A summer vacation to remember forever in Kerala

Summer vacations are always filled with excitement, and this year’s holidays turned into an especially unforgettable journey as I explored the enchanting beauty of Kerala: God’s own country. From mist-covered hills and lush tea plantations to serene backwaters and vibrant cultural performances, every day brought a new adventure and a lifetime’s worth of memories.

My journey began at Chandigarh Airport, where I boarded a flight to Bengaluru, Karnataka. After a comfortable three-and-a-half-hour flight, I had a long wait before my connecting flight to Kochi, where I decided to make the most of my time by relaxing in the airport lounge, enjoying delicious food, reading books in a peaceful atmosphere, and watching travelers from different parts of the country, which made those few hours surprisingly enjoyable. Soon, I boarded my connecting flight and reached Cochin (Kochi) in just 40 minutes. After arriving late at night, we checked into Hotel Florida and rested in preparation for the exciting days ahead.

The very next morning, accompanied by my cousins and family, I set off for Munnar, one of the most beautiful hill stations in Kerala. The drive itself was breathtaking, with winding roads passing through waterfalls, spice plantations, and endless greenery. One of the highlights of the visit was enjoying an authentic South Indian meal served traditionally on a banana leaf. It was a delightful cultural experience that I will always cherish.

I spent two wonderful days in Munnar at the Sterling Resort. During my stay, I explored the world-famous tea gardens, stretching across the hills like green carpets. I admired the majestic waterfalls, breathed the cool mountain air, and witnessed valleys wrapped in soft white brumes. A visit to Eravikulam National Park allowed me to discover Kerala’s rich biodiversity and scenic beauty as well. I also relished traditional Kerala cuisine, this time including fish curry with rice, once more prepared in an authentic local style.

After Munnar, our journey continued to Thekkady, another place full of natural beauty and adventure. Staying at Sterling Resort again, I visited Elephant Junction, Periyar National Park, Thekkady Rose Park, spice plantations, Mullaperiyar Dam, and admired the beauty of the Periyar River. One of the most memorable experiences was taking an elephant ride and enjoying an elephant shower. Spending time with these gentle giants filled me with both excitement and happiness.

The evening in Thekkady became even more special to me as I witnessed a live performance of Kalaripayattu, one of the world’s oldest martial arts. Being a student of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) myself, watching these skilled performers display extraordinary speed, flexibility, discipline, and courage was truly inspiring. Later, I also enjoyed the vibrant and colourful Kathakali dance performance, which beautifully reflected Kerala’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

Our next destination was Alleppey, where we stayed at the beautiful Lemon Tree Hotel. The location of the hotel was absolutely magical. As soon as I opened the door of my room, I was welcomed by a lush green garden leading directly towards its famous backwaters. The swimming pool seemed to merge seamlessly with the tranquil waters in the distance, creating a breathtaking view that looked almost unreal.

As a passionate swimmer, I spent a significant part of my vacation enjoying the swimming pools at every hotel we stayed in. On 21st June, celebrated worldwide as International Yoga Day, I performed yoga in the beautiful gardens of the hotel and even tried water yoga in the swimming pool. Practising yoga amidst such peaceful surroundings made the visit truly unforgettable.

During our stay in Alleppey, we explored the world-famous Alleppey Backwaters, visited the sacred Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, admired the beauty of Punnamada Lake, and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere of Pathiramanal Island. Every boat ride through the calm channels felt like sailing through a living postcard. My mother also enjoyed shopping and purchased beautiful Kerala sarees, especially the famous banana fibre sarees, as souvenirs of our memorable trip.

No vacation is complete without delicious food, and Kerala offered a feast of remarkable flavours. Besides enjoying traditional South Indian meals, I particularly loved tasting Aloo Bonda, along with many other native delicacies. Every meal reflected Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.

As our holiday neared its end, we returned to Kochi and checked into Hotel Vivanta. We spent the evening shopping at the famous Lulu Mall, one of India’s largest shopping destinations, where I enjoyed exploring stores and tasting delicious food with my family. Later, we visited the picturesque Fort Kochi Beach, where the cool sea breeze, towering waves, and breathtaking sunset created memories that will stay with me forever; it was here that I tasted crab for the very first time, making my seafood experiences even more special.

On our final morning in Kerala, we visited a peaceful Shiv Temple to seek blessings before beginning our journey home. During our drive, I admired the beauty of the Periyar region once again and even caught a glimpse of the residence of a well-known South Indian film actor, adding another interesting memory to the trip.

Although the monsoon arrived a little late in Kerala this year, the weather remained extremely pleasant throughout our travels. The cool breeze of Munnar, the calm backwaters of Alleppey, the dense forests of Thekkady, and the vibrant culture of Kerala together created an experience beyond words.

Returning to the scorching summer heat of Jalandhar was certainly not easy.

Even today, my mind continues to wander through Kerala’s misty hills, peaceful lakes, lush tea gardens, colourful traditions, and warm hospitality. This journey not only gave me a refreshing break from my daily routine but also taught me to appreciate nature, culture, discipline, and the incredible diversity of our country.

In the end, this vacation was far more than just a holiday—it was a beautiful collection of unforgettable experiences, valuable lessons, and cherished moments that will remain close to my heart forever.