The old granite temple fort situated in the heart of Palakkad is one of the best-preserved in Kerala. Hyder Ali of Mysore built it in 1766. It is preserved now by Archaeological Survey of India. The Kalpathy Temple dedicated to lord Shiva was built in 1425 AD. Its festival, Rathotsavam or Car Festival, is held in November, which attracts many tourists.

Silent Valley National Park, 85 kilometers from Palakkad, is an evergreen rainforest with rare and nearly extinct flora and fauna. It  forms the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and has an almost unbroken ecological history. Covering about  90 square-kilometers,  it accommodates more than 1000  species of plants, 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths along with peninsular mammals. The  river “Kunthi” descends here from the Nilgiri Hills above at an  altitude of 2000 meters and traverses the entire length of the valley. The valley preserves its pristine glory with minimal degradation.

The state of Kerala is leading in reviving its traditions for the use of those who are visiting there in search of health, peace and tranquility. Our stay at Kairali, one of the authentic Ayurvedic health resorts, was refreshing. An hour’s rejuvenation massage done simultaneously by two professional masseurs helped getting rid of the inactiveness of our sedentary life style at the city.  

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Kairali is a pioneer in setting-up Ayurveda health resort and spa centers that are now spread all over the world. This treatment includes body massage by two therapists with medicated oil medicated steam bath. This therapy is for 90 minutes to two hours per day. It rejuvenates the mind, body and soul, tones skin, strengthens all systems so as to achieve ideal health and longevity. There are also ailment specific massages that are taken for days and weeks continuously to regain good health. The resort also has a yoga center where yoga and meditation can be practiced under the guidance of an expert.

The three-hour drive through green paddy alternating with long stretches of backwaters from Kochi to Thenkurussi village in Palakkad district was more than pleasant. Many farmers used the road stretch to dry the harvested paddy. The destination was Kandath Tharavad, a heritage home built in 1794. Mr. Bhagwaldas, the current owner of the house has converted his house into a homestay property, after returning to Indiafrom US, where he worked for a multinational company. 

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The house is ettukattu, an eight-sided building with a twin elevation and a center-house open to sky area meant for sacred rituals. It has two socializing areas, one for men and the other for women. Men’s grouping area is at the front side while the women’s area is at the rear section, closer to the kitchen and dining area. The homemade food consisting of vegetable preparations, rice, curried fish and sambhar served on banana leaves with pappadums, pickles and ginger chutney was a treat for the tongue and healthy too. Many quiet corners in the house provided for relaxation and to catch-up on some reading.

On a trip to the chaya kada (corner tea shop), we could meet-up with the locals of the village. We could also trek through the green paddy fields to catch a glimpse of the sunset against the gentle, serene and inspiring setting. We learned that many tourists from abroad also stay here for a week or two for a feel of Indian countryside. 

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Our next stop in Kerala was Cherai Beach resort. Kochi’s nearest long and clean beach on one side and the backwaters on the other side gave the place a best of natural location. The traditional villas built on stilts added to its beauty. Good food and reasonably priced dormitory accommodation seemed to have attracted the big group of college students that were dining in the restaurant with us. The resort is beautifully landscaped with numerous canals, lagoons and single arch bridges meandering around the garden villas. 

Traditional fisherman’s villas face backwaters and stand on specially created, individual small islands. Fishing is a good pastime here. Modern villas face the pool and the beach. The shallow beach is calm and is ideal for swimming and surfing.

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Anand & Madhura Katti (husband & wife team) are award winning travel journalists based in Mumbai, India. They travel across the country and the world, attending many travel trade, hotel industry summits, and conferences. They also have contributed to many Indian newspapers and some overseas publications for 26 years. Writers can be contacted at abkatti@gmail.com.

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