We
visited Kerala in March 1997. It was our first incursion into such a
densely populated country (our travels usually brought us to secluded and
poorly known islands). Much to our surprise, we discovered a number of
forgotten havens, both on land and by the sea...
Despite the fact that India is home to nearly a billion people, and that
Kerala is one of the most densely populated areas of the country,
with nearly 30 millions inhabitants, we found a reassuring harmony between
humans and other living organisms. Traditional ways of life are still
promoted, offering most peaceful and endearing scenes to foreign visitors
from over-industrialised countries. Lush terrestrial and aquatic
vegetation, astonishing densities of humans and abundant wildlife live in
a surprisingly healthy environment. The Backwaters probably offer some of
the most beautiful landscapes of India, while the luxuriant Ghats
mountains, covered in scented spices, harbour a rare and endangered fauna:
the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, the liontailed macaque.
Periyar
Wildlife Sanctuary
Host to an unrivaled biological
diversity, India is currently trying to sensitise its ever growing
population to the decline of Asia's most remarquable species. The country
now boasts some 500 preservation areas on its 3 287 263 km² of land.
The Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of 20 natural reserves to have been
integrated to "Project Tiger" over the last two decades. If the admirable
felines, of which only seven to eight thousands representatives survive
today, appear on top of the list, they certainly are not the only
endangered species for which the Periyar constitutes an ultimate refuge.
In fact, India is now one of the last strongholds of the Asian elephant
and the Periyar harbours one of the densest populations of these
pachyderms with approximately 900 males and females. The heart of the
777-km² sanctuary is occupied by a vast reservoir, formed a century ago by
the harnessing of Mullayar and Periyar rivers. The lake is nestled in a
bosky bower comprised for the most part of a lush tropical forest, with
adjoining humid forests of deciduous trees, grasslands and eucalyptus
plantations.
Backwaters
The coastal region that extends between Alappuzha and Kochi in southern
India, better known as the Backwaters of Kerala, is a natural and cultural
fascination.
With close to 50 rivers running down the hills into the Arabian Sea,
massive loads of debris stolen from the western Ghats have slowly
deposited in the form of huge mud banks. Complex coastal processes have
further contributed to the carving of a unique realm of very shallow
estuaries, lakes, lagunas and channels. As the waterways became home to
Keralan farmers, they transformed into a vegetal puzzle, with its mix of
coconuts, bananas, pepper-vines and undulating paddy fields. We were
immediately seduced by the lush decor of the Backwaters. Instead of in a
taxi, our expeditions around the palm-fringed channels were made inboard
the traditional Keralan rice boat, locally called kettuvallam.
Going
to Kerala
Many airlines, including
Air India, serve Delhi and Mumbai from major European, Asian and
American cities. Air India also ensures domestic flights to
Thiruvananthapuram.
Canadian citizens must
hold a valid visa.
Vaccination against
typhoid fever and hepatitis, among others, is strongly recommended.
Preventive treatment against malaria is also a good precaution.
Even though the best time
to visit Kerala is probably between November and May, when the risk of
heavy rainfall is reduced, the remainder of the year may offer very
nice weather conditions and a more quiet stay.
The local currency is the
Indian rupee (INR India rupees).
The electric current is
240 Volts, with rounded plugs.
The time difference
between Montreal, eastern standard time, and Kochi is 12h.
For additional
information on India and Kerala , contact the Government of India
Tourist Office, 60 Bloor Street West, Suite 1003, Toronto (Ontario),
M4W 3B8, tel. (416) 962-3797, fax (416) 962-6279.
NOTE:
The Casino Group of Hotels can organise your travel, including
transportation to/from the airport and accommodation. They can also
help you plan journeys into the Periyar Sanctuary and the Backwaters.
For more information, contact the Casino Hotel, Willington Island,
Kochi-682 003, India, tel. 91-484-668221/668421, fax 91-484-668001.
