I had no real thoughts of visiting India really. We were heading back to
Kuala Lumpur to finalise our tooth implants and we had about a week to do something
in between dentist visits. It just so
happened that Air Asia had some terrific flight deals and that is when I found
myself checking out India.
It's difficult to describe a place like this in just a few words so I
have put a bit of thought into it and this is how I feel about Kerala.
From the unusual fishing nets of Kochi to the magical backwaters of Kumarakom
to the stunning mountains of Munnar to the golden sand beaches of Alleppey to
the heart stopping waterfalls of Athirappilly.
In just a short time that we spent in Kerala, it certainly won our hearts
and I fully agree with the title that Kerala has been given - "God's own Country".
So 4 hrs later, we
were in Fort Kochi.
SAJ HOMESTAY
What better way to learn about India than choosing homestay
accommodation. Our flight arrived late
at night and we didn't get to see much.
So imagine our surprise when we woke up and were greeted with this scene
from our private verandah!
Plus Saj makes the best breakfast!! I
would recommend Saj homestay to anyone visiting here.
We found ourselves smack in the centre of Fort Kochi and within walking
distance from most attractions. This
trip was to be a wonderful 7 day colourful journey that we will never
forget!
There were many highlights. This is just one.
~~oOo~~
KATHKALI
TRADITIONAL DANCE
I had heard about the unique culture dances of Kerala so when Saj
suggested that he book us ticket, I excitedly accepted. This was amazing! I would definitely go again.
~~oOo~~
KOCHI FISHING NETS
The first and major attraction is the Chinese fishing nets. These are still in operation, nets pulled by
bamboo poles using large weights. They
are pretty amazing to see in action.
Don't be too hasty to jump on if you don't have any cash on you as that is the
first thing the locals ask you for once you are given a run down on how the
fishing nets work. Somehow I knew this would
happen, so I hung back and just took photos from the sidewalk.
Fort Kochi however is more than the Chinese fishing nets on the shore. Although they are interesting to see and
especially at sunset.
😀
😀
We used our full senses here taking in the vibrant activity from honking
horns to spice smells to bartering at the markets to warding off hawkers,
feeling the steamy humidity and meeting some lovely locals.
But in amongst that we found a quiet backstreet area that was nice for photography
addicts like hubby and me.
~~oOo~~
AUSSIROSE STORY
TIME
We alighted from our Tuk Tuk and were immediately set upon by the street
hawkers. Usually a polite 'no', look the
other way and keep walking will keep them at bay. But sometimes they are persistent as was this
guy.
My tactics worked well but when I turned around I saw that hubby had
stopped and was listening to the hawker's sales pitch. Bad move Howie! This wasn't looking good.
So Anas, our friendly Tuk Tuk driver and friends came to the rescue.
I was walking ahead sniggering at Hubby's demise. Meanwhile hubby was trailing behind with hawker
in tow and trying to fob him off haha.
Hubby had picked a couple of trinkets and was heavily bartering with the
hawker. Anas and mates placed themselves
behind and were showing 2 and 3 fingers to indicate the price hubby should be
paying lol.
Eventually we got a good price. Hawker wasn't too impressed but we got the
thumbs up and a smile from the boys and everyone was happy. 😂
It's nice to chat with locals that have a great sense of humour. These guys certainly did.
Anas told us that his Tuk Tuk was a Ferrari - in direct competition with his mate
that clearly owned a Bugatti, complete with 'stop' sign warning those behind
not to touch his sports Tuk Tuk.
Anas was pretty good in the shopping department too. He suggested that I buy this one.
~~oOo~~
SPECIAL TEA – BEER
What a memory! Wasn't too much fun at the time though -
trying to find a restaurant that will sell Special Tea.
😜
😜
We just so happened to be in Kerala at election time. Tip - don't go at election time as you'll
find it hard to buy beer.
This restaurant had the good stuff. A group of French tourists from off the cruise
ship came in and we watched as they were brought a few mugs of special
tea. Then something must have been said
because all of a sudden a couple of beer glasses came out.
They must have had someone employed out the front to keep a watch out for the
local authorities whilst this was going on I reckon.
Well at least hubby had his fill and was satisfied. 😁
Anas showed us
the local Kochi beach which was deserted. Well except for a couple of nuns dipping
their feet in the ocean.
I think one of the
best memories for me was being greeted by the kids near
the quiet little canal in the back streets.
The look on the
kid's face as he rode way with the change we gave him, stopping to turn around
and give us a wave. Priceless.
~~oOo~~
VASCO DA GAMA HOUSE
Anas took us around
to a few more sights. The Vasco Da Gama house being
one of them. This was Vasco Da Gama's home.
Now a homestay.
~~oOo~~
DUTCH PALACE
We stopped at the Dutch Palace and learnt
all about the history here. The drive to
the
Palace through Jew Town was interesting too.
DHOBI WASH HOUSE
For a bit of yesteryear
culture, visit the Dhobi Wash House which
is still in operation and give a small donation to keep this unique laundry
going.
~~oOo~~
SPICE SHOPS
The Spice Shops in the main street are also great to visit. We bought some spices and thank goodness got
through with them at customs.
~~oOo~~
KUMARAKOM - HOME OF
THE BACKWATERS
VENICE OF THE EAST
Whilst Fort Kochi was a hive of activity, Kumarakom was totally
different. I had seen photos of the
backwaters and as both of us enjoy boating.
This looked like the perfect place to end our holiday.
THE ZURI RESORT AND
SPA
Hubby and I differ a little
in our choice of accommodation. When
hubby goes on holiday, he likes a little bit of luxury as he works hard. I don't blame him for this analogy. On the other hand, I don't mind where we stay. I am more excited about exploring new places.
That said, it was time to throw in a nice resort and spa for that little
luxury that we both deserve. The Zuri Resort
and spa was just perfect.
The staff here gave us a warm welcome. The resort was nestled in picture perfect
gardens with a large pool in the centre that fronted onto a nice big lake which
lead out to the Vemband Lake off which the famous
backwaters run.
What a beautiful picture to welcome us to Kumarakom.
~~oOo~~
AUSSIROSE STORY
After settling in
we went in search for a nice coldie. Oh
no! What? No
beer?!!
As you already know, it was election time here in Kerala and we were
about to learn that the 'no beer' rule was also extended to the resorts as well.
We had to wait until 5pm when bobby, the catering manager assured us
that they would be given their new liquor licence. So at 5pm on the dot, we were the first
customers in the dining room.
🍷
🍷
Indian wine is nice, but expensive. So after the first night, I stuck to the
Kingfisher Beer which was nice to come back to after our day trips. Thank goodness we only had to endure a few
hours on the first day before beer o'clock. 🍻
Early morning here in Kumarakom is misty. We probably should have booked our backwater
cruise for early morning. Now there's a
tip for you.
DUSK, SUNSET AND A
STORM
~~oOo~~
KUMARAKOM
BACKWATERS
We entered the huge Vemband Lake from our accommodation and headed slowly
towards the entry to the backwaters nearby.
First sight was a couple of locals fishing and collecting
shellfish. We waved g'day and they waved
back.
Upon entering the backwaters we passed a few Kelluvallam (houseboats) moored
on the banks of the river. They were
soon replaced with busy local life as the canals became smaller.
We were greeted with locals fishing, bathing and clothes washing along
the banks of the river. We saw colourful
houses and shops along with plenty of waves from the locals.
The river banks were lined with palm trees and rainforest. We cruised through heavily dense rainforest
with mist in the distance. Then we
entered the mist. And all of a sudden it
parted to reveal this.
The small canal opened up into a huge lake. We had completed a full circle and were back
in Vamband Lake. This is one of my
favourite photos. Palm lined shore, rice
fields in the distance, silent canoe and a lone duck.
Kumarakom is full of bird life. There
is a bird sanctuary close by. Sadly we
heard that this time of year is not too good for bird spotting, so we didn't go
to the bird sanctuary.
Still, we did see some nice birds and even a few eagles. It was a challenge to grab a good photo.
~~oOo~~
HOUSEBOATS OF
KUMARAKOM
This was another highlight of our trip. I had seen these houseboats whilst
researching our trip and couldn't wait to see them for real! When I saw my first one right here at the
resort I was so excited!
They are unique to Kerala and were once used for the rice trade. Basically made from rope stuck together with
cashew resin. Pretty amazing hey. Thus the name rice boats.
You can stay on them for 1 or more nights. We opted to stay in the resort instead. Plus you cannot tour the small backwater
canals in a rice boat as they are too big.
If we ever come back to Kerala, we will stay on a Kelluvallam.
~~oOo~~
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
MUNNAR TEA
PLANTATIONS
Hiring a driver for the day is relatively cheap and we wanted to get out into the countryside.
Munnar is about 3 1/2 hrs from Kumarakom. This is a lovely trip that I would recommend. We travelled through many little towns and the
views are magnificent.
Along the way, we stopped at a small local house café for some tea and
fried battered banana.
~~oOo~~
KUNDALA LAKE
Rising some 1700 metres above sea level in the Munnar hills, Kundala
Lake is a photographers dream!
There was quite a crowd here.
They had stalls, horse riding and boating.
~~oOo~~
GOLDEN BEACHES OF
ALLEPPEY
The beaches of Alleppey on the coast south of Kochi are nice. Coconut palms right on the beach give them a
lovely tropical feel. Having seen the
comparison between Alleppey and Kumarakom, I am glad that we chose to stay in Kumarakom
and did a day trip here instead.
~~oOo~~
THUMPOLY BEACH
~~oOo~~
ATHIRAPPILLY WATERFALLS
My favourite photo taken by hubby
Our holiday was about to finish. We
had a late night flight out of Kochi. So
we hired a private air conditioned car and driver and quizzed him on what to
do. After discussing what we had already
seen, he suggested Athirappilly waterfalls. Why not? Sounded good.
This trip was well worth it even though it rained a bit. We couldn't do any hiking, so we based
ourselves at a
nice little restaurant in the hills with a view to die for. Between showers we were able to capture some
nice photos.
Another favourite taken by hubby
I hope you enjoyed the read and maybe I have encouraged you to visit Kerala
with its amazing backwaters, rice boats and unique fishing nets.
Just don't come
here on election time.
😉
😉
~~oOo~~
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