Let's come to the point now. Kerala is best to be visited in October to February. In October, there is retreating monsoons in Kerala which are light rainfalls and nothing to worry about. Also one can witness the festivities around Onam festival and the boat racing competition in October. But we chose monsoon season for two reasons: One, Delhi did not witness rains this year and we love rains and second, we wanted to witness the Neelakurinji flowers over the Anamudi peak (highest peak of south India), which appear once in 12 years.
(Ananmudi Peak)
For a 7 days trip, one must decide beforehand whether one wants to see the waterfalls and hills or the beaches. There are three airports, chose Kochi airport to see the hills and Trivandrum airport to see the beaches. Now if one is thinking that one can visit both in 7 days, then that would not be as pleasant a trip as one thinks. Because, you have to bear in mind that one place is very far from another destination. The roads are not very comfortable. The taxis are comparatively dearer (expensive). One day must be kept as a rest day. So you have 6 days now. Land at Kochi to go to Munnar hill station the next day. If you wish to stay two days at Munnar, stay at a hotel near the bus stand. But If u wish to stay longer, You can enjoy some remote hotels in the tea gardens. Go to Iddukki dam. Its a must. People there would say Munnar is 3 hours from Kochi, but it is actually 6 hours from Kochi. That way subtract 12 + 1= 13 hours from your trip. This one hour includes food and rest room use. DO NOT FORGET to buy spices and home made chocolates from Munnar govt. outlets on the way. Subtract 3 hours more as one might one to visit the spice garden there. Visit it if you are really keen. It is chargeable. 100 rs per person. Since my husband and I love spices, we visited the garden and bought almost all variety of spice.
(Glimpses of Munnar)
Now, after coming back from Munnar, visit the mighty Athirapally and Vazhachal falls. These falls were picturised in the Indian films Guru and Bahubali. There is a bit of trekking too. so do not skip any of these waterfalls. the trekking is short and enjoyable. We went with our one and half year old baby and she insisted on walking the distance. It was really exciting. One can go to Cherai beach in Kochi. That way, hills, beaches and waterfalls - everything is covered in one trip. People from smaller towns may also visit the Lulu Mall which I believe is the biggest in Asia.
(Athirapally and Vazhachal)
(Cherai beach and the way)
Then there is Fort Kochi. Stay at a hotel in Kochi. The city is wonderful and dreamlike. There is a small marine drive and one can take a ferryride from there. Do not buy tickets from the people selling individual tickets. Go to the govt. stand for ferry rides which will cost you Rs. 2-4. Yes, it is this cheap. Visit the Dutch settlement in Mattancherry town. You will have a diffrenet experience of Mattancherry. Buy perfumes at Mattancherry.
This is enough for a 7 days trip. otherwise one would be travelling and not enjoying. We stayed mostly at Treebo hotels. They are our favourite. In Munnar too, we went for the Treebo near the bus stand.
Now if you wish to visit the beaches, there are Kovalam and Varkala beaches which are famous. The beaches are clean. Allepey is called the Venice of Italy. One can stay in houseboats but they are generally costly. I witness mostly couples and not families, considering a boathouse for a whole day. I did not visit this part of Kerala in this trip. This was long back. So I wont be describing much. Beaches, anyways can be enjoyed in Goa which is comparatively cheaper in terms of flights from Delhi and otherwise.
P.S. GUTKHA PAN MASALA IS BANNED IN KERALA. And we could not witness Neelakurinji flowers in full bloom. Finally, my daughter, who was one and a half year old that time, too trekked to the Anamudi peak :)
(The young Neelakurinji plant)
Bye Bye for now. Have a safe and cheerful holiday !
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