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“Kerala is south India’s Gem!” gushes Marianne Hard Af Stegarstad. Pleasant and cheery, her eyes beamed when asked about Kerala; her second home for the past fifteen years.
A reputed tour operator and Swedish travel writer, Marianne was wooed by the simplicity of the land and its people on her very first trip to Kerala itself.
“Unlike many other destinations, Kerala is not sickeningly touristy. Rather, the land is magical. A potpourri of cultures, religions and rituals,” she says. She believes that Kerala has hidden experiences, nuggets to be relished for each traveller. It is this feature that continues to fascinate travellers, she opines.
The variety of destinations and places of interest that God’s Own Country has to offer is what makes Kerala endearing to her. “Kerala has elements to suit the tastes of different kinds of travelers; right from those who seek peace and quiet to those hungry for adventure,” she says.
The spirituality of God’s Own Country is yet another element that has appealed to her. According to her, being a mixture of cultures and religions, spirituality and passionate faith is quite palpable in Kerala. The greenery, warmth of the people, and the pleasant climate; all attribute to Marianne’s fascination for the state.
Another aspect of Kerala that has attracted Marianne and continues to be her favourite is the immense scope for bird-watching. She says: “Being rich in biodiversity, Kerala is in many senses a paradise for birds. This makes it an ideal destination for bird-watchers.”
“Kerala is heaven for anyone who seeks purity and simplicity. The tiny joys of nature add to my special liking for Kerala. I have been encouraging all of my friends and family to visit this land and will continue to do so. It is worth every bit of it!” she signs off with her trademark cheerful smile.
