Being a Keralite I feel proud to know that Kerala is one of the most sought after destination in the world. People around me become quite excited when they come to know that I am a keralite. Anyone I asked, would either want to visit Kerala at least once or have already visited it. I was recently filled with pride when one of my friend who had a german guest told her that he wanted to visit Kerala, and asked her some of the places that he can visit there.
As a child I remember travelling in Jayanthi Janatha, the only train that would travel from Mumbai to Kerala. Being the youngest I had an advantage of getting the window seat wherein I would sit hours and watch the other side of my country. It used to be a 2 day travel in the second class compartment and we would pray to have a family sharing our compartment so we could have fun during the journey.
Although we would always visit Kerala during the summer vacation, I clearly remember one of my visits to the God’s country in the month of October – November during the Diwali vacation. It had been a very different experience, in the morning it was foggy but not cold. I was happy to travel anywhere then since it wasn’t very hot during the day. Whenever we would visit Kerala we would stay at our uncle’s house (my dad’s elder brother). Initially we used to take bath in warm water since we were not used to taking bath in cold water, but after seeing elders taking bath in the cold water, I and my sister gathered our guts and started following them. It was only after you finish your bath would you be served your breakfast.
We didn’t have lavish breakfasts or dinners but I still enjoyed my stay. Over the time, I realised that my happiness didn’t only rely on good food but with the people and my surroundings. I remember the walks on the field with my mom, sister and cousins, walking around the pepper trees, looking for bananas, violet flowers, squirrels and butterflies; talking to strangers whom we meet while walking the lane that would lead to the fields. It seemed that the villagers were curious to see people from Mumbai but most of them knew who we were, so not much introduction was needed. I was surprised to see the simplicity of the people not only in the way they dress, but also in their thoughts.
I would never forget the walk with my cousins when we went from one end of the field to the other end, of course without the knowledge of our elders. I particularly remember one evening after the rain when we went to the field and my cousin pointed out a snake to me which was moving in the water. It was a sight to behold. It moved so beautifully that I wanted to stay and watch it for some more time, but since it was getting dark my cousin suggested that we go home.
My excuse to visit Kerala is unlimited, the beaches, food, walk on the field, visiting temples and watching temple festival or just sitting idle on the steps watching people pass buy. But for you to visit God’s country…You don’t need to have a reason, for everybody’s welcomed there.
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