This was my first trip to Kerala and honestly didn't know what to expect as this trip was planned at the very last minute as second leg journey of our ten day vacation during early 2014. Looking at the trip itinerary which lasted for 5 days I was left wondering is it really worth spending this much time and more importantly do we've enough to see. Over the course of next 5 days I've not only realized why Kerala is called as 'Gods Own Country' but also realized that this is one of those places that will inspire you to come back again!
Trip Itinerary
Our 5 day journey started at the port city of Kochi and ended at Kochi while touring Munnar, Periyar, Allepy over a course of 405 kms.
- Day 1: Kochi
- Day 2-3: Munnar
- Day 4: Thekkady
- Day 5: Allepy
Day 1- Kochi
We've stayed at SAJ Earth Resort which has unique pool villas where each villa has access to one big pool located at the center of the resort. One can literally get into the pool or bask beside it right from their villas. The resort was tidy but most importantly the food was good!
We've spent the day site seeing places like St. Francis Church, beaches and popular shopping spots.
Kerala is also called 'Spice Garden of India' and is famous for Spice Tourism where you can visit numerous spice gardens to see how different spices are cultivated and even purchase them.
Day 2 & 3 - Munnar
Our stay, Terrace Greens at Munnar was at a spectacular location with unique views all around, luckily we've got a room on the front side of hotel over looking the forest valley and the mountains.
Day 4 - Periyar Tiger Reserve
Periyar Tiger Reserve was our next stop, being a wildlife enthusiast I was eagerly waiting for this one of all the places this trip. I mean who doesn't get excited to a prospect of seeing wild tiger. Even though there were about 30-35 tigers, which isn't much given the size of the reserve, I really was hoping against odds to see a glimpse of these elusive big cats.
Springdale Heritage resorts where we've stayed is a decent hotel with good facilities and it was 18 Kms away from the reserve which is not bad. Since we only have a day to spend here, we've opted for only few activities which includes boat ride in periyar lake which is in tiger reserve. Boat ride gives a great chance to spot a variety of wildlife as the forest animals head to lake all day long to quench their thirst.
Boat ride in Periyar Lake was full of such breath taking views!
There were times where we didn't see any wildlife but through out we're able to hear various animals and bird calls along the banks.
A flock of cormorants looking for next meal.
Sambar deers which are favorite prey of Tigers are a common sight.
A Great Cormorant basking in sun.
Indian Bison and a group of wild boars enjoy green pastures on the lake bank while fishing eagles and cormorant looks on.
Day 5 - Alleppy
At last we arrived at coastal city of Alleppy which is best known for houseboat cruises along the rustic Kerala backwaters and this is exactly what we've come for. We've opted for 1 night in the house boat cruise which is more than enough for exploring the backwaters.
With this our trip has ended on a high note, our journey over the past few days took us to different places where each one was unique and beautiful. We're so much engrossed into the trip that we didn't even realize how the days went by. What we've have seen is a fraction of what Kerala has to offer and definitely I'm going to plan another trip to Kerala.
Be it the dense forests, the misty mountains, the lush gardens, plethora of flora/fauna unlike any other combined with great people and culture is why it's called as 'Gods Own Country'.