The long awaited year end vacation came and we visited Kerala. In fact had a round trip. We strarted on December 19th afternoon from Bangalore. All three of us we excited about holidays. Looking forward to relax and rejuvenate ourselves to be prepared to take up challenges of next year.We halted December 19th night at Salem . Started of early in morning on December 20th to Ernakulam, which is also called Cochin. We had a nice stay with my parents and my mother was busy making a lot of mouth watering dishes which was a treat for our taste buds!! Meanwhile Aparna got to know that Manjadikuru a Malayalam movie for which she had written dialogues has won IFFK best movie award. She was in a state of bliss and I was happy seeing that.
We had stayed there for 4 days and then on Dec 24th drove down to Thrissur. One of my favourite towns in Kerala. My brother in law is doing post graduation in psychiatry there. He stays very near the medical college which is situated in outskirts of Thrissur. It is wonderful place and was very queit and peaceful.
On December 25th drove down to Calicut and spend two days at Aparna's home.
River Retreat Resort
What I want to detail out in this travelogue is our visit to Shornur and stay in a resort right on the banks of Bharathapuzha which is one of the main rivers of Kerala.
Shornur, away from hustle and bustle of a city. Where life is around Bharathapuzha. Where you always hear her whispering. Where her glimmer touches your heart and her beauty humbles you. We stayed in River Retreat Resort (http://riverretreat.in/). It used to be summer palace of Maharaja of Cochin. The calmness that prevailed in the pristine ambience had a very positive and spiritual influence on my inner being. I rejoiced just as my son did. The small child in me was awake. Free from all the professional responsibilities. When I looked at Bharathapuzha, I felt that she was whispering to me, "Where are you all running to!!! I have been around for so long, as a helpless spectator, to the attrocities that you and your fellow creatures have been commiting." I had no words to pacify her and gazed at the endless river with despair.
Resort had good rooms and from restaurant there was a good view of Bharathapuzha.
Resort had a good swimming pool. From pool there was a very good view to the river. Both me and Sidu took a plunge into the pool and thoroughly enjoyed the time together.
During the sunset as the slanting rays from the Sun fell on the river it looked as if sun has metled into her adding a tinge of indigo into her complexion.
Second morning all of us visited Thiruvilwamala Temple (http://www.thiruvilwamala.com/) which is around 20 kms from the resort. The temple is on a rocky hill top. As I was climbing the stairs towards the temple, I could hear the rustle of the banyan leaves as the cool breeze blew across the banyan trees. Atmosphere in the temple was simply superb. Spiritual ambience elevated me to a state of trance.
Stay in River Retreat were among those moments in my life which I will always hold close to my heart.
Will blog soon with more thoughts and experiences......
