Contrary to how I had perceived Kerala in tourism
promos: a land of Kathakalis, coconut trees, vast stretches of waters; my first
impression of God’s own country was a land of eagles, kingfishers and little egrets.
It’s probably the budding photographer in me that notices birds more over what is
apparent and right in the face, like coconut trees and vast stretches of water. This vacation, from October 31 through November 5, was fantastic. I did an evening at
Thiruvanthapuram; thanks to the awful Air India service that delayed my day by
about three hours. Never ever fly Air India, I told myself. Apart from the time
delays, I thought, the staff was kind; making up for the short comings in delayed
schedules that they didn’t have control over.
The next two days were spent in Varkala. Varkala is very
laid back and it feels like a smaller version of Goa. North cliff is pretty
happening in the evenings vis-à-vis the south. I lived on the south at
Hindustan beach resorts; a very decent place to stay for two days. But if one wants
action, north cliff is a better place to live. At the north cliff, I loved the café
Del Mar restaurant. I only had a late evening coffee there but the ambience
kept pulling me towards it. I would probably book the Clafouti resort at the north cliff
if I decide to visit Varkala again. The water lake (probably called Angeco)
towards the golden temple was beautiful; experienced my first photography aha moment here. Shibu,
the boy who drove us around recommended a visit to this temple. He was an
excellent sarathi. If ever anyone decides to roam around Varkala, he can be
hired as a sarathi during the trip. He is available on +91-8089419757 and one can give him
my reference. He knows me as Jeeva ;-).
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| Shibu can be reached on +91-8089419757 |
One would think European accents are difficult to follow.
English in mallu is equally challenging.
