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THE Indian state of Kerala is charming in a way no other Indian state is. Whether it’s the sight of peaceful coastal shores, swaying palm trees or bobbing houseboats, Kerala is a state that’s in no hurry whatsoever.
This lumbering pace is even more apparent beyond the state’s capital of Cochin and into the outskirts and countryside, where the pastures are greener, the wildlife rarer, and where the time takes longer to tick. Here are a few sites to venture out to when in Kerala.
Thekkady
How to get there
Thekkady is about 200 kilometers by car from Cochin, and the journey will bring you through the peaceful countryside and thick plantation sites.
What to expect
Thekkady is India’s largest wildlife sanctuary and is where the important Periyar National Park is situated. The forest reserve is home to magnificent elephants, Bengal tigers, Indian bisons, Malabar grey hornbills, smooth-coated otters, wild dogs and bonnet macaques.
The region is also known for its spice plantations where you can walk through thick cardamom shrubs or run your fingers through pepper plant leaves. Cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger and curry leaves are also cultivated here, all which you can purchase as unique souvenirs.
Varkala
How to get there
Varkala is linked by rail and road from all major Keralan cities as well as Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about an hour to Varkala by car.
What to expect
Although it’s become more popular among backpackers over the years, the cliff-side town of Varkala is great for its laidback vibe. It’s 54 kilometers north up the coast from Thiruvananthapuram and is set against a stunning backdrop of brick-red cliffs overlooking a breezy shore.
When in Varkala, it’s worth getting an ayurvedic massage, partaking in yoga with Indian yogis atop the cliff, embarking out on a nature tour, or traveling further north or south where the beaches are quieter.
The Nilgiri Mountains
How to get there
You can fly into Coimbatore from Cochin, Trivandrum, Tamil Nadu or Bangalore and catch the mountain train into the mountains.
What to expect
Cooler than the cities, beaches, backwaters and lowland rainforests of Kerala are the stunning Blue Mountains of the Western Ghats also known as the Nilgiri Mountains, a popular destination for honeymooners and trekkers alike. They trek up for some of the best views of rapids, springs and waterfalls.
The mountains’ highest peak of Doddabetta is recorded at 2,623 meters. On the way up, you’ll encounter many species of exotic wildlife endemic to the hills, some that include Nilgiri langurs and Nilgiri tahrs.
Palakkad
How to get there
You can fly in from Coimbatore Airport to Palakkad, or catch a train in from Coimbatore, Madurai, Pollachi, Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi or Tamil Nadu.
What to expect
Still largely unfamiliar to tourists, the small city of Palakkad is a sight for flowing rivers, national parks and colorful bird species. It’s a textbook Indian countryside town with shadowy mountainous landscapes, rumbling cars, coconut palms, attap-roofed village houses and sprawling patches of green.
When in Palakkad, it’s worth seeking out an experiential homestay where you get the rare chance to live with a Keralan family amidst the plantations. Planters Retreat is a majestic property in a plantation estate and has reaped many rave reviews online.
The post Travel back in time to Kerala’s wistfully nostalgic countryside appeared first on Travel Wire Asia.
Source: travelwireasia.com