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Enchanting, enticing, enthralling Kerala
8 Mar 2008 | Angela - Essex
India had never been very high on my list of places to visit…but now after a fantastic trip to Kerala it is top of my list of places to return to. My daughter and I set off on the long awaited for journey excited about seeing new faces, experiencing new cultures and tasting new foods and we were not disappointed once throughout the entirety of the trip….
We arrived in Cochin a bustling and vibrant port town seeped in history of days gone by, a morning tour of Fort Cochin was time well spent and interesting, visiting churches, synagogues, fish markets, local shops for bargain buys and the historic Chinese fishing nets. A sunset cruise around the harbour is a lovely way to spend early evening too.
Our hotel whilst in Cochin was the fabulous Brunton Boatyard. It has a flavour of yester year and I can honestly say it was perfect. From the wonderful location overlooking the harbour, the clean and spacious rooms, exceptional cuisine, cheery, polite and always attentive staff we were very sad to move on.
But move on we did and it was time to experience the very much talked about houseboat cruise. We had the boat to ourselves apart from the 3 man crew of captain driver and chef who were there to look after us. We cruised out of Alleppey and headed along the backwaters taking in the wonderful scenery of the Indian countryside watching the local people as they lived there lives on the river. Just sit back and enjoy that’s all you have to do, a time of relaxation and solace.
We moored early evening to allow the the local fishermen to set their nets. Watching the sunset was wonderful but the best part for me was dawn, watching the river come alive and the people going about their business. The sound of the river was an experience in itself. Get up early and don’t miss it.
After breakfast we proceeded at a leisurely pace along the backwaters before entering the vast expanse of water called Vembanad lake, which we crossed to reach paradise. Coconut Lagoon resort in Kumarakom was just that to us. Total relaxation is the name of the game here although there are activities to suit all from bird watching excursions, yoga, watersports, and their wonderful ayurveda centre. You must experience an ayurvedic massage while you are there but be open minded and realise that they are totally professional as you will be naked apart from a small linen g-string.
From Coconut Lagoon we changed pace and headed up to the wildlife area of Periyar. Home to the wildlife reserve we stayed at a great hotel called Spice Villiage. Set in the middle of a road with shops all around (although best to get your purchases at the cheaper prices in Cochin) once you walk through the gates you could be in the middle of a small forest. The accommodation is set as individual native huts although inside you have all your requirements. This resort along with others in the Casino Group Hotels (also now known as Cleaner Greener Healthy) tries to provide for all its needs. It makes its own paper, composts and recycles as much as possible and has a vegetable garden to equal the best English allotment proving that fresh is best as the food was outstanding.
Whilst there you must visit the wildlife reserve, you can take a boat trip around the lovely Lake Periyar or opt for a trekking excursion. We decided on the latter and set off early one morning, a small group of six and one experience guide. The scenery was beautiful and unspoilt, we saw many types of bird, wild boar, monkeys and although the tigers and elephants eluded us we had a wonderful time.
After a lovely stay in Periyar we headed to the beach. A four hour drive through spice plantations growing every imaginable spice, tea hills, coffee, rubber and fruit plantations was very exciting although at times quite scary as we manoeuvred our way down bending, bumpy roads with sheer drops on either side.
Our last place to stay was Marari Beach Resort in Mararikulum. Another stunning hotel set in spacious grounds that led through the palm trees to the beautiful Arabian sea.
The beach of soft white sand was glorious and very quiet, there were hammocks and beds amongst the trees for us to lazily pass the time. The resort consisted of 50+ individual villas spread around the ground, the pool area was large and never crowded and nature surrounded us with butterflies in their own garden, vegetarian fish in the lake and Brahminy kites soaring overhead.
Alas the holiday was over too soon but one that has left us with cherished memories and the need to return.
Angela - Essex |
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