Kerala needs us, do not hold back. Travel now.

It would not be wrong to write that we have been in ardent love with Kerala. So much so that we call it God’s Own Country, and for the right reasons too. While the state reeled under waves of destruction in the floods this monsoon, it is slowly coming back to life. Yet, most of us are holding back, flocking to shores that can never come close to what Kerala means to us.

If you need a reminder of what all awaits you, here you go, my favourite Kerala experiences.
1. Those Kochi sunsets Remember all those evenings spent in Fort Kochi, watching over stunningly orange sunsets through the ancient fishing nets. While I could never get over the eccentric Chinese fishing nets there, the good old filter coffee from the cafes around was a high unlike any other.

Read more: Kerala on track after floods
2. Those Munnar drives
When you think of driving in the clouds, you could very well be thinking of driving around Munnar. The swirls that would come rolling over the car windows every time I drove around tea plantations was bliss, and you really need to get back to Kerala and fall for it, all over again.

3. Those Kumarakom boats
One of my absolute favourites, hopping on to a ferry boat from Kumarakom to Alleppey and back was a charmer. While locals often go up and down the backwaters to get daily essentials, I would do it for the sheer joy of it. And those backwaters, there is nothing as calming as getting on one of the boats, or even those luxury houseboats there.

4. Those Varkala evenings
Think of Alleppey and you cannot take your mind off Varkala, a coastal hamlet that has been a huge hit for travellers around the world. It is set atop a cliff that overlooks the Arabian Sea, and guarantees views that might make you think of Santorini. Better still, Varkala is quite affordable and there is nothing that can parallel the evenings that see great food, live music, and a very vibrant street market.

5. And all those Kerala smiles
If you have ever been to Kerala, you would know how warm the people here are. They welcome you to their homes, as well as hearts, patiently teaching you to how to have toddy right, the right way to cook karimeen, how not to eat puddu, and what makes kalaripayattu the most ancient defence form in the world.

If you need more reasons to visit Kerala after the recent floods, write to us and we will tell you more of the magic that awaits you here. So yes, do not hold back; this time, Kerala needs you.