Immersive Travel Guide – Is Life Chaotic or Relationship Chaotic?

Hello everyone,

^{Popularly known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala fascinates visitors with its lush landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and vibrant culture. My journey through this fascinating state was nothing short of extraordinary. From the misty mountains of Munnar to the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala offers a rich experience tailor-made for every type of traveler. In this blog, I will share my personal travel experiences, highlighting must-see attractions, my favorite restaurants and local delicacies, affordable accommodations, and unique tips to make the most of your Kerala adventure.}

First stop: Coimbatore to Kochi (195 km) – Arrive in Kochi and explore Fort Kochi

^{Kochi, also known as Cochin, was my starting point for exploring Kerala. Having travelled from Coimbatore, I found Kochi’s energy inspiring. This vibrant city effortlessly blends old and new, offering glimpses of Kerala’s colonial heritage alongside bustling modern life. I stayed in the historic Fort Kochi, known for its charming streets, colonial architecture and vibrant art scene.}

^{Best transportation:
Embark on your journey by car or bus. Road trips allow you to explore Kerala’s landscapes at your own pace. Park your car at Fort Kochi and take an auto-rickshaw tour or a boat trip for an authentic local experience.}

^{Top Places to Visit in Kochi:}

• ^{1. Fort Kochi Beach: Perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the views of the Arabian Sea.}
• ^{Chinese fishing nets: These iconic buildings are worth seeing, especially at sunset.}
• ^{Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace): Admire the beautiful murals and learn about the royal history of Kerala.}
• ^{Jew Town: Explore antique shops and visit one of the oldest synagogues, the Paradesi Synagogue.}

^{Best Restaurants in Kochi:}

• ^{Kashgar Art Cafe: Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it is known for its artistic ambience and delicious continental cuisine.}
• ^{Ginger House: Located in Jew Town, it offers a unique dining experience of traditional Kerala cuisine.}
• ^{Fusion Bay: A seafood lover’s paradise with a fusion of Kerala and continental flavours.}

^{stay:
Affordable options include hotels like Zostel Kochi or homestays in Fort Kochi, with prices starting from Rs 1,200 per night.}

^{Second stop: Cochin to Munnar (130 km) – Munnar: Tea Garden Paradise}

^{Next, we headed to Munnar, a small hill station known for its vast tea plantations and cool climate. The winding roads and breathtaking views along the way made the journey a visual feast.}

^{Best transportation:
Drive or hire a taxi through the mountains. The views along the way make every kilometer worth it.}

^{Top Places to Visit in Munnar:}

• ^{tea garden: Visit a tea plantation, learn about tea processing, and taste a cup of fresh local tea.}
• ^{Eravikulam National Park: Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr sheep, it offers stunning views and wildlife viewing opportunities.}
• ^{Previous station: This is the highest point in Munnar and offers a panoramic view of the Western Ghats.}
• ^{Atukal Falls: A picturesque spot, perfect for nature lovers, photography and picnics.}

^{Best Restaurants in Munnar:}

• ^{Saravana Bhawan: Known for its authentic South Indian vegetarian food, it’s perfect for a hearty breakfast.}
• ^{Rapsy Restaurant: It is an affordable option that serves both Indian and continental dishes.}
• ^{Silver Spoon: This is a cozy place to enjoy a delicious meal with local flavor.}

^{stay:
Stay at budget resorts like Misty Mountain Resort or Tea Valley Resort, with prices starting from Rs 2,000 per night.}

Stop 3: Munnar to Thekkady (90 km) – Thekkady: A Wildlife Paradise

^{Best transportation:
The best way to travel through the Western Ghats is by car or taxi.}

^{Most worth visiting places:}

• ^{1. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary: Take a boat trip on Periyar Lake to see elephants, deer, and other wildlife.}
• ^{Spice Plantation: Visit the aromatic spice garden and learn about how spices are grown.}

^{Best Restaurant:}

• ^{Spice Garden Restaurant: Savor authentic Kerala dishes like fish curry and appam.}
• ^{Thekkady Cafe: A cozy place to taste local delicacies.}

^{stay:
Affordable options include Jungle Park Resort and Peppervine Hotel, with rates starting from Rs 1,500 per night.}

^{Stop 4: Tekkadi to Alleppey (138 km) – Alleppey: The joy of backwaters}

_{Alappuzha is famous for its peaceful backwaters and houseboat cruises. I spent a day floating on the tranquil waters surrounded by lush greenery and quaint villages.}

_{Best transportation:
Take a car or bus to Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East.}

^{Top Places to Visit in Alleppey:}

• ^{Alleppey Backwaters: A boat cruise is an activity not to be missed, offering a unique way to explore the beauty of the area.}
• ^{Alleppey Beach: This is a perfect spot to relax and watch the sunset.}
• ^{1. Marari Beach: There is a quiet beach nearby which is perfect for relaxing.}

^{Best Restaurants in Alleppey:}

• ^{TUF: A local favourite, famous for its Kerala cuisine and seafood.}
• ^{Halais Restaurant: It offers a variety of dishes including biryani and other Kerala specialities.}
• ^{Harbor Restaurant: For seafood lovers, this is a great spot with stunning backwater views.}

^{stay:
Opt for a budget houseboat starting at Rs 6,000 per night or a homestay like Sreekrishna Homestay starting at Rs 1,200 per night.}

Last stop: Alleppey to Varkala (117 km) – Varkala: The ultimate beach getaway

^{My last stop was Varkala, famous for its crescent-shaped beach and laid-back vibe – the perfect place to relax after a few days of exploring.}

^{Best transportation:
Kerala’s capital, Trivandrum, is a short drive or bus ride away.}

^{Most worth visiting places:}

• ^{1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Famous for its elaborate architecture and wealth.}
• ^{1. Kovalam Beach: You can relax on the famous beach, renowned for its tranquility and beauty.}
• ^{Napier Museum: Discover rare artifacts and historic sites at this 19th-century museum.}

^{Best Restaurant:}

• ^{Maya Villa: Experience fine dining of traditional Kerala and International cuisine.}
• ^{Bukhari Hotel: For biryani lovers, this is a must-visit place.}

^{stay:
Budget hotels like Hotel Horizon or homestays in Kovalam start from Rs 1,500 per night.}

^{Travel Tips and Notes}

^{What to do:}

• ^{Book in advance: Especially during the peak tourist season, you can be sure to get the best prices.}
• ^{Carry Cash: While most places accept credit cards, smaller shops and restaurants may not.}
• ^{Respect local customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, and embrace Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.}

^Note:

• ^{Avoid using plastic: Kerala is committed to becoming a plastic-free state, so bring reusable bags and bottles.}
• ^{Don’t litter: Help keep Kerala’s landscapes pristine for all to enjoy.}
• ^{Don’t rush: The charm of Kerala lies in its leisurely pace, so you can take your time and soak up the beauty.}

^{Budget Budget}

• ^{transportation: ₹6,000-₹10,000 (depending on mode and fuel)}
• ^{stay: ₹12,000-₹18,000 (budget accommodation)}
• ^{food: Rs. 5,000-8,000}
• ^{Activity: INR 5,000-7,000 (houseboat, wildlife tour, etc.)}

^{Total budget: INR 28,000-43,000 per person}

^{Affordable accommodation options}

• ^{In Cochin: Zostel Kochi – A backpacker-friendly hostel offering dormitories and private rooms.}
• ^{In Munnar: Misty Hills Resort – A budget hotel with stunning views of the tea plantations.}
• ^{In Alleppey: Bella Art and Meditation House – A cozy homestay offering a peaceful retreat.}

^{Unique proposals and budget estimates}

• ^{Best time to visit: The climate is pleasant from September to March.}
• ^{Budget Budget: A 7-day trip to Kerala costs 25,000-40,000 rupees ($300-500) per person, including accommodation, food and transportation.}
• ^{What to do: Bring lightweight cotton clothing, stay hydrated, and respect local customs.}
• ^{Note: Avoid drinking tap water and do not litter}.

^{Best Travel Packages}

• ^{Stimulant addiction: It offers well-curated Kerala packages starting from Rs 12,000 per person.}
• ^{Build My Trip: Customizable Kerala packages are available, including luxury yacht accommodation.}
• ^{pilgrimage: There are affordable packages focusing on Munnar and Alleppey.}

^{in conclusion}

^{As our trip comes to an end, the memories we made in Kerala will be ones I will treasure forever. Kerala is a land of endless beauty, rich traditions, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether it’s strolling through tea plantations, cruising the backwaters, or tasting fresh seafood, every moment in Kerala is a treat for the senses. With this guide, you can now plan an unforgettable trip that suits your budget and interests. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Kerala!}

^{See you in the next article…}

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with love,

Sarah