Kerala – Footloose Forever

Experience the Myriad Hues of India in 15 Days

April 24, 2017May 28, 2017Posted in TravelTagged agra, dal lake, guest post, india tour, India Travel, Jaipur, Kerala, rajsthan, Sikkim, taj mahal14 Comments

To pack countless cultures and innumerable landscapes within the confines of a 15-day journey is an incredibly challenging yet exciting task. India is a land of diversity, whether it is the languages that people speak or the clothes that they wear. Each corner of this vibrant nation tints your experiences a different colour. With such a fantastic range of experiences that you can immerse yourself into, India forms an absolute paradise for someone who yearns for travelling. In order to truly understand the richness of India’s cultural and natural wealth, you need to acquaint yourself with all the four directions India’s limbs stretch towards. Fully explore all the myriad hues of India by visiting these 5 places, for a period of 3 days, to fulfill your travel appetite in 15 days.

1. Serene Srinagar

Dal lake, Photo by confused_me, CC0 1.0

Beginning from the north, your exploration of India is incomplete without visiting this epitome of natural beauty. Srinagar, an absolute paradise, is the most tranquil, breathtaking and magical place in India. It offers the perfect combination of architectural feats, cultural vibrancy and nature’s stroke of artistry. Start your journey by visiting the glistening Dal Lake, an iconic attraction of this place. Beam with joy while cruising on Shikaras in its evergreen waters. You can also visit the nearby Shalimar Bagh, an exquisite garden with Mughal designs. Other places that would leave you in awe are the Pari Mahal, the wilderness of Dachigam National Park and the Shankaracharya temple.

2. Regal Jaipur

Hawa mahal, Photo by Barthwo, CC0 1.0

The pink city of Jaipur offers a grand insight into the country’s astounding palaces, forts, and beautiful architectures. The local markets bustling with colorful skirts, blouses, and mirror-work kurtas are a feast for your eyes and your shopaholic soul. Hawa Mahal is one of the must-visits in Jaipur when you find yourself in this glorious town. Built with the ancient wisdom of science, the palace offers cool breeze to its inhabitants all year round. Another mesmerizing sight in Jaipur is the Amer Palace. Gigantic gates with intricate artwork greet you at the entrance, followed by a huge wealth of paintings, murals, and regal interiors. Other places of interest here are the Abhaneri step-well and Jal Mahal.

3. Grand Agra

Taj mahal, Photo by TLSPAMG, CC0 1.0

India’s entry into the Seven Wonders of the World has been enabled by the presence of one eternal monument in the city of Agra. To visit India without seeing the grandeur and splendor of the Taj Mahal might be a huge loss for any traveler. Even an initial glimpse of this white edifice is enough to blow your breath away. Emanating a romantic aura from the bygone era, the Taj Mahal is a concrete legend of the power of love. Another beautiful sight to visit in Agra is Akbar’s tomb, Sikandra. Resonating Hindu, Muslim and Christian architecture, visiting the tomb of the greatest Emperor of the Mughal Empire is a truly inspiring experience.

4. Relaxing Komarkum

Photo by ravishahi, CC0 1.0

Kerala forms the rejuvenating leg of your thrilling journey. And the scenic beauty of this state is captured beautifully by the backwaters in Kumarakom. The never-ending queues of coconut trees and a rich fauna make Kumarakom an ideal place to unwind, and at the same time be in awe of its natural charms. The most unforgettable experience that you can gain from your visit here is undoubtedly the houseboat cruise. Delightful houses offering different levels of luxuries, you can lie down in its bed while watching the water recede from your window, lulling you into a soothing sleep. Another place to visit in Kumarakom is a bird sanctuary housing varied species of colorful birds.

5. Pristine North East

Photo by Stefan Krasowski, CC BY 2.0

Two places that can give you a flavor of India’s north-eastern heritage are Assam and Sikkim. Sikkim, with its lofty mountains and pleasant climate, is the personification of the ultimate hill station. You can visit the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary where the endangered and delightful red pandas await your presence. The Lake Tsongmo is an exquisite frozen lake that is a true treasure of India, one you must visit in Sikkim. Assam is another such state which offers to its guests the majestic sights of the one-horned rhinos and Majuli, which is the largest river island in the world.

The amount of variety offered by less than 10 places in India can be extrapolated to predict the multiplicity of experiences that await you in more than thousand such places. Catch a glimpse of this kaleidoscopic country by exploring these five places that exemplify to the best of their ability all that India has to offer.

A Guest Post by Rohit

Rohit Agarwal is a passionate traveller and writer who shares his experiences on TransIndiaTravels.com from his many travelling excursions and expeditions of around the world.

Why Kerala is Really Gods Own Country?

January 23, 2017January 22, 2017Posted in South IndiaTagged god's own country, hill stations kerala, Kerala, kerala cuisine, kerala in monsoon, kerala spice garden, kerala tour, munnar, thekaddy19 Comments

The easiest way of identifying the magical state of Kerala is to hear the words ‘God’s own country’. You’d think that there were some substantial reasons Kerala got such a divine reputation, and none would surprise you. The celestial land of Kerala is a land of untold stories and unexplored creations that look like they couldn’t be created by the mundane brain of humans. Thus, even the tourism industry of Kerala uses that phrase to describe the state. But there’s more than just its fantastic appealing factors that make Kerala such a heavenly wonder. What makes Kerala such a magnetic force to be reckoned with, you ask. Let’s find that out.

The cuisine is especially authentic

Image via Flickr by Bill Scott

Kerala’s cuisine is unique and you’d find something new in possibly every place you visit in the state. The authenticity of the south Indian delicacies in Kerala have a charm of their own that makes it feel like it’s an unmissable location of India. Calicut’s seafood and Munnar’s diverse cuisine brings tourist from all over the world to this southern heaven. Food can’t simply be described to a lover of delicacies, and you’d have to try and see how truly magnificent the cuisine of Kerala is. Rooftop restaurants, quiet beach-side cafes, the tea stalls of the villages, you name it and Kerala will have it. If you visit the home of a local to dine, there’s much more you’d get to discover apart from their friendly nature and polite hospitality.

The heavenly, unbelievable monsoons

Image via Flickr by Sarath Kuchi

Kerala is greeted by majestic monsoons during its time in the south. The rivers feel like they’re descending from paradise, the mountains are covered in a blanket of thickets and trees, the forests are dense and worth getting lost in, and the pleasantness of the swaying palm trees gives Kerala an edge like no other. If you’re feeling adventurous, the bamboo rafting through the valleys of Munnar is an experience one should never miss. Stay in one of those quaint resorts of Periyar and watch the rain take your very breath away with its unmistakable allure. Then there is Alleppey, the “Venice of the East”, grows more beautiful when it rains.

The sleepiness of hill stations

Image via Flickr by himanisdas

Kerala’s hill stations have unmatched beauty in them. Thekaddy, Vagamon, Munnar, Ponmudi and others are some of the most attractive hill stations of Kerala. The hill stations are quiet and relaxing, giving you a well-deserved weekend retreat. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the cities, the quaint hill stations perched upon the prettiest of hills in Kerala have stunning factors that would appeal to any traveller. Tourists flock up to Ponmudi and Thekaddy for some calming time out of their busy lives, and the locals scattered around the state also enjoy their very own hideous amidst lush forests and valleys full of explorations.

The spice and tea

Image via Flickr by Rajib Ghosh

Kerala is especially famous for its tea and spice plantations. It isn’t called the spice capital of the country for no reason. The aromatic plantations of spices in Kerala have been a constant allure for people throughout the years now. With the delicious fragrances of the spices merging into those of the tea plantations have made a rather substantial impact on Kerala’s tourism, and it has only seen good days so far. You’d find that there is no better tea to sip anywhere other than in Kerala once you’ve had a taste, and your nose will possibly disregard every other perfume the moment it breathes in the spicy scent of Kerala’s plantations.

The people

Image via Flickr by spisharam

Kerala’s locals are the best. If you’re at your best behaviour the people of Kerala will go to any length in making sure that a guest in their home has a good time. The nature of the people in Kerala is especially friendly and hospitable, and if you become good friends with some of them, expect to be invited to their homes at least once. Keralites follow many age-old customs and traditions which make them all the more interesting to hang out with. You get to learn something new from almost every person you meet. They’ll probably recommend the best places to visit, and you can tour Kerala like a local rather than a usual tourist. It’s a really appealing factor of being in Kerala that the people offer their utmost hospitality to nearly every visitor.

You’ve got to visit Kerala once to know how seriously brilliant it is in reality. Perhaps the spirituality of this calming destination will help you see how Kerala truly is the destination handcrafted by God.

Author Bio:

Rohit is a passionate traveller and writer who shares his experiences on TransIndiaTravels.com from his many travelling excursions and expeditions of around the world.

Alleppey Grows More Beautiful When it Rains

September 2, 2014June 4, 2016Posted in South IndiaTagged Alleppey, Backwaters, Kerala, Monsoon, South India, Travel15 Comments

Rabindranath Tagore regarded monsoon as the ‘queen’ of all seasons. If you visit Alleppey in the monsoon you’ll no way but agree with the great poet. The wild beauty of Mother Nature bathed in monsoon rain is simply a treat to the eyes that you’ll cherish forever.

Alleppey or Alappuzha in Kerala is located 70 km south of Cochin, the major port city in Western India. The place is famous for its lush greenery and tranquil backwaters. Due to its numerous lakes and canals creating a network of waterways Alleppey is popularly called the “Venice of the East”.

Backwaters, Alleppey, Kelara, Monsoon Travel — Alleppey backwaters – Image: kvtholidays.com

How to Reach

The district of Alappuzha or Alleppey is well-connected to most of the important southern cities via railway networks. There are direct trains from Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai.

The NH47 connects Alleppey with other cities including Cochin, Bangalore and Chennai. You’ll find direct bus services operating from Cochin to Alleppey regularly. There are overnight luxury buses to Alleppey from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore.

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. After you land in Cochin take a train or bus to Alleppey.

Things to do

Though there are ferry services available, for a perfect leisure trip cruising in the backwaters on a houseboat is a must do. It is, perhaps, the best way to observe and enjoy the divine beauty of Alleppey. In addition to its scenic landscapes Alleppey’s rich cultural heritage is a major tourist attraction.

St Mary’s Church in Champakulam and Sreekrishna Swamy Temple in Ambalapuzha are famous for their religious sanctity as well as architectural grandeur.

Watching the traditional snake boat race held in August and September every year is a bonus for travelling Alleppey in the monsoon. If you want a closer look to the boat race rent a boat instead of standing in the crowd on the banks.

Nehru Trophy, Snake Boat Race, Alleppey, Kerala, Monsoon Travel — Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race – Image: mavaraholidays.com

When you feel tired after a daylong sightseeing trip, pay a visit to Krishnendu Ayurveda Wellness Center near Alleppey for a rejuvenating herbal spa treatment.

Alappuzha Beach is a perfect place for a quiet hangout in the light of setting sun. Take a stroll along the promenade and have a cup of coffee with your companion at the Indian Coffee House while watching countless waves breaking on the shore.

Where to Stay

Alleppey thrives on eco-tourism. It houses a number of nature resorts and hotels. Located in secluded beaches these resorts are surrounded by tropical plants and coconut trees. The green rice fields nearby create a vista that soothes the tired eyes of urban travelers. Keeping in harmony with their environment the cottages are built in traditional Kerala fisherman’s hut style featuring thatched roofs and open courtyards. You can also stay in the beautifully adorned houseboats where you get to savor some delicious Malayalam dishes during your stay.

House boat in Alleppey, Boat house, Alleppey, Kerala, Backwaters, Monsoon — House boat in Alleppey – Image: alleppeybackwaters.com

Responsible travel

As part of your nature travel in Alleppey you should maintain the following etiquette as a responsible traveler. Respect the sanctity and cleanliness of the place.

Don’t throw away plastic bottles, wrappers and other non-biodegradable materials into the water or in the fields. Rather you should keep all your disposables in a plastic carry bag and drop it only in the garbage.
Don’t drop anything, not even food items, into the water during your cruise in the backwaters. You may get fined for this.
Don’t lean too much to touch the water. It may unbalance the boat and cause accident.

Monsoon, lasting from June to September, is typically a season in which most tourists avoid Alleppey because of heavy rainfall and water logging in the streets. Those who have the courage to face these odds are sure to have a rewarding experience. Another advantage of visiting Alleppey in the monsoon is that you may get discounts on booking hotels.