Kerala: The Stunning State That Stole My Heart

India is a country that showcases immense diversity and warmth, be it in their culture, food, or traditions. The country greets you with open arms and invites you to explore and experience all it offers. However, with 28 states to explore, it can be overwhelming to visit all of them in a short amount of time. Being an Indian myself, I understand this first-hand, as I too have not had the opportunity to visit many states. But, when I visited the gorgeous state of Kerala, I fell in love with its beauty and was left with a desire to return. Let me take you on a journey to show you how Kerala captured my heart and why it will always hold a special place in my heart.

My journey began in Alleppey, which is known for its beautiful backwaters. They say that if you visit Kerala, you have to go to Alleppey and stay in a houseboat You can enjoy greater comfort and take in the stunning views of the lush local landscapes.

We booked a six-bedroom houseboat for one night and began our journey early in the morning. Throughout the trip, we played games, danced, and indulged in delicious Kerala food. My favorite had to be the Keralite fish thali, served on banana leaves. There were so many varieties of curries, from coconut-based vegetable curry to curries with yogurt. I loved every bite of it. We savored our delicious meals while soaking in the beautiful scenery along the way

We checked out of the houseboat in Alleppey and embarked on a five-hour ride on a private bus to reach the beautiful hill station of Munnar. During the journey, we made a stop to enjoy some fresh coconut water and a healthy snack called coconut nut flower, also known as Kobbari Puvvu. I was surprised by its sponge-like texture and refreshing sweetness, and couldn't resist indulging in some more. If you ever happen to travel to this part of Kerala, make sure to try this delicacy!

The crisp, serene air hit us when we arrived at the hill station, and the stunning panoramic view left us speechless. We wasted no time and stepped out of the vehicle, determined to capture the breathtaking scenery of Munnar. The hill station was nothing short of magnificent, with sprawling tea plantations that left us in awe. As we watched the sunset and the sky turn into a gradient of blues and orange, the birds chirped in the background, creating a perfect symphony of nature.

The next day, we were thrilled to start our adventure and explore the breathtaking Munnar region. Our first and most important stop was the Top Station, which is undeniably the heart of Munnar. With its stunning bird's-eye view filled with exotic flora and fauna, it's an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable experience. Keep in mind that Top Station Munnar is the highest point of Munnar, rising approximately 1700 meters above sea level. To ensure that you make the most of your visit, I strongly advise you to wear comfortable sports shoes, as there's a lot of uphill walking involved. Staying hydrated while walking up is key, so make sure to carry plenty of water. Trust me, you don't want to miss this view. To catch this beauty at its best, make sure to wake up early and get there on time.

Soon we were headed to our next stop Tea Museum at the Nullatanni estate.

As we walked into the museum, we couldn't wait to learn about the secrets behind Munnar's famous tea industry. Inside, we felt like we were taken back in time with all the old artifacts, pictures, and machines that tell the story of tea cultivation in Kerala's high ranges. The tour guide showed us every step of the tea-making process, from picking the leaves to making the aromatic brew that Munnar is so famous for.

The best part of our visit was the tea-tasting session. We got to try all kinds of teas, from traditional blends to flavors like cardamom and rose. We couldn't leave without picking up some souvenirs, so we grabbed some aromatic teas to take home with us. And we were off to our next stop, which was Mudupetty Dam.

The Mudupetty Dam is famous for its masonry dam and beautiful lake, The most beautiful part of this dam was seeing the reflection of the tea plantations, we were so captivated by its beauty  



We took a leisurely walk along the trail, enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Although it started drizzling soon after, we continued our walk, and it turned out to be a delightful experience. Our adventure wasn't over yet, as we spotted the cutest baby elephants on our way out. We couldn't resist running out in the rain to see them up close. It was an experience that we'd cherish forever.

After saying goodbye to the beautiful hills of Munnar, we hit the road and drove for four hours to Kochi.

Along the way, we stopped at a gorgeous waterfall and took a break to enjoy the view and snacked on some juicy watermelon and sliced pineapple, savoring the sweetness of the moment. But then, we were soon interrupted by some mischievous monkeys. We knew we had to be careful because they have a reputation for being mischievous and stealing food. We had some fun trying to outsmart them. Those monkeys sure knew how to keep us on our toes!

After safely storing our belongings, we bid farewell to the adorable monkeys we met and proceeded towards Kochi. As the sun began to set, we couldn't help but reminisce about all the incredible adventures we had experienced in Kerala over the past few days.

From the serene backwaters in Alleppey to the misty hills in Munnar, we were completely captivated and eagerly anticipated exploring more of this beautiful region. Although our trip was relatively short, it left an indelible mark on us.

I hope that my blog post can inspire you to include Kerala on your travel bucket list and enjoy all the amazing experiences like my family did:)