I still don’t remember what triggered it. Maybe, it was the experience of COVID-19 period, or possibly the yearning to give company to a school friend posted in the interiors of Kerala against his preference (happens when you work for a large public sector bank). Perhaps, it was the desire to see his WR-V or maybe I just wanted to drive through the green countryside of Kerala, while he was there. Whatever it was, what eventually transpired was a four days memorable road trip through the scenic roads of Kerala with two of my school friends.
While being an impulsive decision, my friend’s (let’s call him banker) familiarity with Kerala resulted in a smooth road trip broadly as follows:
Day 1: Kochi International Airport (A) to Idukki (B); 125 KM / 4 hours; stay at friend’s place in Idukki
Day 2: Idukki (B) to Periyar National Park (C); 30 KM/ 1 hour; stay inside the National Park
Day 3: Periyar National Park (C) to Munnar (D); 100 KM/ 3 hours; stay in Munnar
Day 4: Munnar (D) to Kochi International Airport (A); 100 KM/ 3.5 hours
While the total distance covered during the four days was less than 400 KMs, the hilly terrain and narrow roads, for the most part, made the travel a time consuming affair. The WR-V made it very comfortable though, and the breathtaking scenery of the Western Ghats made the trip a memorable one.
Summary of the trip
One other mutual friend and I arrived at Kochi International airport on the first day, where banker was ready with his WR-V for picking us up. We drove through the mesmerizing roads along the hills to reach a place called as Idukki, where banker was stationed.
From Kochi to Idukki
Idukki is a place which lies amid the Cardamom Hills of Western Ghats in Kerala. As per the Government of Kerala's website, and evident to us during the trip, Idukki has a vast forest reserve area which make it a stunning place. After reaching his place in Idukki we had a few light moments of catching up, cooking and eating together, and just chatting for a long time.
We started early next morning for Periyar Tiger Reserve, which was close by. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers and elephants, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison. I am not sure if we spotted these fantastic creatures, but what we realised was how truly spectacular the sanctuary was. I think our national parks are very underrated tourist destinations. Whether it be Gir in the West, Kanha in the East or Periyar in the south, and so many more across India; these national parks are truly worth exploring
responsibly.
Our car was allowed inside for some distance, after which we hopped on a ferry to cross the Periyar lake as the place where we were supposed to stay - Kerala Tourism Development Corporation's (KTDC) Lake Palace, was located on the other side, within the immense Tiger Reserve.
We stayed at the beautiful property, explored the nearby areas and went on a namesake safari, which was again on a ferry.
KTDC Lake Palace
We were treated to some delicious Malayali cuisine. As they say, a trip in any part of India is incomplete without taking delight in the local cuisine. While hailing from North India, I have really enjoyed Malayali cuisine, whenever I have gotten a chance. Few years back, I had the greatest fortune of enjoying a Sadhya meal in a friend's wedding in Trivandrum. Sadhya is a feast consisting of a variety of traditional vegetarian dishes usually served on a banana leaf.
A Sadhya meal
After having well rested, we started for Munnar the next morning. We were already thoroughly impressed with the views we had encountered in the first two days. However, it wasn't enough it seems, as the journey to Munnar was through some of the most awe-inspiring roads in India which I have seen.
From Periyar to Munnar
We reached Munnar just in time for lunch. By this time, we were slightly tired. We had lunch at KTDC Tea County, where we were staying, and amidst the cloudy weather we didn't want to venture out and decided to take some rest. In the evening we roamed around the beautiful property. It was really pleasing to note how amazing and well managed some of the KTDC properties are.
KTDC Tea County
Next morning we started for Kochi International Airport. Once there, with a heavy heart, we bid goodbye to banker and to Kerala, and boarded our flights home; grateful for all the memories from
God's own country.