bhakti kansara
THE WORLD THROUGH MY EYES
Kovalam
"A tropical paradise"
[ Travel date : December 2017 ]
I am always curious to know what's about the high mountains and deep oceans that make me feel that I can let things go, that all the lows in my life are just a matter of time, and that everything will be okay in the end. They provide comfort and peace to my soul.
There is no doubt that the oceans are a therapeutic place to relax, and hence the best place for a holiday. And I have always fantasized and dreamt of a home that feels like a full-time vacation, in short, living in a beach house. [ Maybe one day I will ]
So, to continue with my Kerala travel story, this is the third part of my trip to Kerala, India.
Click below if you want to read :
Part 1: Munnar - The Tea Capital of Kerala
Part 2: Thekkady & Alleppey - Serendipity of Nature's Iridescent
The route from Allepey to Kovalam took us through the city, along busy roads, and through traffic. I've seen hills of Munnar, forests and lakes of Thekkady, and backwaters of Allepey in the last few days. It was great to see all of these places in one trip. And now we're on our way to Kovalam, Kerala's most famous beach destination. It's been a long time since I've been to the beach and this was actually my first time staying at one.
To sit in the silence at the shore,
watch the waves and hear the surf,
is to appreciate the very breathe
and heartbeat of the earth.
- DOE ZANTAMATA
Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam
Kovalam means a "coconut grove" and the village has an endless sight of the coconut trees, true to its name. Kovalam Beach is a long stretch of white sandy beach that runs along the Malabar Coast. The beach is divided into three sections: Hawah Beach, Samudra Beach, and Light House Beach. The Light House beach is the largest of these three beaches and is a must-see in Kovalam.
Before I even saw the beach, I could feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the ocean breeze as it gently blew against my skin, bringing with it the fresh salty smell of the sea. We reached at around 3-4 PM in the evening, and I could not help but observe the awesomeness of the majestic ocean forging its own sea song.
Our hotel was right beside the shore. I rushed into my room, dropped off the luggage, and ran towards the sea. After a long and arduous road trip, I loved how my feet felt the warmth of the sand beneath them, as well as the coolness of the waves as they hit the shore and returned to the ocean.
What is the best way to spend the last hour of your day at the beach? It's to do nothing but enjoy the beauty of the moment while watching the water flicker under the light of sunset. Observe how the color of the landscape changes as the sun sets, allowing you to see all the shades of yellow, orange, and red in a matter of minutes.
I am the type of person who prefers to spend time alone at the beach when there is no rush. However, as you may be aware, beaches in India are extremely crowded. I was relieved to find a quiet spot on the beach where I could spend some time alone.
I saw a lot of people surfing on the beach, which inspired me to do the same. I hope to learn how to surf one day, and before that, to swim :( [ added to the bucket list ]
As we walked along the beach, there were many local shops selling hippie and bohemian accessories. And yes, lots of souvenirs to buy.
Later, we ate dinner at the hotel. It was an open dining area with a view of the beach; step outside and you're on the beach. This was one of the reasons I liked this place so much: no matter where you are, even if you're in your room, you'll always hear the sound of the waves.
Next on my to-do list for this place? Was to wake up early and watch the sunrise from the beach. So I got up at 4 a.m. and went back to the beach, where I took a walk while watching the sunrise and playing in the waves.
When I think about why I love traveling, I realize it's not the place but it is the feeling and peace that I enjoy when I'm there. The moment of happiness is what I cherish.
And if I had to pick one song which justifies what I said above, it would have to be this:
दिलों में तुम अपनी बेताबियाँ लेके चल रहे हो
तोह जिंदा हो तुम
नज़र में ख़्वाबों की बिजलियाँ लेके चल रहे हो
तोह जिंदा हो तुम
हवा के झोंकों के जैसे आजाद रहना सीखो
तुम एक दरिया के जैसे लहरों में बहना सीखो
हर एक लम्हे से तुम मिलो खोले अपनी बाहें
हर एक पल इक नया समां देखें यह निगाहें
जो अपनी आँखों में हैरानियाँ लेके चल रहे हो
तोह जिंदा हो तुम
दिलों में तुम अपनी बेताबियाँ लेके चल रहे हो
तोह जिंदा हो तुम |