Kerala, You Never Cease to Steal My Heart
By Payal Sahni | TravelLinksLive.com
There is something about Kerala that I simply cannot explain. I have travelled to the state several times, and every time I return, I carry back a little more than just photographs and memories. This time, too, I came back with a head full of experiences, some beautiful moments and, of course, that familiar feeling of wanting to go back.
The irony is that the moment we land in Delhi, there is barely any time to sit back and relive a trip. There are events to attend, meetings to organise, people to meet, and another journey already on the cards. Yet, Kerala somehow manages to stay with me. Perhaps it is the landscapes, perhaps the warmth of its people, or simply the way the state makes even a short visit feel so fulfilling.
And I have Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) to thank for this special connection. It gives us an opportunity to return to God’s Own Country, experience a little more of its beauty, and reconnect with the people who make Kerala such a wonderful destination.
This year’s journey was particularly memorable. From a heritage stay in Fort Kochi and the misty mountains of Munnar to a peaceful boat ride on Periyar Lake, familiar shopping stops in Alleppey and the vibrant energy of KTM itself, the trip unfolded in a way that was both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Fort Kochi: A Heritage Welcome and a Much-Needed Pause
Our Kerala journey began in Fort Kochi, where I stayed at a charming heritage hotel that offered the kind of welcome you need after a long journey. With its Dutch-influenced architecture, old-world character, and distinctly Kochi atmosphere, the property was an experience in itself.
I barely spent 11 to 12 hours there, arriving late in the evening and leaving early the next morning. Yet the hotel made that brief stay memorable. A lovely suite, a thoughtfully prepared five-course à la carte dinner and a comforting breakfast made for a wonderful start.
My favourite moment, however, was the early morning walk. There is something special about Kochi in the morning, with the sea breeze, fishing nets and the slow rhythm of life unfolding around the waterfront.
Our guide, Mr Jairaj, brought the surroundings alive with stories of Kochi’s history, its fishing traditions and the iconic Chinese fishing nets. Soon, our tourist bus was ready, and we were on our way to the hills of Munnar.
Munnar: Bollywood Nostalgia, Blue Mountains and Tea Gardens
The drive to Munnar is an experience in itself. The landscape gradually changes; the air turns
cooler, and the endless greenery makes you forget the bustle of city life.
My base for the next two nights was Silver Tips Hotel, a property that is anything but conventional.
It may not carry a five-star label, but it certainly has a personality. Built around a Bollywood theme,
the hotel celebrates the magic of Indian cinema.
I was particularly amused to discover that my suite was named after Sholay. With movie posters
featuring Gabbar Singh, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan, dim lighting and a dramatic bedroom setting, the room had its own cinematic charm. The balcony opened to beautiful valley views, making the stay even more enjoyable.
And the food deserves a special mention. The chicken biryani was an absolute delight, one of those
meals that stays with you long after the journey.
But Munnar had something far more extraordinary waiting for us. Our excursion to Neelakurinji was easily among the most memorable experiences of the trip. A thrilling jeep safari took us to the high-altitude landscape, at approximately 8,000 feet above sea level, followed by a short trek to witness the emerging blue mountain scenery.
The famous Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years, were expected to be in full bloom the following month. Even without the complete floral spectacle, the mountains were breathtaking. There was hardly anyone around. Just the wind, the vast mountain ranges, and the occasional sighting of the Nilgiri thar, the rare mountain goat native to this region. The stillness was extraordinary. It was one of those rare travel moments when there is nothing to do but stand still and take it all in. The journey back offered another visual treat: the spectacular tea gardens and the rolling green expanse of the Munnar Valley. Kerala’s natural beauty has a way of making even the simplest drive unforgettable. Here, I would like to mention that the state is making efforts in the right direction to move forward in a sustainable manner and to preserve the ecological balance and the forest reserve.
Periyar Lake: A Morning with Nature
The next morning brought another experience that I will cherish for a long time: a boat ride on Periyar Lake.
If Munnar was about dramatic mountain landscapes, Periyar was about the gentle, unhurried beauty of the wilderness. The calm waters, dense greenery, birdlife, and the possibility of spotting animals along the banks made the boat ride truly special. There was an almost meditative quality to the surroundings. No rush, no noise, just the soothing rhythm of the water and the richness of nature all around.
These are the experiences that remind me why travel is so much more than ticking destinations off
a list. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the quietest ones.
Alleppey: Tea, Pakoras and a Little Shopping
From the wilderness, we moved to Alleppey, a place that feels wonderfully familiar to me. It is
almost like a second home, especially when it comes to those quick shopping excursions for banana
chips, jackfruit chips and perhaps a saree or two. I stayed at The Grand Hotel, where the room opened to a pleasant balcony and offered a comfortable space to unwind after the day’s travel. What I remember most fondly is a simple evening indulgence: steaming hot paneer pakoras accompanied by a cup of hot tea. Sometimes, it is these uncomplicated pleasures that become the most vivid travel memories.
Kumarakom: A Missed Sunset and a Relaxing Stay
Kumarakom was next on our itinerary. On the way, we enjoyed lunch aboard the Spice Route
Luxury River Cruise, adding a different dimension to our backwater experience. I had been particularly looking forward to the sunset in Kumarakom. I still remember the beautiful views from my previous visit and had hoped to relive that moment. Unfortunately, traffic and the long road journey had other plans, and we arrived just in time to miss it.
My stay at Backwater Ripples was nevertheless relaxing. Even without the sunset I had so eagerly
anticipated, Kumarakom offered its familiar charm: a slower pace, tranquil surroundings and the
comforting feeling of being close to Kerala’s beautiful backwaters.
Bolgatty Palace: A Grand Setting That Deserves Better
Our final two days brought us back to Kochi, where I stayed at Bolgatty Palace and Resorts. The property is undeniably one of Kochi’s most striking heritage settings. Its location and historic character give it tremendous potential. However, the management and upkeep by KTDC could be considerably better. A property with such an exceptional setting deserves hospitality that matches its legacy.
It was a reminder that Kerala’s hospitality sector has some remarkable assets, but preserving and
managing them well is just as important as showcasing them.
Kerala Travel Mart: Where Kerala Comes Alive
And then, of course, there was the reason we had all gathered: Kerala Travel Mart 2026.
The mart was an explosion of colour, energy and celebration. Every stall seemed to tell a story. Traditional art, vibrant performances, elaborate costumes, white-and-gold Kerala sarees, music, dance, striking displays and the unmistakable fragrance of Kerala created an atmosphere that was as immersive as it was festive.
There was so much to see, absorb and photograph that every corner felt like a celebration of the state’s cultural identity.
Beyond the spectacle, KTM remains an important platform for the travel industry. Meeting buyers,
suppliers, tourism stakeholders and fellow media professionals from India and overseas made the
two days particularly valuable. The networking, conversations and exchange of ideas were as
important as the destination experiences.
The Chief Minister’s address was another highlight. His remarks on Kerala’s ongoing development
initiatives and plans for Kochi and the state offered an encouraging glimpse into the
direction Kerala wishes to take. Of course, a large international event of this scale also brings its own challenges. There is room for greater parity in the way domestic and international media are accommodated and engaged with. Recognising the contribution of both equally would make an already impressive event even more inclusive.
Kerala, Always Worth Coming Back To, and without the support of KTM, this wasn’t possible.
Looking back, this trip was not just about a travel mart or a series of hotel stays. It was about rediscovering a state that offers so much in such a beautiful combination: heritage, mountains, wildlife, backwaters, culture, cuisine and genuinely memorable experiences.
From the cinematic quirks of Silver Tips to the silence of Neelakurinji, from the simple joy of tea and pakoras in Alleppey to the spectacular energy of KTM, every stop had a story of its own. Kerala has a rare ability to make even a short visit feel complete, yet leave you wanting more. And that, perhaps, is its greatest charm.
Some destinations impress you. Kerala makes you fall in love with it, all over again.
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