Evescafe

Monsoons bring the best out of Kerala. Whether cruising the backwaters or bird-watching or even getting an aromatic massage, rains spell magic in god’s own country. Though Kerala is worth a visit any time of the year, the monsoon season is a special treat for the nature lover because of its lush green landscapes and picture postcard settings. Rains cast a magic spell on the tropical paradise known for its backwaters and rejuvenating massages. There are variety of attractions on offer – from an invigorating dip in the sea to a mesmerizing cruise on the backwaters in a kettuvallam with the coconut trees nodding gently against a heavily cast skyline.

Visual Feast

The verdant hills, the famous Western Ghats awash with natural springs, coastal plains and the seas which make Kerala one of the most exotic tourist destinations. The huge expanses of vegetarian ranging from plantations of tea, coffee, rubber and pepper to the emerald green paddy fields make it a visual feast during the rains. Travelers weary of daunting metropolises find the drenched Kerala a greatly relaxing experience.

Idyllic Mountains

The resort is in Kochi also known as the land of the cloud-capped hills with idyllic mountains as backdrop. Its charm lies in it not appearing like hotel or a spa but a serious institution where the guest succumbs delightfully to a regimen of discipline that brings a newfound zing to jaded nerves.

The Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy which he says is most effective during monsoons. The pores of the body open completely during this season making the body most amenable to special herbal oils and massages. Surrounded by the stream and fragrance of aromatic oils and vapors all of us look relaxed and in great humor. A massage during the monsoons is said to cure a myriad of ailments.

The state attracts plenty of tourists who come for the medicated steam baths, herbal oils and gentle rubs that breathe new life into tried bodies and stressed minds. However nothing can replace the magic of spending a couple of days on a backwater cruise. We come expecting a small rivulet-style canal. When the boatman points out the large lapping sea-like expanse the surprise on out of the faces takes on another dimension.

Murmur of the rains

As the luxury wood-and-coir boat cruises lazily in the gently lapping waters it has been mesmerized by the soothing murmur of the rain and the overhanging clouds. It is an experience few can really not be awed by. Watching the weather gods turn the lake from gold to a darkish hue till it finally coalesces into velvet black is a hauntingly magical sight.

Food is a welcome break. Mealtime in Kerala is a tangy affair of rice, seafood, coconut-based stews, a slew of spices and a mind boggling array of dishes with banana as the main element.

Cochin Fact file

How to reach Cochin

Cochin is well connected by air, rail, road and waterways to all major cities within and outside Kerala

Climate

Not many swings in weather. Summer from April to May; Monsoon from June to July; Mild winter from October to March

What to wear

Cool cotton clothes, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese and Indian. But when in Cochin just stick to the delicious Kerala fare

Places to see

Known as the Queen of Arabian Sea, Cochin offers a plethora of visuals including the famed Chinese fishing nets, monuments, synagogues, churches, museum and ancient forts