Keralan Adventure
Kochi (Cochin) airport is the first airport in the world to be entirely powered by solar power and well served by the major airlines, we travelled with Emirates via Dubai. After passing through immigration relatively quickly since the introduction of the Evisa for U.K passport holders, we were whisked off to the first hotel on our itinerary, the short transfer being our first experience of the street noise which I will always now associate with India.
We stayed on Willingdon Island which is quick hop outside of the city by tuk-tuk or ferry. From here, we were able to spend a couple of days exploring the sights and sounds of Fort Kochi, the traditional Chinese fishing nets, Kathakali dancing and the many European influences on the city including the resting place of Vasco da Gama.
Next stop on our whirlwind tour were the tea gardens of Munnar, reached by a drive through the beautiful lush green mountains covered by tea and spice plantations.
Munnar is a colourful hill station with modern hotels set amongst the bustling streets. A visit to the tea museum showing the process from picking the tea leaves to your cup was very informative, with an opportunity to sample and buy all grades and flavours of tea.
The following day we were off to Periyar wildlife sanctuary for an early morning walk with our guides through the tropical forests in search of wildlife. There is a slim chance of seeing a tiger but we were only fortunate to see monkeys, flying squirrels and birds as well as abundant tropical plants and brightly coloured flowers. In the evening we took part in a local cooking lesson where we prepared several traditional dishes and breads for the group to eat.
After breakfast at our luxury treetop hotel, we were off to a more simple home stay. We stayed for 2 nights with a local family in a village on the backwaters, sampled home style cooking including our favourite breakfast boiled egg curry and learning about the real-life customs of Keralan locals.
Next we were off to Alleppey to board a houseboat for a cruise along the backwaters. These converted rice barges have accommodation on board which come in all standards. The cruising pace is slow and purposely relaxing to take in life along the riverside. During the afternoon we stopped off at an Ayurvedic centre at the side of the canal for a traditional massage treatment before cruising off into the sunset. Then mooring for the night, our delicious evening meal was prepared by the crew.
The cuisine wherever we travelled was mostly vegetarian, and meat dishes in spices were available to suit all tastes. Bananas are a staple with every meal, even in curries. Fish curry was widely available. Ginger prawns were a favourite meal of mine in Kochi, but a simple meat or paneer dosa was also tasty. (I have since found a Keralan restaurant local to me where I can relive these food memories.)
At the end of our week- long tour, we opted to extend our trip with a couple of nights at Cherai Beach. This was a short transfer from Kochi and a relaxing way to end our trip after a busy bus tour. 10 days was just a short taster of this lush green southern state as you could easily stay longer and explore further, any of the destinations on the route. It's difficult to pick a tour highlight but my favourite was the serene cruising on the house boat.
I highly recommend Kerala as a gentle introduction to the people, colours and flavours of India and now can't wait to go back and experience other parts of this varied subcontinent.