Kerala is prominently known as ‘god’s own country’ and it is famous not only for Indians but also for travelers across the world. The first thing that comes into our mind when we hear about Kerala is the tall coconut trees oscillating in the breeze. And the second image will be of houseboats and canoes. Many of the famous writers in Malayalam have penned down the mesmerizing beauty of the nature of Kerala. Along with the coconut trees, the state is also blessed with sun-kissed beaches, tranquil backwaters, turquoise rivers, cascading waterfalls and eye-catching varieties of flora and fauna and many more. Hundreds of thousands of travelers visit the splendid state to be part of the eccentric nature by availing tour packages to the state from the leading travel agencies.
It was my childhood dream to explore the state. When I was in the 8th standard, my parents fulfilled my dream. From Ahmedabad, we availed of tour packages to Kerala at cheap prices from Gogeo Holidays travel partners. I was really thrilled. It was for the first time we were going for a long journey. With all my cousins I really had a fun time. On reaching Trivandrum International Airport from Ahmedabad we were welcomed by a garland made out of jasmine flowers and they applied a paste made from sandalwood on our foreheads. For a moment we felt like we are chief guests. The tour coordinators took us one of the best hotels in Thiruvananthapuram. We were amazed by seeing the secretariat, national parks and many more. Before reaching the hotel we visited the famous Priyadarshini Planetarium. On reaching the hotel we refreshed ourselves and by evening we went out for strolling through the historic streets. We did a small sort of shopping. The next day after relishing mouthwatering breakfast we started our sightseeing. The first place which we visited was the Napier Museum. Our tour guide told us that the museum was constructed some 150 years ago and it hosts several mural paintings, musical instruments, sculptures and many more. Adjacent to it lays the famous Kanakakunu Palace. The palace was built by the King of Travancore. From there we moved to the famous Poovar Island. Over there we indulged in small kinds of beach activities. We also availed of the boat ride and it cost above INR 1000 (I exactly don’t remember the amount). By evening we returned to our hotel. After having delicious dinner we unwind ourselves.
The next day we continued our exploration. After having ‘appam and vegetable stew’ we visited the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple. Our tour guide told that it is considered one of the wealthiest temples in the world. There are yet many more chambers to be opened and no one knows what is hidden in it. It took more than an hour to completely explore the palace. After exploring the palace we moved to the nearby beach called Kovalam. The beach is famous for its exceptional beauty. More than the locals it is the foreigners that are seen in large numbers. While playing on sand (we were making sandcastle) our tour guide shared many interesting facts about the state. I asked him how the state got the name. He told us that there are many stories behind the name. Some say the state got the name Kerala due to the presence of coconut trees in abundance and while some others tell it is because of the mythological characters. According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Kerala is considered one of the cleanest states in the country. The presence of hospitals and banks in every village indicates the development of the state. By the time an ice-cream seller passed us. All of us bought ice-creams.
After a short break, he continued. More than the exploration, travelers from various parts of the country visit the state to be part of Ayurveda treatments. The state is famous for herbal therapies. Kerala is known to have the highest sex ratio. It also stands in the top position when it comes to the matter of literacy. He asked one question of why the brides of Kerala wear heavy gold ornaments. We kids replied it maybe because gold is available at cheap rates. He smiled and said that it is not because of that it is due to the country’s 1/5 th of gold is present in Kerala. He again asked another question whether we knew the state animal of Kerala. My brother replied it is the elephant and he appreciated his correct answer. Elephants play a vital role in each and every Malayalee’s life and they are used for processions in temple festivals. The next day we trek to Agasthyakoodam Mountains. The mountain shelters rare species of plants and herbs. It is a haven for bird lovers. Karamana River provides water to the whole district, origin from the Agasthyakoodam hills. It is also called as the second-highest hill station in Kerala. It was for the first time I did trekking and it gifted me a wonderful experience. We clicked on many photographs.
On reaching our hotel I and my cousins were very busy uploading all the images into social media. Many gave us good comments. The hotel was furnished with all modern facilities such as 24 hrs we got hot and cold water, and laundry facility was also there. In fact, there was a special play station for children below 15 years. Soon after sightseeing, we used to spend long hours here. The next morning we bided goodbye to Thiruvananthapuram. I was happy and at the same time, I was sad too. Because it was for the first time in my life I am visiting a place which is far away from my home town. The trip really gifted me with lots of sweet memories that to be cherished in my early thirties. After getting the boarding pass I entered the flight and I pleaded the air hostess to change my seat as it is was far away from my parents’ seat. She accepted my request. I grabbed that seat and hugged them firmly and thanked them for gifting me such a wonderful journey.