Kerala - Just a few quick questions

Danni

Hi,
Off to Kerala on the 26th of Feb. I'm so excited I think I'm going to throw up... Just a few orientation questions. I understand it's quite easy to get from Trivandrum to Kochi by train, but I'm not sure if I need to book now or if I can wait till I get there. If I do need to book now, how? I can't understand the timetables on the website.
Any advice on accomodation in Kochi? low to mid range.
Also how easy is it to get money in Trivandrum. I'm assuming there are plenty of ATM's. Any advice on how much cash £ versus cash RS versus travellers checks one should carry around.
I'm an artist and planning to sketch and paint while I'm travelling. Any places that I really shouldn't miss? Are there any large spice or food markets around these places?
Any advice would be great, thanks in advance.
Also, are there any diabetics (type 1) out there travelling or living in India who can give some advice. Keeping insulin cool, availability of Lantus (24hr bolus) and Novorapid (really fast acting, lasts for about 3-4hrs) test strips, low carb foods etc. thanks

gs_uppal

you'll get lantus here costs around rs 1000 per vial,
even novorapid (novo nordisk) is available (the ones for pens right) but dont know if you'll get it in all cities. at least in mumbai you'll get these.
test strips you do get of Roche/Boehringer (Glucotrend/Acuutrend/Accuchek) and also for Johnsons/J&J (One Touch) in all big cities, if its some other brands machine like omron/precision etc better carry strips from home.
But do carry your machine and either a used strip or empty box of strips to the chemist and check if the strip fits your machine there itself. Glucotrend/Accutrend/Accuchek machines & strips have different names in different coutries.

Merchant

I've never booked in advance for a train. If you are willing to travel second-class, non-AC, you can usually book a few hours before departure. If you want a first-class sleeper cabin, you should probably book in advance. In second class sleeper, the seats reorganize into bunks; you don't have your own berth.

steven_ber

Below is a selection of daytime trains between Trivandrum and Ernakulam (for Kochi), all trains are daily.

6302 – dep 05:00, arr 10:15. (CC, 2S.)
2076 – dep 06:10, arr 09:45. (CC, 2S.)
6349 – dep 06:25, arr 10:55. (CC, 2S.)
1082 – dep 07:45, arr 12:35. (2A, 3A, SL, II.)

6346 – dep 10:00, arr 14:05. (2A, 3A, SL, II.)
2625 – dep 11:30, arr 15:35. (2A, 3A, SL, II.)
6525 – dep 12:55, arr 17:45. (2A, 3A, SL, II.)

2624 – dep 14:30, arr 18:50. (1A, 2A, 3A, SL, II.)
6304 – dep 17:15, arr 21:40. (CC, 2S.)
6342 – dep 16:40, arr 20:55. (CC, 2S.)

1A = First Class air-conditioned (AC1)
2A = 2 Tier air-conditioned (AC2)
3A = 3 Tier air-conditioned (AC3)
CC = Chair class, air-conditioned
SL = Sleeper Class, NOT air-conditioned
2S = Bookable second class seat, NOT air-conditioned
II = Unreserved 2nd class, NOT air-conditioned

Detailed information including photos of the above classes of accommodation

Knowing the Indian Train.

I would suggest getting the Jan-Shatabdi (train 2076), these trains are notoriously under-used and always seem to have plenty of seats available (especially in 2S), there are 2 routes to Kochi and this train takes the more scenic route (via Alleppey), although both routes are scenic, this train will cost: -

CC = Rs 300
2S = Rs 92

If you just buy an ordinary 2nd class single and get into a 2S coach, you can pay the difference to the man on the train, though ask at the ticket window if you can have a 2nd class ticket for the Shatabdi, he may direct you to a place where they are selling tickets only for the Shatabdi.

For other trains, just buy an ordinary 2nd class (not air-con) ticket, then get into a SL, 2S or II coach and pay the difference if needed.

As an artist, there will be many places where you’d love to get off the train and sketch, but there will be numerous opportunities everywhere in India.

There is a restaurant across the road from Trivandrum train station (and to the left), it is a tall, thin, circular building, a walkway spirals around a central pillar and all tables go around the walkway and have window seats, the food is good and it's cheap, it would be a great place to do a sketch. (of the inside of the building, you will see what I mean if you go there).

Are you going to show us some of your sketches when you return from India?

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How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions.


Train information.


RAC & Waitlists explained.

lonelyaztec

Just don't miss the Backwater Cruise in Kerala. For this, u can be at Kumarakom or Allepy.

Check my travelogue on Alleppey Backwater cruise:
http://www.indiamike.com/india/article.php?a=11

For more information on Kerala and the backwaters and the backwater cruise..google for more info. U will fall in love with the place, even before u land there.

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Aztec

My photoblog

Danni

you guys are amazing. thank you so much for all the detailed info, this will really help. Also nice to know that I can get all my medication out there.
Of course I'll post my sketches (the ones that come out ok ) It will be a pleasure to share my experience!