It wouldn’t be incorrect to call Kerala the Bali of South India. The soothingly green topography can be visible from the flight and its heartening to see that the demands of urbanisation have not quite impacted God’s own country. At least, not as yet. Given its proximity to Bengaluru, it is the perfect destination for a quick getaway, no matter what the occasion.
The tourism industry has marketed the state so well that every place you choose is a mini paradise in itself. Our pick was Kovalam, which is a mere 20-minute drive from Trivandrum. The one-hour flight from Bengaluru sees visitors land at this old fashioned but charming airport which is a far cry from the very modern Bengaluru International airport. The crowd is cultured and low profile and you will find none of the brashness that one normally encounters on any other domestic flights. It is a delight to watch people sit quietly with none of the theatrics that you normally find at large airports.
The short drive to the resort (there are many you can choose from depending on your budget) is pleasing to the eye as it offers insights into the coastal culture.
The road to Kovalam is devoid of traffic and that is a huge bonus in India.
Kovalam is just the kind of place where time stands still and the languid pace of this little town fills you with calmness. The weather was pleasant — August being the monsoon season — and there was no rain, despite a cloudy air. This is just the perfect locale to forget all your worries and jump into the infinity pool at the hotel, from where you can watch the sun slowly set into the sea: a visual that you can never quite get tired of. The water is cool, and the temperature is just right for a dip even at 7 pm.
If you are a water baby who likes to swim in the ocean, this may not be the right season as there is high tide and you can actually watch the ferocious waves fiercely hit across the rocks, with an intensity that is both fascinating and frightening. So visitors at most sea-side resorts are strongly discouraged from venturing near the ocean. But post monsoons, you can opt for the sunset cruises as the boat gently rocks its way across the ocean.
Kerala is all about those deep tissue massages and the trained masseurs skillfully identify those stress knots in your body and pummel them hard to destress you. There are a variety of options from the traditional oil based massages to the more common Swedish ones. While the spas at the resorts can be steep, it is best to head to one of the many ubiquitous ayurvedic parlours housed in traditional villas. They are not just affordable but offer great value for money.
All this is more enough to whip up an appetite and the cuisine is simply to die for. Kovalam’s seaside restaurants like the Bait at the Taj offer a spectacular view of the ocean, even as you feast on a delectable array of sea food options. The Tides at the Leela specialises in delicious Pan Asian Cuisine, that provides a refreshing change for the palate. But if you are a die-hard coastal food lover, then a visit to the Villa Maya Heritage restaurant is a must. This 18th century home, which originally belonged to the Royal Travancore family has been restored elegantly. It has lovely, wide open spaces with a stunning garden patio and an international cuisine. We would recommend the non-veg thali that can be modified to suit your palate.
If you have a strongly spiritual bent of mind, then your trip will be incomplete without a visit to the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple, which has apparently been acknowledged as one of India’s richest temples. There is no better way to end your journey than by seeking blessings from the Lord, before you head back home, happy and rejuvenated.
