A Breezy Break in Nagercoil: A Foodie's Expedition

Recently, we embarked on a foodie's adventure in Nagercoil, Kanyakumari, India. This journey, starting early from Madurai, was a testament to the rich food culture of the region. Our road trip, a dad-daughter duo with a mother who was unable to join due to health restrictions, turned into a memorable culinary expedition.

Madurai to Nagercoil: A Food Lovers’ Delight

The journey began early from Madurai, known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. The climate was perfect, with a breezy and drizzling atmosphere, setting the stage for an amazing day ahead. This was a significant change from the Covid home arrest that had kept us indoors for so long. We were all thrilled to be back on the road.

Breakfast in Nellai Saravana Bhavan

Our first stop in Nagercoil was at Nellai Saravana Bhavan. Despite the strings of restrictions, the food offerings here were undeniably sumptuous. The tiffin consisted of several items - Idly, ghee roast veg utthappam, pongal, poori vadai, and kesari, all served with various types of chutney and sambar. The cost was a mere Rs. 120. While it was challenging to consume it all, the experience was undoubtedly worth the price.

Traditional Pazham Pori: A Scent of Kerala

After our meal, we went for a snack break, where we enjoyed traditional Pazham Pori, a delectable banana fritter made from Nendran Banana. The aroma of Kerala filled the air, and it was an incredibly authentic experience. We paired it with a cup of hot coffee, although I had to avoid it due to a milk allergy.

Exploring Kumaracoil

Our next destination was Kumaracoil, where nature’s cool grass-scented air reinvigorated our spirits. The temple architecture, in the Kerala style, was well-organized and adhered to the Covid protocols. Performing an abhyangam, a traditional massage with sandalwood, was a delightful experience for my olfactory senses.

Lunch at Hotel Prabhu

We capped off our morning with a hearty lunch at the famous Hotel Prabhu. We savored Nattu Kozhi Country Chicken Briyani, chilli chicken, and nei meen fry. The quality and quantity were impressive, and our tummies were undoubtedly happy that day. However, it was the fish fry that truly put us to a food lover's delight; we were assured that the fish had been freshly procured, and the freshness was evident.

Unique Local Tasties

After our meal, we indulged in a variety of local snacks. We particularly loved the chakka vathal (jackfruit chips) and banana chips. Additionally, we purchased some delectable cashews, both spicy and peppered. The quality and taste of these snacks were awe-inspiring.

Visit to Kanyakumari

Our journey to Kanyakumari was both serene and quirky. We visited the Tirupathi Temple, which was quite a novelty given the temple's coastal setting. Although we followed no specific practices, we honored the belief that God is omnipresent. The view of the sea from the temple was truly breathtaking, especially during the weather alert, with the waves crashing onto the shore.

Evening Treats

Our day ended with a visit to Burma Kadai, where we relished yummy poricha parotta (oil fried parotta), mutton chukka, and nattu kozhi roast. The street slang of Nagercoil was unique, and we all giggled at the differences in our respective accents.

A Budget Road Trip

This trip was not just a food expedition but also a budget-friendly adventure. We managed to keep our expenses around Rs. 3000, exclusive of travel expenses. Nagercoil and Kanyakumari are undoubtedly clean and green, offering a perfect place to relax and rest.

In conclusion, while it was a short trip, it was highly rewarding, not to mention the joy of travel after such a long time. Our wish to return to Nagercoil is a testament to the rich culinary and cultural experience we had. We look forward to more such trips once India is declared a Covid-free nation.