This year's Christmas vacation was unlike any other. While going on trips was usual with our family, this time, it was neither just us nor with family friends. My brother's colleagues were coming from Mumbai to visit Kerala. So we arranged an itinerary that captures and presents the beauty of our state in the limited duration of the trip.
The first one-day section of the trip included experiencing the peaceful ambiance of the Vembanad Kayal in an aesthetically pleasing houseboat and the savory riverine cuisine of Alappuzha. The next three destinations included stay.
A tour of Kerala is impossible without driving along the picturesque tea plantations of Munnar in its cool climate and sipping the most delicious tea coming straight from the plantation. Yet, the diversity of our God's Own Country goes beyond its human settlements into the richness of its forests.
The last two places were wildlife trips. One was at Thekkady and the other at Gavi, both under the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Our stay at Thekkady was at a KTDC (Kerala Tourism Development Cooperation) establishment of commendable facilities and services. Our guests must have had luck in plenty because we had the honour of spotting some rare species quite unexpectedly. It was the perfect parting New Year gift from 2024 for me.
Talking about Gavi would need a full blog. It is my haven on earth. I have a special bond with that place.
This post was meant as a small introduction to the coming one. Since we had guests, I couldn't note down important details for a full-fledged travelogue. But I will share my experience and thoughts on these places to the best of my abilities. So until then, adiós!
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