I’ve been a little lazy with the blogging these past few days, hence the compacted nature of this entry, we’ve been too busy living the moment.
Day 9 started with a misty morning walk around Munnar’s hills amidst the calm and quiet. Every turn revealed more breathtaking views. Just a shame the bridge wasn’t finished overnight, as the track seems to have got bumpier. 🤣 Our driver stopped so we could walk over the old bridge while he drove around. The stroll was nice even if it did start to rain.
We headed for a centre for the differently abled called Shristi, they provide employment and training for those with intellectual challenges. Sadly no photos as they don’t allow them inside the buildings, I do look forward though to wearing my new shirt, woven and crafted at the centre. They also make hand crafted paper products, we grabbed some beautiful lanterns, as well as running a bakery and jam factory. The local tea workers houses show a long tradition of family life in the area.
After that we visited Mattupetty Dam. The calm waters and cool breeze made it the perfect place to slow down, well they sshould but the traffic jam on the bridge was complete chaos. The dam wall is just wide enough for two tuk tuks to pass, not two tour coaches as we witnessed. Let’s just say neither wanted to back up, nor did the queue of vehicles behind the. While boat rides were available, we chose to watch the chaos and then sample the most amazing fresh corn, served with butter, line & chilli… drool!
Next up was a village wander through the market at Munnar, they sell everything you need in a rambling warren of stalls and laneways. If you can’t buy it here it probable doesn’t exist. We stopped at a tiny cafe for local snacks and the freshest cup of tea you could imagine. Helen and I decided we needed a walk when we returned to our hotel do set out along the road, unfortunately the weather had other ideas as the rain started. We turned back and the rain stopped, Mother Nature is such a comedian. We did find though abandoned examples of man everywhere from half finished hotels to motorbikes that maybe worked when they were parked.
Evening was low-key – dinner and drinks at the rooftop restaurant combined with lots of laughs from our adventures so far.
Day 10…This morning we left the hills and made our way to the backwaters of Kerala – an experience we’d been dreaming about since planning this trip. India again turned on the Repair, Renovate or Reconstruct model for us, it seems everywhere there is construction of some sort happening. The half way point was also the perfect time for a tea break.
Alleppey’s lush canals and towering coconut palms were picture-perfect as we boarded our houseboat. Our floating cottage came complete with comfy bedrooms, delicious Kerala-style meals, and a sun-drenched deck where we watched life glide by. Children waved from the banks, women washed clothes in the canals, and fishermen paddled quietly past. Helen said she’d never felt so relaxed – or so tempted to trade our home for a boat. I have to agree, I could get used to this. Thilip and I traded Titanic moments, but with no icebergs in sight. After we’d moored for the evening some of us went for a wander through the rice paddies. Dinner was amazing, so much to sample, master chef Thilip showed of his skills with a dish of the tastiest prawns I’ve had for a long time.
Day 11.. We spent a peaceful morning on the boat, again the world just drifted by. We watched children at school having swimming lessons, saw the snake boat crew hard at morning training, and even saw a motorbike version of Bunnings.
We left our tranquil backwater home and headed to Kochi – a port city layered with history via a stop at the beach, we also found the localfishing spit, sshh, don’t tell anyone…
Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, British… they have all left their mark on Kochi and we saw it everywhere on our orientation walk. The architecture is a real blend of the cultures that have at one time or another occupied and controlled on this city.
Later, we watched a traditional Kathakali dance performance. The makeup, the costumes, the intensity of facial expressions – it was hypnotic.
Day 12.. Our last full day in India with our Intrepid tour buddies, and we made the most of it! We visited the Dutch Palace, wandered through spice-scented alleys in Mattancherry, and stepped into the Paradesi Synagogue – a tiny but beautiful space that’s been lovingly preserved.
We then braved the local inter-island ferry where cars, bikes, buses and pedestrians jostle for space. As we crossed the channel we watched the Chinese fishing nets and other marine activities.
On our return to our hotel we said good bye to our amazing driver, whose patience and skill has navigated our travels from Chennai through to Kochi without incident.
For lunch we joined a local chef for a Keralan cooking demonstration at our hotel, we all rolled away from the table after another sensational meal. I for one needed an afternoon nap!
Tonight is our last gathering as a group before we set of on our next adventures. Helen and I headed to KL, while some companions head home others are again embarking on their next adventure.
Amazing 🤩