It was indeed a feather on the cap of Kerala Tourism Industry when ‘Munnar’ hill station in South Indian state of Kerala was recently chosen as Asia's second best tourist destination in the TripAdvisor's 2010 Traveler’s Choice Destination awards. The first place had gone to Kyoto Japan.
The state of Kerala takes pride in calling itself as "God's Own Country". The name suits just right probably because of its green vegetation, hills with tea plantations, rubber trees, beautiful beaches, the houseboats, the snake boat races, the elephants, herbal treatments, classical dances, Temples, Churches, Masjids, Jewish Synagogues, Antique Shops, Museums, The Chinese Fishing Nets, Sea food, well maintained tourist spots and above all the unforgettable backwaters of Aleppy district.
Three years ago I had an opportunity to visit Kerala, all thanks to a friend of mine and his family because of whom the trip was made possible.
I, my wife and daughter along with friend and his family started from Mangalore by train to Ernakulam city. A designated tour operator had arranged for our accommodation, transportation to various sites in and around port city Cochin.
The state of Kerala takes pride in calling itself as "God's Own Country". The name suits just right probably because of its green vegetation, hills with tea plantations, rubber trees, beautiful beaches, the houseboats, the snake boat races, the elephants, herbal treatments, classical dances, Temples, Churches, Masjids, Jewish Synagogues, Antique Shops, Museums, The Chinese Fishing Nets, Sea food, well maintained tourist spots and above all the unforgettable backwaters of Aleppy district.
The vast backwaters
The backwater boys - born tough
Gavin, Melvyn, Natasha, Averyl & Vinitha
The experience of spending a whole day and a whole night on a houseboat on the backwaters of Kumarkkom turned out to be very memorable one. We enjoyed our stay in a tourist resort.
Houseboats on Backwaters
Though the houseboat had some glitches with power arrangements during our overnight stay, it were taken care by the crew. If you are visiting during the summer days, it may be advisable to hire an air-conditioned houseboat or else an ordinary one is fine.
These diesel driven Houseboats are equipped with two bedrooms, wash rooms, kitchen and a deck to enjoy the surrounding scenery while on cruise on the backwaters. These boats are made up of wood and bamboo roofs.
If only they knew that Salty Water Can't Quench The Thirst
There are paddy fields on both sides of the canals. Water is being pumped into canals in order to do the farming. We came across a huge herd of ducks crossing the creek in one area.
Chinese Fishing Nets at Cochin
Numerous houseboats were cruising in the waters carrying domestic as well are foreign tourists. There were stations were Coconut Toddy was being served with fried fish, Kari Meen (a spotted black fish) and prawns being the favourite.
We had a good cook by name Venu who cooked for us variety of Fish and Chicken dishes and local traditional vegetable “Avial”.
Cochin St. Francis Church
Indeed Kerala has numerous things to offer to any tourist who looks for a relaxing holiday. I am glad to share with you few of the photographs I had taken during the tour.
So, will you be visiting God's Own Country?
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