as-man alone could speak. God leaned close to mud-as-man sat up, looked around, and spoke. Man blinked. “What is the purpose of all this?” he asked politely.
“Everything must have a purpose?” asked God.
“Certainly,” said man.
“Then I leave it to you to think of one for all this,” said God.
And He went away.
— Kurt Vonnegut, visionary American author
Call it God, nature or divinity, there is little doubt that cosmic forces conspired to make the southern state of Kerala alluring, attracting tourists in huge numbers to savour its scenic beauty, temples, churches, mosques and synagogues, embellished with ornate architectural designs, lush green fields, swaying coconut trees, awe-inspiring beaches, sublime backwaters and lagoons. This oasis of natural beauty and design lingers in the memories of travellers.
The state of Kerala is all about vast green expanses that would take at least a fortnight to traverse and explore the many gems spread across ‘God’s Own Country’. Nevertheless, a traveller can attempt to discover Kerala’s bountiful natural beauty in a week through meticulous planning.
In the span of one week, an enterprising excursionist can discover the charm of Kochi, Munnar (a quaint hill station), Thekkady (a wildlife sanctuary), Alappuzha (famous for its breathtaking backwaters and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race) and the exotic beaches of Kovalam.
The IRCTC offers an attractive package that draws interested tourists. Guests are received by a representative of IRCTC at Kochi airport and accommodated in an upscale hotel. The local sightseeing tour includes a visit to Mattancherry Palace, constructed by the Portuguese as a gift to the King of Cochin. Subsequently, it was taken over by the Dutch, whence it came to be known as the Dutch Palace.
Mattancherry Palace is notable for its Kerala murals depicting portraits and exhibits of the Rajas of Kochi. It is a matter of immense pride that the palace is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing. The sightseeing trip also includes a visit to the Paradesi Synagogue, the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth of Nations. Constructed in 1568, it is one of the seven synagogues associated with the Malabar Yehudan community.
The tour winds up at the charming seaside area of Fort Kochi, known for its Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial architecture and elaborate Chinese fishing nets. St. Francis Church is also located within the historic fort area and was the original burial site of the intrepid explorer Vasco da Gama.
The following morning, guests drive to Munnar, the ‘Princess of Hill Stations’. En route, travellers watch in amazement as the Cheeyappara and Valara waterfalls cascade down the hills. On reaching Munnar, tourists can spend quality time walking through the verdant grasslands and tea plantations. Vacationers can also visit the picturesque location around Mattupetty Dam, where they can enjoy boating on Mattupetty Lake.
After an overnight stay in Munnar, sightseers head to Periyar, a four-hour drive through verdant mountains. The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary houses a diverse variety of flora and fauna. Guests are then taken on a boat ride on the artificial lake inside the sanctuary, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural surroundings.
The wonders of natural beauty never cease in Kerala. Yet another treat awaits visitors as they drive towards Alappuzha, one of the world’s most beautiful backwater destinations. Upon arrival, tourists board a houseboat and relish a cruise along the backwaters, gliding through narrow canals, witnessing local life and savouring traditional cuisine prepared on board by the crew.
As the shadows lengthen and a hush descends, broken only by occasional chirping and the movement of fish in the water, tourists can spend a relaxing night aboard the houseboat.
At the crack of dawn, the more adventurous tourists may take a quick swim, followed by a sumptuous breakfast. The travellers then disembark from the houseboat to resume their journey with a drive to Kovalam, a spectacular beach destination rightly termed the ‘Goa of the South’.
On reaching Kovalam, visitors head to Hawa Beach and unwind in harmony with the natural surroundings, enjoying the leisurely pace of coastal life. The icing on the cake is witnessing the crimson sun sink into the Arabian Sea. The night is spent near the beach, with the lighthouse visible in the distance.
The following morning, tourists are guided by IRCTC officials to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after paying their respects at the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and visiting the Napier Museum and Kuthira Malika Palace, also known as the Horse Palace.
Thus, in just seven days, visitors can experience a glimpse of Kerala’s wondrous and spectacular holiday destinations, leaving them with lasting memories and a desire to return for more.
“Nature is so powerful, so strong. Capturing its essence is not easy — your work becomes a dance with light and the weather. It takes you to a place within yourself,” writes the celebrated American portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz.
About the Author
Ravi Valluri is an Advisor to Krishnapatnam Railway Company Limited. He has authored both fiction and non-fiction works and is a faculty member of the Art of Living. His latest work is Glimpses of Grace. He can be reached at valluri.ravi@gmail.com or via WhatsApp at 9618564024.