Located between the UNESCO accredited Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Kerala is a vibrant state that offersgolden beaches and rich green forests. Those who prefer slow travel rather than ticking off places on a list, it offers an opportunity to pace out travel through its vast network of backwaters, more than 600 kms of emerald waterways that wind languidly past submerged paddy fields and timeless villages. One of India’s most popular tourist destinations, the narrow coastal strip of Kerala, is an ideal place for a young couple to explore. The small state packs in a number of experiences; kilometers of pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea, a network of backwater canals behind them, tea-clad hills, dense jungles, aromatic spice plantations and ancient temples. One can have unique and memorable experiences when travelling in Kerala.

Anwesha and Pallav from Delhi got an opportunity to discover Kerala with Maruti Suzuki Alto and Outlook Traveller, as part of the ‘Wheels of Wander’ campaign. The thrill of a self-driving trip over four days added just the right amount of magic, as they wended their way from Wayanad’s coffee plantations to Tholpetty Wildlife sanctuary, the serene backwaters of Nileswaram and finally stopping at Calicut after driving through Kannur. Hitting breaks on the fast paced city life and getting lost in the lush tropical scenes of Kerala was the ideal way to connect with nature and each other.

It seems that nature chose from a palate of vivid shades of green when painting Kerala. Thousand shades of green dominated their journey, every turn presenting refreshing scenes for the eyes. In contrast to the greens was the stretch of powdery bleached sand as they drove along the Malabar Coast.The Arabian Sea tempted them to dip their feet in the water and take long strolls on the soft sand. Even in the short span of four days, there was not a single evening that did not offer a stunning sunset, with the sky painted in dramatic hues of orange and purple.

The leisurely sunsets and easy-paced flow of the trip was sometimes interspersed with adventure for an adrenalin rush. Kayaking, bamboo rafting and zip lining from towering trees made memories of a lifetime. Kerala is dotted with a number of lagoons and small islands that are perfect for these adventure activities. These islands are, in turn, interconnected by thin waterways, forming a maze of capillaries, which can be accessed via houseboats.

These self-sufficient houseboats glide in the backwater canals, offering a peek into the local life along the way. Fishermen casting nets, children hopping to school and women taking over the edges of the canals to wash clothes and chat, are some of the sights that are etched in the mind for a lifetime. Of course, retiring to the comfort of the houseboat is another option. Well-equipped with comfortable beds, dining and lounge areas, the houseboats are a travel staple in the state. Anwesha and Pallav spent an entire afternoon cruising in the backwaters, tasting local food on the houseboat and freezing the magnificent sights intheir cameras.

One of the most important chapters of our life is the journey with your significant other. In the midst of tranquility of nature, a young couple can open up their mind to the most beautiful and memorable experiences. An ideal environment to do that is in a luxury beachside resort, with a private strip of sand continuously meeting the gentle waves of the sea. One of the recommended ways to enjoy a romantic vacation in Kerala is to stay in a sea-facing room from where you can see the sunset and sunrise. Anwesha and Pallav, too, spent some quality time marvelling at views and enjoyed leisurely walks on the beach.

There were times when the wilderness of the spice, tea and coffee plantations offered endless moments of peace and time for conversations. With an abundance of scenic locations, Kerala is one of the most romantic destinations in India. Its tranquil backwaters, picturesque waterfalls, lush green hills & pristine beaches gave Pallav and Anwesha memories that would last a lifetime.

Courtesy of Outlook Traveller