Kerala Duty: Exploring the Quiet Side of Southern India
A peaceful escape in southern India, Kerala is home to stunning wildlife sanctuaries, diverse cultural relics and miles of coastline. Chris Wilkins explores this quieter corner of India.
Many first-time visitors to India tend to overlook the South in favor of the North’s famous attractions and striking majesty. But if you’re looking for a holiday that’s more about food and beaches than forts and palaces, head to Kerala. This southwestern state is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, lush tropical scenery and a lengthy coastline stretching almost to the tip of India. Here are three stops to get you started.
Photo: Matt Paish/Flickr
First Stop: Kochi
An ancient trading port exposed to centuries of cultural and religious influences from both Europe and Asia, Kochi has a fascinating history that’s sure to please inquisitive travellers. Learn all about it, starting at the Paradesi Synagogue (Synagogue Lane, Kappalandimukku, Kochi, Kerala, (+91) 471-232-1132). Built in 1568 by Kerala’s long-established Jewish community, the eccentrically decorated interior is a perfect example of the city’s complex heritage. It’s like a museum of early globalization, featuring various relics from all across the world, including Belgian glass chandeliers and hundreds of 18th-century hand-painted floor tiles imported from Guangzhou.
And of course, Kochi’s old town of Fort Kochi also speaks to the area’s diverse background: the territory was passed between the Portuguese, Dutch, British and local maharajas for centuries—hence the mix of Catholic basilicas, Hindu temples and European architecture. After strolling through town, stop for dinner at Oceanos Restaurant (Elphinstone Rd., near Bishop House, Fort Kochi, (+91) 99-95-105-110), where you can sample a range of beautifully cooked and perfectly spiced Keralan dishes—including fish curries and dal, as well as Syrian Christian dishes, which are unique to Kerala. As you leave Kochi, make your way inland to the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary—one of the richest bird habitats in India.
Photo: Devika/Flickr