Kerala: God's Own Country!!

After what felt like a hundred failed attempts at planning a vacation, it was finally happening. The Kerala trip. My excitement was a physical entity, a joyous aura that radiated from me, causing my friends and family to groan in unison every time I brought it up. I’m sorry, but also, not sorry. You can’t put a price on the joy of travel bragging.

So, the big day arrived, and my morning was a masterclass in controlled chaos. First, I carefully placed my camera—the most crucial item, my precious baby—in a place of utmost importance. Then, I scrambled to finish packing the rest of my luggage as we waited for our cab to the airport. Yes, we were running late, as always.

A Camera-Less Journey & a Flight with a Child Philosopher

We were halfway to the airport when the blood drained from my face. My hand flew to my neck, where my camera's strap should have been.

Me: “Oh, crap. My camera.” 

Wife: “I told you to get up early, but your office party was more important, wasn’t it?” 

Me: “Why are you bringing my office party into this?” 

Wife: “Because I want to. Did you get the camera or not?” 

Me: “You didn’t secretly put it in the bag, did you? You’re just teasing me, right?” 

Wife: Gives me the most stone-cold look imaginable. “No. I have not.”

My heart sank. I made one last-ditch effort. I called my mom. “Mom, is my camera in the living room?” A long pause. “Yes, it is.” My heart didn't just sink; it disintegrated. I had forgotten my camera. On the most picturesque trip of my life.

We tried to console each other with forced optimism as we reached the airport. "Phone cameras are so good now!" we said, lying to ourselves. I barely remember the check-in or security; I was mourning. On the plane, my wife, bless her, took out her phone and started clicking selfies. To my surprise, the pictures were actually quite good. I started to feel a glimmer of hope. My son, meanwhile, was staring out the window, asking questions that made absolutely no sense.

Son: “Papa, why is the sky not a ceiling?” 

Me: “Because… it’s a big roof for the world.” 

Son: “Are the clouds made of cotton candy?” 

Me: “Yes. The sweet kind.”

We finally took off, and I fast-forwarded the flight in my head. We landed in Mumbai for our connecting flight to Kochi. While waiting, we had lunch and started reminiscing about our past trips. We were so lost in nostalgia that we almost missed our flight. A moment of panic, and we were scrambling to the gate.

Munnar’s Mood Swings & a Fateful Fever

We landed in Kochi at 3:30 PM. We had a self-driven car booked for our entire trip, and after a quick check-out and a test drive, we were on the road to Munnar, a 107-kilometer journey. I was glad I chose an automatic. The drive was beautiful, with lush green scenery and numerous waterfalls along the way. We stopped at Cheeyappara waterfalls, which was a bit touristy, snapped a few pictures, and were back on the road.

Munnar

We reached Munnar at 2 PM, and the sight of the tea plantations was breathtaking. Just as we were about to bask in the glory of the sunny weather, it started to rain. Because of course it did. The weather in Munnar is as unpredictable as a politician's promise.

We checked into our hotel, located on a quiet hill point. My son, who was not a fan of the hilly drive, was feeling a bit under the weather. We decided to relax and take a nap. In the evening, despite the rain, we took the umbrellas provided by the hotel and walked to a nearby river stream. It was peaceful, and we even heard a bird singing—a truly unique experience, I believe it was a Humming Bird.

At dinner, my wife broke the bad news. "He has a fever," she said. My heart sank again. Maybe traveling with a child isn't always a good idea. We were supposed to go to Thekkady and Alleppey, but those plans were immediately scrapped. I took a deep breath and booked a hotel in Varkala instead. A complete change of plans, but that's what a good traveler does.

The Great Pivot: Trading Spices for Sunsets in Varkala

The next morning, he was much better. We had breakfast and started our 250-kilometer drive to Varkala. I chose a route that went along the coastline, hoping for some beautiful views. The drive was indeed scenic, and we could see the Arabian Sea in stretches. I was focused on the road, while my wife tried to make our son nap, a mission she failed spectacularly.

The Drive

We reached Varkala at 6 PM. The view from our resort, a cliff overlooking the ocean, was spectacular. Varkala is the only place on the Arabian Sea coast where you can see the ocean from a cliff, and it's truly a sight to behold. We had a quiet, candle-lit dinner under the stars, with the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks. It was a perfect, peaceful evening that made us forget all about our stressful journey.

The next morning, we headed to Black Beach. I had learned my lesson from a previous trip to Goa and slathered on an obscene amount of sunscreen. "You look like a ghost!" my wife said, laughing. "I'd rather look like a ghost than a roasted tomato," I replied. We jumped into the water and played like we were kids. My son, a true beach lover, was impossible to drag out of the water. We explored Varkala Beach and the cliff, and even spotted some dolphins. It was a truly magical experience.

Varkala Beach

Intense Yoga at the Beach

On our last day in Varkala, we left for Trivandrum airport to catch our flight back to Delhi. The journey was filled with a sense of peace and gratitude. We may have missed out on Thekkady and Alleppey, but those places will bring us back to Kerala one day, I'm sure.

The Ultimate Kerala Travel Guide (From a Guy Who Almost Lost His Mind)

Planning your own Kerala trip? Here are a few tips from a guy who’s seen it all—the good, the bad, and the camera-less.

How to Reach

• By Air: The main airports are in Kochi and Trivandrum. Flights from Delhi are usually direct or have a layover in Mumbai or Chennai.

• By Road: A self-drive car is the best way to explore Kerala. The roads are great and the scenery is beautiful. Just make sure to check the car and documents thoroughly.

Best Places to Visit

• Munnar: Famous for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. The weather is unpredictable, so pack an umbrella.

• Varkala: A stunning cliffside beach town. The view from the cliff is a must-see.

• Kochi: A beautiful port city with a mix of history and modern life.

• Thekkady & Alleppey: We had to cancel these, but they are a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and backwater lovers. We will definitely go back one day!

Things to Do

• Tea Plantations: Take a walk through the tea plantations in Munnar.

• Beach Time: Spend time at the beaches in Varkala and indulge in some water sports.

• Explore: Take a long drive and explore the beautiful scenery.

Food to Try

• Kerala Cuisine: Try local dishes and seafood. The local food is delicious and a must-try.