The flight to Kochi from Udaipur got in about 10.00 pm so it was straight to bed. Next morning a tour of Kochi, the highlight was watching fishermen with a large wood tripod lowering a net into the water, raising it a few minutes later with fish in it. Kochi has large Christian and Jewish areas as well, saw old churches and synagogues.
Then off to Munnar – a long car journey, but oh so worth it! Our hotel is in the hills in the midst of a large tea growing plantation, incredibly beautiful and as the title says “tranquil”. Next day we went into Munnar to visit the Tea Museum. Know that sounds naff but we really enjoyed it. We saw the whole process from leaf to tea packet even bought some tea to remind us back in Coventry.
We are very pleased that we are here for 3 nights rather than the usual 2, even got to go for a walk through the tea fields, very steep, uneven paths. Sara even got to go for a massage! Our hotel has been very keen to look after us well and imbue us with a deeper understanding of Keralan culture . On our last night the chef invited us into the kitchen and we made parothas on the hot plate. Mixed success! Cath was the best but we had no idea it was so complicated!
Next stop Kerala backwaters. A relaxing day on the water on a very comfortable boat. A crew of 3 to look after us! Cruised past rice fields and saw real life at every turn! We observed local people washing in the water, heard the slap of wet clothes being washed on the slabs at the side of the backwaters, saw many people fishing for their tea and saw bricks being transported on canoes. Surprisingly we were able to buy alcohol! To achieve this we stood in line (exclusively male)at the “toddy shop” and handed our money though a small opening in a metal grill. Our hooch was handed back through the same opening!
A walk to a local village at sunset and then lovely meal prepared by crew finished our evening perfectly!
Indian Adventures for Silver Surfers 