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Backwaters of Kerala
The beautiful state of Kerala is known as “God’s own country” for a reason. It is blessed with something so unique that it makes it one of the most preferred destinations in India for a serene and relaxing holiday. Come, unwind yourself from the stresses of a hectic life by visiting the enchanting backwaters in the divine state.
The best way to experience the bewitching backwaters is on a traditional houseboat. “Kattuvallam” or the rice barges that are regularly renovated, have all the luxuries that will make your stay both comfortable and memorable. With modern furniture and fittings, these houseboats offer a personal and intimate experience. Relax within the comforts of your room or sit on the deck and witness the sun romance with dawn as you meander through the long intricate network of lagoons, lakes and canals.
You can opt for a daylong cruise and relish some mouth-watering delicacies for lunch and tour the picturesque villages on a canoe as you maneuver through the beautiful mangrove forests. And if you wish to prolong your tryst with nature, you can also hire a houseboat for a couple of nights and explore the deeper realms of the backwaters, starting from Vembanad Lake, while being taken care of by a friendly crew. So turn off your cell phones, cut yourself from the rest of the world and soak yourself in the tranquility of nature.
The 28 km long journey from the city of Salem to Yercaud is a refreshing experience. While you pass through the dense green forests that adorn the hills, expect to encounter adorable visuals of baby monkeys clinging on to their mothers tightly as they cross the road with great caution. Halfway through, you can break your journey and enjoy some freshly cooked snacks like the onion pakoras that are sold on the roadside stalls.
Yercaud is well known for its coffee plantations. You can venture into the coffee estates that are spread across acres of land and even choose to stay at one of them. Also, interact with the locals and learn more about the coffee plantations that were originally brought from Africa.
Hiking to Yercaud’s highest point, the Servarayan Temple is a thrilling experience, as you’ll pass through the vast and scenic vegetation of the hills. What makes this temple unique is that it is built inside a tunnel-cave that is believed to open into the Cauvery river. While exploring the tunnel is prohibited, you can walk till the point where the idols are placed.
Staying with the locals at their humble abode is an experience that is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. Such is the hospitality of the people of rural Rajasthan who believe in making the most out of whatever little they have. And at the end of the day, as the sun goes down in all its glory, the villages’ folklore will mesmerize you like you never could have imagined!
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Our chef cooked us a really delicious dinner with the fresh catch that we bought from the local markets. Watching him negotiate the prices with the locals was as much fun as eating the crabs cooked Kerala style that evening.”
S. Krishnan – Trivandrum
Our chef cooked us a really delicious dinner with the fresh catch that we bought from the local markets. Watching him negotiate the prices with the locals was as much fun as eating the crabs cooked Kerala style that evening.”
S. Krishnan – Trivandrum
Ganesh Prasad –Noida
“I spent an entire evening at the Samode village singing and dancing with the locals in their colourful traditional attire. I even tried the Chari dance with a pot on my head. Yes, a definite must try for everyone!”
Rural Rajasthan
Bright, traditional, rustic yet soulful – that is rural Rajasthan for you! Considering the chaotic and busy lives we live, visiting the interiors of the state will make you realize how meditatively beautiful life is beyond the hustle bustle of the cities.
While the desert state is considered a perfect embodiment of richness and royalty, it also offers a much humble sight of a Persian wheel irrigating the lush fields in its rural areas. A group of traditionally dressed women, carrying clay pots on their heads, walking down the dust roads and turban-clad men with majestic mustaches sweating it out in the fields, is a common sight that you will see as you drive through the state. And they do it so effortlessly without any trace of discomfort that, it will not just inspire you but will make you appreciate the simplistic beauty of life.
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Staying with the locals at their humble abode is an experience that is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. Such is the hospitality of the people of rural Rajasthan who believe in making the most out of whatever little they have. And at the end of the day, as the sun goes down in all its glory, the villages’ folklore will mesmerize you like you never could have imagined!
Read less
