Kerala at all times jogs my memory of our deep-rooted reference to water. Science tells us that our our bodies are 70% water and so is mom earth. For those who take an aerial view of Kerala, you’ll see water our bodies criss-crossing the state panorama, as if just like the earth it’s also attempting to include as a lot water as potential. Water keep in mind is the very foundation of existence of life.
On the western aspect of Kerala is the coast kissing the Arabian sea, with a lot of its seashores lined up with vacationers having fun with the serene magnificence between sand and the waves hitting this sand. From Kovalam seaside on the southern fringe of the state to the Bekal Fort seaside within the north, there are numerous choices for the guests to select from. For instance, Varkala, a bit north of Kovalam, continues to be favourite for its purple laterite cliffs that allow you to observe the ocean from a vantage level, because the waves play with the shore. At Kollam seaside, I keep in mind the Thangassery lighthouse with purple and white stripes going round it, imitating the waves of the ocean. Standing there, I questioned what number of sailors would have discovered solace once they sighted this after a protracted journey.
Then, who can overlook the enchanting Kerala backwaters with their lush greenery reflecting within the peaceable waters whereas they’re balancing the circulation between the rivers and the ocean. They’re the signature components of Kerala’s panorama attracting vacationers from internationally. Apparently these additionally act as waterways and you may journey on them. These waterways in Kerala are shaped by curious paths shaped by the intersection of 40+ west flowing rivers that fall into Arabian sea and the backwaters. These waterways carry each the folks and freight on them. As soon as upon a time, most of India was filled with such waterways as a significant mode of transportation. Kerala has managed to maintain this legacy dwelling by maintaining it in lively use. It’s also an ideal method to get pleasure from Kerala on a gradual mode.
I keep in mind on my first go to to Fort Kochi many years in the past, I took the water ferry that costed me lower than one Rupee. It has turn into a reminiscence that continues to convey a smile to my face. I might go to Fort Kochi once more in my subsequent visits, at all times trying ahead to this journey on water. I’m blissful to know {that a} water metro is one thing I can get pleasure from on my subsequent journey. Once you journey on water, it is sort of a boat being a transferring bridge that takes you throughout. Over time I might take many ferry rides internationally, however the first one at all times stays particular.
Water our bodies in Kerala additionally flip into sports activities grounds once they turn into the venue for the well-known snake boat race. I might extremely suggest everybody to witness this race a minimum of as soon as in your lifetime. The lengthy slim boats with rows of oars chopping by the waters race on the sound of drums being performed on the boats themselves. It’s an adrenaline rush that passes from contributors to spectators in a means that you simply turn into part of it. Think about these boat races have been a part of the temple festivals in addition to warfare prior to now. Now the groups compete for the coveted trophy. Once you stroll across the villages round Punnamada Lake close to Alleppey, you see boats being lovingly maintained by portray them or coconut wooden oars being sharpened in order that they’ll actually make you fly in your boat.
Reminiscences of my first go to to Ashtamudi lake are nonetheless contemporary in my thoughts. We checked out a protracted boat journey on the lake, having fun with Kerala meals because the boat took us to quieter alleys. It is without doubt one of the most soothing experiences of my life. It felt as if the entire world had light and it was solely greenery reflecting within the quiet waters of the lake. Right here and there the Chinese language fishing nets remind you of life that this lake sustains, each on water and the land. It nudges you to decelerate and soak in all the wonder that nature has bestowed us with.
Residing on houseboats is one thing each traveller to Kerala appears ahead to. Easy but aesthetic boats allow you to expertise luxurious on water. The slight sway of water is sort of a lullaby once you sleep, a sensation that continues to be with you even after you’ve disembarked the boat. To benefit from the coconut laden, spice flavoured native delicacies sitting on a houseboat whereas watching the solar go down after kissing the quiet waters is like experiencing Kerala in all its authenticity. It’s also an effective way for households to spend some high quality time collectively when all of you might be on a houseboat, surrounded by nature and nurtured by the hospitality business.
Years in the past, I learn the ebook Chasing the Monsoon by Alexander Frater. I believed it was such a novel method to journey with the monsoon ranging from its place of touchdown within the Indian Peninsula, which is Kerala. Since then, I’ve at all times adopted the monsoon touchdown in Kerala because the nation awaits it with bated breath each summer time. As soon as it lands in Kerala, we all know it’s going to slowly transfer northwards and quench the thirst of parched earth.
On the well-known Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Sri Vishnu is sleeping peacefully within the Ksheersagar because the lotus emerges from his navel incomes him the identify Padmanabhaswamy. He has additionally chosen to be within the kind the place he’s surrounded by water on this land that lives with water in such a concord.
Residing in concord with the aspect that’s the foundation of our very existence might be seen within the Kerala panorama. It is sort of a lovely symphony of water, earth, nature, and life.
For extra info on Kerala Tourism, take a look at Maya – The Kerala Tourism Chatbot, that in a jiffy may give you all that it is advisable to learn about God’s personal nation.
This submit has been written in collaboration with Kerala Tourism.