This is a long planned blog, inspired from my last vacation in Kerala. Its written many times over by many people and here are my recommendation of top 10 must do in Kerala.
· Visit to Kerala is not complete without visiting Munnar, it’s a must visit and don’t forget to take a walk in those lush green tea estate, it feel like heaven in the middle of nature. Interacting with the Tamil Tea Leaf plukers(yah you guessed it right the tea pluckers are all Tamil) in the estate gives you a complete local flavour .
· Anamudi Peak lies to the interior of the Eravikulam National Park and Walk on this highest peak of Western Ghats and South India is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Munnar, there are no steep elevations which makes it a very comfortable trek. On a bright sunny day you can experience the full view of this peak.
· This was the most enjoyable part of my trip an Elephant Ride and an elephant bath. Its complete fun activity and a must do, my elephant Unni Krishnan was so amazing and friendly. You will simply fall in love with this beautiful animal.
· Kathakali Show and Kalari Payatte shows are one of a kind, the former is a dance form and later is a martial arts performance , so if you happen to visit Thekkadey do attend both the shows .
· Staying with a local family would be an icing on the cake. If you know a local stay with them or opt for a home stay. Though I was lucky to stay with the local but I have heard home stay are good and cheap option. You can also savour the typical local food which is not easily available, infact I guess Chola bhatura are found in more places then Appam and chicken stew.
· If you are in Kerala don’t forget to visit Thekkdey, it’s around 4 hrs from Munnar and offers amazing Kerala experience. Thekkdey is popular for its National Park “Periyar”and believe me its much better than what you see in Singapore and Bangkok. You see animals around lake in a much more natural and relaxed way. You can easily spot elephants, wild boar, deers and some other animals. Don’t forget to carry a good camera with you preferably SLR. You can also enjoy the Kathakali shows, elephant rides, and Kerala Massage here.
· If you are a adventure lover, Thekkdey offers lots of thing to you including a jungle safari, treks and bamboo rafting.
· Kerala trip is not complete without a backwater visit and there is no better way to visit it then staying in a houseboat. A Houseboat stay makes you feel Royal . You can savour the local delicacies in the houseboat which comes as a package with the stay. The Houseboats take some haults and that’s the time when you can walk around the small villages around.
· My trip came to an end, where it started 5 days back. Cochin is popular for portugal churches around but for me the big attraction lied in the Chinese Fishing Nets which are one of kind
· And last but not the least don't forget to enjoy the kerala food, starting from the typical kerala fish to chicken and veg curries are amazing
So plan your trip now any season is good in kerala but this season is particularly a perfect time to visit
