An amazing trip from start to finish , thanks to excellent planning by Iris holidays and our fantastic driver Mr Baburaj. Our trip took us from Kochi to Munnar -where we saw beautiful waterfalls , boating at The Periyar Tiger Reserve and a jeep safari to see the sunrise , the Hanging Bridge and more waterfalls . All this followed by a relaxing full body massage.
Thekkady - Cultural experiences , Kathakali dancing and Kalari martial arts ,Periyar tiger reserve and an "on road " jeep safari where we visited a Hindu Temple built in the middle of an enormous tree ! , and Elephant Junction where we had great fun washing our elephant . On to Alleppey where we loved our Houseboat - delicious food , time for a stroll round a Keralan village before dinner , very friendly locals , and a very comfortable bedroom and even a shower !
Next stop Kovalam, our beach stop , staying within sight of the Lighthouse . We were lucky and saw the fishermen bringing in their nets. Excellent meals at Leo's , lots of locals were eating here too . Also had a long drive to Kanyakumari and took the ferry to visit the Vivekanada Rock Memorial - this will be an shorter trip when the new road is finished ! Day 3 in Kovalam we went boating in Poovar backwaters where we saw many different birds , it was very relaxing.
On to Kumarakom where we enjoyed a delicious lunch served on a banana leaf and had an Ayurvedic massage which was wonderful . Next day took us to Cherai where we enjoyed another backwater boat trip and were fortunate enough to see sea eagles, and the fishermen pulling up the chinese fishing nets .It was an amazing sight . Our last day we enjoyed sightseeing in Kochi - The Folklore Museum which was wonderful, an Indian Laundry - they work soooo hard , and Jew Street before our last delicious Keralan meal in a local restaurant .
Along the way we saw many churches, temples, viewpoints and quirky things that Babu knew we would love - we even had a taxi ride in an Ambassador , and photos taken beside a very decorated Keralan truck with workers and a huge log in the back - the highlights for the men in our party ! Mr Baburaj is an exeptional driver and took the best care of us - he even took the trouble to buy a special drink and powders when my husband had an upset stomach .Definitely ask for him if you decide to book a trip with Iris Holidays , he will make your trip a truly memorable one !
