The Fern Hotel by Marriott in Kochi: A Thoughtful Urban Retreat in Kerala’s Cultural Gateway

Kochi has always felt different from most Indian cities. It doesn’t overwhelm you immediately. It unfolds slowly. The scent of rain on old Portuguese walls in Fort Kochi. The quiet rhythm of Chinese fishing nets against the Arabian Sea. Spice warehouses carrying memories of traders from Arabia, China, and Europe. Ferries slicing through backwaters while church bells ring somewhere in the distance.

Kochi has always felt different from most Indian cities.

It doesn’t overwhelm you immediately. It unfolds slowly.

The scent of rain on old Portuguese walls in Fort Kochi. The quiet rhythm of Chinese fishing nets against the Arabian Sea. Spice warehouses carrying memories of traders from Arabia, China, and Europe. Ferries slicing through backwaters while church bells ring somewhere in the distance.

And then there is the modern side of Kochi — glass towers, cafés, tech parks, shopping avenues, and contemporary hotels designed for travelers who want comfort without disconnecting from the city’s cultural pulse

And then there is the modern side of Kochi — glass towers, cafés, tech parks, shopping avenues, and contemporary hotels designed for travelers who want comfort without disconnecting from the city’s cultural pulse.

Among the many stay options in Kochi, The Fern Hotel by Marriott stands out because it understands something important: travelers today don’t just want a room. They want a base that helps them experience the city meaningfully.

Whether you are a photographer chasing dramatic monsoon skies, a family exploring Kerala for the first time, a luxury traveler looking for comfort after long sightseeing days, or a slow traveler spending weeks understanding local culture, this hotel fits naturally into the Kochi experience.

Whether you are a photographer chasing dramatic monsoon skies, a family exploring Kerala for the first time, a luxury traveler looking for comfort after long sightseeing days, or a slow traveler spending weeks understanding local culture, this hotel fits naturally into the Kochi experience.

This isn’t just a hotel review.

It’s a deeper look at how your stay shapes your experience of Kochi itself.

Why Visit Kochi Kochi is one of India’s most layered coastal cities. Unlike destinations that revolve around one monument or one famous attraction, Kochi works like a collage. Every neighborhood carries a different mood.

Why Visit Kochi

Kochi is one of India’s most layered coastal cities.

Unlike destinations that revolve around one monument or one famous attraction, Kochi works like a collage. Every neighborhood carries a different mood.

You move from colonial streets to bustling fish markets within minutes. Jewish synagogues stand not too far from centuries-old churches. Kathakali performances happen beside trendy cafés serving third-wave coffee. Fishing villages coexist with luxury waterfront developments.

This diversity is precisely why choosing the right accommodation matters.

Among modern Marriott hotels and premium stay options in Kochi, The Fern Hotel offers an excellent balance between accessibility, comfort, and local immersion.

What makes Kochi special for travelers?

  • Maritime history dating back centuries
  • Blend of Portuguese, Dutch, British, Jewish, and Kerala influences
  • Incredible seafood culture
  • Monsoon photography opportunities
  • Slower pace compared to other Indian metros
  • Access to backwaters and nearby islands
  • Rich performing arts traditions
  • Excellent café and culinary scene

Kochi rewards curious travelers.

The city doesn’t reveal itself through checklists. It reveals itself through observation.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Kochi For centuries, Kochi was one of the world’s most important spice trading ports. Black pepper from Kerala attracted traders from across the globe long before modern tourism existed. Arabs arrived first, followed by Chinese traders, then Portuguese explorers, Dutch merchants, and eventually the British.

Historical and Cultural Significance of Kochi

For centuries, Kochi was one of the world’s most important spice trading ports.

Black pepper from Kerala attracted traders from across the globe long before modern tourism existed. Arabs arrived first, followed by Chinese traders, then Portuguese explorers, Dutch merchants, and eventually the British.

This layered history shaped Kochi into one of India’s most cosmopolitan coastal cities.

The old neighborhoods still reflect this legacy:

  • Portuguese-style homes with bright facades
  • Dutch cemeteries hidden behind quiet walls
  • Jewish heritage structures
  • Syrian Christian churches
  • Traditional Kerala architecture with sloping tiled roofs

One fascinating local detail many tourists miss is how deeply the sea influences daily life here. Fishing schedules, ferry timings, market rhythms, and even conversations often revolve around tides and weather patterns.

When staying at hotels like The Fern Hotel by Marriott, you are never too far from these historical layers. That accessibility becomes valuable, especially if you prefer slow exploration instead of rushed sightseeing.

My Personal Experience Staying at The Fern Hotel by Marriott I arrived in Kochi during the late afternoon, just before the sky turned silver with pre-monsoon clouds. The roads were damp from recent rain. Coconut trees swayed gently along traffic-heavy junctions. Autorickshaw drivers shouted over honking buses while cafés began lighting up for the evening crowd.

My Personal Experience Staying at The Fern Hotel by Marriott

I arrived in Kochi during the late afternoon, just before the sky turned silver with pre-monsoon clouds.

The roads were damp from recent rain. Coconut trees swayed gently along traffic-heavy junctions. Autorickshaw drivers shouted over honking buses while cafés began lighting up for the evening crowd.

Inside the hotel, however, everything slowed down. The lobby had that rare balance many modern hotels fail to achieve — contemporary without feeling sterile. Soft lighting. Calm interiors. Quiet efficiency at the reception desk. Staff members greeting guests with genuine warmth instead of scripted hospitality.

Inside the hotel, however, everything slowed down.

The lobby had that rare balance many modern hotels fail to achieve — contemporary without feeling sterile. Soft lighting. Calm interiors. Quiet efficiency at the reception desk. Staff members greeting guests with genuine warmth instead of scripted hospitality.

After long days photographing streets and coastal neighborhoods, that sense of calm mattered more than luxury.

My room overlooked sections of the city slowly transitioning into evening lights. In Kochi, dusk has a cinematic quality. Rain-washed roads reflect orange street lamps. The air smells faintly of salt and wet earth. From higher floors, you can often see the city changing color minute by minute.

My room overlooked sections of the city slowly transitioning into evening lights. In Kochi, dusk has a cinematic quality. Rain-washed roads reflect orange street lamps. The air smells faintly of salt and wet earth. From higher floors, you can often see the city changing color minute by minute.

One of my favorite moments happened early the next morning. I woke before sunrise and watched layers of mist hovering above distant buildings while birds moved across pastel skies. Kochi mornings are softer compared to many Indian cities. Less aggressive. More atmospheric.

One of my favorite moments happened early the next morning.

I woke before sunrise and watched layers of mist hovering above distant buildings while birds moved across pastel skies. Kochi mornings are softer compared to many Indian cities. Less aggressive. More atmospheric.

That alone made the stay memorable from a photographer’s perspective. 

One major advantage of staying here is connectivity. You can comfortably access: Fort Kochi Marine Drive Jew Town Mattancherry Lulu Mall Ferry terminals Business districts Café neighborhoods

What Makes The Fern Hotel by Marriott One of the Best Stay Options in Kochi

Strategic Location

One major advantage of staying here is connectivity.

You can comfortably access:

  • Fort Kochi
  • Marine Drive
  • Jew Town
  • Mattancherry
  • Lulu Mall
  • Ferry terminals
  • Business districts
  • Café neighborhoods

This becomes especially useful in Kochi where traffic patterns can shift dramatically during peak hours or heavy rains.

For travelers wanting to balance heritage exploration with urban comfort, the location works exceptionally well.

Many luxury hotels feel detached from the cities they occupy. The Fern Hotel by Marriott avoids that feeling. Instead of overwhelming opulence, the property focuses on practical comfort: Spacious rooms Thoughtful lighting Good workspaces Reliable Wi-Fi Comfortable bedding Calm interiors suited for longer stays

Comfort Without Excess

Many luxury hotels feel detached from the cities they occupy.

The Fern Hotel by Marriott avoids that feeling.

Instead of overwhelming opulence, the property focuses on practical comfort:

  • Spacious rooms
  • Thoughtful lighting
  • Good workspaces
  • Reliable Wi-Fi
  • Comfortable bedding
  • Calm interiors suited for longer stays

This makes it particularly attractive for:

  • Remote workers
  • Weekend travelers
  • Families
  • Solo photographers
  • International visitors exploring Kerala

Kerala hospitality has a certain warmth that feels less performative and more conversational. At breakfast, one staff member casually suggested visiting a quieter seafood restaurant used mostly by locals instead of tourists. Another recommended ideal timings for photographing Marine Drive before crowds arrived.

Staff Hospitality

Kerala hospitality has a certain warmth that feels less performative and more conversational.

At breakfast, one staff member casually suggested visiting a quieter seafood restaurant used mostly by locals instead of tourists. Another recommended ideal timings for photographing Marine Drive before crowds arrived.

These small interactions often shape travel memories more than architecture or amenities.

Morning Walks Around Kochi One of the best ways to experience Kochi is by waking up early. The city transforms between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM. Tea stalls begin steaming. Fishermen return with morning catches. Churches ring bells softly. School buses slowly enter the roads.

Detailed Exploration: Experiencing Kochi While Staying Here

Morning Walks Around Kochi

One of the best ways to experience Kochi is by waking up early.

The city transforms between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM.

Tea stalls begin steaming. Fishermen return with morning catches. Churches ring bells softly. School buses slowly enter the roads.

If you enjoy photography, mornings offer:

  • Softer humidity haze
  • Better diffused light
  • Empty streets
  • Calm waterfront reflections
  • Local life unfolding naturally

After breakfast at the hotel, it becomes easy to begin day trips toward Fort Kochi or the waterfront areas.

Evenings at Marine Drive Marine Drive Kochi is not just a promenade. It is where Kochi collectively exhales in the evening. Families walk slowly beside the water. Couples sit facing ferries crossing the backwaters. Vendors sell roasted peanuts and local snacks. Office workers loosen their ties and pause beside the breeze.

Evenings at Marine Drive

Marine Drive Kochi is not just a promenade.

It is where Kochi collectively exhales in the evening.

Families walk slowly beside the water. Couples sit facing ferries crossing the backwaters. Vendors sell roasted peanuts and local snacks. Office workers loosen their ties and pause beside the breeze.

For photographers, the blue-hour reflections here can be remarkable after rain.

Best photography timing:

  • 5:45 PM to 7:00 PM during winter
  • Slightly later during summer months

Fort Kochi remains the emotional heart of Kochi tourism. While many travelers stay directly inside Fort Kochi, choosing a more connected hotel like The Fern Hotel by Marriott gives flexibility: Easier transport Better parking Quieter nights More modern comforts Faster access to other city zones

Exploring Fort Kochi from the Hotel

Fort Kochi remains the emotional heart of Kochi tourism.

While many travelers stay directly inside Fort Kochi, choosing a more connected hotel like The Fern Hotel by Marriott gives flexibility:

  • Easier transport
  • Better parking
  • Quieter nights
  • More modern comforts
  • Faster access to other city zones

Fort Kochi itself is best explored slowly:

  • Walking
  • Cycling
  • Café hopping
  • Photography strolls

Don’t rush it.

The charm lies in wandering without fixed expectations.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Insights

The Rain Changes Kochi Completely

Most travelers fear monsoon.

Photographers should embrace it.

Kochi during rain becomes dramatically photogenic:

  • Moss-covered walls deepen in color
  • Reflections create cinematic street scenes
  • Fishing nets appear more atmospheric
  • Clouds create layered coastal skies

Carry:

  • Lens cloth
  • Waterproof bag
  • Lightweight sandals
  • Quick-dry clothing

Monsoon light in Kochi is softer and moodier than harsh summer sunlight.

Local Bakeries Near Residential Areas

Beyond tourist cafés, Kochi has wonderful small bakeries selling:

  • Kerala plum cake
  • Egg puffs
  • Banana chips
  • Coconut buns
  • Spiced tea

Ask locals instead of relying only on maps.

Some of the best food experiences in Kochi happen in places without Instagram décor.

Ferries Are Underrated

Public ferries remain one of the most beautiful and affordable ways to understand Kochi.

Watching office commuters cross the water gives insight into how interconnected the city truly is.

Sunset ferry rides are especially rewarding for photographers.

Best Photography Spots Around Kochi

Chinese Fishing Nets

Chinese Fishing Nets are iconic, but timing matters.

Best timings:

  • Sunrise
  • Rainy evenings
  • Cloudy afternoons

Avoid harsh midday light.

Interesting compositions:

  • Silhouettes of fishermen
  • Nets against monsoon clouds
  • Reflections during rain
  • Wide-angle environmental portraits

Jew Town Alleys

Jew Town offers layered street textures:

  • Antique shops
  • Faded walls
  • Hanging lamps
  • Vintage signboards
  • Narrow corridors of light

Best time:

  • 9 AM before tourist crowds

Mattancherry Streets

Mattancherry feels raw and visually rich.

You’ll find:

  • Spice traders
  • Port workers
  • Colorful trucks
  • Traditional storefronts

Telephoto lenses work beautifully here for candid storytelling.

Photography Tips for Kochi

Best Lenses to Carry

  • 24-70mm for streets and architecture
  • 35mm prime for storytelling
  • Wide-angle for waterfront scenes
  • Telephoto for candid portraits

Light Conditions

Kochi’s coastal humidity diffuses sunlight naturally.

Golden hour becomes softer compared to dry inland cities.

Cloudy weather often produces better storytelling photographs than clear skies.

Respect People Before Photographing

Many fishermen and local workers are comfortable being photographed if approached respectfully.

A smile and brief conversation go a long way.

Sometimes the conversation becomes more memorable than the photograph itself.

Local Food Experiences

Kochi’s food scene deserves far more attention than it receives.

Must-Try Experiences

Kerala Sadya

Traditional vegetarian feast served on banana leaves.

Look for:

  • Avial
  • Olan
  • Sambar
  • Pachadi
  • Payasam

Seafood Meals

Fresh pearl spot fish, prawns, crab curry, and squid preparations dominate local menus.

Ask restaurants:
“What is freshly available today?”

That usually leads to the best meals.

Syrian Christian Cuisine

One of Kerala’s most fascinating culinary traditions.

Try:

  • Appam with stew
  • Duck roast
  • Fish molee
  • Beef ularthiyathu

Human Stories and Local Conversations

One evening near Fort Kochi, I spoke with an elderly man repairing fishing ropes beside the waterfront.

He spoke softly about how tourism changed the neighborhood.

“Earlier, people came for spice business. Now they come for photographs,” he laughed.

Then he added something thoughtful:

“But photographs are also memories. So maybe nothing has changed.”

That sentence stayed with me.

Kochi often feels like a city balancing memory and modernity simultaneously.

Staying at a comfortable hotel helps you absorb these moments without exhaustion constantly interrupting the experience.

Best Time to Visit Kochi

SeasonExperience
October to FebruaryPleasant weather, ideal sightseeing
June to SeptemberDramatic monsoon photography
March to MayHot and humid but less crowded

For photographers, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons are exceptional.

For families and international travelers, winter months are more comfortable.

How to Reach Kochi

By Air

Cochin International Airport connects Kochi with major Indian and international cities.

Travel time to central Kochi depends heavily on traffic.

By Train

Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is well connected nationwide.

By Road

Road trips through Kerala are scenic, especially during monsoon.

Nearby destinations:

  • Munnar
  • Alleppey
  • Athirappilly
  • Kumarakom

Where to Stay in Kochi

There are many stay options in Kochi depending on your travel style.

Luxury Travelers

Marriott hotels and premium waterfront properties offer comfort and modern amenities.

Heritage Lovers

Fort Kochi heritage homes provide atmospheric stays.

Budget Travelers

Hostels and guesthouses around Fort Kochi work well.

Balanced Urban Comfort

The Fern Hotel by Marriott works especially well for travelers seeking:

  • Connectivity
  • Comfort
  • Reliable service
  • Contemporary rooms
  • Easy city access

Budget Tips for Kochi Travelers

  • Use ferries instead of taxis when possible
  • Eat at local seafood restaurants
  • Visit Fort Kochi early morning
  • Travel during shoulder season
  • Book hotels early during December holidays
  • Use tuk-tuks for short distances

Suggested 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

  • Check into hotel
  • Explore Marine Drive
  • Sunset ferry ride
  • Seafood dinner

Day 2

  • Fort Kochi walk
  • Chinese fishing nets
  • Jew Town
  • Kathakali performance

Day 3

  • Mattancherry exploration
  • Café hopping
  • Local market photography
  • Relaxed evening at hotel

Responsible Travel Tips

  • Avoid photographing people without consent
  • Support local cafés and artisans
  • Reduce plastic waste
  • Respect religious spaces
  • Dress modestly in heritage neighborhoods
  • Avoid littering waterfronts

Common Mistakes Travelers Make in Kochi Trying to Rush Everything Kochi is not a checklist destination. Slow down. Ignoring Weather Conditions Humidity and rain influence travel timings significantly.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make in Kochi

Trying to Rush Everything

Kochi is not a checklist destination.

Slow down.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Humidity and rain influence travel timings significantly.

Staying Too Far from Main Areas

Connectivity matters in Kochi traffic.

Choosing practical stay options in Kochi improves the overall experience considerably.

Frequently Asked Questions Is The Fern Hotel by Marriott good for families visiting Kochi? Yes. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, good connectivity, and easy access to major attractions, making it suitable for families. What are the best stay options in Kochi for photographers? Hotels with good connectivity to Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, and ferry points work best. The Fern Hotel by Marriott is especially convenient for photography-focused travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is The Fern Hotel by Marriott good for families visiting Kochi?

Yes. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, good connectivity, and easy access to major attractions, making it suitable for families.

What are the best stay options in Kochi for photographers?

Hotels with good connectivity to Fort Kochi, Marine Drive, and ferry points work best. The Fern Hotel by Marriott is especially convenient for photography-focused travelers.

How far is Fort Kochi from The Fern Hotel by Marriott?

Travel time depends on traffic but is generally manageable through taxi or ferry combinations.

Which season is best for visiting Kochi?

October to February offers pleasant weather, while monsoon months provide dramatic photography opportunities.

Are Marriott hotels in Kochi suitable for long stays?

Yes. Marriott hotels and associated premium properties provide reliable comfort, work-friendly environments, and excellent hospitality for extended stays.

Some cities impress instantly. Kochi grows on you slowly. Its beauty lies in texture rather than spectacle. In conversations rather than monuments. In rain reflections, ferry rides, seafood aromas, and weathered colonial walls carrying centuries of memory.

Some cities impress instantly.

Kochi grows on you slowly.

Its beauty lies in texture rather than spectacle. In conversations rather than monuments. In rain reflections, ferry rides, seafood aromas, and weathered colonial walls carrying centuries of memory.

Your hotel becomes part of that experience.

Among the many stay options in Kochi, The Fern Hotel by Marriott works beautifully because it allows you to explore deeply while returning each evening to comfort, calmness, and thoughtful hospitality.

And sometimes, that balance is exactly what meaningful travel needs.

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On the very first day of our stay in Wayanad, our host suggested us to trek to Edakkal Caves. 'Trekking' word did the magic and we decided to go there next day only. This Photo Journey shares some of the photographs and information around the trek & caves.We requested Sunil (our host at Treasure Trove to arrange an auto for the day. We left in the morning after breakfast and Edakkal is 15 kilometers from Meenangadi, the place where we were staying.We drove through some beautiful landscapes and beautiful sights. The mountain in above photograph looked beautiful and was shot from moving auto only. Later we realized that Edakkal caves offer another great view of the mountain from the hill top.We took some breaks on the way and soon we came a cross a diversion which lead us to 4 kilometers climb in auto, till the parking of Edakkal Caves. There is a small market at the base, where all vehicles need to be parked and then the trek starts for Edakkal Caves.The trek is concrete, but quite steep. Initially we were in hurry but realized that we should go slow. We enjoyed trekking to Edakkal caves and took some breaks on the way.After walking for 30 minutes we reached a counter where we had to buy entry tickets for the caves. Ticket costed 20 Rs per person and 30 Rs for camera. Please do read message in above photograph. One needs to deposit 20 rs if you want to take water bottle beyond this point. They paste a sticker on the bottle and you can get back the money when you come back. This model really works in Kerala and they have implemented it in most of the tourist destinations in Kerala.These stickers are pasted on the bottles. People bring back their empty bottles to the counter and get back the deposited money.These stairs start from the ticket counter till main caves of Edakkal.There are various shops on the way to have some snacks or buy stuff for home. Lot of Kerala products are sold in these shops - tea, coffee, spices, coconut products, herbal soaps etc.There are good number of stairs from ticket counter till caves. The main cave is on the top of this hill and one needs to trek through other smaller caves. There are folks around this hill who ensure smooth movement of crowd. This is quite a crowded place and discipline is important. Mostly people walk in queue and ensure that things happen smoothly.This is the entry to first cave at Edakkal. Above photograph is clicked from the cave. It was good to see a disciplined movement of folks and of-course credit goes to the local administration for appropriate arrangements in terms of marking & people to help.Now the trek continued through caves and few more steep climbs till we hit the final cave. Steel stairs are installed inside these caves. Edakkal caves lie at around 1200 metres above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, beside an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar coast .Kids expressions in above photograph shows the level of next climb :). Yes, it was getting steeper. Next few climbs exposed everyone to some of the beautiful sights of Wayanad.Finally we hit the main cave which has varied designs carved on all the rocks. Edakkal Caves are two natural caves which are approximately 24 kilometers from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. This lies around India Western Ghats.Inside the caves are pictorial writings. These signs are believed to date to at least 6000 BC, from theNeolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from south India.Check out wikipedia to know more about Edakkal caves.These are the stairs to come down on the back journey from Edakkal caves to the base. It was a nice experience to be there at Edakkal caves and enjoyed some of the amazing views from the top of this hill. It's a proper tourist spot so it's always crowded.



A Daunting Trek to Edakkal Caves in Wayanad || Kerala Diaries



After trekking to Edakkal caves in Wayanad, we headed towards Curuva Island in an auto. The word ‘Island’ made us visit there. After inquiring more, we got to know that it’s maintained by Forest department and good place to find different kinds of birds. One needs to use bamboo rafts to reach the Island and same rafts are used to come back.It took approximately 1 hr to reach Curuva Island from Edakkal Caves. It shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes in a car.The drive was beautiful through dense forests and coffee plantations.Our Auto-Rickshaw driver are quite fast as he wanted to ensure that we have enough time to explore the Island. It gets closed at 5pm, so you need to be back from the Island by then.We reached the entry counter of Curuva Island and bought our tickets from the counter of Kerala Forest and Wildlife conservation department. Single ticket costs 80 Rs which included to and fro in bamboo rafts. Camera ticket costs 40 Rs and you are also supposed to pay vehicle parking at same counter, so it was just 30 rs for the Auto-Rickshaw we were using.There is some walk from this counter to the water-body from where we needed to take Bamboo raft. It was around 200 meters away from the ticket counter. There are long queue at the port and we waited for approximately 20 minutes to board on the raft and reach the island. In this queue, a guard comes to check your bags and ensures that you don’t have any plastic item to carry to the island. If you want to carry a water bottle, get a sticker pasted on it for 20 rs and money is refundable by the showing the bottle on you back journey. I liked this model implemented by Kerala Tourism and it works. A good thing for other state tourism departments to learn. A ride on bamboo raft was something special, although our expectations were very high :). One raft was carrying approximtaley 50 folks at a time and I had always seen bamboo rafts carrying 4-6 folks. We wanted to do a ride on such raft, but time didn’t allow and such sights were located far from our homestays. I have used safety jackets at various places so far, but these were one of the best ones. Similar experience was there at Banasura dam as well.Bamboo raft hardly took 10 minutes to hit the other side. We got off the boat and put our safety jackets in designated basket. There was a huge bamboo bridge on the other side. After walking for a while, you see two small pathways – one takes you inside island and other leads you to the other port. We headed towards the core of the island where everyone was going. Btw, Curuva Island is again a typical touristic place and hence crowded. There was lot of noise on the island and we realized that we should forget about finding any birds around. And we were right. We didn’t see a single bird, although various sounds were coming from the other part which was restricted.After a while we hit a region of this island which had various water streams. And whole of this region of the island was full of people having fun in water. We were little disappointed, because we were expecting it to be a peaceful place which is close to the nature. Unfortunately it was opposite. But most of the folks were having fun, so it's definitely a good place for folks who want to enjoy in water splashes. Idea is to go there with right expectations :). Hope that readers of Photo Journey would benefit from this information.We had a round of the island and then headed back towards the rafts to head back to Meenagadi (our homestay). It was not so experience for us, probably because of very high expectations. This was a learning for us to be more informative about such places. During this trip, we had hardly any pre-planning except our travel and stay. Many times we intensionally keep things open but they may end up with such experiences. It was another experience, I would say :)Time to go other side of the water body and head towards our homestay…Curuva(Kuruva) Island - A potential paradise for nature lovers




During december we were in Wayanad region of Kerala and planned a day visit to Suchipara Waterfalls. When we drive towards the waterfalls, one need to cross through these beautiful tea gardens. We had various breaks on our way and this Photo Journey shares more about this region of Wayanad.Although Wayanad is full of Tea gardens and coffee plantations, but this part around Suchipara waterfalls is very special. The landscapes are very beautiful and can't be compared with other gardens. This part is relatively hilly.Usually we don't click our own photographs but these lush gardens made us click some of our shots. Our auto-rickshaw driver also requested me to click him photograph :), although he requested us not to post on facebook because he doesn't post any photograph with his auto-dress. This Photograph is only for his family to show that how Suchipara looks like these days.Yes, we were travelling in Auto-rickshaw. 4 days spent in Wayanad and throughout we used Auto-rickshaw for tarvelling. They are cost effective and you enjoy the pleasant weather of Wayanad region.Wayanad is one of the highest producers in India and there are various regions which produce Coffee as well. The place where we were staying was a coffee farm.Lush green tea gardens around Suchipara Waterfalls, Wayanad || Kerala Diaries







The first thing that strikes you during a Kathakali Dance performance is not the music. Not the elaborate costumes either. It is the eyes. Under warm stage lights in Kochi, a performer slowly turns his face toward the audience. His eyes widen dramatically, then narrow with impossible precision. Every movement feels amplified. Every glance carries meaning. Even before the drums begin, the story has already started.Kathakali Dance in Kochi: Behind the Makeup, Music, and Mythology




There are some places in India that stay with you long after the journey ends. In the historic coastal city of Kochi, the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets are one such experience. Standing silently against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, these massive cantilevered fishing structures are more than just fishing equipment — they are living symbols of history, trade, culture, and the rhythm of coastal life in Kerala.Chinese Fishing Nets in Kochi – The Timeless Symbol of Kerala’s Coastal Heritage




The first thing that catches your attention in Kochi is not the sea. It is the doors. Old wooden doors with fading turquoise paint. Tall colonial arches with brass knockers shaped like lions. Tiny tiled entrances hiding cafés. Portuguese-style windows opening into courtyards scented with cardamom and fish curry. Some are cracked by monsoon moisture. Some are freshly painted in impossible shades of yellow and blue. Some stand abandoned, yet still dignified.Doors of Kochi: Stories Hidden Behind Weathered Wooden Frames



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If you land in Bangalore, you can catch a KRSTC bus running regularly to Kozikhode or directly to Wayanad. Some kerala transportation buses are also available. It is highly recommended to plan it well and know about bus timings before hand, to plan your trip well. Let's also talk about travel by Rail/train. Nearest railway station is Kozikode and beyond that you need to either take a taxi or bus. Related Post : Journey from Delhi to Wayanad via Bengaluru, Mysore, and Sultan Battery || Kerala DiariesHow to reach Wayanad and main places to explore, along with interesting things to do




I had always heard about Wayanad as one of the biggest tea producers in India, but when I actually visited this beautiful place I realized that coffee is also produced in abundance. Wherever we went in Wayanad, we found acres of lands covered by coffee plantations. This Photo Journey shares some information about coffee plantations in Wayanad region of Kerala. Coffee production in India is dominated in the hilly terrains of South Indian states. Karnataka produces the max followed by Kerala. Indian coffee is said to be the finest coffee grown in the shade rather than direct sunlight anywhere in the world. Our host at Meenangadi had huge coffee farm around his homestay and he shared the fact about coffee in shadow. Most of the the plants were in shades of various trees including black pepper, jackfruit, coconut & rubber trees.Above is the view from out cottage at Treasure Trove which was surrounded by coffee plantations all around. After coming back from Wayanad, I read more about Coffee plantations in India and got to know that we have approximately 2.5 lac coffee growers and majority of them are small growers. Major part of the coffee grown in India exported to Germany, Russian, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, United States, Japan, Greece, Netherlands, France and Italy.There are two methods to process Coffee - dry processing and wet processing. Dry processing is the traditional method of drying in the sun which is favoured for its flavour producing characteristics. This what we witnessed during our stay in Wayanad. Indian coffee, grown mostly in southern India under monsoon rainfall conditions, is also termed as “Indian monsooned coffee. Two well known species of coffee grown are the Arabica and Robusta.Drawn by the aroma into the Coffee Plantations of Wayanad || Kerala Diaries




I did a post on main places to explore and things to do in God's Own Country - Kerala and one of the followers mentioned on Facebook that it's unfair not to mention food of Kerala. And I agree, so thought of compiling this post about Food of Kerala. I am sure that some of the following names would sound familiar - Puttu and Kadala Curry, Thalassery biryani , Appam with Stew, Dosa Ghee Roast with Kerala styled Sambar , Idiyappam with Egg Curry, Spicy Chicken Fry (locally known as Nadan Kozhi Varuthathu), Kerala Prawn Curry, Mussel Stir Fry (popularly known as Kallumakkaya Ularthiyath ) , Pumpkin (Erissery) and Lentil Stew, Naadan Beef fry or Kerala Style Beef Fry and Malabar Parota, Kerala style Fish Molee and Kerala rice(boiled rice) along with sambar, parippukari with ghee, pachadi, kichadi, aviyal, puliyan, kuttukari, Kalan, Olan, Injikkari, rasam, pappadam, pickle, raita, sweetners(two or three different types), payasam.I clearly remember the Theayyam feast we enjoyed at Kannur. After spending whole day at Theyyam temple, one of the priest invited us to join for the feast. Everyone is invited to have lunch at temple and some of the popular food items are served on banana leaf. The same day we were wondering about the banana trees which would have lost those leaves. Hundreds of folks had lunch at the temple during Theyyam festival. Whenever anyone talk about Kerala food, that feast come to my mind. So my recommendation is to find a community event where you can enjoy authentic Kerala food.If you have visited Kerala you would know how Kerala rice look like and if not, just have a look at above photograph. These are very light as compared to rice we get in North India.If you are visiting Kerala, it's recommended to buy some spices to bring back home for family and friends. Patimugam is something which we liked and bought in abundance. The pink colored water served with food is basically boiled water by putting Patimugam in it. Travellers very well know that food of any place is very much inspired by it's weather and local ingredients. You can very much guess the major ingredients of Kerala food. Coconuts grow in abundance in Kerala and hence coconut cream & coconut milk are widely used in dishes for thickening and flavouring. Owing to the weather of Kerala and the availability of spices, the Kerala cuisine is richly spicy especially the hot ones - chilli , black pepper , cardamom , cloves , ginger and cinnamon.Kerala's long coastline, various rivers, backwaters and strong fishing industry have contributed to many sea & river food based dishes. Rice and cassava (Tapioca) form the staple food of Kerala. All main dishes are made with them and served along with Kootan; the side dishes which may be made from vegetables, meat, fish or a mix of all of them. The main dish for lunch and dinner is boiled rice.If you love cooking and prefer healthy food for your family, you may want to check this brilliant blog by Sangeeta . And here is a recipe for Chicken stew Mughlai Style.Let me give another tip to fellow travellers for exploring authentic food of Kerala. Prefer staying in Home Stays and do proper research. We were lucky to have great experience of home stays in Kerala. If you plan to explore Wayanad, here are 2 recommendations - Treasure Trove and Bamboo Village.As you can see, banana leaves are used in different forms. Apart from serving food on banana leaf, it's also used for cooking. At our homestay, we used to get home cooked snacks with evening tea. What an awesome stay it was. I wish to go there right now. Non-veg was main part of all our meals at Kerala. I found it interesting when fish and chicken vendors sell various types of fish on bicycle. While staying at Bamboo village, we met some vendors who were selling 4-5 types of small fish and almost every villager was buying fish. Banana is other main ingredient of Kerala food. In fact, unripe banana are also used in various ways. Banana pakoras, boiled banana, banana chips etc. I am sure that banana must be used in 10 other forms in Kerala. I didn't like boiled banana which was served to us in breakfast. Either I ate it in wrong way or I could relate to it's taste.Food Trail in God's own country, Kerala (India)




India is also referred to as 'God's Own Country'. Kerala is a coastal state in India and has rich traditions, culture and lush unspoiled tropical beauty with unmatchable landscapes. Kerala is popularly known for its landscapes, backwaters, food, elephants, Theyyam & various types of spices. Kerala is perfect destination for folks visiting India and even for Indians who want to spend some time at peace & slow pace of life. Kerala has options for different types for tourists and travellers. This post lists some of the popular places to explore and things to do in Kerala state of India. Munnar - Usually I hate to do comparisons of places because it's usually unfair, as every place is unique. But I would like to call out that Munnar is popularly known as Kashmir of South India. Munnar is one of the key destination in Kerala which attracts lot of domestic and foreigner tourists to Kerala. It's a beautiful hill station which has lush green tea estates apart from spice plantations.Some of the popular places to explore in Munnar are Eravikulam National Park, Indo Swiss Dairy Farm, Chinnar Wild Life Sanctuary, Anamudi, Tata Tea Museum, Idukki Arch Dam.Thekkady - Thekkady is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kerala state of South India. Thekkady is located in the famous Periyar National Park. The Periyar National Park is home to a large number of Indian elephants, lion-tailed Macaques, Nilgiri Langurs, Indian bison and Bengal Tigers. Mullaperiyar Dam around the area on the Periyar River and formed an artificial lake for Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Kovalam Light house beach in Kovalam is must visit place. And I am sure that you must have seen some exceptional photographs of lighthouse beach. Just notice the lighthouse in above photograph and you would be able to recall other photographs from same place and beach. Kovalam is also known as beach town of Kerala. It is also known as the paradise of the south and beaches of KOvalam are considered some of the best beaches in India. Kovalam means a grove of coconut trees and true to its name the village offers an endless sight of coconut trees. Alleppey - Alappuzha is an important backwater tourist destination in Kerala. Alleppey is one of the most preferred place for tourists, which attracts several thousands of foreign tourists each year. If you have ever watched boat races, Alleppy is the place to host these events. Apart from boat races Alleppy is also popularly known for beaches, marine products and coir industry. Allapuza Backwaters is a must experience thing in Kerala.Some of the other interesting other places around Alleppy include Statue Of Karumadikuttan, Mannarasala Sri Nagaraja Temple and Revi Karuna Karan (RKK) Memorial Museum.Wayanad - Wayanad is north Kerala and popular for it's tea & coffee plantations. Hilly region of Kerala which has plenty of natural things to explores. Lakes, Waterfalls, caves, tea estates, adventure activities, home stays, wildlife and lot more. Kalpetta, Pookot Lake , Edakkal Caves , Pakshipathalam, Lakkidi, Sulthan Bathery, Banasura Sagar , Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Neelimala view point , Meenmutty falls and Curuva Island are some of the popular places to explore in Wayanad. On our blog, we have shared about some of the best home-stays in Wayanad and incredible experience of Bamboo village. Check out more on the blog and I am sure that you would definitely plan for this region of Kerala.Vagamon hill station is located on Idukki - Kottayam border area. A best place to spend time during summers of Kerala. Vagamon is immensely beautiful with many points of tourist interest, which offer great landscapes. The meadows, forests and hills surrounded by fog/clouds make this place more interesting. ( Cochin ) / Ernakulam - If you are taking flight to south Kerala, most likely you would be hitting Kochi first. Kochi is located in Ernakulam district of Kerela, which was earlier known as Cochin. Kochi is also an important seaport in India. Ernakulam is popular for shopping options in Kerala. I haven't really done shopping in Kerala but this is well known fact about Ernakulam. Some of the popular places to explore around Cochin include Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort kochi & Chinese Fishing Nets, Mattancherry Palace, Kodanad Elephant Sanctuary, Ezhattumugham Nature Village and Athirappally Falls. Thiruvananthapuram - Poovar is a small village in the Southern tip of Trivendrum. Around Poovar beach you can explore mangroves, floating restaurants, varieties of birds and biodiversity. The beach is pristine with golden sand with no or less people. Solitude’s comfort, you see! Fisherman waiting to trap the fishes in their giant nets at one corner and eagles and crows waiting for the fishes to be their fodder. Nature, oh nature, vicious circle, it is Some of the interesting places to explore around Thiruvanantpuram are Priyadarshini Planetarium, Vizhinjam Rock Cut Temple, Kuthiramalika, Kanakakunnu Palace. A photograph of Coffee plants from Kerala state of India. some of the old temples. Some of the temples around Kannur celebrate Theyyam festival and lot of foreigner tourists visit Kannur for Theyyam. Thottada beach is one of the popular and isolated beach in Kannur. Riding around these beaches and backwaters can be interesting.Kumarakom Houseboats Kumarakom is most popular tourist spot located near the Kottayam city and famous for its houseboats in backwaters of Vembanad Lake. Vembanad Lake is the largest freshwater lake of Kerala and longest lake in India. Kumarakom is a famous Bird Sanctuary and home to a wide variety of local and migratory birds.One of the most important recommendation is to try Kerala food when you are in Kerala, but be careful about the quantity you order. Usually lot of curries are served, so it's recommended to order the minimum portion from menu and then decide, if you need more.Main places to visit and things to do in Kerala, India


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