The Current Time In India Is Kerala Time!
by Mitchell Jones
Whether you're a native Indian living abroad, looking to reconnect with home, or an adventurer looking for a great Indian visit to add to your mantle, we've got the same advice for you. If you want to know what is the most happening destination in India, right now, let us tell you.
As far as I'm concerned, there's no doubt about it: the place to be in India these days is Kerala. Forget about all the cliches of Katmandu and Goa; there's yesterday destination. Unless you actually want to be a trophy of irony, forget all about them. Sure, Mumbai and Delhi certainly have their appeal. But, let's be honest, there is an intensity, a weight of sheer human presence, in those cities, which just isn't everyone's cup of chai.
No, if you want a visit to India that gives you the top experience, in a chilled atmosphere, immersed in natural beauty, but without sacrificing cultural vibrancy, the current time in India is Kerala time! This hot Indian up-and-comer of a destination stretches along the south-western corner of the country. (I like to tell people, if they can conjure up an image of where Chile is in South America, they can figure out where Kerala is in India). This area has all you could ask for in your Indian vacation.
If you think I'm exaggerating, check out these great features:
Kochi, still on some maps called Cochin, is the commercial center of Kerala and a place both happening and stunning. The city straddles an extensive backwaters region, which encompasses the northern end of a peninsula, several islands and a portion of the mainland. Ferries ply the waters of this beautiful natural harbor where I personally have experienced dolphins swimming so close to the low sitting boat that I could reach out and touch them.
Kochi's built environment provides an excellent complement to the natural beauty of its harbor. The city's history has involved diverse colonization. A particularly long colonial period was the century and a half under Portuguese administration. Regardless of one's general opinion on colonialism, one of its inadvertent treasures is fertile cultural mingling. Kochi has been an exemplar of such cultural crossroads. One of the legacies of this history is a stunning architectural heritage. This is especially on display in the Fort Kochi area, which is a must see if you visit the city.
Don't let all that gorgeous nature and culture mislead you, though. When urban rocking is the name of the game, Kochi can deliver there, too. The town has a happening nightlife: restaurants provide great food from all the regions of India, along with a fine assortment international dining options. And once dinner is done, you can hang out at any of an assortment of cafes, including some artsy spots. Or, if it's more your speed, don't worry, there are plenty of clubs and pubs to party away the eve.
And when you feel you're big city maxed-out, don't despair, Kerala has only begun to reveal its treasures. If you still, though, want some adventure that keeps you on the move, the splendid Kerala backwaters may be just your thing. Composed of lagoons and lakes that run parallel to what, in a more prosaic time, was called the Malabar Coast, they are connected into a vast backwater network through a great number of canals and rivers.
Among the two top options in exploring the backwaters is a visit to Alappuzha (still sometime referred to as Alleppey on maps). It is the settlement center of the backwaters region; a delightful town crisscrossed by so many canals that it has come to be known as Venice of the East. It was a main trading center for a long time and remains an intriguing place to explore.
The other really popular backwater adventure is to book passage on one of the kettuvallams, or Kerala houseboats. About 2000 of these kettuvallams make their way through the Kerala backwaters. Originally built to be grain barges, the kettuvallams have since been converted into what might be best described as floating cottages. Their thatched roofs enclose a comfy sleeping area and usually a Western style inboard toilet. Part of the boat is converted into an outdoor deck, perfect for viewing the scenery, watching the sunset and eating the Kerala-style meals prepared by the crew.
But, for those who just want to lounge on the beach, sip a cool drink and listen to the waves, Kerala has so much to offer as well. We'll only mention one absolute gem, here. Varkala is a chill-out delight, but largely free of the Western hippies and ravers that are so prevalent in other similar areas of west coast India.
Here you'll find that lush tropical coast, lined with drooping palm trees, and perfect beach, which is the stuff of daydreams during long January days in the office. In addition, Varkala has the added virtue of seaside cliffs of geologic uniqueness. The seaside village, with shops and eateries, stretches over a kilometer across the top of these cliffs. This little piece of paradise feeds the palate, the senses and the soul. Honestly, this destination must be seen to be appreciated. (To get some fleeting sense of the delights, check out the video at our post: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/mrnqrtq">The Current Time in India is Varkala Time!</a>)
And if you're so hard to please that even all that isn't quite enough (and you actually do plan on leaving the beach for more than a delicious seafood lunch), Varkala has a 2000 year old temple, which is an important Vaishnavaite shrine. Plus, it is a major center of Ayurvedic medicine. Heck, it even has an Ayurvedic hospital! Could you really ask for more?
Getting to Kerala isn't too difficult: international flights fly into Kochi and the Kerala capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (which, incidentally, is about 32 miles, or 50 km from Varkala). However, and this is only for the real keeners, I admit, but if you can spare the time, why not really make an adventure of it? Fly instead into the even better served Mumbai airport. Then, after the must-stop-in to visit Bollywood, get yourself onto the wonderful Konkan railway for the trip down the Malabar Coast. Back in the 70s, when I first came to India, this railway didn't exist and, except for a brief time during which there was a boat between then-Bombay and Goa, the trip down the west coast was a real hardship. The new railway is a great boon to travel and a beautiful ride.
The bottom line is simple enough. However you decide to make your way, what matters is that you get yourself to Kerala. Inevitably the popularity of a location usually winds up destroying the very charms that made it popular in the first place. Great locations do not stay so forever. Right now, Kerala is in its full glory. The current time in India is, indeed, Kerala time! Don't miss it.
To know The Current Time in India, in every sense of the word, you need to follow <a href="http://tinyurl.com/q4vdvoj">our website</a> . Mitchell Jones is one of the best travel journalists on India and other popular spots. If you're considering a vacation in India, don't miss his piece on <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ou5slau">CDC Travel Vaccines for India</a> .
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