Gods Own Country- Kerala
These are some facts which I learnt while visiting Kerala this year and i want to share it with others. This was my second visit.
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Houseboat- cochin backwaters
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PLANNING: Plan in advance and reserve your room. I reserved through the internet in Thomas Inn, Cochin; www.thomasinn.com.At time of booking we have to pay 8-10% as deposit. Timing: It is rainy season from June to September. [Pack an umbrella, had to borrow one from Mr. Thomas].Temperature 22-34° C depending on season. Accommodation LOCATION: Cochin is the ideal place to stay as it in Central Kerala. You can access any tourist location in Kerala from here. Cochin is the largest city in Kerala, with international airport, Railway stations with direct flights to all major places in India. It has good restaurants, Shopping centers etc. Most attractions in Cochin are within city limits. So select a city hotel. We selected 'Thomas Inn' because it is in the heart of the city, yet close to backwaters ,restaurants, shopping malls, bus station. TRAVEL: Beware of autorikshaw drivers who charge extra if they know you are tourists. SHOPPING: Shop in the city for spices, artifacts made from coconut .Bargaining is allowed. City Malls have international and local brands. On see tourists shopkeepers inflate prices. After hard bargaining we got couple of carvings on coconut for Rs 150 each {they asked for Rs 300 each}.So bargain hard. PRECAUTION: Use mosquito repellent cream while traveling during night. Our hotel Thomas Inn had windows with mosquito net so we didn't have problems. So book a room where windows have nets and are air conditioned. Have a nice trip!!
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Tourist Attractions: All tour guides and websites give list of attractions. But always ask the local people for recommendations. Mr. Thomas suggested some excellent spots, for eg Elephant Training Centre, in Kodanad is not mentioned many guides turned out to be a gem of an experience.You can also go elephant rides.This is a unique experience.It migth be aliitle scary at first but it worth it.
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Food: Go for the local cuisine, it is spicy but tastes great. My favorite was Appam and Chicken Stew that Mrs. Thomas makes so well.Karimeen a local fish, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed was fantastic.
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Thomas Inn, cochin is great place to stay in . Rooms are clean and safe.The hospitality is great.They have online reservation through their website www.thomasinn.com.
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There are many good resturants in vicinity of thomas inn but the kerala food prepared by the host is superb!!
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Published on Wednesday October 18th, 2006
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Fri, Oct 20 2006 - 05:16 AM
 by bhairavee
Heloo Sam,this is very nice place thought I never been there but after seeing your report I feel like going there.excellent work.
BR |
Thu, Oct 19 2006 - 06:09 AM
 by marianne
| Interesting read and nice photos. Our travel guide mentioned The Elephant Training Centre. As you say a perfect experience. I don't quite agree with your warning: "bargain hard". I would say pay for what you think the souvenir is worth to you. |
Thu, Oct 19 2006 - 05:05 AM
by ravinderkumarsi
| wonderful report,why dont you elaborate it little more |
Thu, Oct 19 2006 - 12:31 AM
by quikflikchiq
| this was really interesting. i would like to know more though if you could add some other information - and some photographs would really help too! |
Wed, Oct 18 2006 - 03:55 PM
 by eirekay
| Sam, Thanks for jumping right in! I hope you ahve the chance to add photos later! |
Wed, Oct 18 2006 - 12:29 PM
by mrscanada
| Too bad there aren't pictures. You also should use capital letters where they should be used. |
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