What these destinations offer in splendor, however, they lack in diversity. When one travels, one tends get a superabundance of one thing: tropical lushness, fertile temperateness, rugged majesty, etc. There is one spot, however, that offers all three, and a good deal more.
The Indian state of Kerala is a sliver of coastal ecosystems on the Arabian Sea. Its coast runs for 360 miles, though the state is only between 22 to 75 miles wide. Geographically, Kerala can be divided into three distinct regions: the eastern highlands (rugged and cool mountainous terrain), the central midlands (rolling hills), and the western lowlands (coastal plains). With the Arabian Sea in the west, the Western Ghats towering 1,500-5,700 feet in the east and networked by 44 rivers, Kerala enjoys unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. An equable climate, a long shoreline with serene beaches, tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters, waterfalls, lush hill stations and exotic wildlife, the island's diversity of natural list is in topographical features makes a traditional tropical destinations such as the Caribbean seem a crashing bore.
Kerala is also India's most advanced collection of metropolitan citizens. It maintains a 100% literacy rate, a world-class healthcare system, India's lowest infant mortality rate and its highest life expectancy rate. The state also boasts its ranking as India's cleanest. To those outside its immediate borders however, this astonishing place has largely remained a secret... until now.
The Beaches
To bastardize a ridiculously overused expression in the travel business, the glistening beaches of Kerala-with their crimson and vermillion are simply picture perfect. They offer rest for the weary career-person, rejuvenation for the aged that don't do well in colder climes and frolic and adventure for the younger lot. They offer the variety and distinct taste of India's coastal cuisine, endless scope for shopping and spa treatments and some of the finest resorts this side of Monaco.
Kovalam is on a bay on the Arabian Sea and just 10 km from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. With its blue waters, white sand and green coconut trees, it looks like a picture card image of a tropical paradise and is, not surprisingly, known as the "paradise of the south." Varkala Beach (also known as Papanasam Beach) is famous for its mineral springs (it is believed that bathing in the beach will wash away all of one's sins). Other beaches include Alappuzha, Bekal, Fort Kochi Beach, Marari and dozens more, but what they all feature is nearby access to resorts of wonderful diversity and surprising affordability. life time experience for the visitors.
Bird Sanctuaries
The federal park wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala have excellent moist deciduous teak forests and marshes dominated by bamboo and other grasses; a particularly favorable environ for birds. These forests are also said to be amongst the most extensively forested belts in the Indian Peninsula, and housing some of the most desired homes of migratory birds in the nation. Not to be missed are the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary; all of which are a short trip from any resort and a photographers dream.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (commonly known as the Thattekad Sanctuary) is located in the Kothamangalam Taluk of Ernakulam district on the northern bank of the Periyar River. The sanctuary was established in 1983 as the richest bird habitat in peninsular India, comparable only with the eastern Himalayas. The reserve boasts of a variety of migratory and resident bird species, including the rare Ceylon frogmouth and the rose-billed roller. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary lies 12km from Kottayam bordering the Vembanad Lake, and spread over 14 acres of land. This famous sanctuary is a haunt for migratory birds like darters, egrets, herons, teals, waterfowl, cuckoos and wild ducks amongst others. One can even get a glimpse of the Siberian storks that migrate to this place almost every year.
Back Waters and Houseboats
The Kerala backwaters are a chain of brackish lagoons and lakes lying parallel to the Arabian Sea. The network includes five large lakes linked by canals, both manmade and natural, fed by 38 rivers, and extending virtually half the length of the state. The backwaters were formed by the action of waves and shore currents creating low barrier islands across the mouths of the many rivers flowing down from the Western Ghats range. Kerala has over 600 miles of such waterways, which together comprise a unique ecosystem and a unique travel opportunity.
The routes along the backwaters are always breathtaking green, the skyline vanishing with a line of coconut trees on the banks, and are best seen from local houseboats (or kettuvalloms), which have become major tourist attractions recently. Many find them an ideal means of exploring the beauty of the Kerala backwaters. Often huge, slow-moving, exotic barges used for leisure trips, the houseboats (which in earlier times, were used to carry rice and spices from Kuttanad to the Kochi port) are perfect for those whose idea of trip perfection is the journey as much as the destination.
A typical kettuvallom is 60 to 70 feet long and about 15 feet wide at the middle. The hull is made of wooden planks, held together by ropes of coconut fiber. The roof is made of bamboo poles and palm leaves. The exterior of the boat is painted with protective coats of cashew nut oil.
Unbelievable as it may sound, not a single nail is used in the making of a kettuvallam. Jack wood planks are joined together with coir rope and then coated with black resin made from boiled cashew nut shells. The materials that go into the making are all local, eco friendly and amazngy durable. They typically feature one or two large, enclosed rooms, a full bath, an open lounge, deck, kitchenette and a crew comprising two oarsmen and a cook. Rates are amazingly reasonable, with some starting as low as $50 per day.
Waterfalls
Kerala is world-renowned for its astonishing waterfalls. A romantic day beside the roaring, whispering and laughing waters of the falls is quite simply a stunning experience. During the season of monsoon, the rivers and water bodies are experiencing a new lease of life and it is the best time to venture to the woods (guides are available at virtually all resorts) and watch a waterfall in its full glory.
Falling from a height of 80 feet, the Vazhachal presents an awe inspiring scene. Athirappally is two miles away from the Vazhachal, and merges with the water of the Chalakudy river after falling from atop. Both these waterfalls with their pure and clean water are completely mesmerizing.
Thomankuttu - The seven steps of this legendary fall each provides a cascade and a pool beneath. Numerous caves surround the waterfall which has emerged as a hotspot for novice spelunkers. The Palaruvi roars down from a height of 300 feet and with its numerous other smaller cascades, appears more like a fall of milk. The pool below is ideal for swimming
While on your way to view the magnificent wildlife of the Periyar Sanctuary, stop by to view the Powerhouse Waterfall. Falling from a great height of no less than 6000 ft., the fall as an adventure in majesty and fury, and the Western Mountain ranges surrounding it only add to its beauty.
