My Kerala Diaries - A Beginner's Travel Guide

During my flight, I read in the magazine that Kerala is basically a honeymoon destination, however, before I build an opinion, it was proven wrong as Kerala isn't for the newly wedded couples only. Kerala has been the most sought-after destination for the families, the backpackers, solo travelers as well as couples. My craving to crush the land of Kerala was surmounting as soon as I reached the Trivandrum International Airport.

The Thiruvananthapuram airport reflects the mood and the nature of the city. Despite managing heavy traffic from the middle-east countries, the airport is compact and yet functional. From the window of my cab, even the city looked the same; knit and well-organized. However, the traffic situation is no different than any other part of India.

Usually, Trivandrum is used as a launchpad by the most of travelers towards Kovalam and other cities for their pristine beaches, luxury or medial resorts, and abundance of nature. I had no different plans but I'm to stay at least for four hours in the city before I start my journey towards Kollam. I decided to spend a few more bucks on my cab driver and asked him to go round to the places that should be visited next time at leisure. In strict two hour ride, I covered many architectures that belong to British era and also touched the doorsteps of a few art galleries. I made a promise to myself to visit the Puthenmalika and Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in detail next time (Not really sure when).

Do I look like an exhausted being?", I asked myself in the mirror of my cab. The answer was an emphatic NO. In fact, I was looking forward to the 65 km drive from Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam. The key is to skip the highway if you wish to see the real beauty. I requested my cab driver to skip NH47 and find me some internal roads close to the coast. He literally obliged. Expecting almost no traffic, my journey to Kollam was full of mesmerizing beaches, lush green scenery, and tranquil backwaters. It's impossible to list out the places I get to see during this 3 hours journey (actually one and half hours), yet let me try. Kollam Harbor and Kollam beach are obvious as I reached the city. In between, I remained stunned seeing Anjengo fort, Muthalapozhi backwaters, Anathalavattom Beach, Veli Beach (from the bridge, of course).

I know, you must be thinking about the wedding of my friend, but who had time thinking about that while being in the palm of the nature having the most comfortable trip (There was no iota of fear, mind you). Let's talk about this one of the oldest Arabian seaports in India. Kollam is the southern start point of Kerala backwaters that goes north up to Alleppey. Those have studied history, must have heard "Kollam". The port, once, was the main trade center for spices and cashew. If you love to jostle in the traffic, reach the marketplace in the center of the city. I spent around 45 minutes at Ashtamudi Lake. Silent waterways, series of coconut trees, and plants of cashew - all seems made for satisfaction only.

The biggest regret, if I want to count, I couldn't cruise the backwaters of Kerala enough except boat riding. Kollam to Alappuzha is about 80km through the backwater cruising, which takes around 6 to 7 hours journey at the expense of Rs 600(Not at all costly) Instead, due to time constraints, I had to choose a car. The road is no different than that of Trivandrum to Kollam. The same backwater channels; looking even more gorgeous through the thick layers of trees, green fields, and plantations. The only thing that changes is the places to visit. I did not miss Vembanad, Marari beach, Krishnapuram Palace, and few other places before extending my journey to Kochi the same day. (You forgot my friend's wedding? I did not)

The distance between Alappuzha and Kochi isn't much, just about 50 km. Instead of spending a day in Alappuzha, I straightaway went to Kochi, where my friend was waiting for me. The reason being I was so allured to spending a day and a night with my friend in a houseboat that I did not worry about me being exhausted after two days of continuous journey and a little rest.

The day in Kochi was spent in the wedding and being my friend's side throughout the day. I hit the sack early as was completely tired and out and had a flight next morning back to Delhi via Mumbai, another 7 hours journey. What I carry with me through the trip is a growing dissatisfaction with not being able to spend more days in Kerala. I always knew four days aren't enough, but since I did not want to miss even this little opportunity, I jumped on it. But hey guys, I have a promise for myself to spend at least a fortnight in Kerala with family within a year. So, wait for my next blog on Kerala, in much detail, in about a year time. That's my promise to you.

Below I have given a bit of idea for the beginners if you wish to travel Kerala without fears and without dears.

Beginner's Guide To Kerala:

Travel stories of fellow bloggers and twitter have been my "travel guides". Before I could take that step to tell my parents about any trips plan that I am craving for (Of course, not the first step out of the house, I need their permission first!), I go through a great research of the place and plan a rough itinerary.

During my Kerala visit, I kept a line with a few must-haves as well as the basic knowledge of the city that will help the beginners when they plan to travel Kerala, sure it did wonders for me!