Travel: Varkala, India

Varkala, is an exotic, gem and secretly one of my favourite spots in southern India, Kerela. Boasting huge, pink clifftops, a shimmering coastline, jungle like greenery and a stretched out golden sandy beach. Calm, quiet and extremely therapeutic, this is quite the slice of bliss and relaxation.

A haven for the young, old and families, to enjoy and soak up the captivating culture. Stalls that brim with textiles, jewels and hidden treasures and Kerelan cuisine that will tickle your taste buds and melt in your mouth. 

It is incredibly hard not to fall in love with this serene, scenic place, with its beautiful views from high up, its laterite cliffs. A backpackers heaven but also a popular hit now with tourists and families alike, growing with cosy, guesthouses and hotels. Days can easily turn into weeks, just as it did for us. Days spent reading and lapping up the warm sun rays and swimming in the crystal, clear, lukewarm waters. Locals call it Papanasham beach; meaning to wash away sins, by going into the water they say that it washes way all the sins in one’s life. I think everyone could do with some cleansing and what better place to do it? 

Get lost in the vast amount of restaurants, offering the finest Kerelan cuisine, curries, fresh fish caught the same day and delicious puddings. Try and get a seated table on the front, and gaze out to sea, watching a mesmerising, melting, pink sunset, over a bottle of kingfisher or cocktails.

If you fancy taking some trips out of Varkala, there is a local train station, with easy access via tuk tuk or taxi. 

The memories of our beautiful, beach hut and peaceful days will always stay with us, keep us blessed and forever warm in our hearts.

Until next time Varkala …

Love Chloe’s Closet

Xxxx

Travel: India, Munnar

Ever wanted to feel up in the clouds? Me too, so we went to Munnar. Nestled in southern India, Kerela, Munnar is a vast, green, tea lovers heaven!

On a rickety, speeding bus journey, at the bottom of a huge, steep hill, in scorching heat in late thirty degrees, we climbed up and up until we felt like we reached heaven. I say heaven, we were so high up and the temperature dropped to 8 degrees and floating, candyfloss clouds. 

As it was a Christmas away, it was beautiful and quite a taste of home; fields upon fields of luscious tea plantations. It looked like a scene out of Lord of the Rings (if you know me at all, you will know, I was in my elimant). 

I am a huge tea lover, who isn't that is British. Days spent rambling through tea fields and pinching the off leaf for memorabilia. Even better when you go to the tiny tea plantation and witness how they make tea from start to finish, not to mention the free tastings. Best bit of the day was a jar of loose green tea, for £1.00, which I am still working my way through now! 

Being so high up, meant the most unbelievable, breath taking views! Clouds upon clouds, ok it was cold but when you have had three months in swultering heat, it was a nice change. 

The town itself is incredibly tiny, with a couple of shops. Mostly handmade chocolate, which was to die for! All my favourites tea and chocolate! If you are looking for nightlife, there is not a lot. Alcohol is prohibited but there is a fantasir, cultural night show of kathakali dance. A historic, dance show, telling stories of old. The make up and costume is incredible, albeit a tad scary but very enjoyable and interesting. 

Munnar is easy to get around, walkable and tuk tuks are always on hand. I suggest if you visit, you take a tuk tuk to to the highest point for the view - pack a jumper though and take advantage of the 10p fresh, coconuts. Healthiest and cheapest coconut water. 

If you go to Munnar, share your experience with us!

Lots of love

Chlobo's Closet

Xxx