For 30 bloggers from 28 countries, the Kerala Blog Express was a “trip of a lifetime” and for Kerala Tourism, a feather in its cap.
Throughout the two-week trip, live videos and pictures were shared to a wide audience via Kerala Tourism’s Facebook page, which has 15 lakh followers. Bloggers of the fifth edition of the Kerala Blog Express also shared snippets of their everyday experiences though their social media handles such as Instagram and Twitter, thus reaching millions of their followers.
From across the world
The bloggers were from countries such as the US, the UK, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, Venezuela and Peru.
In the capital city they visited Kuthiramalika Palace, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple and the famed beaches of Kovalam. In Alappuzha where they cruised the backwaters on houseboats. A trip around the model villages in and around Kumarakom gave them an insight into the Responsible Tourism initiatives.
In Kochi, the bloggers visited the Muziris Heritage site, travelling to Paliyam Palace and the Chendamangalam synagogue. A country boat ride in Kochi’s backwaters was a riveting experience to them.
In the hill station of Munnar, they were treated to a variety of cultural events besides visits to tea estates and tea factory. In Kerala’s cultural capital Thrissur, the bloggers witnessed the Chathakudam temple Pooram.
At the famed CVN Kalari in Kozhikode the bloggers had a chance to partake of the experience that martial arts offered. They explored Mithai Theruvu in autorickshaws before proceeding to see the wall paintings organised by ‘Compassionate Kozhikode.’
A visit to Ezhuthupara and a rappelling adventure made the Kerala Blog Express’s Wayanad jaunt memorable, after which they travelled to Kannur and undertook a kayaking tour at Dharmadom.
Muzhipilangad beach
A visit to the Muzhipilangad beach and a session of quad biking was completed before visiting the St Angelo’s Fort in Kannur.
In Kasaragod, the bloggers took a boat ride across the Valiyaparamba backwaters, visited the Muthappan temple Theyyam recital and sightseeing at Bekal Fort and its surrounding areas. On reaching Kochi, the bloggers continued with their sightseeing itinerary in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry on Sunday, the last day of the tour. A farewell meal was arranged for the bloggers on the Marari beach.
