Spice Garden of India: Vinay's Thrillophilia Review of a Trip to Kerala
Traveling has always been very special to me and my partner since the day we met. We had explored almost all of our favourite destinations in northern India, especially Himachal, and were now on the lookout for a fresh adventure in the south.
I had developed a strong inclination towards Kerala lately, and I was about to ask my partner if she'd like to go there.
That evening, as my partner came home from work and we sat down for tea, just like we always do, she turned to me and said, "I've been talking about our destination hunt with my colleagues and guess what?..." my partner asked me.
"And I thought I was going to surprise you with my suggestion...Okay, let's say it together on a count of 3..2..1..." I responded.
"KERALA!" we said at the same time and burst into laughter.
From Valara Falls to Spice Plantations
Our sightseeing began even before we reached our first stop, as we got a chance to admire the Valara and Cheeyappara Falls on the way to Munnar. Honestly, we had expected it to be a regular waterfall, but nature has other plans for us. It was almost 1000 feet tall, and watching the water falling from a height that great had left us both in pure awe.
"Look how the water is bouncing off 7 tiers before eventually reaching the ground!" my partner exclaimed.
After watching the mighty falls, our drive then continued to Kochi, where we checked into our hotel. Our sightseeing was scheduled for the next day, and we had the remaining day to spend at leisure. So both of us ordered a cup of tea and sat outside on a bench, taking in the lush green views all around.
"Isn't it crazy how we were trying to figure out the destination just a week ago, and now we're here..." I said to my partner.
We spent the next day exploring the most popular sites in Munnar. The first place that we went to was the Spice Plantations, where we got a chance to see how spices like cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon, were grown.
Later, we also visited Blossom Park, which I found to be a very unique tourist spot. We got a chance to see several species of flowers including Neelakurinji, Strobilanthes kunthiana, Orchids, and more.
Boating in the calm waters of the park was another experience that we enjoyed during our time at the park. "It's such a cliched thing to do...but I'm finding it very romantic," my partner said, as we paddled our boat while taking in the peaceful ambiance.
Into The Wild
Up next on our adventure was the Periyar National Park located in Thekkady. Both of us, being huge wildlife enthusiasts, were the most excited to visit the place since the trip began. Our excitement knew no bounds as soon as we reached the wildlife park.
"Prepare yourself for a wildlife adventure like no other," my partner remarked, as we stepped into the Periyar National Park. We began our exploration by opting for an Elephant ride, which was one of the best decisions we had ever made. The elephants were playful and would surprise us with their acts now and then.
I remember when one of them, while in a small pond, collected a lot of water in its trunk and sprayed it all on me. My wife couldn't stop laughing as I was drenched in muddy water from top to bottom. The one that my partner was with, was acting all cute and trying to grab her hat with its trunk.
After a while, we headed out on a nature walk, led by a trained naturalist, who took us through the dense forest. The guide told us several facts related to the flora and fauna found in the region as we walked. Later, we also visited the museum in the complex, where I found out that my partner was a huge history buff. She had a great time exploring the exhibits that showcased the region's biodiversity, and ecosystems of the Western Ghats.
Gliding Along the Backwaters
And just like that...it was time for us to explore the backwaters of Alappuzha. I was hating how quickly time was moving as we explored Kerala. The trip hadn't even ended and we had started reminiscing about our adventures. It was amazing how we'd both feel on cloud nine, just by thinking about spending time in a houseboat stay in Alleppey.
Our driver for the trip, describing the beauty of the place, said, "It's very popular among tourists because of its lagoons and canals, which also got it nicknames as the Venice of the East." As we glided along the backwaters in a houseboat, we passed by several quaint villages and lush coconut groves.
Kerala, to us, seemed exactly how travelers across the globe usually describe it - Land of the Gods. Being the first destination that we ticked off our list for southern India, it was everything we had imagined and beyond.
By the time it was time for us to return, we knew we would soon be coming back to explore another gem in southern India - but Kerala had set the bar quite high.
Read More: Thrillophilia Kerala Reviews