AustinW wrote:Thanks Russ, I will google the islands but the "ace and cheap" bit sounds very attractive and they are probably just the sort of place we are looking for. We are hoping to get off the tourist trail so it will be islands, hills and rural backwaters once we have finished in Kochi. I am hoping the weather will be settled and fine but not too hot - thats what the climate websites predict anyway. I am getting quite excited now.Tramp wrote:Kerala tourism is very helpful. Lakshadweep Islands are ace and cheap via ferry from
Cochi.
Public transport interesting and varied we used ambassador taxis and local buses, the locals are friendly and trustworthy festivals are ace and go on all day and night with elephants and fire walkers etc..the hills are cooler and tranquil the coast is Christian and Muslim split both friendly but different. Tourist price s vary away from coast it's more local which is what I like most...the sea is dangerous with undercurrent and shit all along beaches..
Have fun and beware of snakes they are everywhere and do kill, medicine is highly conferfit like Africa ..it'll be hot and dry but rainy season has just finished... The backwaters are tranquil and take some binoculars.
they used to be about 250 usd for accomodation and ferry there and back..think of them as the unspoilt maldavies....
also Kerela has one of the highest literature rates in india and the currys loose term are more spice than heat and vegatarian food is excellent and im a carnivore lol..yes Kovolam is good the hidden plantation and washing pit behind the main beach is interesting as its normal life..
Tourism is mainly local indians from other states and the outnumber westeners hugely unlike crappy Goa , there are some great backwater retreats away from Cochi and the Auverdic ? massages are well recommended..alcohol is rare and when the unions have a strike the whole beach is taken over in a family outing....
Ive some friends from years past who we met mainly a taxi driver [£10 a day ] we just said go drive somewhere the locals go..and we ate together and never had a bad day..the other friend who`s child we still sponcer is a poor muslim fisherman..heart of gold.
Tamil Nadu is good too as your in the area and as Tim says the western Gnats are well worth a look over and the old colonial tea plantations....
I know you`ll both enjoy it as you have the right mind set...and the tailors and clothes washers are cheap and friendly..we only took a few clothes and they made stuff as we neded it..oh yes and a picture in a "Kerela lungi" is required and no underwear....so liberating and no sweaty knackers...just mind the sand flies :laugh: