TRAVEL .... INTO THE GREEN
ranslate
The monsoon months are considered off season
in Kerala. This makes planning a trip to Varkala and Alleppey a good option for
this time of the year
Think of Kerala and the
places that usually come to mind are Alleppey, Munnar and Thekkady. Perhaps
that’s what keeps the charm of Varkala intact. It also happens to be the only
place in southern India where laterite cliffs hug the shores of the Arabian
Sea. But there are more reasons to make a trip in the monsoon — Kerala comes
alive in the rains, it is off season — which means that one can snag great
deals, and avoid the crowds that throng the state during the rest of the year.
NATURE AT ITS BEST
The biggest tourist
attraction at Varkala is the North Cliff. At a height of about 60ft to 300ft,
the cliff has several lodging options. From luxurious 4-star hotels to
eco-resorts — there’s something for everyone. Some of these places also have
Ayurveda treatment centres, where one can experience authentic Kerala massages.
We reached our resort at
night, and all we could hear was the roaring sound of the sea. Excited about
the view that awaited us, we just couldn’t sleep. In the morning, we were
treated to lush-green surroundings, a blue sea and light rain.
After breakfast, we set
off on a walk. You can either go uphill to the market, where you can buy spices,
souvenirs, artefacts or clothes. If you decide to go downhill, you reach the
beach, which you are likely to have to yourself in the monsoon.
On the way to the beach
is the four-storey Kerala Aquarium, which was inaugurated in March. Established
by the Agency for Development of Aquaculture, Government of Kerala, it houses
over 700 species of fish, snakes and other marine animals.
FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD
While we thought we would
only be treated to south Indian cuisine in Kerala, Varkala proved us wrong.
Italian, Chinese, continental to authentic north Indian and south Indian
delicacies — you get it all.
There are several food
joints at the North Cliff that serve great food and alcohol. The popular ones
include Clafouti, Trattorias and Caffe Italiano, among others.
Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari
HTBR14AUG16
No comments:
Post a Comment