Kochi, India
You can contact me for very cheap rates at saturdaydigest@gmail.com. This site is an eye-opener for those who visit kochi, and they can seek the help of the undersigned for all their needs in and aroun Kochi, south India. more
Maple Guest House
Maple Guesthouse is in Ernakulam very close to Main Boat Jetty, the departure point for Fort Kochi.
Downstairs a very small reception. The rooms are on the first and second floor. The en-suite rooms are small, just enough space to move about. There is no restaurant and no hotel lobby.
The price of non AC double is Rs 350 (€ 7). (in 2006) more
Backwater Cruise
Tourist Desk organises seven-hour backwater cruises. See their website for full information.
During the trip you will visit a village where you will see men at work in a factory, women making coir ropes and you will be shown different spice plants: pepper, coffee, nutmeg, cloves etc. Everything, also lunch, is included in the price of Rs 425 p.p. (€ 8.50).
Not included is a tip for the villagers who show the coir making etc. They tour organisers don't pay them for their performance, they are supposed to show the tourists their job and pose for the numerous photos taken of them without getting anything in return.
I thought that the villages shared in the profit and I only learned after our tour that the villagers weren't paid at all. Without them the whole trip is less interesting as it would mean that you only see the rivers. It would be a good thing if tourists gave a small amount of money to the villagers. After all they make the trip memorable. more
Cochin Cultural Centre
Every night there are Kathakali performances in Kochi. It is best to arrive early as you can see the actors putting on their make-up. They use natural pigments and transform themselves into mythical figures. Tourist performances last only one hour and are considerably shorter than original performances. At the Cochin Cultural Centre dances and movements are explained in between the performance more
Petit Cafe
A cosy little cafe in the heart of Kochi City, catering exclusively in breakfast and lunch. Few minutes walking distance from 'Vazhiambalam' mentioned earlier.
Specialities include Kerala appams and mouth watering fish curries !! more
Abad Airport Hotel
Cochin Airport is about 30 km from Cochin. There are at least 4 hotels very close to the airport. Abad Airport Hotel has two floors and some sixty rooms. A free airport shuttle service, although the airport is near enough to get there on foot.
Standard hotel room with two single beds, writing table and satellite television, fridge and A/C. Well-equiped en-suite bathroom. Double glazing so that airport noise is almost shut out.
Double room: Rs 2500 (€45) exclusive of 15% tax but breakfast is included. (in 2006) more
Bijus Tourist Home
Bijus Tourist Home is in Ernakulam very close to Main Boat Jetty, the departure point for Fort Kochi. Standards en-suite rooms with television and easy chairs. Frequent power cuts but the hotel converts to its own electricity supplies.
A very small coffee shops serves European breakfast, but other places to have a meal are in the same street.
Each guest get a free map with a walk along the most important sights of Fort Kochi and information about backwater trips. They can be booked from the hotel.
Popular with European guests more
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