*Hi,
*I wish to give a few tips and my experience during my visit to Kerala
Cochin
I went to one of the local travel agents in my town and told him about my intention of spending my vacation in Kerala.He prepared a route for me and I agreed to it.My car was waiting at the airport and the driver gave me a warm welcome.He tried to get friendly by talking and enquiring about things in general.I started my journey from Cochin where I spent 1 night.We went to some places like Fort Cochin and to a church, synagogue and to some streets filled with shops selling souvenirs(very expensive).But you also get to buy some spices at good price**.
Munnar*
The second leg was to Munnar.I had heard a lot from many websites and friends who have been there.So when the travel agent suggested to me about spending 3 nights, I agreed.I checked in to the Siena Village, which is about 15 kms from Munnar town.In a way it is good to be away from the town.There are other resorts like Mahindra and atleast 7-8 resorts in the same area.The rooms were good and everything was really looking very nice.The next day we had breakfast and went for some sight seeing.Which is basically to some tea gardens and some place called Mattupetty.The brochure about Munnar says about Chinnar, Marayur etc.But the driver gave us some excuses telling about the bad roads etc. We were also discouraged by the front office.There was no pool(need a heated one).But later I heard that there was only 1 hotel with pool, in Munnar.The third day we had nothing much to do.The fourth day we finished our breakfast and checked out.
*Thekkady
*Our journey to Thekkady took us through winding roads and we reached there by lunch time. We had lunch at a local restaurant.We were made to believe that the tickets for boating in the Periyar Lake is a scarce commodity, by our driver.He kept repeating that it is better to go to the resort after the boating and took us to a couple of massage centres.He virtually forced us to take a massage at one of the centres.By now we started to get a little wary of this guy .After the boating for which he charged us 400/- for two(telling that there was some service charge that was to be paid), we were taken to the spice shops.We refused to play the game and then only he drove us to the resort.We checked in to Wild Corridor resort, a 10 minutes drive from the town.After dinner, we spoke to the staff and realised that there was a pool and a massage center.But we had to checkout the next day.When we woke up, we realised what we had missed durin the previous day.The location was really exotic.We used the pool for some time and asked for a late checkout.We checked out after lunch.Then we realised that there are a lot of exciting outdoor activities in Thekkady.
*Kumarakom
We travelled to Kumarakom and checked in at The Lake Song, which was a new resort.But I must say that the rooms were really good and so were the services.You always get to experience a light breeze from the lake.But most of the time you are confined to the resort.Because the nearest town is about 15 kms.
*Houseboat
*We then travelled to Alleppey and boarded a houseboat.I must say that seeing the houseboat itself we were excited.The journey through the canals wasan amazing experience.The food was basically local.But considering that it was only for a day, it was a welcome change.The rooms were basic, but had airconditioning( a must).
We checked out from the houseboat and returned home after a wonderful journey.
*Tips
Munnar is a destination for only 2 nights.
Those who relish, out doors and activities can spend more time at Thekkady.
*Kumarakom is a must and so are the house boats.But those who do not prefer a night on the waters, better take a day cruise and stay back in the resort
Very Important- Do not rely entirely on the driver and book massage etc outside.My wife had a very bad experience.It is better to do a massage in any of the resorts.