Kerala & around in 2 weeks: New Traveller - where to go?

tstfs

what about varkala, seems a nice place + its a short distance from tvm? you can have an extra day at the beach and travel and see Tvm on the way to kovalam. btw when are you arriving at kerala

htid

I think we'll just leave it now, I don't want to mess about any more Need to get other things sorted, such as packing lists and what have you!

We'll arrive 12th May at Trivandrum.

tstfs

same here, ours plans seem so similar, but we seem to miss each other by a few days. Infact I think we are travelling parallel to each other.]
we arrive on Cochin on th 12th.
I need to do a lot of packing and stuff, coz am travelling with 2 young daughters.
But I suppose its easier for me as I have been to Kerala ( though as a kid) a number of times, and I can understand the language fluently and speak it 'badly". I have been to Kovalam, trivandrum and Cochin but never to Thekkady, Munnar and kumarakom.

htid

Well, as I said, we'll be in Cochin the 12th so that's not really missing each other We'll be there the same time! Where are you staying again?

Yes it definitely sounds easier for you, if you've followed the thread from the start you'll have read that we've never been to India before, or even out of Europe (except for USA) so we have NO idea what to expect! It's scary really, I just hope enough people speak English (which I very much expect in touristy places!). Also, being Indian, you don't have to worry about mossies as much

vandy

[quote=htid;481142touristy places!). Also, being Indian, you don't have to worry about mossies as much [/QUOTE]

Racist Mossies, What Next.

vandy

tstfs

we will be going to thekkady on the 13 th morning- staying at chrissies inn. for 3 days, then to Munnar for 2 nights- staying at High Range club then back to Cochin for 2 nights, and the to kumarakom for 4 nights and then to varkala and Kovalam.
Nearly Everybody speaks English, Kerala has one of the highest rates of literacy in the world. You wont have a problem on that front. I remember when I was in Eurpe france and Italy) 10 years or so ago I had a tough time. In Italy No one spoke English at all , not even the police.
As for the THe mossies, just buy a repellant like Odomose whih is really good.

htid

Ahh, seems like we will just miss each other then yes.

As for the mossie repellent, Odomos is only 12% DEET, we want something around 50% so we're going to buy something over here

tstfs

How is it going with your packing?

htid

Packing? We're only leaving on Saturday, we haven't started that yet! To be honest we aren't brining too much and I have a list of everything I do need so I'll probably start tomorrow, although I don't expect it to take more than an hour.

I think everything is sorted now except the money, which we'll go and swap tomorrow. It's all very exciting, we have NO idea what to expect as I think I've said already, but we're a bit worried about the latest 2 reviews for Chrissies on tripadivsor, not too good.

This was something I wanted to ask actually...on the review it said don't get Chrissie to book you anything in Periyar as she overcharges, it's better to do it yourself. How does one go about that? Should I book now, on the Periyar website? There is an e-mail address to do so.

snonymous

I called the lady at the Information centre in the sanctuary and she said that the boat ride which is run by KTDC can be booked just one day in advance [ try centralreservations@ktdc.com], but the bamboo rafting can be booked at any time. For the nature walks, she said to do it then and there as there is no problem with getting a guide if you are prepared to pay the minimum charges. Likewise the overnight camps and village activities. You can try with the e mail address but Im not sure about the payment modalities. Good luck !

machadinha

That's just so helpful though, Snonymous. And what a site this is, too

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tstfs

whats the periyar site again? and Htid, I think I will be in periyar at chrissies on the 13th, if I get an internet connection, will try to post info for you here.
anyone has any ideas on the ATM machines in Munnar or periayar

snonymous

periyartigerreserve.org
The boat ride is run by KTDC centralreservations@ktdc.com

htid

Thanks tstfs Although by that time it will be too late to change but at least it'll be better to be prepared!

According to my Rough Guides book, there are a few in Munnar town but no mention of any in Periyar (although it doesn't say there aren't, there's just not section mentioning them). Hope that helps!

Lord Average

There is an ATM in the bank by the bus stand in Kumily

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