Our Family Adventure in God’s Own Country – Kerala!
Our journey to Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, started in Varkala—a hidden gem near Trivandrum. Though not as popular as other tourist spots, its stunning cliffs and serene beaches made it worth visiting. To save money, we flew into Cochin Airport and took a 5-hour midnight cab ride to reach Varkala. Tired but excited, we couldn’t wait to explore!
Day 1: Varkala Cliff & Jatayu Earth Centre
We stayed near the famous Varkala Cliff,
where the beach meets towering cliffs.
A morning walk along the cliff was magical,
followed by a delicious Spanish breakfast
at God’s Own Country Restaurant.
Next, we headed to the Jatayu Earth Centre, a 1.5-hour cab ride away. A scenic cable car ride took us to the mountaintop, where the giant Jatayu statue stood tall. This mythical bird from the Ramayana bravely fought Ravana to save Sita. The views were breathtaking, and we spent 2 hours soaking in the history and beauty.
Back in Varkala, we treated ourselves to an Ayurvedic spa (₹1500 per person)—totally worth it for the relaxation! Dinner was at LITTLE TIBET, a famous Tibetan restaurant, where we tried their special dish Tibetian Thukpa.
Day 2: Alleppey Houseboat Experience
An early morning 4-hour cab ride took us to Alleppey, where we boarded a houseboat. We had booked a family room in advance.
At 1 PM, we were welcomed with drinks and a Tamil-style lunch (veg Sadhya and non-veg fish fry). Honestly, the food wasn’t great—I’d recommend staying in lakeside resorts instead for better meals and enjoy short ride of Houseboat.
By 4 PM, the boat reached a floating village—houses on water, people living there year-round and transport with only form available i.e. Boats! After docking, we explored local markets in a rickshaw, shopped for silk sarees, and enjoyed fresh bakery snacks. The evening ended with dinner and music on the boat’s rooftop—a peaceful night under the stars.
Day 3: Fort Kochi & Kathakali Show
Heavy rains greeted us during the morning boat ride. After breakfast, we left for Fort Kochi in an Ola cab.
Our hotel was in a prime location, perfect for sightseeing. We hired a rickshaw to visit:
Basilica Church (one of India’s oldest)
Matancherry Palace (rich in history)
Jew Town (colorful streets & antiques)
India’s first Water Metro (a unique experience!)
At 6 PM, we visited Cochin Thirumala Devaswom Temple, where men had to remove their shirts and wear a dhoti to enter. An eye pleasing experience to visit this famous Vishnu temple.
Then came the highlight—Kathakali & Kalaripayattu show! A must-watch in Kerala, it showcases traditional dance and martial arts, giving a glimpse of Kerala’s vibrant culture.
Dinner was at a famous Italian pizza place near the bay. The next morning, we flew back to Mumbai, ending our incredible Kerala trip!
Final Thoughts
Kerala is more than just backwaters and beaches—it’s about culture, history, and unforgettable experiences. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss Varkala’s cliffs, Alleppey’s houseboats, and Fort Kochi’s heritage spots. And yes, Kathakali is a must-see!.
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