Need help for Kerala - August 2006

manam · Jan 20th, 2006, 21:52

I've been a lurker somewhat and have posted a few messages as well. I need your help because I really don't know where to start or look anymore!

Myself, my sister and a friend of ours are hoping to visit Kerala this summer. Our dates so far, leaving Toronto July 28th and returning August 14th.

We'd like to fly into Cochin/Chennai and really, that's all I have so far :-)

We'd like to stay by some beaches, cottages and villas as opposed to huge resorts. I definitely want to do the houseboats for a night at least. Trying out the food is a big thing as well. We figure since we are in India, maybe we can visit some other places after kerala. I understand I don't have a lot of time (16 days is nearly not enough) but it's all I can take from work.

Can someone suggest an itinerary that would include some other cities in India...Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Benares...I don't plan on visiting ALL the places mentioned but would like to include some on my trip as God knows when I will make it to India next.

Our budget...all said and done with international airfare...not looking to spend more than $4500 CDN pp. Our hotels...not looking to spend more than $75US/$100CDN per night (divided by 3 people, it should be ok).

What about the possibility of taking a train from Kerala to let's say Goa or Mumbai? Is there a scenic trail to some other parts?

The last two years in a row, we've been going to East Africa...Tanzania (Zanzibar to be exact) and Kenya (North Coast of Mombasa). After having been at the beaches in Zanzibar (Nungwi, Jambiani) and staying at cottages right on the beach ranging from $25 per night to $60 per night...can I expect the same in Kerala or parts of India? Clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, clean accomodation on a $75 budget per night? Can it be done in Kerala/Goa?

I look forward to your responses.

Nick-H · Jan 20th, 2006, 22:50

With only 16 days I would suggest sticking to one or two states only.

You could have a relaxed trip flying into Trivandrum and out of Cochin (or vice versa), spending time at Trivadndrum/Kovalam, Allepey, Kumerakom, Peryar, Munnar, Cochin (the Keralites will be along in a minute with more suggestions)

You could include Kanyakumari and Madurai in Tamil Nadu without straying too far from Kerala. Chennai is rather further.

Chennai to Cochin is 12 hours by train, to Trivandrum it is 16 hours. Domestic flights would, of course be a matter of just an hour or two.

A possible date for you is the Nehru snake boat race, second week of August.

Chennai will be dry and hot, Kerala will be wetter and cooler.

manam · Jan 20th, 2006, 22:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

With only 16 days I would suggest sticking to one or two states only.

You could have a relaxed trip flying into Trivandrum and out of Cochin (or vice versa), spending time at Trivadndrum/Kovalam, Allepey, Kumerakom, Peryar, Munnar, Cochin (the Keralites will be along in a minute with more suggestions)

You could include Kanyakumari and Madurai in Tamil Nadu without straying too far from Kerala. Chennai is rather further.

Chennai to Cochin is 12 hours by train, to Trivandrum it is 16 hours. Domestic flights would, of course be a matter of just an hour or two.

A possible date for you is the Nehru snake boat race, second week of August.

Chennai will be dry and hot, Kerala will be wetter and cooler.

Thanks for your advice and suggestions! What about accomodation and beaches around or in the places you have mentioned above?

I almost booked a tour thru an agency here in Toronto for 9 days/7 nights...covering Delhi, Sariska, Jaipur, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra and back to Delhi for $749 CDN per person, 4* category, an add on for 3 days/2 nights to Kerala for $199 CDN per person and flights from Delhi to Cochin (return) for $320 CDN per person.

I looked up the hotels they have in thier brochure and all except one were actually rated 1-2* as opposed to the 4* the brochure gave it.

I'd like to do Kerala relatively comfortably. To me, it makes no sense to spend $2000 to travel to India in high season and then fight over pennies when it comes to accomodation. I personally think a budget of $2500 CDN to cover food and drink and internal transportation is fair.

Any recommendations?

Nick-H · Jan 20th, 2006, 23:02

Budget permitting let an agent do the worrying!

manam · Jan 20th, 2006, 23:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Budget permitting let an agent do the worrying!

I normally wouldn't have a problem doing that but I learnt my lesson a couple of years ago when I was planning an African safari. Had I gone thru an agency, it would have cost me over $7000CDN per person. I planned the whole thing myself and we did 2 parks, accomodation, transportation (flights, ferries, taxis and international flights), food, drinks, tips etc all for just under $3500 CDN per person!!!

Since then, I have tried to stay away from travel agents hence my registering on a site like this. I prefer to do it myself...this way, you're not bound by anyone's rules or schedules!

Still waiting for more responses...don't let me down

gianni66 · Jan 20th, 2006, 23:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

You could have a relaxed trip flying into Trivandrum and out of Cochin (or vice versa), spending time at Trivadndrum/Kovalam, Allepey, Kumerakom, Peryar, Munnar, Cochin (the Keralites will be along in a minute with more suggestions)

Nick, since I will be in south India in August as well, I am trying to understand if hills stations (in particular, Peryiar Wildlife Sanctuary) are feasible in that period, or should they be avoided? Apparently it seems that the parks are closed during the monsoons, have you experience in this?
Thanks: Hianni

lowis · Jan 20th, 2006, 23:46

I stayed at a place called Poovar Island a couple of years ago, it is about 20 minutes from the main resort of Kovolam.

Poovar is beautiful, and is situated where the Neyyar river joins the sea. There are 2 resorts there which although large-ish are elegantly designed. One is Poovar Island Resort and the other is called Isola De Coco. Both places were willing to barter when I got a room there

If you want something completely different then there is a place called Friday's Place which is tucked away in the Nayyar backwater, close enough to take advantage of the facilities at the two larger resorts mentioned above, but secluded enough to make you feel no-one else lives within miles! Link here http://www.kukimedia.com/fridaysplace/

You can only access all three resorts by boat - although I think Isola de Coco may have their own access road by now.

Poovar Village itself is colourful and busy and definitely not there for the tourists. It is an Indian village, not a tourist destination, like Kovolam. Great place to watch the Indian world go by.

Between Kovolam and Poovar is Chowara Beach, lovely big beach and not very busy at all. Cute Ayurverdic place there too. Link: http://www.somatheeram.com/index.htm

I loved Kerala, I am sure you will too. Have a great trip.

Oh and one final thing, if you go on an overnight rice boat get one with A/C - the place was full of mossies when I went (April) and the A/C keeps them at bay.

Nick-H · Jan 21st, 2006, 22:02

Another way to get away from the crush of Kovalam beach is nearby Thapovan. It has access to a secluded beach (although not in anyway closed to outside access), very nice accommodation, good food and an excellent ayurvedic centre. It's kind-of hard to rate, 'cos if it had AC and a pool it would probably be sprouting stars, but it doesn't ---which makes it pretty good value for money.

I don't know about the hills in August...

dhans · Jan 21st, 2006, 22:46

If you need help in Cochin contact jenny. She has a lovely guesthouse and runs a small travel company. Highly recommended.

Hans

Email: fourens@eth.net

Website: www.musiclink.co.uk/jenny

Indiamike: http://www.indiamike.com/reviews/sho.../cat/21/page/1

Tel 0484 2394989 or 0484 2436280
Mobile 94473 77788 or 94473 70707

haritha · Jan 22nd, 2006, 20:13

Rough guide

Lonely Planet

This forum

all will help you .

websites of tourism boards are also helpfull

Note

Beaches in July and early August not advisable on west coast

palmlandtours.net · Jan 22nd, 2006, 21:04

This is not an ideal time for beach. I would recommend sticking to one place than visiting South and North. I recommend

29 July: Arrive Trivandrum. Hotel Samudra, Kovalam beach
30 July: Hotel Samudra, Kovalam beach
31 July: Houseboat, Alleppey
01 Aug: Coconut Island, Trichur
02 Aug: Coconut Island, Trichur
03 Aug: Coconut Island, Trichur
04 Aug: Talayar Estate, Munnar
05 Aug: Talayar Estate, Munnar
06 Aug: Hotel Sangam, Madurai
07 Aug: Hotel Sangam, Madurai
08 Aug: The Wildernest, Periyar
09 Aug: The Wildernest, Periyar
10 Aug: Vanilla County, Home stay
11 Aug: Vanilla County, Home stay
12 Aug: Nehru trophy boat race. Old Courtyard, Fort Cochin
13 Aug: Old Courtyard, Fort Cochin
14 Aug: Depart from Cochin Airport.

These places and hotels would be in your budget.

manam · Jan 25th, 2006, 23:04

Ok, so I've been in touch with a few travel agents in Canada and US. The prices I've gotten range from $1600-1900USD pp based on triple occupancy.

I got an itinerary for 18days/17nights at a cost of $1960US. I am hoping to use the itinerary provided to me and see if I can price it on my own.

Does anyone know of any websites where I can get the price for one day tours in and around Kerala? What about train prices? And a taxi/guide contact?

Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

It's amazing how many different things I keep hearing about Kerala/India...where to go, what to do, when to go, what area to go...it's all so bloody frustrating. If I had money, I would just give the travel agent a blank cheque and have them take care of all the BS for me. Ah...to be rich

dhans · Jan 26th, 2006, 14:47

If the amount incudes airfare it might be reasonable (haven't got a clue what flights from canada cost). If not, then the price seems a bit high.

We spent 120 euros a day during our last visit to South India (2 adults 2 kids) everything included. We spent 35 euros a day on a car with driver. Hotels (mostly(two room) suites or two connecting rooms were between 20 and 90 euros (the last one was a suite in a 4 star hotel, half board . Food is always cheap.

Once again: for help contact jenny (fourens@eth.net)

Happy travels,

Hans

shantibhavan · Jan 26th, 2006, 17:23

just to confuse you.....don't avoid beaches....August is my favourite month in Kovalam...however, I am not a swimmer so that may make a difference...the sea can be rough, but the climate is usually great.

palmlandtours.net · Jan 26th, 2006, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by shantibhavan

just to confuse you.....don't avoid beaches....August is my favourite month in Kovalam...however, I am not a swimmer so that may make a difference...the sea can be rough, but the climate is usually great.

Until you leave Kerala (14 Aug) the beach in Kovalam would be of black sand. Sea would be rough and climate is not usually great.

Jan 20th, 2006, 21:52	#1
manam Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 7	Need help for Kerala - August 2006 I've been a lurker somewhat and have posted a few messages as well. I need your help because I really don't know where to start or look anymore! Myself, my sister and a friend of ours are hoping to visit Kerala this summer. Our dates so far, leaving Toronto July 28th and returning August 14th. We'd like to fly into Cochin/Chennai and really, that's all I have so far :-) We'd like to stay by some beaches, cottages and villas as opposed to huge resorts. I definitely want to do the houseboats for a night at least. Trying out the food is a big thing as well. We figure since we are in India, maybe we can visit some other places after kerala. I understand I don't have a lot of time (16 days is nearly not enough) but it's all I can take from work. Can someone suggest an itinerary that would include some other cities in India...Agra, Rajasthan, Goa, Mumbai, Delhi, Benares...I don't plan on visiting ALL the places mentioned but would like to include some on my trip as God knows when I will make it to India next. Our budget...all said and done with international airfare...not looking to spend more than $4500 CDN pp. Our hotels...not looking to spend more than $75US/$100CDN per night (divided by 3 people, it should be ok). What about the possibility of taking a train from Kerala to let's say Goa or Mumbai? Is there a scenic trail to some other parts? The last two years in a row, we've been going to East Africa...Tanzania (Zanzibar to be exact) and Kenya (North Coast of Mombasa). After having been at the beaches in Zanzibar (Nungwi, Jambiani) and staying at cottages right on the beach ranging from $25 per night to $60 per night...can I expect the same in Kerala or parts of India? Clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, clean accomodation on a $75 budget per night? Can it be done in Kerala/Goa? I look forward to your responses.

Jan 20th, 2006, 22:50	#2
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,701	With only 16 days I would suggest sticking to one or two states only. You could have a relaxed trip flying into Trivandrum and out of Cochin (or vice versa), spending time at Trivadndrum/Kovalam, Allepey, Kumerakom, Peryar, Munnar, Cochin (the Keralites will be along in a minute with more suggestions) You could include Kanyakumari and Madurai in Tamil Nadu without straying too far from Kerala. Chennai is rather further. Chennai to Cochin is 12 hours by train, to Trivandrum it is 16 hours. Domestic flights would, of course be a matter of just an hour or two. A possible date for you is the Nehru snake boat race, second week of August. Chennai will be dry and hot, Kerala will be wetter and cooler. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jan 20th, 2006, 23:46	#7
lowis Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: london Posts: 69	Kerala I stayed at a place called Poovar Island a couple of years ago, it is about 20 minutes from the main resort of Kovolam. Poovar is beautiful, and is situated where the Neyyar river joins the sea. There are 2 resorts there which although large-ish are elegantly designed. One is Poovar Island Resort and the other is called Isola De Coco. Both places were willing to barter when I got a room there If you want something completely different then there is a place called Friday's Place which is tucked away in the Nayyar backwater, close enough to take advantage of the facilities at the two larger resorts mentioned above, but secluded enough to make you feel no-one else lives within miles! Link here http://www.kukimedia.com/fridaysplace/ You can only access all three resorts by boat - although I think Isola de Coco may have their own access road by now. Poovar Village itself is colourful and busy and definitely not there for the tourists. It is an Indian village, not a tourist destination, like Kovolam. Great place to watch the Indian world go by. Between Kovolam and Poovar is Chowara Beach, lovely big beach and not very busy at all. Cute Ayurverdic place there too. Link: http://www.somatheeram.com/index.htm I loved Kerala, I am sure you will too. Have a great trip. Oh and one final thing, if you go on an overnight rice boat get one with A/C - the place was full of mossies when I went (April) and the A/C keeps them at bay.

Jan 21st, 2006, 22:46	#9
dhans Uru Buru member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,588	Contact Jenny If you need help in Cochin contact jenny. She has a lovely guesthouse and runs a small travel company. Highly recommended. Hans Email: fourens@eth.net Website: www.musiclink.co.uk/jenny Indiamike: http://www.indiamike.com/reviews/sho.../cat/21/page/1 Tel 0484 2394989 or 0484 2436280 Mobile 94473 77788 or 94473 70707 __________________ Tips for trips to India with (young) children: India with kids Stories about our travels in India: Journal

Jan 22nd, 2006, 20:13	#10
haritha Account Closed Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Kadalikad-Kerala-India Posts: 527	Hi do it your self Rough guide Lonely Planet This forum all will help you . websites of tourism boards are also helpfull Note Beaches in July and early August not advisable on west coast

Jan 20th, 2006, 23:02	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,701	Budget permitting let an agent do the worrying!

Jan 21st, 2006, 22:02	#8
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,701	Another way to get away from the crush of Kovalam beach is nearby Thapovan. It has access to a secluded beach (although not in anyway closed to outside access), very nice accommodation, good food and an excellent ayurvedic centre. It's kind-of hard to rate, 'cos if it had AC and a pool it would probably be sprouting stars, but it doesn't ---which makes it pretty good value for money. I don't know about the hills in August...

Jan 22nd, 2006, 21:04	#11
palmlandtours.net Account Closed - Travel Agent Join Date: May 2005 Location: Trichur, Kerala, India Posts: 130	This is not an ideal time for beach. I would recommend sticking to one place than visiting South and North. I recommend 29 July: Arrive Trivandrum. Hotel Samudra, Kovalam beach 30 July: Hotel Samudra, Kovalam beach 31 July: Houseboat, Alleppey 01 Aug: Coconut Island, Trichur 02 Aug: Coconut Island, Trichur 03 Aug: Coconut Island, Trichur 04 Aug: Talayar Estate, Munnar 05 Aug: Talayar Estate, Munnar 06 Aug: Hotel Sangam, Madurai 07 Aug: Hotel Sangam, Madurai 08 Aug: The Wildernest, Periyar 09 Aug: The Wildernest, Periyar 10 Aug: Vanilla County, Home stay 11 Aug: Vanilla County, Home stay 12 Aug: Nehru trophy boat race. Old Courtyard, Fort Cochin 13 Aug: Old Courtyard, Fort Cochin 14 Aug: Depart from Cochin Airport. These places and hotels would be in your budget.

Jan 25th, 2006, 23:04	#12
manam Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 7	Ok, so I've been in touch with a few travel agents in Canada and US. The prices I've gotten range from $1600-1900USD pp based on triple occupancy. I got an itinerary for 18days/17nights at a cost of $1960US. I am hoping to use the itinerary provided to me and see if I can price it on my own. Does anyone know of any websites where I can get the price for one day tours in and around Kerala? What about train prices? And a taxi/guide contact? Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated. It's amazing how many different things I keep hearing about Kerala/India...where to go, what to do, when to go, what area to go...it's all so bloody frustrating. If I had money, I would just give the travel agent a blank cheque and have them take care of all the BS for me. Ah...to be rich

Jan 26th, 2006, 14:47	#13
dhans Uru Buru member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,588	far too much If the amount incudes airfare it might be reasonable (haven't got a clue what flights from canada cost). If not, then the price seems a bit high. We spent 120 euros a day during our last visit to South India (2 adults 2 kids) everything included. We spent 35 euros a day on a car with driver. Hotels (mostly(two room) suites or two connecting rooms were between 20 and 90 euros (the last one was a suite in a 4 star hotel, half board . Food is always cheap. Once again: for help contact jenny (fourens@eth.net) Happy travels, Hans

Jan 26th, 2006, 17:23	#14
shantibhavan Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: kovalam Posts: 16	just to confuse you.....don't avoid beaches....August is my favourite month in Kovalam...however, I am not a swimmer so that may make a difference...the sea can be rough, but the climate is usually great. __________________ om shanti karen www.shantibhavanyoga.com

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