They say “Incredible India” and every day we see why.
We have seen and done so much since the last blog I really do not know where to start.
One thing to take on board is do not believe every thing you read on Booking.com.
A place we stayed called “camp 21” could be 21 reasons why not to stay or to recommend to friends. Waiting till after 10 pm for dinner and having to get our driver to go out to get some food could be the main reason, also having a Temple right next door which started harmonies (as they know it) at 6am could be another.
Internet is a great thing to use when traveling. Ended up in a little place called Nileshwar and a hotel called Malabar resort. Really good value with great pool and food. Only three rooms booked there and one of them was a lovely couple called Robert and Brenda. No not our friends from home. They were musicians playing Irish folk music mostly. Had a great night with Keith playing Ukulele, Brenda playing a penny whistle and singing along till late. Brilliant.
We then landed in “Orange County” in Coorg, , fantastic. Putting our heads down under a thatched roof in a little bungalow with our own Lilly pond and fresh water pool was very welcome. Set in 35 acres of jungle and coffee plantation. We took part in a early morning bird walk. We also donned workers jackets and set off to pick coffee. Looking like convicts and riding in a tractor was another interesting experience.
After a couple of nights our next stop was what we had been really looking forward to.
It is a government run Sanctuary for elephants called Dubare in Coorg. The stories of why they are there are mixed. On bull elephant was being naughty around people and a big fighter. He had been there only around 3 months and had five men looking after him. Another was a 65 years old female that was blind and she was so gentle. Been there for 20 years. There were little ones that had lost their mothers. So a mixed bunch of around 27 Elephants. All would prob not be alive if not for this special place. What fun we got to wash around 8 of them. It was a fabulous experience. We also took part in a 7am nature walk and a very bumpy and rough jeep safari seeing lots of animals in the wild. Def be back for this one.
On to the internet again and found another interesting stop down a rough lane, in Wayanad district, that our driver dealt with brilliantly. What little gem this place was. Set on the edge of paddy fields and in amongst small villages we were shown to our accommodation which overlooked the river and next to a magic swimming pool. Nice people as well even though took us a while to get the message across we wanted cold milk on our very English cornflakes. I know but sometimes you need a change from curry for breakfast!!!
Next days off we set and found us on our way again to a large hotel in Kalicut. Next to the river and a busy highway. Our driver took us out for the evening to experience the main market area. No food just all dresses, toys and shoes. Oh and brass vases etc and many people. Then to a restaurant for a good Indian food. Off course it’s hot hot. 😀
One night there and then a long busy trip southwards to Kumarakom and island with a hotel called
“Coconut Lagoon”. Sajith stopped on route for lunch at an all vegetarian and very Kerala restaurant. Banana leaf as a plate and no cutlery. Eating with fingers on the right hand is the way locals eat so we got stuck in. Now don’t tell the kids as we always telling them to use cutlery and not hands!!! After a good wash!!! We continue on. Nice meal by the way 😀.
The driver dropped us off at a waiting boat and jumped up and down with joy at say goodbye to the old dears for three days. Ha ha very funny Sajith 😉😎👍🌴. C u on Friday!!!!
Boating on the back waters of Kerala is a very beautiful experience. Many years ago all the rice and goods from the villages were transported by “Rice Barges” and now theses boats have been converted into “Kerala House Boats”. There are many different shape and sizes and create a magical atmosphere, surrounded by palms and water, cruising around the waterways. The bird life here is outstanding and a camera is a must. Water Hyacinth and Lilies cover the water with colours. The Hyacinth is a big problem in the backwaters as it grows and grows as you can see from pictures stopping boating, fishing etc.
Last year this area was hit by the worst Monsoon in 30 years flooding villages, hotels and roads. Many people lost their lives, homes and income. The tourist trade was hit as people cancelled holidays. How it has recovered is due to the hard work, kindness and team work and it’s hard to believe what they are describing. We are so glad we have helped in our little way by visiting this outstanding India state. It’s called “Gods own country”.
Arriving at Coconut Lagoon to a Kerala whistle blowing, the usual blessing dot on the forehead and a shell necklace we were show to a little bungalow surrounded by water. In heaven again for three nights of tranquility. Our friend George had abandoned us on a island and the only way out by boat. Bye bye all. 🌴🍍😎☀️🛥
We have seen and done so much since the last blog I really do not know where to start.
One thing to take on board is do not believe every thing you read on Booking.com.
A place we stayed called “camp 21” could be 21 reasons why not to stay or to recommend to friends. Waiting till after 10 pm for dinner and having to get our driver to go out to get some food could be the main reason, also having a Temple right next door which started harmonies (as they know it) at 6am could be another.
Internet is a great thing to use when traveling. Ended up in a little place called Nileshwar and a hotel called Malabar resort. Really good value with great pool and food. Only three rooms booked there and one of them was a lovely couple called Robert and Brenda. No not our friends from home. They were musicians playing Irish folk music mostly. Had a great night with Keith playing Ukulele, Brenda playing a penny whistle and singing along till late. Brilliant.
We then landed in “Orange County” in Coorg, , fantastic. Putting our heads down under a thatched roof in a little bungalow with our own Lilly pond and fresh water pool was very welcome. Set in 35 acres of jungle and coffee plantation. We took part in a early morning bird walk. We also donned workers jackets and set off to pick coffee. Looking like convicts and riding in a tractor was another interesting experience.
After a couple of nights our next stop was what we had been really looking forward to.
It is a government run Sanctuary for elephants called Dubare in Coorg. The stories of why they are there are mixed. On bull elephant was being naughty around people and a big fighter. He had been there only around 3 months and had five men looking after him. Another was a 65 years old female that was blind and she was so gentle. Been there for 20 years. There were little ones that had lost their mothers. So a mixed bunch of around 27 Elephants. All would prob not be alive if not for this special place. What fun we got to wash around 8 of them. It was a fabulous experience. We also took part in a 7am nature walk and a very bumpy and rough jeep safari seeing lots of animals in the wild. Def be back for this one.
On to the internet again and found another interesting stop down a rough lane, in Wayanad district, that our driver dealt with brilliantly. What little gem this place was. Set on the edge of paddy fields and in amongst small villages we were shown to our accommodation which overlooked the river and next to a magic swimming pool. Nice people as well even though took us a while to get the message across we wanted cold milk on our very English cornflakes. I know but sometimes you need a change from curry for breakfast!!!
Next days off we set and found us on our way again to a large hotel in Kalicut. Next to the river and a busy highway. Our driver took us out for the evening to experience the main market area. No food just all dresses, toys and shoes. Oh and brass vases etc and many people. Then to a restaurant for a good Indian food. Off course it’s hot hot. 😀
One night there and then a long busy trip southwards to Kumarakom and island with a hotel called
“Coconut Lagoon”. Sajith stopped on route for lunch at an all vegetarian and very Kerala restaurant. Banana leaf as a plate and no cutlery. Eating with fingers on the right hand is the way locals eat so we got stuck in. Now don’t tell the kids as we always telling them to use cutlery and not hands!!! After a good wash!!! We continue on. Nice meal by the way 😀.
The driver dropped us off at a waiting boat and jumped up and down with joy at say goodbye to the old dears for three days. Ha ha very funny Sajith 😉😎👍🌴. C u on Friday!!!!
Boating on the back waters of Kerala is a very beautiful experience. Many years ago all the rice and goods from the villages were transported by “Rice Barges” and now theses boats have been converted into “Kerala House Boats”. There are many different shape and sizes and create a magical atmosphere, surrounded by palms and water, cruising around the waterways. The bird life here is outstanding and a camera is a must. Water Hyacinth and Lilies cover the water with colours. The Hyacinth is a big problem in the backwaters as it grows and grows as you can see from pictures stopping boating, fishing etc.
Last year this area was hit by the worst Monsoon in 30 years flooding villages, hotels and roads. Many people lost their lives, homes and income. The tourist trade was hit as people cancelled holidays. How it has recovered is due to the hard work, kindness and team work and it’s hard to believe what they are describing. We are so glad we have helped in our little way by visiting this outstanding India state. It’s called “Gods own country”.
Arriving at Coconut Lagoon to a Kerala whistle blowing, the usual blessing dot on the forehead and a shell necklace we were show to a little bungalow surrounded by water. In heaven again for three nights of tranquility. Our friend George had abandoned us on a island and the only way out by boat. Bye bye all. 🌴🍍😎☀️🛥
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