There are many unique places to travel and it cannot be easy to pick your next destination when there are so many options. So here we discuss the top 3 reasons to visit Kerala for your trip.
Kerala tripis a perfect option for outdoor lovers, with its beautiful scenic views and many exciting activities.
The heart-warming nature and thrilling adventures in Kerala keep you excited about your visit. Known to be ‘the God’s Own Country’ is famous for its backwaters. But other than that know the top three reasons for your Kerala visit:
1Spices and Food
Spectacular Spice Garden
Muziris, an ancient port in Kerala, was the center of the world’s spice trade. You must add a visit to a spice farm to your itinerary. This provides you the chance to see how spices are made and used in restaurants or homes. Here you can find pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and many other herbs. Connect with nature to get close to your roots and travel back in time.
Attappadi and Siruvani are the most popular spice destinations in Kerala. But there are many other spice farm options, so you can easily find one close to you.
Indian food has always been worth exploring. It is a must-see on any trip. Its cuisine is rich in spices and use of coconut and rice is very common. Here you can find many vegetarian options and also few meat dishes.
Some traditional dishes of Kerala include pazham poi (fried bananas), parotta (bread made with flour and accompanied mostly with beef), puttu (made of rice powder, water, and coconut and kadala curry (black chickpeas in curry).
2Bird watching, Wildlife, and Parks:
Elephant herd at Periyar
However, we all know that Kerala is a paradise destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Wildlife and nature lovers can see many animals in their natural habitats and enjoy knowing about the various trees and plants.
Wayanad is where elephants can be seen, Periyar is for leopards and tigers, and Kumarakom Bird sanctuary can be visited for bird watching. The other parks and shelters are also worth visiting which include Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley, Eravikulam National Park, etc.
There are 25 parks and sanctuaries in Kerala. You’re sure to find one that allows you to be connected with nature and enjoy the best of Kerala.
Kerala is home to everything, from beautiful beaches and hills to breathtaking mountains, so you can hike, go on safari, camp, or enjoy bird watching. Kerala is a lovely vacation spot because it offers almost everything.
3UniquePeople and Culture:
Unique Boat Race
We always encourage tourists to go beyond the famous tourist attractions and talk with locals. It allows you to learn more about the country, its history, and perhaps even it’s future.
Talking with people from different parts of the country will help you better understand their challenges and opportunities. You’ll also get helpful tips about what to do and where to go.
The most surprising thing about Kerala is the friendly people. The people of Kerala will always be willing to help you, regardless of where you come from or your economic status.
Kerala Tourism has also launched a campaign that emphasizes people and nature. They used #HumanByNature as their hashtag and created a special video to accompany it. Now it is our turn to make it a better place for our trips.
In today’s time, materialistic and physical things get a priority instead of emotional needs and relations. We all are so stuck up in our daily routines and are so scared of change that we monotonously follow the same dull and boring set of work every day. But every once in a while, everyone needs a break to cherish your relationship with your partners. For all those who are in need of a romantic getaway to relax and enjoy with your special one, then don’t worry as you have to do no research to find a good place for you. Before you invest in a foreign visa, make sure you’ve read all the special pages of the book of this country with your special someone. Here are 11 breathtaking destinations to visit with your partner in India!
1. Khajjiar
Are you also one of the Switzerland kind of love obsessed person but don’t have the budget to fulfill this dream? If yes, then don’t worry, we have brought you an almost similar option, a mini-Switzerland which can be found in India from the name- Khajjiar. Also check, how you can save money while traveling. This small hill station is a true treasure of Himachal Pradesh hidden in Chamba. The gorgeous landscapes, crystal clear lakes, thick pine forests and mesmerizing views themselves set up a mood for you to spend some romantic time with your loved one.
Spell-bounding view at Kahjjiar Lake
2. Goa
If you and your partner are into pristine beaches, tropical weather and a bustling nightlife, Goa can be one exhilarating experience for you. Having been a Portuguese colony for a considerable period, the culture and feel of the destination have a unique charm and European touch. With its waterfalls, open fields, clubs, ruins, churches and lots of adventure water sports, you and your partner can enjoy a vacation that is both romantic and exciting. Taking a romantic stroll on an unpopulated beach with a margarita will de-stress and rejuvenate you and your partner. Goa is a a complete package for a romantic weekend.
An epitomic art of beach love
3. Shimla
Do you like the idea of waking up to a view of the mesmerizing snow-capped mountains and the beautiful green grasslands being cuddled up in the arms of your partner? If yes, then Shimla is the place for you as it not only offers you gorgeous views and cool breeze but also a lot of peace and calmness that contrasts your noisy city life. Almost anything and everything is romantic when in Shimla. Also, you can choose to stay under a blanket in front of the fire with a glass of Blackcraft whiskey to stay warm.
Couples in Shimla
4. Udaipur
Royal Welcome at the Taj City Palace
Does your version of romance include luxury, royalty and beauty, then the royal city of Udaipur is your destination. This beautiful city of Rajasthan has often been called the City of Lakes. With its sumptuous palaces overlooking sparkling lakes, serene boat rides in the lakes, camel safaris, exotic shopping, paragliding, light and sound shows, cultural festivities and royal treatment in the royal palaces, travelers from all over the world visit this city to experience the traditional and historic charm. Experiencing the royal charm and old-time allure with your special one in this romantic city in a traditional haveli with a glass of crown royal reserve overlooking a beautiful lake easily makes for a honeymoon-worthy experience. Note: Make a special romantic vacation to Udaipur via famous luxury Train Maharajas’ Express and have an unforgettable Memory.
5. Cherrapunji
Cherrapunji in Meghalaya is the perfect place if the rain holds some special place in your heart or trigger some happy memories which you would like to relive once again. It is one of the wettest places in the world and enjoys the privilege of experiencing monsoons throughout the year. Fascinating views forming the background of your long drive along with your sweetheart, a slight drizzle tracing your windowpanes with a cup of tea does this not sound like a perfect date plan to you?
Mystical view of Watefalls
6. Kerala
Couple-stay at Houseboat
This romantic state is often known as God’s Own Country. Its serene and diverse natural beauty ranging from backwaters is a unique combination of canals, rivers and lakes, mesmerizing waterfalls, rich wildlife, exhilarating safaris, rolling hills, tea and cocoa plantations and historical temples. Enjoying the locally grown cocoa used for making chocolates with your partner will make your vacation even more romantic.
7. Gulmarg & Srinagar
A spectacular location covered with snow and misty sky it is the perfect getaway for rekindling the romance and creating much happier memories that will live with you for a lifetime. Gulmarg is known as the best place to woo your sweetheart. Gondola experience and the ski attempt on the snowy white slopes at Gulmarg just act as a catalyst in your love. Srinagar, the capital city of this paradise, is often known as the “Venice of the East”. With various picturesque attractions such as the Dal Lake, floating markets and post offices and living in a houseboat with numerous sales boats lining up beside your boat, from which you can purchase goods, provides for a unique experience for both you and your loved one. Taking a romantic shikara ride at night out into the water while watching the stars overhead in your partner’s company will be one of the most romantic experiences of your life.
Snowy meadows of Gulmarg
8. Rann of Kutch
This enigmatic white land in Gujarat makes for an experience unique to itself. It transforms into the pearlescent salt lands with enchantingly clear blue skies above once the water dries up in the summer. Nature lovers from all over the globe marvel at the unique beauty of the landscape and even find it a bit intimidating. Between November and March, the festival of joy, known as the Rann Utsav, brings crowds, music and colors to this white earth making for an extraordinary experience.
Moonlit White Dessert
9. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Beach Romancing
Before choosing Bahamas and Hawaii as your first preference for an exotic beach destination try the beautiful Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its amazing diversity with emerald green forests, scenic waterfalls, extensive plantations, white sandy beaches and exhilarating diving opportunities in shallow blue waters are bound to provide the romantic atmosphere for two people to experience together. The water activities with its coral reefs and marine life are an attraction unique to its islands.
10. Darjeeling
Based in the Himalayan foothills, thoughts of this beautiful hill station conjures up the memory of row of emerald green tea plants shaping the rolling hills. Its chilly weather, old world charm, hiking and trekking opportunities and toy train rides make for a romantic get-away from the hustle and bustle of 21st-century cities. B
Darjeeling Toy Train Routes
11. Coorg
Romantic Stays in Coorg
This charming little town in south India is known as the Scotland of India. Due to its quiet, scenic and romantic atmosphere which is perfect for you and your partner to spend time together in solitude. Amidst of exotic coffee plantations and the scent of fresh spices, the laid back lifestyle in Coorg provides lots of opportunities. For strolls in long casual dresses through sandalwood and teak forests while experiencing the area’s beautiful waterfalls and diverse wildlife and birdlife.
Don’t just dream about the amazing time you would spend on this romantic getaway, rather act fast and book one of the above – mentioned places for you and your special one!
The creator with his paint brush sprays magic on the canvas called earth time and again. One is left awestruck and spell bound, every time they get a chance to witness that magic. This is one such magic, which happens once every 12 years, known as Neelakurinji.
The Blue Bloom
Neelakurinji – Once in a Blue Bloom
The Neelakurinji, literally meaning blue flower, are a rare species of flower that have a maturity cycle of 12-16 years. When blooming at its peak, it engulfs the entire stretch of the hill in the carpet of blue. The Nilgiri Hills have thus derived their name.
Blue Flowers in Green Grass!
Where to find?
The Neelakurinji are found in the southern part of India in the Nilgiri hills and western ghats. They are more prominently found in the valleys of Munnar in Kerala, since they require an altitude of 1200-2400 meters above MSL.
As one breezes past the beautiful tea estates in Munnar, you arrive at Eravikulam National Park, 10 km from Munnar town, one of the prime locations for the Neelakurinji flowering and is highly promoted by Kerala Tourism.
If you plan to go on a long weekend, make sure you book the tickets in advance online, as the National Park has a limit of 3000 people only per day. The park is open for public from 8 am to 4 pm.
Soothing Sight
Neelakurinji – The Experience
Once in a 12 year experience
A worthwhile experience is on its way as you hike along the roads of Eravikulam National Park with the beautiful blue flowers blooming at your either side. As the cool winds blow through the flowers, it makes the sight even more soothing and refreshing. Perched upon the hills, embracing in its arms, when you witness a carpet of blue, you get the feeling of Nirvana as the beauty of the place and magic of the nature makes a mark in your mind, body, heart and soul. A must on the to-do list of nature lover, the flowers will make you feel obsessed with them.
So much so that you’ll sign off from Munnar saying, “See you in 2030, Neelakurinji!”
As expense and interest on travel are increasing it is broadening the lifestyle of travel by bringing traveling activity in focus through foreign culture. Now the holiday is just not limited to visiting a new place, rather choose it within your interests in a journey too. No don’t misjudge it with just photography and writing, a new place could be much more. Give yourself a chance to know more about a new place through your activity of interest. Here are a few activities you can choose your interest from for your next tour plan:
1. Adventure- Based Vacations
Although presently the most common among youth, still adventure is a wide field in itself. From land, water, and air to subcategories in all of them. Surf, dive, climb every mountain, hop on a bicycle or be the engine mama, just chase your fear every time. If you love adventure based vacations you can also go for trekking, read this article about trekking on Adventure Nation.
Places: Goa, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Chennai and the list is long.
2. One for a foodie holiday
Turn your mantra of ‘live for eating’ to ‘travel for eating’. Spice up yourself with the sample of flavors wherever you go or get some new cooking lessons. Taste the culture of places you travel.
Places: Delhi, Kerala, Goa, Rajasthan, Lucknow.
3. Spiritual Tours
Enlighten your soul with the story a place holds through the mythology you believe in. The trip like these will teach you more and strengthen your trust through the positive energy such places provide.
Open your mind, not books and pack your bag can also be said if you love history and archaeological facts. Sites, ruins, culture can leave you amazed. Then museum is a plus to a place. Travel and return with facts full.
Places: Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Bihar.
5. Off for a Fitness Freak:
Wellness holiday will help you today and in future too. Yoga, massage or spa-related trips can be on your list for the holiday if you don’t get much time to take care of yourself in your busy working life. Take a healthy off and learn new techniques of staying fit.
Professional Travel Blogger and founder of The Ghumakkads. Bhawna Mohinani is graduate in Mass Communication & Postgraduate in Travel and Tourism Management.
