To Kerala, With Love: Vinay’s Ode to God’s Own Country
If Vinay were ever asked where he would celebrate his love, he would say, “Somewhere I can nurture this gift, a natural heaven, a tropical paradise maybe.”
It was two years ago when he met his current partner. Never before had he wanted so much to go for a Kerala trip.
This year, the opportunity finally arrived. He was just waiting for her confirmation, and he had done his research already, having decided where to book the tour package from and how to go about the trip.
After hearing a ‘yes’ from her, he immediately got down to business. Having booked the perfect itinerary with Thrillophilia, along with an overnight houseboat ride, he knew she would love the arrangement. It had always been her dream to stay in a houseboat in Kerala and Kashmir, and this trip was the first step to turning that imagination into reality.
Since many of his friends had travelled with Thrillophilia before, he knew the drill. The entire process was butter-smooth, with everything taken care of. All the payments and details exchange were completed online, and the only thing remaining to do was to pack the bag and get set go!
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Swaagatham!
There is a certain magic in exploring the untamed wilderness of nature. Kerala was the abode of such beauty. The place casts a spell that enchants visitors to the core.
Their trip was full of calm and peace, with serene landscapes all around. Escaping the Delhi dust, they came to Kerala. Stretches of greenery and vistas of tea gardens and spice plantations surrounded them, offering a much-needed space to breathe and live freely. They wanted a trip just like this, where they could drown in the silence together, hearing the distant chirps of birds and the soothing sight of backwaters. They wished to be with each other, be at peace with each other, and cherish every moment of their togetherness.
No hustle, no hurry, they just wanted to lie there and sync their hearts.
Their first stop was Munnar. On their way from Kochi, they saw numerous waterfalls, small and big, known and unknown, all of them welcoming them to their beloved home.
Their driver, Mr Shamon Momonkavil, was quite knowledgeable and fluent in both English and Hindi. That is why they could communicate with him easily, learning about the region, its people, and everything that makes this place “God’s Own Country”.
Crossing the lush tea gardens while witnessing a beautiful sunset, they reached their hotel on the first day and rested well, knowing that a mesmerising adventure awaited.
The jewels of the crown
They visited a chocolate factory, tea gardens, and Mattupetty Lake & Dam, located near Kundale Lake. With the backdrop of breathtaking Dravidian mountains, the entire experience felt like a treat to the mind, body, and soul. Now and then, Vinay looked at his partner to note her reaction, she seemed so happy and blessed that his own experience was enhanced.
Their next destination was Thekkady, where they took a lovely boat ride in the Periyar River, inside Periyar National Park. They saw elephants bathing in the river, deer and bison lazing in the winter sun, and little langurs following their parents. The Periyar River was truly amazing. They could hear the rippling of the water and the faint trumpets of elephants from the jungle, and the hilly landscapes around them added another level of charm to the experience.
After the boat ride, they skipped the jeep safari and went straight to the market to try some local delicacies. They munched on Aviyal, Thoran, and Kappa until their bellies were full and topped off their lunch with a glass of Panakam. They wanted to try coconuts too, but after overeating, they saved that plan for the next day.
Speaking of the next day,
It was the houseboat tour day.
This particular experience stole their hearts away to some far, far away land, or perhaps somewhere in Kerala itself.
The backwater alleys snaked their way around Alleppey, lined with emerald coconut trees. It felt as if they had arrived in another world, without the annoying traffic noises or ringing phone notifications (yes, there was a network, but they barely touched their phones except to take pictures, and that too rarely).
Their meals were freshly caught from the backwaters, fish curry, rice, and some local chutney topped their lunch menu. For dinner, they enjoyed amazing curries made with special Kerala spice mixes.
And the best part was the sunset and the sunrise. The entire sky was painted in red and orange hues, changing the whole mood of the journey from peaceful to spectacular.
They spent the best night of their time together, indulging in their favourite songs and masala chai in the evening, and later, spending quality time at the back of the boat, watching balconies of nearby houses lit up dimly as Gulzar’s lyrics floated in the air…
Aap Ki Ankhon Mein Kya Sahil Bhi Milate Hain Kahin,
Aap Ki Khamoshiyaa Bhi Aap Ki Aawaaz Hain..
Aap Ki Ankhon Mein Kuch Mahke Hue Se Raaz Hai,
Aap Se Bhi Khoobsurat Aapke Andaaz Hain…
As Vinay says this, he speaks for both of them-
It was perhaps one of the best trips of their lives. Kerala is truly “God’s Own Country”. One feels at rest, love, and beauty here. The trip not only brought them closer to each other but also helped them find their inner solace, and for that, they will be forever grateful.
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