A Trip To God’s Own Country! Kerala
The God’s own country, indeed is blessed by God. Kerala is the first state in the country to receive the monsoon, it becomes all the more lush and alluring during this time of the year. The majestic mountains covered in clouds, gushing backwaters, coconut trees swaying to the tunes of the cold breeze, such magical sights can only be witnessed in Kerala. And this is exactly what we call a perfect getaway spot. Here are the top 5 monsoons getaways in Kerala that we think you must visit.
Ashtamudi
About 76 km northwest of Thiruvananthapuram, the town gets its name from the octopus-shaped lake which also serves as gateway to the backwaters of Kerala. Ashtamudi with its numerous home stays and resorts makes it an ideal spot for lazy vacations. What can be more pristine than sitting by the bank under a coconut grove watching the lake transform into a bustling waterway.
This quaint little town offers travellers an excellent monsoon getaway. Not as popular as other Kerala destinations, and hence not overrun by tourists, Ashtamudi is famous for its lovely home-stays and houseboats. Enjoy a lazy vacation where you do nothing but watch the pitter-patter of the rain, eat fresh catch and pamper yourself with soothing Ayurvedic massages after our long motorcycle ride.
Rainy season is the best time to opt for Ayurvedic treatment and Ashtamudi is the best known place for it. You can either go for Kerala oil massages or pamper yourself with an entire package, which will surely leave you rejuvenated. Do visit the Welcome hotel Raviz Ashtamudi Resort and Ayurveda Spa, one of the famous spas in Kerala while here.
For those who are looking for some activity, you can head to the boat building yards at Alumkadavu, the Maharaja’s palace at Thevally or visit the town of Kollam. But we suggest, just sit by the lake side and enjoy life on the slow lane, munching on konju varathathu (prawn fry) or Karimeen pollichathu (pearl-spot fry).
Mattupetty
Situated in the famous hill town of Munnar, Mattupetty located 13 km from Munnar is situated at a height of 1700 m, and is a delight for nature lovers.
Mattupetty offers many fascinating sights to relish. Besides the lush green tea plantations, and the rolling grasslands, the Shola forests in and around Mattupetty are ideal for trekking and are habitat to a variety of birds. Rivulets and cascades crisscross the terrain here, which again adds more attraction to the place.
The beautiful lake, and the Mattupetty Dam, are some of the major attractions in Mattupetty and are ideal picnic spots. The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), Idukki provides boating facilities in the Mattupetty Dam. Speed launch, slow speedboat and motorboats are available on hire. Other nearby places of interest includes the picturesque Kundala tea plantations and the Kundala Lake. Mattupetty perched high in the Idukki hills is an ideal location to enjoy the rains.
Kovalam
Kovalam is one of the most famous beaches in Kerala and one of the best in India. Though a very popular winter vacation spot, Kovalam looks spectacular during the rains. Long walks on the beach, eating the fresh seafood prepared by the locals and enjoying Ayurvedic massages are some of the activities that you can indulge in. Check out for any surfing activities during the monsoons as Kovalam is one of the best surfing spots in India.
If you are in the best of your mood, then the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and the vacation spots of Shankhumugham and Veli are also situated close by for you to explore.
Alappuzha
Popularly known as the Venice of the East, the capital of backwater tourism in Kerala; Alappuzha is located about 53 km south of Kochi. The 18th-century town still retains vestiges of its past when it was a major trading port of the princely state Travancore.
Stroll down the alleyways of Alappuzha, eat at is many restaurants which serve the freshest catch of the day, take a trip to the beach or visit its museums – there are lots to do in Alappuzha. A boat ride on the Vembanad Lake shouldn’t be missed but do check out with the boat operators as many do not operate during the rainy season.
Alappuzha resorts also offer Ayurvedic rejuvenation packages and monsoon is the perfect time for some holistic health treatment. Alappuzha is situated close to the resort town of Kumarakom, which is also famous for its bird sanctuary.
The Snake boat race is one of the unique water sports activities in the country. With Alappuzha playing the host, the boat race is a thrilling experience. The traditional 30-meter-long snake boat’s synchronized rowing will amaze you. With people cheering for the boats, the whole atmosphere is similar to a carnival. If you want to witness and be a part of this unique water sports then do visit Kerala during monsoon.
So what are you waiting for? Just start your motorcycle and ride along to the Gods own country – Kerala