Blogs from Kerala, India, Asia - page 168

From Bombay we took a flight down south to Trivandrium in Kerala for four days of relaxing by the beach. Our hotel, run by a rather odd Dutch guy, was very pleasant, situated amongst palm trees and small alleyways. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side. Although warm, the sun decided to take it's own vacation for the majority of the time and rain decided to do cover duty! Luckily we found ourselves a half day activity indoors at the local catering college. We wlked in the day before and asked the Principal if we could have a lesson on Kerlan cooking with one of his chef's. After a little bit of persuading he said yes and the next day we had an amazing lesson with a very enthusiastic chef. He initially took us into a ... read more

January 5 I am going to try and upload some pictures. This place is so beautiful. And there are so many things to photograph. A professional would go nuts. The women all wear beautiful, colourful saris; there are so many traditional ways of life every place you look -- such as fishermen hauling in nets on the beach and women gathered at the well to fetch water. Gorgeous sunsets, thick foliage, amazing birds -- huge eagles swooping over the beach -- flowers. I could go on and on. Yesterday I saw a huge elephant with an enormous gold panel hanging over his forhead and snout. He is one of many arriving for the festival. I saw a big crow eating somehting on the beach and when I investigated I saw it was a giant, pale-coloured claw ... read more

I am in Kerala, the southern most state in India, a tropical paradise covered in palm trees and fringed with beautiful beaches. It's amazing here. Warm (30 C. every day), fresh fruits and vegetables to eat, gorgeous people, always friendly and smiling. I love Kerala! (I knew I would.) This state is the spice capital of India, and they also grow tea here and do a lot of fishing. I am staying at an ayurvedic resort called Shinsiva. There are a lot of ayurvedic resorts aorund here, Kerala is famous for this ancient, holistic form of Indian health care. I get oil massages and other specialzed treatments every day and a special diet of healthful, fresh and flavourful foods -- full of fresh herbs and spices. This is my idea of heaven. Nothing to do but ... read more

After a few days of rest in Mumbai, we joined our good friend Neha for a whirlwind 10-day tour of the gorgeous south Indian state of Kerala. Kerala has earned the reputation as "God's Own Country" due to it's gorgeous beaches, endless swaying palm trees, vibrant sunshine, and the charming maze of lakes, rivers and waterways that criss cross the countryside. We nourished mind, body and soul touring tea and spice plantations and enjoying a variety of elaborate Ayurvedic treatments and massages. To open the photo album, double click on the first photo. We also experienced Christmas Indian style. The Apostle Thomas visited India during his lifetime and as a result Kerala is 20% Christian. It was really interesting to see the similarities and differences in how Christmas was celebrated. ... read more

This is a promotional speel for the best hotel in The Wayanad! We stayed here for a couple of days and I promised the manager I would include it on my blog. They are very much in need of foreign tourists to come and stay there. I recommend anyone to stay here and use it as a base to tour the Wayanad district, home to exotic legends, ancient ruins, mysterious mountain caves, aborigine tribes, hidden treasures, jungle trails, and exotic wildlife. The hotel is I think just 7 years old and is very peaceful, relaxing and comfortable with modern facilities. Exceptionally helpful and friendly staff, nothing is too much trouble for them. The food in the restaurant was very good and we had a personal tour of the kitchens, spotless! Stay there its a crackin' place: ... read more