First Trip to India - need some advice

Maplesugar · Nov 10th, 2005, 20:35

Wow what a wonderful forum. There is loads of information on here. This is my first time posting. Here goes!

My husband and I are going to India for 5 weeks, starting on January 1st. We will be arriving from Canada to Delhi, there two nights and heading down south to Trivandrum, 3 nights at Hotel Abad Palmshore at Kovalam. After that we have 10 days to explore Kerala.

My question is, is it easy to explore Kerala on our own, or should we have a travel package this time of year or have at least all of our hotels booked, or could we do it on our own, finding simple but clean accomodations not resort types, along the way. What is the most economical?

This will be our one and only time to India, as we have many other places to visit, we have been to over 40 countries and time is running out to do all the favorites. We never do a country twice, so what in your opinion is the thing we should'nt miss. We will be doing a Rajathsan safari with Imaginative Traveller for 22 days on the 15th so will see many temples etc.

In Kerala I want to do a backwater trip for sure. Anything else you can think of. We are adventureous and want to see the culture and people of India.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Does it cool down at night in January in Kerala? Any great hotels you can advise on would help also.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

seventies'hippy · Nov 10th, 2005, 20:41

Welcome to Indiamike Maplesugar,
Just a mention of the Delhi Fog at that time of year which does get very bad & can delay landings & departures at Delhi.
It's wise not to plan your first two nights too precisely re timetables & moving on just in case.

Have a great trip.

cyberhippie · Nov 10th, 2005, 21:07

Kerala is a relatively small state and easy to Explore on your own!! Hotels are plentiful and doing it under your own steam very doable!!
As your having the organised tour experience later in your itinery, I suggest getting around under your own steam. Periyer National Park, Munnar and Cochin are just a few ideas.
january is still warm enough even at night!

katyrafi · Nov 10th, 2005, 21:21

Hi there

I live in the village of Vizhinjam just outside of Kovolam and would recommend a couple of things to do during you 3 days there. Take a walk away from the main beach up the hill using any of the many little meandering paths - you'll see women washing in the lakes, maybe catch sight of one of the temples during prayers, see kingfishers and in the evenings hear the sometines deafening sound of the frogs. Take a torch if you go during the evening - not recommended if you easily lose your way, however.

Talking of frog song, a visit to to Spicy Village restaurant in the evening is a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of the main beach drag, you will be surrounded by frogs singing and the food and service is good - or at least it was the last time I went there about 3 months ago. Nearby is the well-renowned Lonely Planet veg restaurant where you can also learn how to cook on certain nights of the week if you're into the cuisine of India.

Another walk which can be as long or short as your legs will carry you is to hike up from the lighthouse on Lighthouse Road - taking a detour halfway up the hill to Rockholm beach, look for Rocholm Hotel on the right hand side (much quieter than the main beach, fewer hawkers, but the sea can be dangerous for swimming) - then right at the top of the hill. This takes you down to Vizhinjam mosque, incredible views and you can watch the fishing boats and all the activity around the harbour. The mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths. You can then continue through the fishing village, keeping the sea on your right and head back to the beach at the earliest opportunity (beware, you will get hassled a bit here by the locals, they are friendly enough - just keep walking and watch your bags). Once back on the beach, hold your nose as you pass the public toilet, admire the christian church and look back at the mosque - stunning!

Having a few school pens to give out to the inevitable children who may talk to you on the way isn't a bad idea but be firm if they stick to you like glue and get on your nerves - say porda (means go away - a little rude but they'll get the picture!)

If you keep trekking this way you will eventually reach Somatheeram (about 4km) where there is one restaurant (possibly more in season) where you can get refreshments. Sorry, I don't know it's name. The Somatheeram Aryuervdic resort itself (up another steep hill from this big expansive beach with an amazing statue of Mary) is also well worth a visit by rickshaw or walking as described above (long way tho in the heat) - fabulous views - and the restaurant is fantastic if rather snobbish and expensive.

Check out Poovar if you have time - a little boat ride and then idyllic spot - see my album photo to get an idea.

Unfortunately it doesn't cool down much at night so a ceiling fan or a/c is essential if you need cool to sleep.

Other posts on Kerala give plenty of other recommendations for backwater tours etc so I 'll leave that up to you as my fingers hurt now after all that typing!!! Kanyakumari, Trivandrum for the palace and markets, Ponmudi and Fort Cochin would all be on my list of possibles for a 10 day trip and are perfectly do-able without a tour operator.

Enjoy your visit

katyrafi · Nov 10th, 2005, 21:29

Cyberhippie, you're right, how could I have missed out Munnar, it's beautiful and cooler!!

See my pics here for an idea of the green and pleasant land ....

http://homepage.mac.com/katyrafi/Menu11.html

Maplesugar · Nov 10th, 2005, 23:02

Thank you so much to all of you who have replied. The information is very valuable and I am getting very excited. Thanks so much

Almoraboy · Nov 10th, 2005, 23:58

ok, here is some more info to get u even more excited ...

Wayanad Pics (my fave spot in kerala)...

http://community.webshots.com/album/492320315qWkEcq

Kodai 7 Ooty pics (really fun places)

http://community.webshots.com/user/almoraboy3

Munnar Pics

http://community.webshots.com/album/204393663FShopT

Mahe beach

http://community.webshots.com/album/162699654PCUrma

Tushargiri waterfalls

http://community.webshots.com/album/246673720Clmgwg

and

http://community.webshots.com/album/247365068YmwJbl

haven't got time to visit the backwaters till now, otherwise would have obliged wiht their pics also

anywyas, hope u can get a feel of the place (if u have a high speed net connection)

and if there r any problems in kerala, i guess u can contact katyarafi or me since we both r currently in god's own country

and yes, ooty and kodai are not exactly in kerala but very close to the kerala - tn border. if u r visiting this part of the world then do pay these palces a visit.

Cheers

Maplesugar · Nov 11th, 2005, 01:57

Almoraboy

Wow I was so looking forward to opening up and seeing the pictures, unfortunately my browser won't let me open them up.

Thanks so much anyway.

GoanCanuck · Nov 11th, 2005, 08:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maplesugar

Almoraboy

Wow I was so looking forward to opening up and seeing the pictures, unfortunately my browser won't let me open them up.

Thanks so much anyway.

What browser are you using?

Nov 10th, 2005, 20:35	#1
Maplesugar Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 7	First Trip to India - need some advice Wow what a wonderful forum. There is loads of information on here. This is my first time posting. Here goes! My husband and I are going to India for 5 weeks, starting on January 1st. We will be arriving from Canada to Delhi, there two nights and heading down south to Trivandrum, 3 nights at Hotel Abad Palmshore at Kovalam. After that we have 10 days to explore Kerala. My question is, is it easy to explore Kerala on our own, or should we have a travel package this time of year or have at least all of our hotels booked, or could we do it on our own, finding simple but clean accomodations not resort types, along the way. What is the most economical? This will be our one and only time to India, as we have many other places to visit, we have been to over 40 countries and time is running out to do all the favorites. We never do a country twice, so what in your opinion is the thing we should'nt miss. We will be doing a Rajathsan safari with Imaginative Traveller for 22 days on the 15th so will see many temples etc. In Kerala I want to do a backwater trip for sure. Anything else you can think of. We are adventureous and want to see the culture and people of India. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Does it cool down at night in January in Kerala? Any great hotels you can advise on would help also. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Nov 10th, 2005, 20:41	#2
seventies'hippy Maha Guru Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: UK Posts: 2,126	Welcome to Indiamike Maplesugar, Just a mention of the Delhi Fog at that time of year which does get very bad & can delay landings & departures at Delhi. It's wise not to plan your first two nights too precisely re timetables & moving on just in case. Have a great trip. __________________ . . . My Photo Gallery

Nov 10th, 2005, 21:21	#4
katyrafi Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kerala Posts: 177	Hi there I live in the village of Vizhinjam just outside of Kovolam and would recommend a couple of things to do during you 3 days there. Take a walk away from the main beach up the hill using any of the many little meandering paths - you'll see women washing in the lakes, maybe catch sight of one of the temples during prayers, see kingfishers and in the evenings hear the sometines deafening sound of the frogs. Take a torch if you go during the evening - not recommended if you easily lose your way, however. Talking of frog song, a visit to to Spicy Village restaurant in the evening is a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of the main beach drag, you will be surrounded by frogs singing and the food and service is good - or at least it was the last time I went there about 3 months ago. Nearby is the well-renowned Lonely Planet veg restaurant where you can also learn how to cook on certain nights of the week if you're into the cuisine of India. Another walk which can be as long or short as your legs will carry you is to hike up from the lighthouse on Lighthouse Road - taking a detour halfway up the hill to Rockholm beach, look for Rocholm Hotel on the right hand side (much quieter than the main beach, fewer hawkers, but the sea can be dangerous for swimming) - then right at the top of the hill. This takes you down to Vizhinjam mosque, incredible views and you can watch the fishing boats and all the activity around the harbour. The mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths. You can then continue through the fishing village, keeping the sea on your right and head back to the beach at the earliest opportunity (beware, you will get hassled a bit here by the locals, they are friendly enough - just keep walking and watch your bags). Once back on the beach, hold your nose as you pass the public toilet, admire the christian church and look back at the mosque - stunning! Having a few school pens to give out to the inevitable children who may talk to you on the way isn't a bad idea but be firm if they stick to you like glue and get on your nerves - say porda (means go away - a little rude but they'll get the picture!) If you keep trekking this way you will eventually reach Somatheeram (about 4km) where there is one restaurant (possibly more in season) where you can get refreshments. Sorry, I don't know it's name. The Somatheeram Aryuervdic resort itself (up another steep hill from this big expansive beach with an amazing statue of Mary) is also well worth a visit by rickshaw or walking as described above (long way tho in the heat) - fabulous views - and the restaurant is fantastic if rather snobbish and expensive. Check out Poovar if you have time - a little boat ride and then idyllic spot - see my album photo to get an idea. Unfortunately it doesn't cool down much at night so a ceiling fan or a/c is essential if you need cool to sleep. Other posts on Kerala give plenty of other recommendations for backwater tours etc so I 'll leave that up to you as my fingers hurt now after all that typing!!! Kanyakumari, Trivandrum for the palace and markets, Ponmudi and Fort Cochin would all be on my list of possibles for a 10 day trip and are perfectly do-able without a tour operator. Enjoy your visit __________________ Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly

Nov 10th, 2005, 21:29	#5
katyrafi Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kerala Posts: 177	Munnar Cyberhippie, you're right, how could I have missed out Munnar, it's beautiful and cooler!! See my pics here for an idea of the green and pleasant land .... http://homepage.mac.com/katyrafi/Menu11.html

Nov 10th, 2005, 23:58	#7
Almoraboy Trekker Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: London.....Himalayas in between Posts: 852	ok, here is some more info to get u even more excited ... Wayanad Pics (my fave spot in kerala)... http://community.webshots.com/album/492320315qWkEcq Kodai 7 Ooty pics (really fun places) http://community.webshots.com/user/almoraboy3 Munnar Pics http://community.webshots.com/album/204393663FShopT Mahe beach http://community.webshots.com/album/162699654PCUrma Tushargiri waterfalls http://community.webshots.com/album/246673720Clmgwg and http://community.webshots.com/album/247365068YmwJbl haven't got time to visit the backwaters till now, otherwise would have obliged wiht their pics also anywyas, hope u can get a feel of the place (if u have a high speed net connection) and if there r any problems in kerala, i guess u can contact katyarafi or me since we both r currently in god's own country and yes, ooty and kodai are not exactly in kerala but very close to the kerala - tn border. if u r visiting this part of the world then do pay these palces a visit. Cheers __________________ Trek blog over here

Nov 10th, 2005, 21:07	#3
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,014	Kerala is a relatively small state and easy to Explore on your own!! Hotels are plentiful and doing it under your own steam very doable!! As your having the organised tour experience later in your itinery, I suggest getting around under your own steam. Periyer National Park, Munnar and Cochin are just a few ideas. january is still warm enough even at night!

Nov 10th, 2005, 23:02	#6
Maplesugar Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 7	Thank you so much to all of you who have replied. The information is very valuable and I am getting very excited. Thanks so much

Nov 11th, 2005, 01:57	#8
Maplesugar Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada Posts: 7	Almoraboy Wow I was so looking forward to opening up and seeing the pictures, unfortunately my browser won't let me open them up. Thanks so much anyway.

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
First trip to India - advice needed	michaelb77	Introduce Yourself	20	Nov 2nd, 2005 23:42
Chandigarh trip- where to go to see the himalayas- need advice!!	also	Himachal Pradesh	17	Jun 3rd, 2005 17:11
Trip to North of India (HP?) in early May - need your advice	sky	Himachal Pradesh	0	Mar 5th, 2005 10:02
trip advice needed - Rajasthan	onebotanik	Rajasthan	6	Jan 19th, 2005 23:26
1st trip 2 india-need advice on stuff	soma1972	Chai and Chat	9	Aug 27th, 2002 04:12

User Name		Remember Me?
Password