Where do I start, I landed in (Kochi) Cochin, and Fort Cochin is a pleasure to walk around. The Chinese fishing nets, smiling coconut men at their stalls, and the backdrop of water and greenery – Kerala is definitely a unique part of India.
Stay at the charming heritage hotels of Brunton Boatyard – as the name suggests it used to be a boatyard and they have preserved a lot of their Portuguese and British influence or try Malabar House, and if you’re after something a little more personal the Old Lighthouse Bristow Hotel is the perfect option.
The other property that really comes to mind is the Spice Village, run by the CGH group you can’t really go wrong. Make sure you take a walk around the property with their naturalist and eat at their 50 mile restaurant – All the ingredients are from within a 50 mile radius.
By Far my best ever experience was the Houseboats. Once I boarded it was like time stood still….and I was instantly relaxed. Cruising around the lake and being waited on for evening tea took all my troubles away. The beast meal I ever ate in Kerala was on this houseboat. Cooked in the traditional fashion, it was simple food, healthy food and food I was literally liking off my fingers. If you have a choice, choose the traditional houseboats. The experience of sitting outside is much better than sitting behind a window. You cruise till sunset and then docked by the edge of the lake sleep comfortably in an air-conditioned cabin.Of course being in Kerala one has to have an Ayurveda treatment, this is after all the capital of Ayurveda. Though after the houseboat you might not need it. Ayurveda is a gentler form of massage so remember to let them know if you would like a bit more pressure. Relaxed, rejuvenated and I was ready to go again….
Kerala truly is Gods Own Country.
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