Archive for April, 2010

I had booked a ready package with KALARICKAL AYURVEDA for 7 Days and 6 Nights for a tour including Munnar, Thekkady, Athirapally and Alleppey. The vacation became one of the most memorable holidays. The journey to Munnar was a really beautiful one. The tea estates stretching for miles, spice plantations where for the first time in my life I actually saw how the pepper (which adds spice to my sandwiches) grows, and the smell of cardomom in areas where it grows hangs in the air making these areas into natural spas with the rich aroma of cardomom all around. In some areas you may also find the coffee plants growing with these spices. All this was an amazing experience. The driver, Manoj, turned into a very informative guide giving us the full freedom of exploring and learning all about the farming and cultivation in Kerala. In most previous holidays, the drivers would be reluctant in stopping at intermediate places and letting us explore the real wonders that lie hidden in rural areas. But here the driver was a driver cum guide for the complete holiday tour.

The Hill station of Munnar is no less than paradise. A beautiful lake amidst high mountain peaks all covered in lush greens. The next destination of Thekkady beat even the paradise of Munnar. The tour was well planned and we reached Thekkady for the night halt. The early morning boating in the Periyar river in the national reserve was like heaven. Early morning is one of the best times to visit a wildlife reserve as most guides will tell you, turns out to be true. With most animals coming down to the periyar river to quench their thirst after the night’s rest, it is an amzaing sight to see with us in the safety of the boat in the midst of the Periyar river and the animals drinking at a safe distance.  

We proceeded next to the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom. Here the house boat stay in the backwaters is an indescribable experience. The coconut and palm trees flank the backwater canals on either side as we sit comfortably in our luxury houseboat and watch the village people on the banks carry on with their sundry activities. It is hard to imagine the kind of luxury and comforts that these houseboats are able to provide, all that you can think of TV, AC, well furnished bedrooms and bathrooms and more.  

Following the great ride through the backwaters was the visit and stay at Kalarickal Ayurveda homestay. The rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage was so relaxing and rejuvenating. All the back pain etc issues vanished in no time and  I felt revived with loads of energy after the massage. Then the cuisine of Kerala has an awesome variety and taste. Who does n’t enjoy well prepared sea food.

Next on the itinerary was the Kalaripayattu display. It is mind boggling to see how the human body can perform these amazing feats. The oldest martial art display was something that is hard to believe as the Gurukkal flies almost 10 feet high in the air and defends the attack.  

Above all the great places and activities on the itinerary, the warmth and professionalism of people all along on the tour and especially at Kalarickal Ayurveda won my heart.

A truly great vacation in God’s own country !!!!!!

 (url=http://www. kalarickalayurveda. com/]Kerala Holidays with Ayurveda and Kalari[/url])