With tranquil backwaters, deep green meadows, vast national parks, breathtaking unblemished beaches with views that extend over the Arabian Sea, sacred Nilgiri hills, sprawling tea gardens and the picturesque Western Ghats, it is not surprising why Kerala - a state in India's deep south - is called 'God's own country'.
Kerala is a world away from world, an escapist's delight, and a motionless place where time seems to lose pace. Mere setting foot on the soil will take you to an unparalleled heaven.
As a travel enthusiast and a keen explorer, I had long planned to explore Kerala, mostly because of its alluring scenic beauties. And when I got the opportunity, I couldn't wait to set off on my journey.
On a two-day official visit to cover the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League, I was left mesmerised by its timeless beauty and heart-warming hospitality.
Gateway to Kerala
The charming city of Kochi, where I was landed, is also known as the "Gateway to Kerala". Kochi has a diverse influence from Arabs, British, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese, among others who left their mark in the city's history. From Saint Francis Church - believed to be the Oldest European church built in India - to the historical Fort Kochi, the city provides a perfect getaway from the frenziness. If you want a laid back, relaxing and peaceful place where you can see the history unfolding in front of your eyes, Kochi is the place for you.
Kerala and its football love
"You will be closer to heaven through football than through the study of the Bhagavad Gita," Swami Vivekananda had once said. It seems people in Kerala have embraced Swami's words by heart. Sea of people draped in yellow jerseys dancing to the sounds of brass bands gave a rousing welcome to Kerala Blasters in their first home match of the season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi. They screamed at the very first sight of the players walking onto the pitch - the party had begun even before the kickoff.
Around 50,000 fans cheered to every chance CS Sabeeth created and to every save that David James made. The excitement and emphatic chants reached its peak when Milagres Gonsalves scored the solitary and the winning goal for the Men in Yellow.
It was just the beginning of the celebrations. The stadium was bristling with hoards of jubilant fans fluttered at every corner with yellow flags. The celebrations seemed like it would end.
"It's a moment we all were waiting for. We love football and want to see more such games. We are a football country, it's our religion here," said a young fan called Joseph while waiting eagerly to get a glimpse of David James. And before I could say anything, he quickly added that he loves football more than cricket.
There's no denying the fact that Keralites love the beautiful game in more ways than one.
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