Kerala Hugged: A Travelogue (Munnar/Kochi/Alleppey/Varkala)

travelogue (noun) - a film, book, or illustrated lecture about the places visited by or experiences of a traveller , or so says the definition. However, this work is unlike no other I have read on Kerala . Its fresh, brisk and with a forlorn innocence of its very own. Though, strictly speaking, while this work is quite limited in its geography to the environs of Ernakulam and Idduki districts, its rich and colourful prose interspersed with vignettes of mundane ordinary life almost jump out of the pages at us with the vivid way its potrayed. To be quite factual, this work could do with a layer of professional editing as there are areas - like that of the email complaints sent by the author , painstakingly drafted and sent , albeit noble acts, would not be appreciated by all and sundry reading the same verbatim reproduced in the text. Being from Kerala and specifically having lived for a long time in Kochi, I was pleasantly surprised at the narrative regarding issues and places which and where I have not gone into much depth in, earlier . Reminded me about how, I needed to spend more time with an open mind and alert senses in the places that I have taken for granted for a long time. A third person's view, is definitely refreshing and adds perspective. We await the further version/s of Kerala Hugged , encompassing the future travels of the author to the other myraid geographies and luscious topographies in the other districts that Kerala is so blessed with. I would definitely recommend this for a light read and reflection.

Kerala Hugged is a delightful and quirky travelogue, chronicling the author’s travels through this southern-most part of India. I travelled in Kerala a few years ago, so I agreed to review the book even though it’s well outside of what I usually review. Ankur Mutreja has a very personal way of describing his relationships with landscapes, objects, and events. His description of muddy roads, busy towns, river trips, friendly people and home-stays brought back my own experiences there (I ate some of the best food I’ve ever eaten anywhere in the world in Kerala, the spice-growing area of India). As he wrote about free-wheeling down through the tea-gardens on his hired motorbike, I thought of all the people we had met doing exactly that. The writing is lyrical, and it’s clear the author fell in love with this area (just as I did). It’s far from the usual travel book: you’re not going to read detailed reviews or directions, or a list of the top attractions. It’s much more personal than that! It’s his impressions, emotions, reactions to the location and his experiences there, much written in almost poetical language. The biggest lack in the book is a map. I needed to keep checking where he was against a map of the region. If you haven’t been to Kerala, you might get a bit confused by the geography. So…not a typical travelogue, but one I personally enjoyed. 4 stars. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

“I hardly started to admire her that she draped herself in clouds. Playful she was, but shy she wasn't. Announcing love, the clouds receded, and she smiled in jest. Alas! I only gazed her. Too pretty to be near! Too alluring to be far!” This is how the author, Ankur Mutreja, only begins to compliment the city of Munnar and the unparalleled leisure Kerala offers. The book is a compilation of the author's experiences on his journey to the state. Kerala Hugged being a travelogue helps one relive the moments through the author's eyes. It takes you along the whole trip perfectly pointing out the exceptional pleasures right from Munnar's tea plantations to the Alleppey backwaters. Not only a detailed description of the scenic beauty of the places is given, but also the hurdles one might face while attempting to view them have been provided. It hence makes you aware of the endeavours to be cautious of as well making sure that you know-it-all. I particularly found the appendix stating the places to visit and eat provided towards the end a very convenient and thoughtful inclusion as it is the apt go to page for references while planning your excursions or even when you're amidst them. The writing is quirky yet precise making it an easy and informative read. The sheer expressions of the author compels you enough to book a trip right away and expose yourself to the delights Kerala lays before you. I already feel the urge to pack my bags and I promise, you shall too.