Chasing Sunset To Kerala: My Journey To God's Own Country

 INTRODUCTION

They say every sunset tells a story — and in Kerala, each one felt like poetry. This trip wasn’t just about palm trees or backwaters. It was a soulful experience that connected me with nature, culture, and the rhythm of life. 

🧳 Day 1: Fort Kochi – A Walk Through Time

Tucked along the Arabian Sea coast in Kerala, Fort Kochi is a charming heritage town that feels like a living museum. Its cobblestone streets, centuries-old architecture, and mix of cultures create a magical blend of the past and present. Every street here tells a story, from ancient trade routes to colonial conquests. Exploring the town feels like flipping through the pages of a colorful history book.

A Melting Pot of Cultures  

Fort Kochi has been shaped by Portuguese, Dutch, British, Arab, Jewish, and Chinese influences. These foreign traders and settlers didn’t just pass through; they left lasting cultural marks. As you walk through the town, you’ll see colonial bungalows, churches, synagogues, spice markets, and traditional Kerala homes coexisting peacefully.

One of the best ways to experience Fort Kochi is by taking a walking tour. You don’t need a guidebook; just roam around and let the streets lead you.

Fort Impressions & Architecture  

Although the original fort built by the Portuguese in 1503 was mostly destroyed, the area is still called Fort Kochi. It focuses more on the colonial spirit than on a physical fortress today. The town features Dutch and Portuguese-style buildings, many now serving as art cafés, boutique homestays, and cultural spaces.

Key historical attractions include:  

• St. Francis Church – The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was once buried.  
• Santa Cruz Basilica – A beautiful, still-active church known for its Gothic architecture and vibrant interiors.  
• Dutch Cemetery – A calm, weathered area reflecting colonial presence.  
• Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace) – A short distance away, this museum contains murals and royal artifacts from the Kochi Rajas.

Chinese Fishing Nets: A Living Legacy  

The most iconic image of Fort Kochi is the line of Chinese fishing nets along the shore. Introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century, these large cantilevered nets are still in use today. Watching local fishermen operate them at sunset is a stunning sight, especially with the golden light shining on the water.

Take a walk along the Fort Kochi Beach promenade, where these nets are set up. You might even help the fishermen pull one up! You can also buy freshly caught seafood and have it cooked at one of the nearby stalls.

Art, Cafés & Vibes  

Fort Kochi has become a hub for art and creativity. It hosts the famous Kochi-Muziris Biennale, one of India’s largest contemporary art festivals, attracting artists from all over the world. Even when the festival is not on, art is everywhere, from graffiti walls to quirky installations.

Take a break at local cafés like Kashi Art Café, where the atmosphere is bohemian, the coffee is strong, and the walls are filled with paintings. Fort Kochi is not just a place to see; it’s a place to feel inspired.

Why You Should Visit  

Fort Kochi offers a perfect mix of history, art, food, and relaxation. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an artist, a photographer, or simply a curious traveler, this little town will resonate with you.

🛶 Day 2: Backwaters of Alleppey

If Kerala is often called "God’s Own Country," then Alleppey (Alappuzha) is surely its heart. It is calm, rhythmic, and vibrant. Known for its iconic backwaters, this coastal town provides a travel experience that feels unique in India. It’s not just a place you visit; it’s a place you float through, both physically and emotionally.

A World on Water  

The Alleppey backwaters are a unique network of lagoons, canals, rivers, and lakes, lined with coconut palms and charming village life. The waters reflect the sky during the day and sparkle under the moonlight at night. What makes it even more magical is that people live on these waters—children travel to school in small wooden canoes, vendors sell fresh coconuts from boats, and fishermen cast their nets at dawn.

The best way to enjoy this enchanting world is by booking a houseboat cruise.

The Houseboat Experience  

Stepping onto a Kettuvallam—a traditional wooden houseboat updated with modern comforts—feels like entering a moving luxury suite with changing views. The boat glides slowly over the calm waters, revealing the true essence of Kerala: farmers working in rice fields, women washing clothes by the water’s edge, and kingfishers diving for fish.

Most houseboat trips start around noon. They include freshly cooked Kerala-style meals, featuring fish curry, rice, and coconut-based dishes. These trips usually stop for the night on the still waters. As evening falls, the world quiets, the air cools, and all you hear is the gentle lapping of water and the buzzing of insects.

You can choose from day cruises or overnight stays, with options that fit every budget.

Places to Explore Around Alleppey  

While the backwaters are the main attraction, there’s more to Alleppey than just sailing. You can explore:

• Alleppey Beach – a tranquil beach with a 150-year-old pier stretching into the sea.
•  Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple – famous for its delicious sweet pudding (Palpayasam) and beautiful architecture.
• Pathiramanal Island – a lush green island in Vembanad Lake, perfect for bird watching.

Don't miss the chance to take a canoe ride through the narrower canals where motorized houseboats cannot enter. Here, you get closest to daily life. You can wave to grandmothers on their porches, watch children playing in the water, and see ducks waddling by like little processions.

A Soulful Slowdown  

The Alleppey backwaters offer something rare in today’s fast-paced world—stillness. It encourages you to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and observe the beauty of life unfold, moment by moment. Whether you’re sipping chai on the deck of your houseboat or cycling through nearby villages, a deep sense of peace will linger with you long after you leave.

🌴 Day 3: Munnar – Hills in the Clouds

Nestled in the heart of the Western Ghats, about 1,600 meters above sea level, Munnar is a hill station that feels like a living painting. It's surrounded by rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and cool breezes. Munnar is not just a destination; it’s an experience that slows down time and awakens the senses. 

As I drove towards Munnar on winding mountain roads, the air turned cooler, and the landscape transformed into layers of green. Tea bushes grew in wavy rows, eucalyptus trees lined the roads, and waterfalls cascaded from hidden heights. This peaceful getaway was once the summer retreat of the British Raj, and it still holds that colonial charm woven with wild natural beauty

Tea Gardens And Plantations

Munnar’s iconic tea gardens stretch endlessly over the hills. I visited the tata tea museum, where i learned about the history of tea cultivation in the area and witnessed the process—from leaf to cup. I even tried plucking tea alongside local workers and saw how skilled and graceful their movements were.

The fresh scent of tea leaves, the light chatter of plantation workers, and the occasional whistle of mountain birds create an almost meditative atmosphere. If you enjoy slow travel and immersing yourself in local life, munnar is just right for you.

Top Station and Breathtaking Views

One highlight of my visit was the early morning trek to Top Station, about 32 km from Munnar. As the sun rose, a golden light spread across the hills, and clouds rolled beneath me like waves. From this point, the view into Tamil Nadu is simply majestic, especially if you’re fortunate enough to see the Neelakurinji flowers bloom, which happens once every 12 years.

Other beautiful spots like Photo Point, Echo Point, and Pothamedu Viewpoint provide stunning panoramas, perfect for photography or quiet reflection.

Adventure and Nature Escapes

Alongside its calming charm, munnar has plenty to offer for adventure lovers. I trekked through eravikulam national park, home to the endangered nilgiri tahr and anamudi peak, the tallest mountain in south india. The park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts, with rare plants and animals, and well-marked trails showcasing kerala’s ecological diversity.

Nearby attractions include attukad waterfalls, lakkam falls, and mattupetty dam, where boating is available. Kundala lake, surrounded by cherry blossoms and pine forests, adds to the area’s appeal.

A Place of Peace

Evenings in Munnar are enchanting. With a cup of hot cardamom tea, I watched as mist rose and settled over the hills from my balcony. The only sounds came from crickets, rustling leaves, and distant temple bells. It’s a place where nature speaks, and your soul listens.
Munnar is more than a destination; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with nature, enjoy warm hospitality, and take a deep breath away from the hectic world.

🍛 Food to Remember

Kerala is a land teeming with tantalizing landscapes, tranquil backwaters, and unforgettable dining experiences. The cuisine of the state is a spicy recipe of traditions, spices, and local ingredients like coconut, curry leaves, and tamarind. One of the most widely recognized dishes would be Kerala Sadya-a vegetarian meal offered on a banana leaf with almost a dozen different dishes such as sambar, avial, thoran, and sweet payasam. Among these are also some of the best seafood, including Kerala Fish Curry, a tangy and spicy treat with tamarind and coconut milk, and Karimeen Pollichathu, when the pearl spot fish is marinated, wrapped in banana leaves, and grilled to perfection. For the meat lovers, Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu accompanied by Flaky Malabar Parotta is the very best. Puttu and Kadala Curry ensure one does not start a day on an empty stomach. Locals relish the fiery fish-curry-tapioca-and-palm-wine combination at the toddy shops. A dish from Kerala depicts its rich culture and coastal charms and so, food is not just a means of sustenance but a soulful experience. Whether you eat on a houseboat, a beach shack, or in a village home-kitchen, it is the kitchens of Kerala that will stay with you long after your journey has ended.

        

📸 Travel Tip

Always carry a portable charger and a good wide-angle lens. The landscapes here deserve more than a phone camera.

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🎒 What I Learned

Traveling through Kerala, I expected backwaters, houseboats, and some great food. But what I didn’t expect was how much this journey would teach me — about people, simplicity, patience, and the power of being truly present.

Kerala welcomed me with its warm, humid air, the rustle of coconut palms, and the quiet smiles of its people. From the first step in Fort Kochi to the last sip of chai in Wayanad, every day felt like a quiet lesson — the kind you only learn when you slow down.

📸 Final Thoughts

Kerala didn’t just give me photos; it gave me perspective. It reminded me that travel is more than checking off destinations — it’s about connecting with the soul of a place.

I left Kerala with more than souvenirs — I left with memories, moments, and lessons I’ll carry for life.