Kerala—After hearing about Kerala nearly every day for the past three months, last week I finally got my opportunity to see what the fuss was all about. Upon landing in Cochin, I instantly understood why this southern state would be affectionately named ‘God’s own country’. Instantly I felt as through I was in another world; large coconut trees towered between buildings, there was greenery everywhere, and best of all, there was hardly any trash on the streets!
I made the trip with Alex, the director of PTL India and my host in Delhi. Early the next morning we rose to travel nearly three hours to his home village in another part of the state. Alex lives in a remote area deep into a forest of rubber and coconut trees. The property was absolutely breathtaking and I felt like I was under the cover of the Amazon Rain Forest. When we arrived we were greeted with a huge meal, complete with Kerala specialties—tapioca and fish fry—and that was just the beginning.
While at Alex’s home I was introduced to several new fruits that grow on his land. Jack fruit, goa, passion fruit, pineapple, and tender coconut all grow within feet of his house. I was told that I could eat as much fruit as I wanted! I heeded the offer and instantly fell in love with the tart, yet sweet taste of fresh passion fruit. I also found a new love in jack fruit, which unfortunately isn’t available anywhere else in the world.
After saying goodbye to Alex’s family, it was time for me to head off on an adventure. Alex had to return to Delhi, so I set off on my own to tour the great state. I brought along my friend Bibbin, a native Keralite, to help me through the language barrier and to keep me company.
We boarded a train to KanyaKumari, the nation’s absolute southernmost point. At KanyaKumari one can swim in both the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean in the same trip. Bibbin and I arrived there, found a reasonably priced hotel, and then set out sight seeing. I was excited to be near the ocean again, as I didn’t think I’d be seeing it until December.
The real sight, however, came in the morning. KanyaKumari is famous for its views of the sunrise. Each year millions of Indian’s trek to this site to view the sunrise. We had a perfect view from the rooftop of our hotel. Unfortunately it was a bit overcast, but beautiful nonetheless. After seeing the sunrise and exploring the city a little more, Bibbin and I set out for our next destination, Kovalam.
We arrived in Kovalam mid afternoon. We found our hotel, a beachside resort with great views of the ocean. Because it’s the off season, it wasn’t crowded at all and we were able to get a room for less than $25. Immediately I ran upstairs, threw on my swimming trunks, and became like a fish! The ocean water was remarkable; a stark contrast from the cold waters I’m used to in Maine, the temperature was about 75 degrees. I stayed in the water playing like a child until dark (about three hours).
The next day I treated Bibbin to his first English style breakfast. He’d never had toast, eggs, bacon, or pancakes before. Bibbin had also never had French pressed coffee, so we had one of those also. It was a great way to start the day, and also was a much needed break from the typical Indian breakfast.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. I’ll admit, I didn’t want to leave. Sadly, In the early afternoon Bibbin and I left Kovalam for our final destination, Kochi.
In Kochi we visited Fort Cochin, one of the oldest ports in India and former home to the East India Trading company. Even though Fort Cochin is near a beach, I chose not to swim and instead visited a number of emporiums and souvenir shops. I also collected some shells from the sea side, and then had to put an end to my three day tour of ‘God’s Country’.
It is said that one can make a local call to Heaven from anywhere in Kerala. More than once I thanked the Lord for the tremendous beauty he provides for us. Throughout the three days, Bibbin and I had many times of prayer and reflection. The ocean is the perfect place to reflect on just how much God loves us. It gives you perspective as to how small we really are in comparison to the universe—yet reminds you that God has created this vast beauty for us to enjoy as we serve Him. I’ll say it again, what a mighty God we serve.
I made the trip with Alex, the director of PTL India and my host in Delhi. Early the next morning we rose to travel nearly three hours to his home village in another part of the state. Alex lives in a remote area deep into a forest of rubber and coconut trees. The property was absolutely breathtaking and I felt like I was under the cover of the Amazon Rain Forest. When we arrived we were greeted with a huge meal, complete with Kerala specialties—tapioca and fish fry—and that was just the beginning.
While at Alex’s home I was introduced to several new fruits that grow on his land. Jack fruit, goa, passion fruit, pineapple, and tender coconut all grow within feet of his house. I was told that I could eat as much fruit as I wanted! I heeded the offer and instantly fell in love with the tart, yet sweet taste of fresh passion fruit. I also found a new love in jack fruit, which unfortunately isn’t available anywhere else in the world.
After saying goodbye to Alex’s family, it was time for me to head off on an adventure. Alex had to return to Delhi, so I set off on my own to tour the great state. I brought along my friend Bibbin, a native Keralite, to help me through the language barrier and to keep me company.
We boarded a train to KanyaKumari, the nation’s absolute southernmost point. At KanyaKumari one can swim in both the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean in the same trip. Bibbin and I arrived there, found a reasonably priced hotel, and then set out sight seeing. I was excited to be near the ocean again, as I didn’t think I’d be seeing it until December.
The real sight, however, came in the morning. KanyaKumari is famous for its views of the sunrise. Each year millions of Indian’s trek to this site to view the sunrise. We had a perfect view from the rooftop of our hotel. Unfortunately it was a bit overcast, but beautiful nonetheless. After seeing the sunrise and exploring the city a little more, Bibbin and I set out for our next destination, Kovalam.
We arrived in Kovalam mid afternoon. We found our hotel, a beachside resort with great views of the ocean. Because it’s the off season, it wasn’t crowded at all and we were able to get a room for less than $25. Immediately I ran upstairs, threw on my swimming trunks, and became like a fish! The ocean water was remarkable; a stark contrast from the cold waters I’m used to in Maine, the temperature was about 75 degrees. I stayed in the water playing like a child until dark (about three hours).The next day I treated Bibbin to his first English style breakfast. He’d never had toast, eggs, bacon, or pancakes before. Bibbin had also never had French pressed coffee, so we had one of those also. It was a great way to start the day, and also was a much needed break from the typical Indian breakfast.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. I’ll admit, I didn’t want to leave. Sadly, In the early afternoon Bibbin and I left Kovalam for our final destination, Kochi.
In Kochi we visited Fort Cochin, one of the oldest ports in India and former home to the East India Trading company. Even though Fort Cochin is near a beach, I chose not to swim and instead visited a number of emporiums and souvenir shops. I also collected some shells from the sea side, and then had to put an end to my three day tour of ‘God’s Country’.
It is said that one can make a local call to Heaven from anywhere in Kerala. More than once I thanked the Lord for the tremendous beauty he provides for us. Throughout the three days, Bibbin and I had many times of prayer and reflection. The ocean is the perfect place to reflect on just how much God loves us. It gives you perspective as to how small we really are in comparison to the universe—yet reminds you that God has created this vast beauty for us to enjoy as we serve Him. I’ll say it again, what a mighty God we serve.
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