Greetings, fellow travellers! Join me, Poonam Shrestha, on an exhilarating expedition to the enchanting landscapes of Kerala, fondly known as “God’s Own Country.” As an avid traveller and passionate political science teacher hailing from Sukna, nestled in the picturesque Darjeeling district of India, I am thrilled to narrate my escapade through the verdant realms of Kerala.
Day 1: A Kochi Kaleidoscope
My journey began with a flight from Bagdogra to Bangalore, followed by a connecting flight to Kochi. Arriving late at night, we grabbed a taxi to our hotel in Fort Kochi. Exhausted but excited, we crashed after dinner.
Day 2: Unveiling Fort Kochi’s Charm
The next day, we explored Fort Kochi, staying at the most affordable hotel of our trip (₹2800 with breakfast!). A local friend played our Kochi guide.
First stop: the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets, these massive, cantilevered structures looked like oversized hammocks. We then visited St. Francis Church, where Vasco da Gama was once buried. Witnessing a Sunday service there felt incredibly peaceful.
Hunger pangs led us to Mai, a fantastic local restaurant where I indulged in a delicious Keralan feast. The architectural beauty of Fort Kochi, with its Dutch and Portuguese influences, left me speechless.
In the afternoon, we ventured to Mattancherry, visiting the historic Mattancherry Palace (a blend of Portuguese and Keralan styles) and the fascinating Jew Town. The 16th-century Paradesi Synagogue was truly breathtaking.
Day 3: Backwater Bliss in Alleppey
Bidding farewell to Fort Kochi, we took a taxi to Alleppey, a town famous for its backwaters. Our unique accommodation was a 150-year-old heritage house named Emeralds Isle Homestay, nestled right by the backwaters. Spending the day exploring Alleppey was pure bliss.
Day 4: Thekkady’s Enchanting Embrace
A reserved taxi whisked us away to Thekkady, a five-hour journey. After settling in, we strolled through the local market, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 5: A Thekkady Tapestry
Thekkady offered a delightful mix of experiences. We visited Elephant Junction, a spice plantation, a captivating temple, and peaceful churches in the morning. The afternoon was reserved for a mesmerising Kathakali dance show, followed by some souvenir shopping.
Day 6: Rose Gardens and Farewell
Our last day started with a visit to the beautiful Rose Garden. After spending some time exploring the town, we boarded a bus to Pondicherry, our next adventure.
Kerala’s magic lies not just in its stunning landscapes, but also in its warm people and delicious cuisine. This itinerary is just a starting point – there’s so much more to discover in “God’s Own Country.” So, pack your bags and get ready to create your own Keralan memories!
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