Back to Nature in Kerala

Tired of posting pictures of the same old mountains or beaches on Facebook? What you need is a hot cup of filter coffee, a relaxing massage and some brilliantly cooked prawns and lobsters. Throw in a heart-pounding session of rappelling and rock climbing, and an adrenaline rush during a surreal night jungle safari and what you’re looking at is the perfect holiday planned out for the adventure seeker in you.

Now if you’re wondering where you could get all this (and more), why that’s what we’re here for. We say look no further than the mesmerising nature in Kerala. It has not been named one of the ten paradises of the world by Nat Geo’s Traveller magazine for nothing!

One of the first states to launch the concept of eco-tourism in India, Kerala has a rich natural heritage kept green and fertile by a network of nearly 41 rivers, which also create the emerald beauty of its serene backwaters. Its 12 wildlife sanctuaries and two national parks add to the floral and faunal diversity of the state. Among the most popular eco-tourism destinations in this state are Parambikulam (a haven for wildlife enthusiasts); Periyar (best known for the tiger reserve in the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains), Konni (with its elephant training center and trekking trails); Neyyar (another wildlife sanctuary) and Munnar (the summer capital of the Raj, best known for its tea plantations).

The fascinating nature in Kerala is ready and waiting for any seasoned traveller to explore it. You should probably start your eco-trail with Thenmala, about 75-80 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram. The earliest eco-tourism project in India will lead you to as many as 10 satellite destinations. Known as much for its honey (which is said to have medicinal properties) as for its nature trails, rappelling, rock climbing and deer rehabilitation; it is a destination that leaves you hungry for more. To add to the adventure are accommodation facilities in tents and Ayurveda resorts.

But if you’re more of a water bird than a jungle hunter, the quaint and charming kettuvallamsare probably more your thing. For the uninitiated, we are referring to the beautiful houseboats on Kerala’s complicated network of water bodies. The houseboat cruises can be taken from Kochi, Kumarakom, Kollam, and even Thiruvananthapuram, and give you a ringside view of the life and culture of Kerala’s aquatic life and surrounding villages. You could spy on the fishermen hard at work along the palm-fringed banks on one day and drink in the delights of a moonlit night on the other, all from the luxury of your own houseboat. Feast on local delights with your personal chef and drink in the wonders of the surrounding countryside as your oarsmen pull you along.

While in Thiruvananthapuram, you could also make a pit stop at Kottayam, which hosts the wonderful Thirunakkara Arattu temple festival. This 10-day long festival, to be held from March 15 to 24, is dedicated to the god Mahadeva. It could well be a respite from the hills and vales of the country as you steep yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the India’s most elite state. Enjoy the splendour of Kathakali performances and the lovely Mayilaatam or peacock dance. The concluding day ceremony when the statue of Mahadeva is taken for immersion is in itself a feast for the eyes with caparisoned elephants and decorated processions.

Book Your Flight to Kerala

If these are not enough reasons for you to visit God’s Own Country, then what is?