my new wardrobe ext, finally DONE!!!

The spice trail, Cochin

We started our 12 days journey in Cochin (Kochi), India. It was a reasonably clean city and a major seaport. Cochin is filled with history and culture. Located in South west coast of India. It was an important spice trading centre on the Arabian sea. It was occupied by the Portuguese in 1503. Kochi hosted the grave of Vasco Da Gama, the first European explorer to set foot in India, until it was transported back to Portugal in 1539.

State of kerala also happens to be the richest state in India. Its also known as the state with highest literary rate of 94%.

We spent one whole day in Cochin, the next day we travelled to Kumarakom, which is a major tourist destination, well known for the boat house. We stayed at the Manor Backwater resort, which gave us a splendid view of the backwaters from our rooms.

It was very relaxing and peaceful here. Next day, we went to Alleppey, now known as Alapuzzha, for another 1 night stay. We did a 2 hours boat cruise on the backwaters. Certainly was an interesting experience. You can see lots of houses by the river and see how people carry on with the lives so close to nature. They solely depend on boats to travel, like how we depend on buses and trains. There are ladies in sarees scrubbing clothes on stone slabs.

Next we arrived in Kovalam, the beach town of Kerala. We checked in Uday Samudra resort for 2 night stay. I immediately proceeded to a 1 hour facial here. There is endless sight of coconut trees here in Kovalam. The most famous beach is the light house beach, it was like a party going on for 24 hours at this beach. Rows of seafood restaurants by the beach was certainly tempting. Lots of people just chilling out with youngsters playing volleyball. I like it here, clean and breezy . Just too overcrowded with tourist.

I was very much excited as we approached our next destination, Thekkady-periyar, The wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. The next morning, I was up at 4.30am to go to the ticket counter of Periyar wildlife which opens at 5.45am. I was informed by the hotel reception that there are only limited tickets per day, so I have to be early. However the entrance ticket which cost about 250 rupees, is separate from the boating ticket. The boating ticket counter is about 300m away from the car park. Wow, believe it or not, I ran as fast as I could once we reached the car park to grab a spot on the queue. Was not very happy with this arrangement. There were also senior citizens who had to run along, for sure this is not right.

Anyhow, over with that scene, finally got on the boat at 7.30am. Armed with my camera, we were told to sit silently so as not to frightened the animals that may approach the lake to drink. The landscape was amazing, such a huge enormous jungle it was.

We managed to spot some wild boars, bison and some species of birds. After 2 hours, was disappointed that the tigers and elephants did not come out to play.:-(

Heard from another tour guide that its best to take the cruise at 3pm as the hot weather gets the animals out to drink at the lake…ahhhhh…doesn’t fit my schedule, soo balik la.

Reached back at the hotel which was 10mins away. Roamed around the streets for an hour which are famous for its spice markets. Spice shops are everywhere you turn!!

Kerala is also very well known for Ayurvedic medicines and massages. Its definitely a must buy. Here you can find medicines for just about anything at all you can imagine. Name and you shall find it. I have tried and tested….Certainly will guarantee its worthiness.

Food was in generally pricier here than Tamil Nadu. Coconuts are used generously in all the dishes.