On a maiden visit to Kerala to attend the wedding of the son of my longtime lawyer colleague and dear friend from Mumbai, I was so happy to visit so many magnificent Temples, Mosques and Churches besides other historical sites and renowned vantage points.
It was also a delight to partake in the relishing of “Mini Onam Sadya” on the last day of the 10-day Onam Celebration in Subhiksha Restaurant at the age-old Bharat Hotel in Ernakulam. What a mouthwatering treat, a pure vegetarian spread served on a banana leaf.
Kerala was the only State I had never been to. Now my journey across the nation is complete. Kerala’s landscape is very similar to our Goa. They both have so much in common, especially as a Tourism destination. It was a joy to experience first-hand the wealth of natural beauty in the form of placid backwaters, lush greenery, picturesque towns, and beautiful beaches. Kerala is known as ‘God’s own country’ while Goa has for a long time been called the Pearl of the Orient.
I was also so blessed in being able to visit our dear Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai’s home State and appreciate and understand the cultural values of its hospitable people and its beautiful land immersed in natural beauty. It was also so heartwarming to meet up with several officers who had served in Goa’s administration and have now retired in their home state.
The Kerala expedition was for only for a few days but ventured to see as much as possible while also going into neighbouring Tamil Nadu to see the very amazing Kanyakumari. The time on this trip was all well spent making new friends. It’s what life is all about.
