Kerala (Easter 2005)

Back on the Indian sub-continent after an eight year absence, but this time in the deep south west in the state of Kerala.

We undertook a south-bound tour from Cochin to Trivandrum via the backwaters through Alleppey, Pullangady and Kollam to the resort of Varkala before ending the trip at Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach in South Kovalam.

First stop was the bustling town of Cochin.



It was bumper to bumper on the high street.



Cochin was getting ready to host a big one-day cricket international between India & Pakistan.



Next stop was the more tranquil backwaters.



The two-day boat trip snaked its way through Kuppapuram, Pallathuruthy, Kainakary, Pally Canal, Venattukadu Canal, Moonnattumugham, Nedumudy, Champakulam, Pullangady, Karumady, Thottappally, Kumarakody, Pallana, Thrikunnapuzha, Kayamkulam lake and Vallikkavu before finally reaching Kollam.



Chief Petty Officer Schmit enjoying a break at the end of the first day.



After leaving behind the backwaters we had a short drive to Varkala.



The grounds of the Taj Garden Retreat in Varkala.



The final port of call was at the Somatheeram Ayurvedic Beach resort in South Kovalam.



The location has some spectacular views of the coast and the Arabian Sea.



We stayed in a traditional Keralan Hut (this one in fact)..



A view from our veranda..



By coincidence, our friend Ian from the UK was doing some voluntary Tsunami relief work a few miles down the road in Tamil Nadu and came up to visit us for the weekend.
Ian is pictured here in a neighbouring Keralan hut.



Ian and Kate on the beach.