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A MEMORABLE TRIP

The last winter, I visited the southern state of Kerala – God’s own country! The very thought of going there was too exciting as I had read about the state being showered with nature’s bounties for which it’s called so.
I got up early as our flight to Kochi was early. The previous night was hectic with last minute packing and, putting all things that would accompany us, in place. It was shivering cold when we set off but inside the airport and the aeroplane, it was warm. Had to take off all our protection against the chill of Kolkata and tuck them neatly inside the hand baggage. We were in for a rude shock when we got out at Kochi. It was 29th December 2013 and the temperature outside read 35oC. We were ferried to our hotel in a car that was running AC and Girish Uncle was our chauffer cum guide.                                               



In the evening, we went to the Portuguese Synagogue and the Spice Market. This Synagogue is the oldest in India. The sea side was a lovely spectacle with passing ships, fish mongers selling their catch and the spectacular Chinese fishing nets. The next morning, we set off for Munnar.                                                                                         

Munnar was very scenic with lush green hills, tea plantations and rivulets. The place where we stayed was a resort by a rivulet. It was too beautiful for eyes to believe that God indeed has blessed this land with all the good things. We were invited to the Gala Dinner on 31st December night. Local artisans showed their skills in local martial arts called “Kalaripayattu” with their own music followed by dinner with the eatables spread over a lawn with fire burning beneath the pans to keep them hot. It was the only place where it was cold in the winter months. We stayed there for two days and our next destination was Thekkaddy.
Through winding hilly roads, we reached Thekkaddy. Being in the foothills, the weather was pleasant but then, we didn’t need our woolens. The boat ride in Periyar Lake in the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary was a wonderful experience. Of the many residents of the park, I got to see the pelicans, different types of cranes and their nests, land monitors, tortoises, warthogs, deer and elephants aplenty.

The next destination was Alappuza, also known previously as Alleppey. Alappuza is the Venice of the East – it’s said. We checked into a houseboat and were welcomed with drinks made with fresh tender coconut water and other mixes. The Captain of our boat had an Assistant. We were confined to the boat for the entire period of our stay. Being the only occupant, I had the time of my life experiencing freedom in the middle of channels of water that formed the famous backwaters of Kerala. Lunch was served an hour after and at around 4 PM the Captain started the houseboat. We crossed channel after channels to ultimately reach Vembanad Lake. Never have I seen such an expanse of a water-body.  It was thrilling. Evening snacks were sweetened French Toasts served with tea. Everything was cooked in the houseboat and the Captain and his assistant doubled up as cooks and caretakers. Their hospitality was homely and the food excellent making it an awesome experience.
The next day, we set off for Kovalam after breakfast. It was 3rd January 2014 and we were into the last leg of our trip. The resort was exotic and I was startled and taken aback when our hostess garlanded and placed a tilak on my forehead followed by an aarati by my face. This was a moment I felt heavenly like a king that atithi devo bhava – the concept of worshipping the guests really existed! Else, I’d have believed that it existed only as advertisements on the television. The resort was by the sea but my happiness leaped out of bounds when I saw three swimming pools. The golden beach was not quite far away and the shops by the seaside sold trinkets, clothes that foreigners purchased and sea food.

The next day, early in the morning, we started off for Kochi for our return journey. Nowhere in Kerala, is one allowed to drive beyond a speed of 60 kmph. The traffic management is excellent and the highways (National & State) are posted with CCTV cameras that catch hold of errant vehicles. Girish Uncle was too cautious not to exceed the prescribed limits in any way as the imposed fines were hefty. He dropped us at the airport and bade goodbye. I enjoyed the trip to the hilt. The people were too gentle and good. All the places that we visited were neat and clean. This perhaps is the direct benefit of good education and discipline practiced by them. As we landed at Kolkata, the temperature was 22 oC. We pulled out our protective gear again on our way back home in the city of grime and filth.

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