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.
Hands down, my friend (as they say in India), you have to get to Kerala. The heydays of Katmandu and Goa have come and gone. Unless you want to be a trophy of irony, forget them. Mumbai and Delhi are certainly happening, but the breakneck hectic surge of humanity is a bit much for many
No, I say, if your goal is an India excursion which offers the best of all that country's remarkable travel opportunities, there's no doubt that, right now, the current time in India is Kerala time! Kerala is located along the south-western coast of India. It provides everything an aspiring adventurer could hope for in a memorable Indian visit.
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've had enough of the big city action and want to get away to more subdued settings, Kerala fills that need just as well. For those who want to be on the move, we recommend exploring the backwaters. They are composed of lagoons and lakes parallel to what used to be known more exotically as the Malabar Coast. These lakes and lagoons are linked by a network of canals and rivers.
There's just tons of stuff to do and explore in these backwaters: I'll only mention a couple options, here. I strongly recommend getting to Alappuzha (still sometime called Alleppey). It is the central town of the backwaters and once was a major trading post. It is still a beautiful and vibrant spot to visit. Among its charms are the many canals that run through the town, earning it the nickname of Venice of the East.
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: The Current Time in India is Varkala Time!)
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?
There are international flights into Kochi and the Kerala capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (about 32 miles, or 50 km) from Varkala. But, if you really want to make an adventure of it and have time on your side, we strongly recommend flying into the even better served Mumbai airport. And, after the requisite visit to Bollywood, hop on the astounding Konkan railway down the west coast. When I first started going to India in the 1970s this train didn't exist. What a great benefit and blessing it has been since 1998.
Whatever you choose, the Konkan adventure or flight right into Kochi, don't hesitate: get yourself to Kerala. These great locations don't last forever: their very popularity soon undoes them. So, don't miss Kerala, now, while in the full bloom of its glory. The current time in India is, indeed, Kerala time!
Hands down, my friend (as they say in India), you have to get to Kerala. The heydays of Katmandu and Goa have come and gone. Unless you want to be a trophy of irony, forget them. Mumbai and Delhi are certainly happening, but the breakneck hectic surge of humanity is a bit much for many
No, I say, if your goal is an India excursion which offers the best of all that country's remarkable travel opportunities, there's no doubt that, right now, the current time in India is Kerala time! Kerala is located along the south-western coast of India. It provides everything an aspiring adventurer could hope for in a memorable Indian visit.
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've had enough of the big city action and want to get away to more subdued settings, Kerala fills that need just as well. For those who want to be on the move, we recommend exploring the backwaters. They are composed of lagoons and lakes parallel to what used to be known more exotically as the Malabar Coast. These lakes and lagoons are linked by a network of canals and rivers.
There's just tons of stuff to do and explore in these backwaters: I'll only mention a couple options, here. I strongly recommend getting to Alappuzha (still sometime called Alleppey). It is the central town of the backwaters and once was a major trading post. It is still a beautiful and vibrant spot to visit. Among its charms are the many canals that run through the town, earning it the nickname of Venice of the East.
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: The Current Time in India is Varkala Time!)
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?
There are international flights into Kochi and the Kerala capital city of Thiruvananthapuram (about 32 miles, or 50 km) from Varkala. But, if you really want to make an adventure of it and have time on your side, we strongly recommend flying into the even better served Mumbai airport. And, after the requisite visit to Bollywood, hop on the astounding Konkan railway down the west coast. When I first started going to India in the 1970s this train didn't exist. What a great benefit and blessing it has been since 1998.
Whatever you choose, the Konkan adventure or flight right into Kochi, don't hesitate: get yourself to Kerala. These great locations don't last forever: their very popularity soon undoes them. So, don't miss Kerala, now, while in the full bloom of its glory. The current time in India is, indeed, Kerala time!
About the Author:
To keep up on The Current Time in India, in every sense of the word, you need to follow our website . Mitchell Jones is a top travel writer on India and other popular spots. When you're considering a vacation in India, don't miss his piece on CDC Travel Vaccines for India .
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