KERALA : MUNNAR-ALLEPEY. A PEACEFUL ABODE.
Another long weekend trip to South India. This time it’s Kerala. Since it was just 3 days, covered only Munnar and Allepey. We reached Cochin a little before noon and headed straight to Munnar.
On the way, stopped at a place to have lunch (Saddya Hotel). Had authentic veg Keralian thali served in traditional banana leaf Needless to mention it was delicious! It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Munnar from Cochin.
Keralian Veg Thali @ Saddya
On the way , there are beautiful waterfalls-Cheeyepara and Vallara waterfall.
Cheeyepara Waterfall
Vallara Waterfall
Our Driver was really helpful in guiding us to visit places. Kathakali – traditional Keralian dance and Keralian Martial Arts were something that is a must watch for everyone who visits Kerala. It happens everyday at 5pm – 6pm- Kathakali and 6pm – 7pm – Keralian Martial Arts at Chitrapuram. I wanted to take the video of the whole performance of the Martial Arts but was so engrossed in its excellence of perfection that just managed to take few seconds videos.
One of Excellent Kathakali Artist with more than 35 years of experience in Kathakali
Another Kathakali Artist
One of the many moves of the Keralian Martial Arts
The Team of Keralian Martial Arts
After an exceptional and jaw dropping performance we headed to our hotel (Season 7 Nature Resort). It is located a bit inside and not near the main road but that is not of concern since its situated at the top corner of a hill surrounded fully by greenery and nature. Generally everyone travelling in vehicle would not have a problem reaching there. Needless to mention its a treat for nature lovers since the people of the resort have planted many different kinds of trees and plants and have kept the touch of natural beauty.
A view from the hotel balcony – Season 7 Nature Resort
Another best part of this resort are the tents they have. You get the feel of camping as well as bonfire facility is provided. The tents are well equipped with all the amenities and beautifully designed.
The flowers at the resort are so colourful, so vibrant , so beautiful that one needs to see the beauty of it which can’t be described in words.
Next we headed for lunch- a delicious Keralian thali.
Our Driver took us to the Keralian handloom at Anachal. The traditional sarees and other dress materials are lovely.
Handloom
After a stay of 2 days at Munnar we headed for Allepey. Allepey or Alappuzha is very famous for its backwaters and houseboats. It is one of the rare experiences one should definitely have when in Kerala. Spending a complete day and night through the calm backwaters meandering in between the villages, the cool breeze, the sounds of the bird chirps, the sunset, the serenity is something to be experienced and can’t be described in words.
There are Government registered houseboats (ATDC) and also private ones. There are options available to book a complete houseboat or one can get the rooms in 3-bedroom or 4-bedroom houseboats. All the houseboats are well equipped with different kinds of amenities.
The staffs are really humble and courteous. The foods served in the houseboats are delicious including veg and non veg both.
Few houseboats have its dining in the same floor as the bedrooms while others have it on the top floor. We had delicious pomfret and Kalimiri fishes along with other items.
While enjoying the beauty in the moving houseboats, they also stop at some village markets where we can go and see or shop things. If any fishes or prawns or crabs are bought from the market then the cook at the houseboats prepare it for us. Trust me its utterly delicious the way they prepare it!
Overall, Kerala is a must visit place for utmost greenery, serenity, beauty and relaxation Enjoy!!