There comes a time in our life when we feel exhausted from the hustle and bustle of city life and crave a vacation! The hint of orange in the evening sky from the city lights enthralls us, and all we crave is the serenity of mother nature’s lap. The late-night parties and Netflix binge-watching may lift our mood temporarily, but we are again reminded of our distressing spirits.
For all these gloomy, dull times, what better than witnessing the soul-enriching sceneries of South India. The South Indian states shelter places where nature blossoms in its greatest magnificence for years and years. One such mesmerising place in South India is Kochi which I visited last year with my girl gang by hiring a car through a top-rated cab booking app.
A mesmerising trip to the Kochi backwaters
Located amidst lush verdant vistas and small settlements, the city of Kochi surely boasts immense picturesque beauty. So to witness the natural beauty of the backwaters here, we decided to stay on the beautiful houseboats located on the serene lakes with spotless natural surroundings accomplishing its full glory in the surrounding woods.
Moreover, the shimmering water gushing and turning into a milk-white froth is a sight to behold and makes us forget all our worries. Apart from having a memorable stay at the backwaters in Kochi, we further explored the following spectacular place nearby the backwaters.
- Mattancherry Palace
Mattancherry Palace is a stunning Portuguese castle locally known as the Dutch Palace. This magnificent palace showcases the past monarchs of Kochi, specifically the kings who played a significant part in the growth of the society then. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Portuguese constructed the palace and later granted it to the King of Kochi in 1555.
- Elephant Training Centre
The next stop on our list was the famous Elephant Training Centre. As elephants are deemed auspicious in Kerala, the locals and government work hand-in-hand to preserve them. Situated near the southern banks of the Periyar River, this training centre gave us a perfect chance to interact with and watch these enormous beings.
- Paradesi Synagogue
Paradesi Synagogue is the ancient dynamic synagogue that is situated in Kochi. Established in 1568, Paradesi Synagogue is one of the seven synagogues of the Cochin Jewish society. As the term Paradesi implies ‘foreigner’ in the aboriginal and other Indian languages, this scenic place welcomes foreigners to spend enlightening and tranquil hours amidst the divine ambiance.
- Vazhachal Waterfall
Vazhachal Waterfalls in Kochi are not merely a visitor attraction but also a recreational and picnic spot. The River Chalakudy creates three branches that stream, enveloping a small island formed by the riverine woodlands during its rocky trail, making it a mesmerising scenery.
On the course downwards, these streams gain momentum and fall into the bed of the magnificent River Chalakudy, which made us awestruck with its divine beauty. Also, let me tell you, there are lush green shades of trees and sitting arrangements where you can sit and relax when you are done witnessing these waterfalls in Kochi, now to admire its magnificence from a distance and marvel at it.
Planning a trip to Kochi during the upcoming summer season can be the perfect way to spend a relaxing time in the serene backwaters that will give you a memory for a lifetime. Also, to get the best travelling experience, book an economical car on rent in Kochi with a local driver and get going.
