Tuesday 7 June 2011

Vacation in Kovalam Beach, Kerala

Recently, my husband and I went on a short getaway to Kovalam Beach in Kerala, the southernmost state of India. The monsoon had just started so it was thankfully much cooler than the unforgiving heat of New Delhi.

We stayed at the Leela, a gorgeous resort built atop cliffs overlooking the Arabian Sea.




Our room balcony looked directly out onto the ocean with the waves crashing loudly against the rocks non-stop.


The ocean and beaches aren't pristine like those of the Maldives of course but still the views were lovely.





Visiting the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which is the holiest Hindu shrine in the city of Thiruvananthapuram.



On our last day, we took a leisurely boat ride around the backwaters fringed by coconut groves to where it met the sea.




Trying to shield myself from the water spray in the wind after seeing how many people and cattle bathe in the backwaters!

On this trip, we were thoroughly impressed by Indigo, the budget airline that we took. Not only were the planes brand new and in tip top condition (putting the Air India plane that I took from Singapore well to shame), they were always on time. The branding was also impressive in how comprehensive it was, from the ground equipment and vehicles to the cheeky messages on the sandwich boxes advising the passengers to refrain from diving headfirst into the aisle when the plane lands.


This little USB drive (which lights up in red through the window when plugged in) has already quickly become my husband's new favourite toy!

That's it, hope you've enjoyed reading this!

10 comments:

Kas said...

OMG, that temple structure is heavenly! When I went to Kerala, I was so sick with fever, I cldn't leave the room. I've since vowed to go back there one day and have pledged to take a photo sitting or hanging (LOL!) from those side-way curved palm trees in the backwaters!

Jamilla Camel said...

Love those pics!!

Thanks for sharing!

Eileen said...

Thank you for sharing all the wonderful pictures. It looks like it was a delightful vacation.

makeupmag said...

I did enjoy your post! Your travel posts are always illuminating; thanks for sharing your photos and experiences.

The fatty USB plane is adorable!

ShinyPrettyThings said...

looks like a great vacation!! I would try to avoid getting sprayed too since so many people bathe in that water hahaha

Anonymous said...

I really enjoying reading this post along with all the pictures.

I also want to tell you that you look very cute in glasses. I kept forgetting to tell you that!

Would love to visit India myself one day!

Anonymous said...

Hi Iris! I've loved reading your blog, especially your heartfelt entries about new year wishes, your outlook in life etc., gives me inspiration and courage to let go of my 10 year long relationship and move on with my life. All the best to you!

winterberry_gal said...

I love the pool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haru said...

hi Kas,
Yup, that temple was pretty breathtaking!

hi Jamilla,
I had great fun, glad you enjoyed the post!

hi Eileen,
it definitely was a lovely holiday :-)

hey Mag,
My husband just keeps playing with the USB plane every day! :-)

hi ShinyPrettyThings,
Yes, especially 'cos I had already been suffering from a weak tummy all week, so I really didn't want to risk anything!

hi Jojoba,
Thanks! Wearing specs can be a drag sometimes but I'm too comfy with them to go for Lasik.

hi,
That's very touching to hear. My best wishes to you and I hope that you will find the right person soon. Be strong and happy!

Chantana said...

OH MY loving the temple!! And the view of the resort was really soothing!