Monday, June 2, 2014

"Kerala Travelogue- Day 1 - Bangalore to Cochin -- Munnar"

Finally I can almost strike off one long lasting wish from my "Wishlist of places to visit"! Kerala was on my to visit list from long and finally we formulated a plan to visit Munnar & Alleppey in Kerala (well there are many other places in Kerala which I want to cover but had no time). As we were 8 people (Me, my husband , my parents, In-laws and my brother and sister-in-law) the itinerary slightly differed for us. I started with my husband from Bangalore at 8:30 A.M. on the morning of May 1st and the rest of them started from Hyderabad at 9. A.M.. We reached airport well in advance and spent our time by doing something which will please both of us. No.Before you put your naughty minds to work, we both relished the hot BisiBellebath and Pongal at a Tiffin center followed by hot coffee. After strolling aimlessly in airport finally the boarding of our flight was announced and we got in to the bus which will take us to the Air India flight which we need to board. For a moment I felt we will go to Kerala in the same bus as it rounded the entire airport. We got down and the first thing I remembered was a toy airplane with which my nephew Ayaan plays. The plane was tooo small and looked pretty old. Due to recent MH 370 news I was dead scared and kept chanting whatever prayers I know. Unlike the look and feel of the flight which is ancient and rugged , the take off and landing were smooth.

In roughly 2 hours we reached Kochi (Cochin) airport and started waiting for our parents who joined us in half - hour. As and when I stepped out of the airport I realized Kerala was too humid and too hot. The horrible traffic jam en-route Cochin- Munnar dampened my spirits. We stopped at a hotel named Nanny's to have lunch which didn't suit our taste buds at all. There was mota - rice (rice bulkier than the usual rice we have here in Andhra) , fish fry and chicken , dal , avial and some other curries. Every thing looked delicious but there was less salt which made me eat less food. So in a way I was able to follow my diet regime perfectly :p

We had a mango ice candy to get temporarily relieved from the burning sun ! With out much ado we started off to Munnar. Zig zag roads, hair pin bends and the wet mud smell were all inviting and soothing. In no time it started drizzling and then it rained heavily.As we traveled more and more it got more and more dense and green. We came across many waterfalls and many churches on the way to Munnar. Clicked few of them. The below shared image is of Cheeyappara water falls
Cheeyappara water falls
The beautiful weather and backdrop of a church
The weather and the greenery made me sing songs and I totally got drenched when I got down to click some pics.
   
Clicked from the car window
After a long journey of about 4-5 hrs which actually seemed short due to blissful climate we reached our destination - "The Birds Valley resorts." We were warned by the hotel personnel that if we don't start by 4 we won't be able to catch the Kathakali and Kalaripayattu performances. We were informed that as it is a hill station by 5 - 6 O' Clock every thing will be closed. I felt bad as it was already 4:15. We all were pretty tired and hence ordered some tea which was served cold or may be it got cold due to the foggy / misty weather. We enjoyed the ambiance and clicked few pics quickly.

The beautiful Birds valley resorts

view from the resort room
We got ready asap and started off to Punarjani traditional village.  I always love the bumpy / scary rides at hill stations even if I momentarily get scared. We couldn't stop any where as we already got delayed. Unfortunately Kathakali performance has already started and I felt devastated as I always wanted to watch it. Kathakali is Indian dance-drama noted for the attractive make-up of characters, elaborate costumes, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tune with the anchor playback music and complementary percussion (source: wiki ) . We tried to peep in to the auditorium from the gap between curtains but were glared at by one of the organizers. The performance seemed too energetic with a lot of rhythmic shouting along with the dance. The ticket was 200/- per head but I guess it was worth it. We went in to the arena where Kalaripayattu will be performed after Kathakali and waited patiently. Kalaripayattu is a Indian Martial art. It seemed like forever as the audience watching Kathakali had to come and settle in the area where we already were seated on benches. The seats were raised and arranged like in a stadium, in a circular fashion so that every one gets a clear view of the performance. Finally the show started and before going there I never thought it would be such an enthralling experience which I can remember through out my life. I only saw songs and performances on TV and never admired it much. I remembered SRK from Dil se and the song Jiya Jale Jaan Jale as and when I saw their attire but once I started watching I realized the performers are the real heroes. Enchanted is a small word to describe my feeling. Below are few glimpses of the performance. Their strength mesmerized us. Their body mind co-ordination amazed us and their valor made us stand and applaud!

One of the most dangerous acts with fire


Jumping through fire rings. I gasped
We got an opportunity to pose with the performers. Many other visitors who watched Kathakali got an  opportunity to pose with artists and dancers too. I almost wanted to take an autograph of an young chap who was exceptionally good compared to others but I was not partial and praised every one and clicked most of them. Punarjani means rebirth and every performer's name had this suffix when they were called in to the arena to perform!

My husband posing with one of the energetic performers. He was more charismatic than the others :) I became a FAN, no, not to my husband but to the actual performer :P

This was a great show and if at all you are visiting Munnar you should make this a must visit place in your itinerary. This is truly a nail biting show and will make you gasp and shriek. I also felt very good as our traditional art forms are preserved. I wish they get more and more funds and help and they make it  more BIG! You will be engrossed for a total 2 + hours and after watching you will feel the ticket was not that pricey! For more reviews go to trip advisor. After this performance we reached our resort and called it a night immediately post dinner as we were exhausted. This ends the day 1 of my Munnar trip which was soothing and the Punarjani performance spiced up the day :)
The Kathakali performance which we missed at Punarjani





                                             Image source: here
It was love at first sight as soon as we stepped in to this town midst Western Ghats! Sharing this beautiful love song- Jiya Jale Jaan Jale about which I spoke earlier. SRK looks extremely hot in this ;) It has few Malayali words which I decoded with the help of few Mallu friends! Meet you soon again with day 2!

56 comments:

  1. Munnar is a 2 hour drive from my place..ITS MY GETAWAY!!1 :D

    ReplyDelete
  2. U r always the first one to make me jealous by commenting :P
    That is amazing to have Munnar a get away !!

    ReplyDelete
  3. You surely had some good time there, it seems! Beautiful pictures. And I am totally with you on these traditional art performances. Esp. Kalaripayattu can be so thrilling and amazing to watch. And of course Kathakali too :) Looking forward to next installment of your travelogue :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ya I enjoyed it there though Kochi and alleppey were hot :) Traditional art should sure be preserved. I missed Kathakali . Shall write the next part soon

      Delete
  4. Wow...you seemed to have had an amazing time! I have been to Kerala only once but that was not a holiday. However whatever little I saw of the place was beautiful.
    Nice pics :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the nice narration. Also, thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. We always wanted to visit Munnar but did not have the opportunity so far. Your post will give us good guidance during our next visit to India.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Beautifully written reminiscence. Awaiting more of the Kerela posts now. Pictures are so beautiful. I have never been there, Kerela is definitely in my bucket list.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lovely narration afshan...u made us feel like we are in Kerala...awaiting for others days to come soon

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow! Waiting for the other parts as well! Kerala is a beauty indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I visited Munnar twice ..Once with my college mates and next time as the teacher-in charge of a bunch of naughty computer engineering students..Both were memorable and lovely. Your post brought back memories.
    Thanks for visiting my blog at http://tulipsandme.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  10. How small was the plane, I mean how many people can travel in it? And thank god, you can eat non-veg, for me it would have been more difficult. Btw, less salt is now the best way to reduce my appetite. :P

    Loved your pictures, specially the view from your room. Will ask for your guidance if I plan a trip there.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great, to read an account about Kerala... and you have made the post spicy at places just like Kerala Spices...

    ReplyDelete
  12. Munnar is on my must-see places list. I have been to Kerala and it is very beautiful. Looks like the trip was fun. Waiting for the next post in the series.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oh how I wish I could go and I love your video as well! what a great entry!
    jean ! xox

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amazing pictures. I find the beginning of a trip to be stressful and then enjoy most of it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. You really soaked in the spirit of the place. Perhaps pre monsoon is not the right time to visit Kerala. Becomes very humid.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Had been to almost all the places in Kerala except Munnar. Now it is in my list of places to see.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Awesome shots!! I would love to visit Kerala!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Nice shots and narration.Next time when you are in Kerala please experience Malabar (North Kerala).This is not a regular addition in top tourist destination maps,hence you can expect to have unique stories from your travel.The places are virgin with minimum tourist influx.Unexplored trekking sites,beautiful beaches,backwater,Theyyam,Kalari,most well kept forts,beautiful mountain peaks ideal for day trek...this place has everything to offer.The world famous Malabari cuisine which is a melting pot of Arabic and Indian influence.The amazing fact is that these places are just 6 hrs.drive from Bangalore.Do drop me note at sureshmps@gmail.com and I can help with your plans...Cheers! Suresh

    ReplyDelete
  19. Nice blog post. Munnar and Cochin, both are beautiful places to explore. Munnar is not just Kerala’s most sought-after hill resort, it is also the centre of the state’s tea growing district. For tourist attraction, check out these places to visit in Munnar.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Best post I have ever perused !! I am additionally arranging Kerala 4 Nights 5 Days Package and the trek will be organised by MyHolidayTrip. Your post helped me a great deal :) Loved the photos you have posted. Keep doing awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow this is really exciting. Munnar is one of the best tourists destinations in Kerala and the climate over there is just nice. At night the temperature will fall even to minus degree. Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog. cap printing cochin

    ReplyDelete
  22. Every region has some unique and special culture, In kerla climate is beautiful and excellent for the tourist.
    http://www.makeindiatravel.com/india-tours/golden-triangle-tour-with-varanasi.html

    ReplyDelete
  23. Taj mahal tour by train are famous for the beauty of the taj mahal, another historical monument are agra fort, baby tomb etc. So I must request everyone Please visit here.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I read you blog and you really share informative point of Kerala. Kerala is really a wonderful destination for honeymoon. Find your customized Tour Packages for Kerala to explore the "God Own Country".

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is very nice blog provide the beneficial tour planning tips - Best Flight Deals | Online Flight Booking

    ReplyDelete
  26. The real comfort is given by small little things not by luxurious things..........Book Kashmir Tour Packages & Kerala Tour Packages Online

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ideal Post. This blog gave us most valuable information of kerala tourism..your blog is super and cool. Nice Picture posting. Keep updating ! I will bookmark and be back again.

    Online Cab Booking Bangalore | Online Cab Booking Kerala | Online Cab Booking Munnar - Beecabs Car Rental India

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi.
    Very Beautiful Images, Great & Thanks For This Lovely And Colorful Share :)Great advise and Guide.Thank you so much for sharing the details of every travel place you visited, Travel Agent in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for the information... I really love your blog posts... specially those on
    Kerala Cuisine: Popular recipes of Kerala Food | Kerala Tourism

    ReplyDelete
  30. Thanks for a nice share you have given to us with such an large collection of information. Great work you have done by sharing them to all. simply superb. Backwaters stretches of Kerala | Kerala Tourism

    ReplyDelete
  31. That was a great pleasure to read various posts here, as well as a fantastic opportunity to get a new knowledge. Tourist Destinations of Kerala | Kerala Tourism

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for the information... I really love your blog posts... specially those on
    Plan Your Trip to Kerala | Kerala Tourism

    ReplyDelete
  33. I think, this is really very well and informative content . Thanks for given this information here about this blog . Tourist Destinations of Kerala | Kerala Tourism

    ReplyDelete
  34. We are Trip Planners in Delhi searching such types of informational post for updating our knowledge level and we are happy to inform you that we get all our required information at here.

    Thank you for sharing this with us dear.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This blog is very interesting as it gives a lot of information about Tours To India and Royal Tours of Rajasthan . Thank you !!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Kerala Tour PackagesA southern region of India known as God's own specific country and Kashmir of South India is called as Kerala. Trivendrapuram is the capital city of this state. Kerala is most cherished objective for nature dears, as of late married couples, shoreline sweethearts and sea profundities fonder. Explorers who will to put some vitality in the arms of Mother-Nature constantly need to benefit as much as possible from their events in Kerala.

    ReplyDelete
  37. http://www.abcindiatours.com/kerala/kerala-tour-packages.html">Kerala Tour Packages Kerala Tours. Kerala adores exclusive topographical features that have made it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. An easygoing climate, elongated coastline with tranquil beaches allures tourist from different parts of the world. Serene stretches of bright green Kerala backwaters. Kerala has numerous

    ReplyDelete
  38. Amazing travel blog and Kerala is one of the top tourist destination in the World where tourists can have some good time and to travel around the places without any difficulty tourists are advised to travel with the professional travel agency to make the tour memorable . ARABIAN TIME TRAVEL TOURISM is one of the best travel agency ( http://arabianttt.blogspot.com/ ), tourists had a good trip with ARABIAN TIME TRAVEL TOURISM .

    ReplyDelete
  39. Your written work is impactful to the point that I require a french toast immediately.
    Andaman
    Best travel services

    ReplyDelete
  40. We are urgently in need of KlDNEY donors for the sum of $500,000.00 USD,(3 CRORE INDIA RUPEES) All donors are to reply via Email only: hospitalcarecenter@gmail.com or Email: kokilabendhirubhaihospital@gmail.com
    WhatsApp +91 7795833215

    ReplyDelete
  41. We provide best and cheapest kerala tour packages and best kerala tour operator, Get Complete Information about Kerala including family tour in kerala travel guide and Kerala Tour Operators.View more:-
    Travel Agent in Kerala

    ReplyDelete
  42. Kerala Tour Packages Kerala, The Venice of the East is pregnant with picturesque great thing about nature and prosperous culture and tradition. it's an area of spirituality and grandeur. A holidaymaker will have the thrill of Kerala tour packages through a variety of Kerala vacation tour packages which provide various choices to explore the prosperous Kerala's tradition and culture of Kerala and picturesque natural great thing about Kerala.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Green city Travel and tours organized theKathmandu to Thailand tour Package with the coordination of the Thailand tour Package. Similarly, we already organized Kathmandu to Goa tour Package for 3 night four days. In the domestic tour Package1 night 2 days Kalinchowk tour Package by the Kalinchowk Darshan tour agency, most selling tour Package in Kathmandu. Kathmandu to Rara tour Package , become one of the number one tour Package in Nepal.
    ReligiousPathivara Darshan Package in the Cheap rate with full board pathivara tour Package.after modi visit Muktikath then Muktinath Darshan tour become the busiest tour Package in Nepal.contacdt at 9851005685 for Popular tour Package in Kathmandu Nepal.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I like your post & we would like to discuss travel company The Vision Holidays , which provides best deals on Taj Mahal Tours & all types of Tours in India. India, also known as the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh largest country by area and with more than 1.3 billion people, it is the second most populous country as well as the most populous democracy in the world.
    Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi by Private Car
    Same Day Taj Mahal Tour from Jaipur
    Taj Mahal One Day Tour by Car

    Thanks and best regards
    The Vision Holidays
    Info@thevisionholidays.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. Admin you such a Genius, because your posts are heart touching and very inspirable so keep sharing…
    Delhi Agra Jaipur are famous tourist places which are very beautifully designated and established by kings. Splendid Taj Holidays is leading tour operator which operates of tours like Same Day Agra Tour by Car , Agra is also established by the Akbar who was the mighty mughal emperor. This tour is full of great joy and great adventures. ..we also offers Sunrise Taj Mahal Tour , this tour starts when when sun is rise and its rays come on Taj Mahal gain its beauty, actually Taj Mahal looks heaven in the light of sun. You can also visit the beauty of three historical cities in our 3 Nights 4 Days Golden Triangle Tour at all in your budget & accessible in your time period.
    For more information visit here
    http://www.splendidtajholidays.com

    Thanks & best regards
    Parvez Khan
    91-9927841719

    ReplyDelete
  46. Nice blog. Thanks for sharing. Book international tour packages from fortune tours at best offers

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks a lot for sharing this beautiful blog with us...
    Get More information about Kochi Tours to visit our website.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Taj Mahal is the most excellent vacationer destinations in India, with its beautiful one. Taj Mahal is One of the Seven Wonders of the World, located at the bank of the Yamuna. Taj Mahal made of pure white marble. Taj Mahal is in Agra city of Uttar Pradesh state. It is built by Shah Jahan in 1652 in memory of wife Mumtaj Begum. Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983.
    One Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car
    One Day Delhi Tour by Car
    Same Day Jaipur Tour by Car
    Same Day Agra Tour by Gatimaan Express
    Same Day Agra Tour by Shatabdi Express

    Thanks and Best Regards
    Mobile: +91-9568246666
    Email: info@dreamindiavacation.com
    Website: www.dreamindiavacation.com
    Blog: www.dreamindiavacation.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. Your blog is too good, you written about the histororical cities of India & colorful culture Indians.
    Golden Triangle Tour with Udaipur
    Golden Triangle Tour with Varanasi


    ReplyDelete
  50. Please visit to ge latest Tweets from WebFeed360. WebFeed360 is here to fulfill your daily dose on latest news, gossip, trending reading material. India.TEST TUBE BABIES, TUBE BABY

    ReplyDelete
  51. I liked your post, Nice way to explain the packages for honeymooners and family, It will help them to plan their holiday in Kerala.Best Divorce Lawyers in Texas

    ReplyDelete

What do you think about this ? I always love to hear back. A comment or a brickbat boosts me to write more but the mud slinging shall be promptly vacuumed.

Thanks for your time :)

Death

Death - when it knocks the door.. Would you even get a chance to understand what's in-store? Death - when it knocks the door... Will you...