On Thursday, Hirosh Sekharan, working as an executive at Emirates in Dubai, wrote on his Facebook wall that he liked to imagine how the first rains would have filled the paddy fields around his home in Kunnamkulam by now and how everything would soon be lush and green.
And this is the sentiment that echoes in every non resident Malayalee’s mind by the beginning of June. The monsoon is a majestic experience in the state especially as it receives both the southwest and northeast monsoons. Schools too reopen in June and the kids make it point to get drenched, setting the tone for a perfect celebration.
Poets, novelists, artists and even film-makers have been celebrating the beauty of nature’s magnificent gift to the land created by Lord Parasurama. In fact the rain makes its presence felt in every film from the renowned director Adoor Gopalakrishnan.
The smell of the first drops of rain on the parched land is invigorating. Old timers in the one-time agrarian state say that the rains bring the promise of a rich harvest and prosperity ahead of the grand Onam festival which is every Malayalee’s pride and joy.
Film critic C.S. Venkiteswaran recounts how he gave up a good job offer in Punjab only because he would miss the rains in Kerala. “I had an offer to be a faculty member in an institute in Ambala way back in the mid 80s. When I informed the head of the institute that I would not be taking up the offer, he asked if it was because of the terrorist activity prevailing in Punjab. My reply was immediate. ‘No. I will miss the abundant rain in my state.’ And to this day I have no regrets,” he says.
Come the monsoon and the landscape turns a verdant green. Everything changes — the forests, the hills, the backwaters…. One’s experience of the rains varies from the coast to the plains and to the hills and forests in the Western ghats. No wonder then that the discernible tourist and nature lover make it a point to visit the state during this period.
The season comes as a blessing for the budget-conscious traveller as both fares and hotel accommodation are affordable. And if one plans to take a break from one’s hectic schedule, the monsoon provides the ideal time to venture out across the state. Sailing on a yacht during the monsoons is a new adventure sport amongst youngsters.
Kerala Tourism is working on a schedule of events, which include a Monsoon Food Festival, a Monsoon Music Festival and a Monsoon Theatre Festival eyeing the international and also the domestic tourist. Monsoon folklore festivals are being planned as well.
This is also the season for invigoration, rejuvenation and healing. Ayurveda rejuvenation packages and the special herbal porridge that is supposed to keep one healthy for a year will be on offer in a month from now.
Monsoon destinations
Kovalam beach
Offshore where yacht clubs organise trips to the sea
Bekal fort in Kasargod
Munnar hills
A houseboat ride on Alappuzha backwaters
Pookodu lake in Wayanad
Tips for travel
Pack thoughtfully. Items that are a must are a raincoat and umbrella. Synthetic clothes are the best as they dry quickly. Don't forget to carry rain-proof boots.
A medical kit with some antibiotics is a must in your luggage.
Carry a mosquito repellent and sleep fully clothed. Fever, a severe cold and headache could be signs of malaria.
Drink boiled water, have cooked food and wash fruits carefully. Preferably stick to hot beverages like tea and coffee.
If you are travelling in own vehicle, keep track of the weather and the road conditions to your destination.
Keep the telephone numbers of your acquaintances handy.