Author: amazingarl

Kerala, God’s own country

For many traveller’s , Kerala is South India’s most serenely beautiful state. This slender coastal strip is defined by its layered landscape: almost 600km of glorious Arabian Sea coast and beaches; a languid network of glistening backwaters; and the spice- and tea-covered hills of the Western Ghats, dotted with fiercely protected wildlife reserves and cool hill stations such as Munnar. Just setting foot on this swath of soul-soothing, palm-shaded green will slow your subcontinental stride to a blissed-out amble. Kerala is a world away from the frenzy of India’s elsewhere, its long, fascinating backstory illuminated by historically evocative cities like Kochi (Cochin) and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum).Think swaying palm trees, crashing surf, coffee plantations, hill retreats, silent backwaters, rice paddies, beautiful national parks that are home to a host of wildlife and you’ve teleported yourself to Kerala.

One of the better known states of India, there’s a lot to pack in to a trip to Kerala. Known as God’s Own Country, Kerala in South India has a lot to offer: from yoga centres, to hill stations and tea plantations up in the Western Ghats (mountains), to national parks that are home to tigers and elephants, to palm fringed beaches. And then there are the Kerala Backwaters, which despite their overcrowding issues, still provide a serene backdrop to any Kerala experience – when experienced in the right way.

Kochi / Cochin

Kochi / Cochin (the town’s old name) is one of Kerala’s most popular tourism spots and transport hubs, and so the starting point for many travellers in Kerala. It’s possible to spend many a day wandering the old lanes of Fort Cochin between colonial houses, organic cafes, art galleries, churches and boutiques. Note that Cochin is quite separate (it is an island) from the mainland town of Ernakulam, where all major transport arrives and departs from.

Things to do in Kochi

Kathakali Performances – for many visitors, a Kathalkali performance is on their list – this is a chance to see traditional Keralan dance and music, complete with incredible makeup and costumes.

Exploring Fort Cochin – taking in its churches, museums and even Synagogues. As an old trading and naval outpost, over the last 600 years, Kochi has seen the arrival of many immigrants of different nationalities and religions – from Portuguese to Dutch, to British to Arabic traders. There’s an Indo-Portugese museum, a Dutch cemetery, as well as several beautiful churches to explore such as the Santa-Cruz basilica. There’s also a growing number of art galleries (often with cafe).

Shopping – there are plenty of artisan style shops in Fort Kochi, making it something of a shoppers paradise. Many shops sell organic toiletries and ayurveda products, and lovely Aambal is an eco clothing store which sells hand-woven, natural and handmade and recycled fashion.

Eating – There are plenty of cafes lining the streets of Fort Kochi, and if you’ve been on the road for a while, this is a good place to splurge on western treats aka good pizza and avocado wraps with a good latte. It does come at a price though. The local fare is much better priced, usually more delicious, and one gets bitten by the traditional Keralan Thali bug.

I hope you plan your next trip to god’s own country…..

Let’s Patagonia

There is no wrong time to visit Patagonia, though you will have a lot more access to the trails and activities if you visit during the summer months. The highest season is between December and March, though November and April are lovely months as well. Just keep in mind that dependent on the year, November and April can be somewhat risky because of snow closing some of the trails, though the spring and the autumn are beautiful.

If visiting in the winter, prepare for a different experience. In Argentina’s Bariloche, it’s the perfect time to go skiing. In the rest of Patagonia, though, plan on sleepier towns, fewer open activities, and limited options for things to do.

Weather-wise, when it comes to Patagonia, the best thing to do is prepare for anything. The region is known for incredibly strong winds, sometimes reaching over 100 km/h, and storms that can materialize out of nowhere and disappear just as quickly. While it can be warm, don’t expect hot summer weather that you might encounter closer to the equator. When it comes to dressing for the weather in Patagonia, plan on wearing things that are waterproof, including your hiking boots, and prepare for the possibility of freezing temperatures.

The vast wilderness region shared between southern Chile and Argentina is an adventure lovers’ paradise. Wide open plains as far as the eye can, glacial lakes and glaciers to climb, epic landscapes, majestic mountains, and amazing wildlife everywhere. If you adventure traveler, you could easily spend the rest of your life exploring Patagonia and never see the same place twice. Make sure you go at least once in your life! 

My must-know parting tips: 

  • Many restaurants in Patagonia still do not accept credit cards so be prepared with some cash in hand. 
  • Service is usually very slow and laid-back so if you are used to the ‘service with a smile’ in North America, be prepared to adjust. 
  • If you are used to an early dinner after a long day out on the trail then you may need to back a few extra empanadas for the road. Typically in Argentina and Chile, restaurants will open for dinner service between 8pm and 1am.  

Platos típicos (typical dishes)

Cordero patagónico – Carnivores rejoice! Arguably the best lamb you have ever eaten was cooked on an iron cross over hot coals in Argentine Patagonia. 

Hongos del bosque – Forest mushrooms are usually harvested and dried. You will find them in sauces or as an accompanying side dishes to your fish and lamb all year round. 

Trucha patagónica – An absolute must-try! The trout in Southern Patagonia is, I think, one of the best known pleasures of Patagonia beyond the traditional lamb. 

Chupe de Centolla – Not a red meat eater? There are still plenty of seafood options to discover! Patagonian King Crab , ‘Chupe’, is a traditional Chilean dish in which seafood is cooked in a stew with breadcrumbs baked on top leaving a thick, creamy chowder beneath.

Cervezas Artesanales – Craft beers are everywhere in the Americas, and Patagonia is no exception. Where is the best place to find them, you ask? Stop in at any of the many refugios along your hiking trails to experience the best of the best.