Blogs from Kovalam, Kerala, India, Asia

On Jen's last day we decided to head back to Ark, we spend most of our time walking the dogs there as the staff are so busy looking after the sick dogs and preparing them for their medication etc. The dogs are very friendly and grateful for any fuss they can get. They also love - love - love the walks! It can be quite a crazy experience, we took out 14 dogs in total today... Some, a few escape artists 'sneaking' out with us. These escape artists made us a little apprehensive at first, worrying that they'd run off... But, as mentioned previously, the pack mentality is very strong here (probably due to being less domesticated) - so fortunately we've had no problems and are able to walk the dogs relatively hassle free. The only ... read more

We've arrived safe and sound in Kerala and my god is it humid here! We're very grateful for the sea breeze! We are staying literally on the seafront and have stunning views! It's clear that this place is a little more used to tourists as we haven't had any stares despite wandering around in strappy tops! Still probably won't be wearing any shorts though- we don't want to offend! Already we can see there are fewer dogs (and animals in general) stray and wandering around and those we have seen are clearly in good condition. No small part due to the work done by ARK (which we are off to visit after this update!) We'll update you further on our time here later on but for now see our previous entry for our time in Jodhpur! ... read more

Kovalam After breakfast we took a tuk-tuk to Kovalam negotiating a return price with Del Boy the driver. The drive to Kovalam takes about twenty minutes but we were taken to a shop en route however we did not succumb to buying anything. We were surprised how pretty Kovalam beach looked with two bays fringed with shops and restaurants. We managed to spend about £80 of rupees just browsing I can't imagine how much we would have spent if we had been serious. It's a great spot for breakers and surfing although no one was taking it seriously. It was the end of the season and everyone was allegedly selling at discount rates. Our marble beach purchase of 400 rupees was selling at 250 rupees in the beach shops, still we had to travel to town ... read more

Dear Grace and Mag, Coming in to land on the plane all I could see were lots of coconut trees and so much greenery. I was surprised as I thought it would be more barren like when we fly into Spain to dads. In the taxi ride to the hotel the colours just improve. Everywhere you look there are pinks, blues, yellows, turquoises and that's mainly the houses let alone all the flowers and beautiful Sari's that the women wear. The food is lovely lots of flavours, only spicy if you ask and its mainly seafood that comes fresh out the water a day or two before. We have watched a few fishing boats go out and come in with huge nets. Takes them ages to sort them. I have done and seen quite few different ... read more

Today is my last day in Kerala, India. To be honest we really hadn't done a lot today. Most of the day has been spent swimming in the pool, eating or sleeping. It's been a great trip, and to all my under 5 readers - get your mummy and daddy to take you to India! Its amazing. The food is great, there is SO much to see and the people will absoluetly love you like they do me :-) I've had so much attention from all the restaurant and hotel staff, plus local Indians, as well as western tourists, I've loved my time here and can't wait to come again when I'm a bit older. Hopefully next trip mummy and daddy will finally get to see a tiger! Though I will be glad to get back ... read more