Kerala Calling!

This post is a part of Skyscanner travel wizard activity at BlogAdda.com

To say that I am crazy about travelling would not be an exaggeration, for it is something that I always dream and plan about. Travelling not only keeps us happy and contented but also prevents a very important issue- stagnancy of thoughts, and it elevates our mental level apart from giving us valuable experiences to share and recall in later years. I believe that stagnancy rots and people who do not travel and gain new experiences and wisdom often spend the precious years of their lives living in a peep-hole world with their limited wisdom and opinions. 

Skyscanner is an amazing website that can help immensely in travel planning.

When we hear the word ‘travel’ or are asked to plan a trip, the usual destinations that cross our minds are those abroad but I think, our India is no less in beauty and magnificence that must be explored first. So, for this trip that I am going to plan with a budget of a lakh of Rupees, I will choose the beautiful land of Kerala. Another thing is that I like travelling with friends esp. when I am set to explore faraway places, so I will plan a trip for two adults. 

First of all, it is important to know a little history of the place you are travelling to. Kerala was formed as an official state on November 1^st 1956 by joining all the Malyalam speaking towns spread over a total area of 38,863 square kilometers. It is the 12^th largest state of India by population and has 14 districts. However, this area has great importance since ancient times, for it has been a major commercial and spice hub since 3000 BC. Another thing that Kerala boasts is the highest literacy rate of cent percent and highest 'Human Development Index'! Awesome! The word Kerala is derived from ‘Kera’, that means coconut in Mayalam language. Another feather in Kerala’s cap is the safety it offers to tourists! Is it not lucrative enough for two girls traveling alone! Broadly, God’s own country is divided into five major parts namely- Malabar, Central Kerala, South Travancore, North Travancore and Central Travancore with Malabar forming the tip and Southern Travancore, the end of the state, as is also clear in the map given. Major cities include Trivandrum, Kochi, Alapuzha, Kannur, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Pallakad and Trichur.

This trip is planned for two people. Get set go!

(I) From Delhi to Kozhikode

We will arrive at Kozhikode on 13^th evening. That day we can relax after a tiring flight from Delhi and enjoy a good supper at the hotel. This city that is also called ‘Calicut’ is one of the most prominent cities of Kerala. Apart from having an IIM, this has major commercial hubs and trade centers. The famous Portuguese trader, Vasco De Gama landed here only when he first came to India. Kozhikode is also famous for its food and cleanliness!

The hotel is booked for 13^th, 14^th and 15^th and we will leave 16^th morning for Kochi.

This area is famous for textiles and spices. The famous writer Kamala Das belonged to this very area and was often called ‘The Queen of Malabar’. The 13^th will be spent in arriving and rest and on 14^th, a local visit to the city along with a trip to the ‘Silent Valley National Park’ will be great along with some shopping! On 15^th, a visit to the ‘Bekal Fort’ will be a good idea! It is the largest fort in Kerala and is spread over 40 acres!  It was constructed by Shivappa Nayaka in 1650 AD. For visiting Bekal and adjoining areas, we can take buses to Kannur that are available very easily. (Pic-Bekal Fort)

Arriving at Kannur at 6:30AM, we can travel by local transport to the Bekal Fort which is some 50 Km from Kannur, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Malabar region.

The last bus by KTC tours departs at 8:00 PM which gives us ample time to enjoy the fort and Malabar area. After having breakfast the next day, we will leave for Kochi by bus.

(II) From Kozhikode to Kochi

A booking for 16^th and 17^th in advance will be required. So, using the wide search criteria of Skyscanner, we can search for a good hotel for our two day stay at Kochi. Taj is always a good option and is in budget as well! Kochi is the economic capital of this state and is also known as ‘The Queen of the Arabian Sea’. This city also boasts of a fort which is a heritage site.

Arriving on 16^th, we will travel and explore the city and the nearby areas of Central Kerala and on 17^th, the ‘Athirapilly Waterfalls’! I just love waterfalls, they look really amazing! The shooting of the movie ‘Ravan’ starring Aishwarya Rai was done here! (In Pic- Athirapilly Falls)

(III) From Kochi to Alapuzha

The next stop will be Alapuzha, a place on the sea coast and known for its famous Backwaters! It is also called the ‘The Venice of the East’. 

This area is ‘Central Travancore’ and is also famous for churches. The biggest boat race competition of India takes place here every year. The hotel will be booked for two days and on 20^th morning we will depart.

(IV) From Alapuzha to Trivandrum   

    

                                                       

The early morning bus from Alapuzha to Trivandrum will be fun! This is the capital city and has various beautiful temples, churches and monuments. In Trivandrum too, we will need a good hotel. 

For two days, we can visit various nice places like the East Fort, Ramanayar Palace museum, Kuthiramallikka Palace , The Napier Museum, The Zoological Park and of course, the lovely beaches!

(V) From Trivandrum to Delhi

After enjoying this very beautiful coastal city, on the morning of 22^nd, we can return to Delhi from Trivandrum, enjoying a 10 day vacation in God’s own country!

  

DESTINATION	AMOUNT
Del-Kozhikode flight	26,528
Hotel At Kozhikode 13th-16th mrg	7,271
To and from Kannur by bus	2,200
Site visits by hired car	2,000
Kozhikode to Kochi by bus	800
Hotel at Kochi 16th-18th mrg	13,500
Kochi to Alapuzha by bus	800
Hotel at Alapuzha 18th-20th mrg	12,574
Site visits by hired car	800
Alapuzha to Trivandrum by bus	1,100
Hotel at Trivandrum	12,033
Return flight to Delhi	20,360
TOTAL	99,966

So, in a budget of a lakh of Rupees, I can enjoy a 10 day long vacation in the fantastic land of Kerala with my friend!! Thanks Skyscanner!

To plan a holiday, please visit www.skyscanner.co.in

Info, map and pictures from-
http://www.kozhikodecorporation.gov.in/

http://vacationskerala.com/kerala-guide/gifs/kozhikode-guide-h.jpg

http://kasargod.nic.in/images/Bekal-5.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Athirappalli_Waterfalls,_Thrissur,_Kerala.jpg

http://www.signatureholidays.co.in/images/kerala/alleppey/tourist_attractions/007.jpg

http://wikitravel.org/en/File:KeralaRegions.png

http://i1043.photobucket.com/albums/b435/tradekerala/Kerala%20Holidays/Athachamayam-Festival.jpg