A Romantic Escape to Kerala
Shaping Cultural Experiences
Travel has been an integral part of my life since I was a young child. I grew up in a multicultural, bilingual home in the Netherlands with a Polish mother and a Dutch father. My
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From Nigeria to Boston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNkCazT_T4&feature=youtu.be
When you first meet Oluwagbeminiyi Osidipe, you encounter a very vibrant, friendly, and unique personality. Oluwagbeminiyi or Niyi – as she shortened her name for simplicity – was named by her mother, who had a “very personal experience” when she had her, Niyi explained. Niyi is a Yoruba Nigerian transplant who arrived in the U.S. in 2006. As one of the most densely populated (West) African countries, Nigeria derives its name from the river that spans its land. To the South, it borders the Gulf of Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean. Originally colonized by the British, Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Its main ethnic groups are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, who speak English and their own respective languages, while major religions include Islam, Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Niyi shares her story, her views on politics, cultural differences she’s embraced with humor, and what we can learn from each other by expressing curiosity. Her message is simple: travel enriches us through its exposure to new cultures, and enables us to grow.
Mark Twain on Travel
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” (American author Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad).
Have you had the opportunity to travel (extensively, within your country, or even once abroad)? Can you relate to Twain’s sentiments? How does travel enrich us?
Pleasing The Taste Palate
Food has the wonderful quality of uniting us no matter where we are. There is nothing partisan or narrow-minded about food. It simply invites us to indulge, create recipes, and share with others. Two of my favorite Polish dishes (included in collage) are pierogies and barszcz czerwony – a beetroot soup – served on Christmas Eve in Poland. How does food bring us together? What are some of your favorite dishes and why? Can food trigger memories?
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Annual Human Rights Report
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Coffee's Uniting Power
A cup of coffee can bridge cultural gaps. At least, that’s what Gizem Salgicil White, founder of Turkayfe.org, believes. Her organization aims to create awareness of Turkish culture, particularly within America. Gizem is a Turkish native,
Today’s Culture with Travel post is by Akansha Negi
The Southern Indian state of Kerala is truly a piece of heaven on Earth. The real life personification of romance, it’s what I call the land of bliss. Think of Kerala and images of backwaters, tea gardens on hills, beaches, and surreal greenery all around comes to your mind. To start with your married life, there is hardly anything better than a holiday to Kerala.
Here is my experience of a 5-day honeymoon in Kerala:
Kochi, the port city of Kerala was the starting point of our honeymoon in Kerala. From the airport, we had made plans to drive straight to Munnar. The journey to the hill station settled in the lap of Western Ghats is refreshing, as misty hills, waterfalls, natural beauty accompanied us till we got there. On the way, we took a break to admire the beauty of the Cheeyappara waterfalls. Furthermore, we made a stop to have tea and explore spice plantations where we shopped for little reminders of Kerala.
Stepping into the graceful paradise of Munnar
Finally, we made our way to Munnar. Known for tea plantations, refreshing waterfalls, and misty valleys, Munnar is named among the most romantic destinations in the world. It a green blissful haven that definitely makes it the perfect honeymoon destination in not just Kerala, but also the country.
Even our chosen hotel in Munnar- Spice Country Resort, was the first glance of beauty and excitement that was in store for us in the hill town. Settled on a cliff side, the hotel opened up to breathtaking view of the valley, tea gardens, and mists settling on the hill tops. We retired for the night with a sumptuous dinner.
The next day, we woke up to the refreshing bliss of the hills. After breakfast, it was time to explore Munnar. Our plans included safari in the Eravikulam National Park where we enjoyed the scenic trek and were pointed towards the site of the rare Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once in 12 years and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, the natives of the mountains.
Next, we visited the tea gardens where we had the fresh aromatic brew. It was delightful to pose like tea pickers and get lost in the maze of the tea bushes. The Mattupetty dam, with lush hills in the background, the play of clouds in the sky created a truly magical experience.
We got some fond memories in form of photographs at the Echo Point. Later, we left to explore the charming area of Devikulam. The beautiful, blissful facade of Munnar very much shapes up the delightful honeymoon in Kerala.
Sojourn on houseboats in Alleppey ‘India’s Own Venice’
Any mention of a romantic vacation in Kerala is absolutely not complete if you have not been to the backwaters. Alleppey, one of the most popular backwater destinations in Kerala is nicknamed “India’s Own Venice.” Houseboats ply on the watery routes. The age-old Kettuvalams are equipped with 5-star facilities, own staff and one of the most cherished activity for honeymoon couples.
The charming houseboats have cute interiors, inspired from the traditional way of traveling on the backwaters with the addition of modern luxuries. The unmatched beauty and serenity of the backwaters will soothe your senses. Sail on as you enjoy the view of swaying palms, clear blue skies, water as far as the eye can, charming villages, and more. Escape the world and make your own world in the blessed ecosphere of waters, birds and rare flora.
Listed as the absolute unmissable things to do in honeymoon in Alleppey include- a visit to the Alleppey beach and a candle-lit dinner on the houseboat. Alleppey beach is witness to the merge of backwaters in the sea. The walk on the 200-year old pier leading to the Arabian Sea was amazing. Dining on the deck of the houseboat with your partner with stars for company was a fabulous memory.
Bliss in the beach haven of Kovalam
Last, but not the least pat a visit to Kovalam, one of Kerala’s most famous beach destinations. Nestled along the Arabian Sea, the town is known for its picturesque beaches- Hawa Beach, Lighthouse Beach and the Kovalam Beach. Here the pleasures including: basking in the sun, the bliss of the sea, try watersports or indulge in a pampering session of Ayurveda that soothes your body, mind and soul.
Our stay at Travancore Heritage – a Heritage Property inspired from the age-old traditions of Kerala simply added to the bliss of our honeymoon in Kovalam. The pampering session of Ayurveda inspired form Indian Ayurveda rituals, soothed our senses with mix of oils, herbs, pastes and massages.
Sunset at Kovalam was one of the fondest memories of holiday in Kerala. As the stars came out, the beaches thrived with music, laughter and delightful aromas. Dine at the beach shacks, offering tantalizing flavors. Shop for souvenirs, as there are astounding options of handicrafts, handmade products and reminders of Kerala.
The 5 days amidst the picture-perfect realms of God’s Own Country gave us memories of a lifetime!
Akansha Negi frequently writes at India Travel Blog by Indian Holiday Pvt. Ltd. She shares her passion of travel and love for various Indian destinations. If you are planning your vacations in Kerala, browse through her write-ups.
Hi! I'm the founder of Culture With Travel and #CultureTrav. Please chat with us on social media and contribute in the comments! Follow @Nicolette_O
Comment (1)
Indiane-touristvisa
22 May 2018Hi,
This is very useful post,
thanks