The cerulean backwaters of Kerela have always been a mystery to the souls of land-locked states like Karnataka. The voices of people who talked about their experiences in God's own country have always pressured our minds to go and explore beyond the political boundary of our state - and one fine day, we decided to do so.

As our quivering hearts left the airport in Kochin to be welcomed by the quite unwelcome humidity, we were introduced to Kerela through Club Mahindra. We spent our days exploring the backwaters and trying to acclimatize ourselves to the food of Kerela - the red rice and fish, puttus, appams, and the unforgettable kadala curry, swimming in the heat, playing table tennis in the Happy Hub, and feeling like a Kerelite as we paddled around in Kayaks.

To think about this months later, I believe Club Mahindra has never failed to bring us together and make us feel at home in an unknown city (yes, I give the credit to the fluffy white beds) and enjoy an authentic experience of a place, understanding the intricately woven lace of the cultural tapestry of any place.