Feb Honeymoon in India - Destinations?

CliveG · Nov 5th, 2007, 14:07

Hi Saikyo,

You could do a 24 hour backwater trip by going to Alappuzha (Alleppey) which is south of Kochi. It depends the time you have available. If you are in Kochi you can take a train from Ernakulam to Alappuzha (or taxi). On arrival you will find lots of agents trying to get you to go on their boat. Negotiate a price and tell them you want to see the boat before you decide. On the 24 hour trip all meals should be included, you will sleep overnight on the boat and amble along the backwaters during the day time - it is very peaceful and you do see river life as you pass villages. We had a great boat and crew and the food was superb.

Lakshadweep - Yes I would certainly book this if you can as soon as possible as it can still be relatively busy in February. Indian Airlines only operate flights on certain days to Agatti - the other days there are flights by Kingfisher Airlines but they are more expensive. You would also need to book your accommodation on Bangaram in advance.
Here is an e-mail address of the manager of mamager for Bangaram who canbook your flight, accommodation, transfer by boat from Agatti to Bangaram and get you the permit you need to go to the Lakshadweep Islands (this is free but essential).
Antony Viju - antonyviju@cghearth.com
Tel: 00 91 484 2668421 mobile - 9846004772
Fax: 2668001

Hope this helps -good luck

saikyo · Nov 7th, 2007, 08:17

CliveG thanks!

The contact information for the manager is golden, you're a life saver.

May I ask your opinion of when I should catch the flight to Bangaram and do the backwater tour? I will arrive in Cochin late night on a Saturday. A semi detailed itinerary is below.

Early FEB
Sat
Arrive Cochin 2215pm
? Stay Taj Malabar? Or cheaper place cause we're leaving the next day anyway?

Sun
Go for backwaters tour

Mon
Finish backwater tour
Explore Cochin
? Stay Taj Malabar?

Tue
Enjoy Cochin
? Stay Taj Malabar? or cheaper place cause I'm broke?

Wed
Fly to to Agatti 8:30am? Boat to Bangaram Arrive around 11am.
Bangaram night 1
Enjoy Ocean

Thu
Bangaram night 2
Enjoy Ocean

Fri
Bangaram night 3
Enjoy Ocean
Leave Bangaram

Sat
Fort Cochin?
Fly out of Cochin at 23:15

Also a few more questions if you would.

How much should I expect to pay for the 24 hr backwater houseboat trip?

Do you think arriving at like 11pm and staying at the Taj would be a waste of money? Seeing that I'm paying for the hotel, but won't even be able to enjoy dinner there the first night? Im' thinking I should stay in a more reasonable hotel the first night, and get to the Taj after the backwaters, before the flight to Lakshadweep.

Also, do you think I'll be able to head off to the backwaters the morning after I arrive in Kochi? Or would that be too rushed? Think I should relax in Kochi the 1st day, then leave for backwaters the next?

In which case, do you have any other hotel recommendations?

Thank you!

CliveG · Nov 7th, 2007, 14:39

Hi Saikyo,

If your flight arives at 22h15 then you will probably get out of the airport by about 23h15 so you wouldn't get to the Taj Malabar until after midnight. You could stay at an airport hotel such as Lotus 8 or Abad (google search airport hotels cochin for others). They are cheaper than Taj and you don't have the journey. Alternatively you could consider the Casino Hotel which is on Willingdon Island near the Taj Malabar. It is cheaper than the Taj and while not up to the same standard it is pleasant, quiet and the food is good. You will probably need the first morning to recover from your flight.

If you stay at the Casino hotel Antony Viju would arrange a backwater trip for you ((Taj would probably be able to do this a well). This way they will arrange transport to Allepey and your boat will be waiting for you. Downside is that you will pay a fixed price whereas if you make your own arrangemts to get to Alleppey you can negotiate a price for a boat when you get there and choose a boat that you want. I'm not sure about the current houseboat rates (search this site for backwater trips - there is a sticky) but would think you should get a boat for Rs5000-6000 for 24 hours to include all meals.

One advantage of staying at the Casino is that they will arrange transport to the airport for your trip to Bangaram and can give you the paperwork (your permit to go to Bangaram) and if you wish arrange a taxi to bring you back when you return.
Alternatively on your return you could stay in Cochin (try www.karmakerala.com for hotels in Cochin.

The Indian Airlines flight to Bangaram leaves at about 09h15 and you should arrive on the island at about 13h15 in time for lunch. Remember if you fly Indian Airlines your weight limit is 10kg per person (they are strict) so you might need to leave extra luggage somewhere (such as the Casino Hotel). You will need very little in the way of clothing etc on the island as you spend all day in shorts and wear something more substantial in the evening to stop the mossies biting (they are not the malarial kind on the island).

Best advice is to contact Antony Viju and explain about your backwater trip and see what he can offer. Given that it is your honeymoon you might prefer for someone like Antony to arrange everything so you do not have the hassle. He can also arrange other trips if you want.

saikyo · Nov 8th, 2007, 04:38

Thanks again!

I have sent an email to Antony Viju, yesterday actually. We'll see if he gets back to me! If not, would you say he is a guy best called? Or is he pretty responsive to email as well?

Thanks for all the tips! Time to work out my plan a bit more.

CliveG · Nov 8th, 2007, 13:49

He is usually O.K. It is a busy time for those involved in the tourist business so give him a few days to respond.

saikyo · Nov 9th, 2007, 06:39

Quote:

He is usually O.K. It is a busy time for those involved in the tourist business so give him a few days to respond.

Will do! I'm not in a huge hurry so I'll just sit tight for a while.

saikyo · Nov 13th, 2007, 20:27

I've been in touch with Anthony! Revised schedule below. Still some question marks! Any reactions, comments, suggestions about this plan are welcome! I'm especially curious about what things I should do with the limited I have in Cochin excluding backwaters and lakshadweep time. Thanks all!

Itinerary (early feb)
Sat
Arrive Cochin 2215pm
** Stay in hotel near CASINO HOTEL .

Sun
**DRIVE BY TAXI to House Boat to stay over night on the House Boat in the Backwaters.
(If you are in Kochi you can take a train from Ernakulam to Alappuzha (or taxi).
24 hour backwater trip by going to Alappuzha (Alleppey) which is south of Kochi.

Mon
**Finish backwater tour @ 0900 and Drive Back to Cochin Check into TAJ MALABAR HOTEL
Afternoon city tour of Cochin :
??? stay over night at some hotel, Casino? Something more modest? leaving early next day anyway...

Tue
**Fly to to Agatti by King fisher Flight at 12.50 Boat to Bangaram Arrive around 1400hrs .
Bangaram night 1

Wed
Bangaram night 2

Thu
Bangaram night 3

Fri
Leave Bangaram

**Leave Bangaram : BY Indian Airlines flight dep 1115 arrive cochin at 12.50
Explore Cochin a bit Stay Taj Malabar depending on time of Bangaram return?
***

Stay at Taj Malabar. (Contacted 11/13 to get booking. in Deluxe sunset room)

Sat
**Relax at the Hotel and check out form Taj Malabar at 1200hrs.
? Explore Fort Cochin?
Fly out of Cochin at 23:15
?What time do you think I'll need to head out of the city to catch this flight?
Wondering how much time I'll have for souvineer shopping, sight seeing, etc.

CliveG · Nov 13th, 2007, 20:42

Hi Saikyo,
Your plan looks good.
On the last day on Bangaram you will leave by boat for Agati at about 08h00. Flight back to Kochi is about 11h00 so you get back to Kochi at about 12h15.
From Kochi/Ernakulam to the Airport takes about 40-50 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Suggest you consider Fort Kochi (Chinese fishing nets) and Mattancherry (nearby) which has lots of antique shops and souvenirs that are interesting to see (you will get hassled by the shopkeepers so be firm!). You can get the ferry at Ernakulam to Mattancherry and then an auto to Fort Kochi and then the ferry back from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam.

Aishah · Nov 13th, 2007, 20:58

Saikyo - have just read this thread with great interest and see what you have chosen. When I read the title I first thought Udaipur - one of the most romantic looking places on earth, or Lakshadweep - based entirely on the fabulous photos that are here in the Photo Gallery and taken by Ashish Agarwal! I even have one on my computer desktop. It looks a lovely romantic place to spend time. So there you are, and you will go there.. I'm sure it will be beautiful!

saikyo · Nov 16th, 2007, 05:51

Hi all, especially CliveG!

I got some quotes back from Anthony and wanted to run them by you for a sanity check, and to share the info with the rest of the crowd.

Quote:

CASINO HOTEL : USD 120 +15 % TAX PER NIGHT WITHG BREAKFAST.

HOUSE BOAT : USD 460 +4.9% TAX PER NIGHT ON FULL BOARD.

BANGARAM ISLAND : USD 430 PER NIGHT ON FULL BOARD,

Inter island Boat transfer( AGATTI / BANGARAM/ AGATTI ) : USD 34 PER PERSON.

It seems that the houseboat price is rather costly! Based on what I heard on the forum. Do you think I should try to negotiate? Or just plan to arrange the houseboat tour on my own after I arrive?

I have heard that on Bangaram there is really only one place to stay, is this pretty much the standard price?

Thanks for any help!

Shaktipalooza · Nov 16th, 2007, 06:24

I'd pick Jaisalmer, Udaipur. Maybe Jaipur or Agra.

9 days isn't much time.

460USD for the houseboat? YOWZA, I'm in the wrong business. We did a houseboat for around $130USD for four people.

shahronakm · Nov 16th, 2007, 14:43

USD 460 for one night house boat. Sound too much. Must be luxurious one. Rs. 5000 is the charge for one couple for one night including all meals. This is for a non ac house boat.

Ronak.

CliveG · Nov 16th, 2007, 15:12

Yea I agree with the others -the price for the houseboat is way too much. Best thing is to got there choose a boat you like (clean, quiet etc.) and haggle about the price - Rs5000-Rs6000 would be O.K.

Bangaram - Antony appears to have given you the peak season rate to cover Christmas and New Year. Fronm the 31st January until the 1st March I believe the price is $355 per couple per night full board. You can check this by looking at www.lacadives.com who run the diving centre on Bangaram. Yes you are tight there is no alternative accommodation on Bangaram (hence the prices).
You are paying for exclusivity!
I'm going there over Christmas and didn't realise the price had increased to that level(I will have to get me a houseboat and charge $460 a night to pay my visit to the island!

)

Casino Hotel - that seems about right. I think Taj Malabar is about $180 and while Casino is not as grand as the Taj it is a comfortable place with good food.

saikyo · Nov 19th, 2007, 07:06

I was told this is the super ultra luxurious houseboat which is GOLD PALM. Anyone heard of that?

Anyway I'm going to tell him that I would like a houseboat in the Rs5000-Rs6000 price range. I would rather have a unairconditioned rough and tumble boat rather than the Hilton on the river experience anyway.

I'll also mention the Bangaram prices to him to see if he bends.

Aishah · Nov 19th, 2007, 07:20

Even 5000-6000rupees per night sounds like a lot of money to me!
Why not,not book and check them out when you come and choose a nice one much less costly? Would that be possible. Then you have bargaining at your fingertips. Is this amount the usual amount people pay per night, it is a fortune! I could understand 2000 rupees, but not this. Are these boats rare? Is there something super special about them?

Nov 7th, 2007, 08:17	#32
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	CliveG thanks! The contact information for the manager is golden, you're a life saver. May I ask your opinion of when I should catch the flight to Bangaram and do the backwater tour? I will arrive in Cochin late night on a Saturday. A semi detailed itinerary is below. Early FEB Sat Arrive Cochin 2215pm ? Stay Taj Malabar? Or cheaper place cause we're leaving the next day anyway? Sun Go for backwaters tour Mon Finish backwater tour Explore Cochin ? Stay Taj Malabar? Tue Enjoy Cochin ? Stay Taj Malabar? or cheaper place cause I'm broke? Wed Fly to to Agatti 8:30am? Boat to Bangaram Arrive around 11am. Bangaram night 1 Enjoy Ocean Thu Bangaram night 2 Enjoy Ocean Fri Bangaram night 3 Enjoy Ocean Leave Bangaram Sat Fort Cochin? Fly out of Cochin at 23:15 Also a few more questions if you would. How much should I expect to pay for the 24 hr backwater houseboat trip? Do you think arriving at like 11pm and staying at the Taj would be a waste of money? Seeing that I'm paying for the hotel, but won't even be able to enjoy dinner there the first night? Im' thinking I should stay in a more reasonable hotel the first night, and get to the Taj after the backwaters, before the flight to Lakshadweep. Also, do you think I'll be able to head off to the backwaters the morning after I arrive in Kochi? Or would that be too rushed? Think I should relax in Kochi the 1st day, then leave for backwaters the next? In which case, do you have any other hotel recommendations? Thank you! __________________ http://www.japannewbie.com

Nov 13th, 2007, 20:58	#39
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 4,442	Saikyo - have just read this thread with great interest and see what you have chosen. When I read the title I first thought Udaipur - one of the most romantic looking places on earth, or Lakshadweep - based entirely on the fabulous photos that are here in the Photo Gallery and taken by Ashish Agarwal! I even have one on my computer desktop. It looks a lovely romantic place to spend time. So there you are, and you will go there.. I'm sure it will be beautiful! __________________ "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

Nov 16th, 2007, 06:24	#41
Shaktipalooza Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Portland Oregon USA Posts: 893	I'd pick Jaisalmer, Udaipur. Maybe Jaipur or Agra. 9 days isn't much time. 460USD for the houseboat? YOWZA, I'm in the wrong business. We did a houseboat for around $130USD for four people. __________________ IndiaGroove - Train finder now in beta! Pics from India 2006 Traditional Indian Dance

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Feb 1st - Mar 1st, have preferred destinations, need asisstance	Juliette	India Travel Itinerary Advice	5	Jan 4th, 2007 17:20
Honeymoon In Feb End	goyaltanuj	India Travel Itinerary Advice	15	Dec 21st, 2006 18:38
Kerala Honeymoon- Feb. 7/8 days - Beaches & backwaters	mendiratta_1812	Kerala	6	Oct 16th, 2006 19:01
Top 10 romantic destinations: India	nadreg	India Travel News and Commentary	10	Jun 3rd, 2006 18:07
honeymoon destinations?	hey_namaste	Chai and Chat	16	Feb 8th, 2006 20:53

Nov 5th, 2007, 14:07	#31
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 642	Hi Saikyo, You could do a 24 hour backwater trip by going to Alappuzha (Alleppey) which is south of Kochi. It depends the time you have available. If you are in Kochi you can take a train from Ernakulam to Alappuzha (or taxi). On arrival you will find lots of agents trying to get you to go on their boat. Negotiate a price and tell them you want to see the boat before you decide. On the 24 hour trip all meals should be included, you will sleep overnight on the boat and amble along the backwaters during the day time - it is very peaceful and you do see river life as you pass villages. We had a great boat and crew and the food was superb. Lakshadweep - Yes I would certainly book this if you can as soon as possible as it can still be relatively busy in February. Indian Airlines only operate flights on certain days to Agatti - the other days there are flights by Kingfisher Airlines but they are more expensive. You would also need to book your accommodation on Bangaram in advance. Here is an e-mail address of the manager of mamager for Bangaram who canbook your flight, accommodation, transfer by boat from Agatti to Bangaram and get you the permit you need to go to the Lakshadweep Islands (this is free but essential). Antony Viju - antonyviju@cghearth.com Tel: 00 91 484 2668421 mobile - 9846004772 Fax: 2668001 Hope this helps -good luck

Nov 7th, 2007, 14:39	#33
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 642	Hi Saikyo, If your flight arives at 22h15 then you will probably get out of the airport by about 23h15 so you wouldn't get to the Taj Malabar until after midnight. You could stay at an airport hotel such as Lotus 8 or Abad (google search airport hotels cochin for others). They are cheaper than Taj and you don't have the journey. Alternatively you could consider the Casino Hotel which is on Willingdon Island near the Taj Malabar. It is cheaper than the Taj and while not up to the same standard it is pleasant, quiet and the food is good. You will probably need the first morning to recover from your flight. If you stay at the Casino hotel Antony Viju would arrange a backwater trip for you ((Taj would probably be able to do this a well). This way they will arrange transport to Allepey and your boat will be waiting for you. Downside is that you will pay a fixed price whereas if you make your own arrangemts to get to Alleppey you can negotiate a price for a boat when you get there and choose a boat that you want. I'm not sure about the current houseboat rates (search this site for backwater trips - there is a sticky) but would think you should get a boat for Rs5000-6000 for 24 hours to include all meals. One advantage of staying at the Casino is that they will arrange transport to the airport for your trip to Bangaram and can give you the paperwork (your permit to go to Bangaram) and if you wish arrange a taxi to bring you back when you return. Alternatively on your return you could stay in Cochin (try www.karmakerala.com for hotels in Cochin. The Indian Airlines flight to Bangaram leaves at about 09h15 and you should arrive on the island at about 13h15 in time for lunch. Remember if you fly Indian Airlines your weight limit is 10kg per person (they are strict) so you might need to leave extra luggage somewhere (such as the Casino Hotel). You will need very little in the way of clothing etc on the island as you spend all day in shorts and wear something more substantial in the evening to stop the mossies biting (they are not the malarial kind on the island). Best advice is to contact Antony Viju and explain about your backwater trip and see what he can offer. Given that it is your honeymoon you might prefer for someone like Antony to arrange everything so you do not have the hassle. He can also arrange other trips if you want.

Nov 8th, 2007, 04:38	#34
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	Thanks again! I have sent an email to Antony Viju, yesterday actually. We'll see if he gets back to me! If not, would you say he is a guy best called? Or is he pretty responsive to email as well? Thanks for all the tips! Time to work out my plan a bit more.

Nov 8th, 2007, 13:49	#35
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 642	He is usually O.K. It is a busy time for those involved in the tourist business so give him a few days to respond.

Nov 13th, 2007, 20:27	#37
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	I've been in touch with Anthony! Revised schedule below. Still some question marks! Any reactions, comments, suggestions about this plan are welcome! I'm especially curious about what things I should do with the limited I have in Cochin excluding backwaters and lakshadweep time. Thanks all! Itinerary (early feb) Sat Arrive Cochin 2215pm Stay in hotel near CASINO HOTEL . Sun DRIVE BY TAXI to House Boat to stay over night on the House Boat in the Backwaters. (If you are in Kochi you can take a train from Ernakulam to Alappuzha (or taxi). 24 hour backwater trip by going to Alappuzha (Alleppey) which is south of Kochi. Mon Finish backwater tour @ 0900 and Drive Back to Cochin Check into TAJ MALABAR HOTEL Afternoon city tour of Cochin : ??? stay over night at some hotel, Casino? Something more modest? leaving early next day anyway... Tue Fly to to Agatti by King fisher Flight at 12.50 Boat to Bangaram Arrive around 1400hrs . Bangaram night 1 Wed Bangaram night 2 Thu Bangaram night 3 Fri Leave Bangaram Leave Bangaram : BY Indian Airlines flight dep 1115 arrive cochin at 12.50 Explore Cochin a bit Stay Taj Malabar depending on time of Bangaram return? * Stay at Taj Malabar. (Contacted 11/13 to get booking. in Deluxe sunset room) Sat **Relax at the Hotel and check out form Taj Malabar at 1200hrs. ? Explore Fort Cochin? Fly out of Cochin at 23:15 ?What time do you think I'll need to head out of the city to catch this flight? Wondering how much time I'll have for souvineer shopping, sight seeing, etc.

Nov 13th, 2007, 20:42	#38
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 642	Hi Saikyo, Your plan looks good. On the last day on Bangaram you will leave by boat for Agati at about 08h00. Flight back to Kochi is about 11h00 so you get back to Kochi at about 12h15. From Kochi/Ernakulam to the Airport takes about 40-50 minutes by car depending on traffic. Suggest you consider Fort Kochi (Chinese fishing nets) and Mattancherry (nearby) which has lots of antique shops and souvenirs that are interesting to see (you will get hassled by the shopkeepers so be firm!). You can get the ferry at Ernakulam to Mattancherry and then an auto to Fort Kochi and then the ferry back from Fort Kochi to Ernakulam.

Nov 16th, 2007, 14:43	#42
shahronakm Maha Guru Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 1,377	USD 460 for one night house boat. Sound too much. Must be luxurious one. Rs. 5000 is the charge for one couple for one night including all meals. This is for a non ac house boat. Ronak.

Nov 16th, 2007, 15:12	#43
CliveG Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: PORTSMOUTH U.K. Posts: 642	Yea I agree with the others -the price for the houseboat is way too much. Best thing is to got there choose a boat you like (clean, quiet etc.) and haggle about the price - Rs5000-Rs6000 would be O.K. Bangaram - Antony appears to have given you the peak season rate to cover Christmas and New Year. Fronm the 31st January until the 1st March I believe the price is $355 per couple per night full board. You can check this by looking at www.lacadives.com who run the diving centre on Bangaram. Yes you are tight there is no alternative accommodation on Bangaram (hence the prices). You are paying for exclusivity! I'm going there over Christmas and didn't realise the price had increased to that level(I will have to get me a houseboat and charge $460 a night to pay my visit to the island! ) Casino Hotel - that seems about right. I think Taj Malabar is about $180 and while Casino is not as grand as the Taj it is a comfortable place with good food.

Nov 19th, 2007, 07:06	#44
saikyo Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Usually Japan Posts: 92	I was told this is the super ultra luxurious houseboat which is GOLD PALM. Anyone heard of that? Anyway I'm going to tell him that I would like a houseboat in the Rs5000-Rs6000 price range. I would rather have a unairconditioned rough and tumble boat rather than the Hilton on the river experience anyway. I'll also mention the Bangaram prices to him to see if he bends.

Nov 19th, 2007, 07:20	#45
Aishah She-who-must-be-obeyed! Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Jaisalmer Posts: 4,442	Even 5000-6000rupees per night sounds like a lot of money to me! Why not,not book and check them out when you come and choose a nice one much less costly? Would that be possible. Then you have bargaining at your fingertips. Is this amount the usual amount people pay per night, it is a fortune! I could understand 2000 rupees, but not this. Are these boats rare? Is there something super special about them?

User Name		Remember Me?
Password