My backpacking trip through Fort Cochin, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady, and Munnar was an experience to remember.
The people of Kerala were incredibly helpful, despite the language barrier. Getting around was a breeze thanks to the excellent and surprisingly affordable inter-district public transport.
The landscape was a constant wonder—the backwaters merging with the sea, or perhaps the sea weaving its way into the mainland. In Thekkady, I was captivated by the talented Kalaripayattu performers, showcasing their ancient martial art with skill and grace.
Kerala’s waterways are ever-changing: backwaters one minute, a canal the next, then a river, and suddenly the vast sea on the horizon. The houses—almost palatial in their design—left me awestruck with their intricate architecture.
The hills rolled endlessly, blanketed with spice gardens and tea plantations. And the homemade chocolates in Thekkady, crafted from locally grown cocoa, were simply the best I’ve ever tasted.
Kerala truly is a tapestry of stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and unforgettable flavors—a backpacker’s paradise.