An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
Kovalam and Poovar backwaters : Kerala by train
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Maria, a Lithuanian friend I met in Varkala, was nearing her stay in India, while I was at the end of a month-long ‘working vacation’ here. But we still had some time, and planned a trip to Kovalam and later Kanyakumari.
With a brief stopover at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple in Trivandrum, we got a bus to Kovalam, just in time for a quiet breakfast by the sea.
breakfast by the sea- Kovalam, Kerala
Maria said something about her plan to visit Srilanka, but her voice somehow seemed faint as compared to the sound of the waves hitting the shore. Meantime we were approached by another tourist who said with due caution, ‘beautiful weather we are having isn’t it?’ Yes indeed, I couldn’t agree more.
If you’re here in Kovalam, here are Top 5 things you must try!
DISCLAIMER : KINDLY REVIEW COVID AND TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR KERALA
#1 Kovalam lighthouse and beach
Unmistakably the one thing that caught my eye at Kovalam is this beacon on a cliff.
a view of Kovalam lighthouse
The lighthouse is a big draw so don’t be surprised to find a queue to take you to the top- from where views of the sea and the crescent shaped beach below are simply amazing.
The rich mineral black sand shores of Kovalam looked inviting for my favorite pastime, a walk on the beach. I spent the afternoon with the waves and the soft sand under my feet. until I spotted a rock pool with a few shrimps and crabs, it looked all so interesting that I had forgotten about lunch.
#2 Sundown vibes at Kovalam
Kovalam at sundown is abuzz with restaurants laying out a wide array of fresh catch from the sea- lobsters, pomfrets and a variety of other fish. Hopeful diners like us, were all dressed up for dinner. With bated breath we looked at the rate card, divided it by 2 and finally made our pick- it was going to be crab roast this evening.
Picking out a nifty table on the upper floor by this seaside place was a good idea.
Enjoying the sea, sound of the waves & drinking beer with crab roast.
The ambience is dim and meditative, the sound of the waves soothing; as it crashes against the shore. The howling wind and circling beam of light from the nearby lighthouse is oh so haunting. After a few gulps of beer, I had the heady feeling of being on a ship riding through the sea.
#3 Water adventure sports
During peak season, there are a couple water adventure sports activities you can try. From catamaran rides at Hawah beach to jet skiing, parasailing and paragliding, rates could range from 500-1000 rs and upward (depending).
#4 Ayurvedic massage
Similar to Varkala, there are many ayurvedic massage centers that cater to people looking for a cure and plain relaxation.
#5 Cruising through the Poovar backwaters
Poovar backwaters boat ride, Kerala
Is quite a different experience as compared to Alleppey. The waterways at Poovar are a maze of mangrove forests, and while the smaller boats zigzag through- it's a sight to behold; at the rich flora and fauna. There is a variety of birds that live off the natural habitat of these waters.
The boat halts at a tiny islet for refreshments. I also noticed some exclusive ayurvedic resorts within. The boat charge can range from 600 rs to 1000 rs and can hold about 5-7 pax (try to strike a bargain if you can).
As a bonus if you are in Kovalam around Jan, there are cultural events and festivals that showcase Kathakali and traditional music to name a few.
Conclusion
My journey along Kerala’s coast, (Malabar belt) from Thalassery until now has been momentous. There are 4 points worth noting based on my personal experiences.
1 : Kerala is by far the most tourist-friendly state in South India.
2 : Kovalam, Varkala, Alleppey and Kochi are Kerala’s top tourist destinations and it's easy to sense the holiday mood among vacationers.
3 : Keralites know the art of hospitality, similar to Goa.
4 : Last but not the least, Kerala is a land of spirituality and a great opportunity to get immersed in it's festivals and temples.
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