3 Reasons to visit Kerala

 

Lighthouse Beach, Kerala.

    1. THE SUNSHINE

Who can resist 30C every day? In monsoon (June/July) the temperature ‘drops’ to 29C. You may hear our local staff remarking that it’s ‘cool’. If you’re a westerner you won’t agree and we don’t expect you to! This tropical climate is such a welcome escape from the dark cold days of a western winter. Dining al fresco, sunbathing by the pool, walking the beach, punting down the waterways – it’s all waiting for you in Kerala.

     2. THE PEOPLE

Malayalees (the people of Kerala whose language is Malayalam) are well-known for their friendliness and gentleness. You can speak to our staff, all of whom are native to Kerala, and you are guaranteed a friendly response. But even a short walk outside our property will give you ample opportunity to befriend locals – many of whom will speak some English. And you won’t be disappointed. In fact you may end up with an invitation home which will give you an even deeper understanding of the local way of life. Don’t miss it!

   3. THE BACKWATERS

Our area of Kerala, the Alleppey area, is renown for its wide expanse of waterways, an exquisite mish-mash of lakes, rivers and canals. You won’t want to miss a cruise or a punt amidst this serene scenery, showcasing local life on the river banks. The women doing their laundry, the men gliding past in small boats. As the saying goes, all human life is there. And it’s there for you to witness at first hand.

Are You an Irritable Traveller?

 

I once heard a theory that the reason why people get irritated when travelling is that man was not created to sit still in a confined space. You know, roaming around the jungle and climbing up trees. And that kind of thing.

Is it true? Maybe yes, maybe no. But there must be a very basic fundamental why travel can bring out the worst in us. And whatever that may be the fact is that we have all been that irritable traveller on occasions.

Be honest. How many times have you spread out your bags on the seat next to you on the train or bus, praying that nobody will plonk themselves down beside you? We’ve all done it.

What about the coveted armrest in steerage on the plane? No, you’ve never slithered your elbow on to it first in the hope that you can rule supreme? Yes, you have.

IRRITATION STATS

Here are a few from a recent poll that show how we behave when we are in caged animal mode:

Ignore Your Neighbour

16% of us ignore our neighbour on a flight. Oh yes, definitely. What if it’s a mouthey person that doesn’t shut up for the whole flight?

Skip the Boarding Queue

Would you skip the queue to board earlier than you should? Quite a few do (I can’t remember the stat). But what’s the point? Your seat is allocated (mostly). But on the other hand you may be able to commandeer more overhead bin space if you’re the bustling early bird.

Recline Your Seat

55% really go ballistic when the guy in front suddenly reclines his seat right into your lap without asking. Asking? Who the hell is ever going to ask you that?

Surly Cabin Crew

Surely they’re allowed to have an off-day too, don’t you think?

The Feral Child

The most accomplished irritant. And statistically you’re likely to encounter them on any flight. I don’t blame the child. I blame the brainless mums that didn’t teach their little Jonnies behavioural boundaries, that have immuned themselves to the screeching and that don’t appear to give a toss about the inconvenience caused to you.

What do you think?

First posted May 2014, written by Bibi Baskin.

 

Snapshots of Kerala

Any hotelier will tell you that it’s a real joy for owners and staff alike when guests return for a second visit. It’s a great compliment to us about the service we try to provide for you. It’s also a great confidence vote for Kerala.

A group of return guests from London told us about their most memorable ‘snapshots’ of Kerala. We thought – and we hope – that this might help you make your decision about a Kerala holiday this year.

1. Raheem Residency.

We’re biased. Enough said!

2. The Backwaters.

‘Going on a houseboat on the backwaters around Alleppey is the most relaxing experience. The scenery is beautiful. The swaying palms and the gentle movement of the houseboat gliding through the waters takes you into another zone. And getting a glimpse of the normal life of villagers as you move past them gives you a real insight into local life. So for anybody who wants a bit more out of India than a touristy holiday here’s a real chance to go below the surface.’

3. Indian Food Kerala-style.

‘It’s so different to the Indian food we get at home. It just tastes so much fresher and the combination of flavours is much richer. We loved the seafood in particular and it comes in so many different guises – the creamy Korma, the spicier Curry and the Masala fish dish. We love the Masala Chai and Iced Coffee with cinnamon. And the Kingfisher beer goes down a treat too!’

4. Chinese Fishing Nets.

‘There’s something so exotic about these nets in Fort Cochin. And even though they perform the real job of catching fish you get a sense of India’s history and connection with China in years gone by. Exotic. Romantic. There’s a photo of them in every tourist’s mobile phone.’

5. Greenery.

‘Touching down at Cochin airport your first impression of Kerala is the swaying green palms beneath your window. Although we think they’re ruining the view when you leave the airport with the huge billboards along the roadside advertising this and that. They’re massive and they block out the lovely greenery. But for more greenery still there’s the tea plantations in Munnar – acres and acres of green fields and it’s such a kick to actually see our morning cuppa growing!’

R U an Irritable Traveller?

I once heard a theory that the reason why people get irritated when travelling is that man was not created to sit still in a confined space. You know, roaming around the jungle and climbing up trees. And that kind of thing.

Is it true? Maybe yes, maybe no. But there must be a very basic fundamental why travel can bring out the worst in us. And whatever that may be the fact is that we have all been that irritable traveller on occasions.

Be honest. How many times have you spread out your bags on the seat next to you on the train or bus, praying that nobody will plonk themselves down beside you? We’ve all done it.

What about the coveted armrest in steerage on the plane? No, you’ve never slithered your elbow on to it first in the hope that you can rule supreme? Yes, you have.

IRRITATION STATS

Here are a few from a recent poll that show how we behave when we are in caged animal mode:

Ignore Your Neighbour

16% of us ignore our neighbour on a flight. Oh yes, definitely. What if it’s a mouthey person that doesn’t shut up for the whole flight?

 Skip the Boarding Queue

Would you skip the queue to board earlier than you should? Quite a few do (I can’t remember the stat). But what’s the point? Your seat is allocated (mostly). But on the other hand you may be able to commandeer more overhead bin space if you’re the bustling early bird.

 Recline Your Seat

 55% really go ballistic when the guy in front suddenly reclines his seat right into your lap without asking. Asking? Who the hell is ever going to ask you that?

Surly cabin crew

Surely they’re allowed to have an off-day too, don’t you think?

The Feral Child

The most accomplished irritant. And statistically you’re likely to encounter them on any flight. I don’t blame the child. I blame the brainless mums that didn’t teach their little Jonnies behavioural boundaries, that have immuned themselves to the screeching and that don’t appear to give a toss about the inconvenience caused to you.

What do you think?