We went to Cochin, India early this year (March '08)  Cochin is the gateway to Kerala  backwater which is an inland waterway.  From Kerala we continue our journey to Munnar which is a hill station.  After spending a week up in the highlands, we went to Thekkady before heading home from Cochin.The trip along the backwater is very relaxing.  We sailed  slowly in a houseboat.The view  along the waterway is fantastic.  There are small villages scattered along the banks and the people travel across the waterway by small wooden boat or water taxi.  Munnar is very green as there are tea plants almost everywhere.  Here is cool and wet.  We stayed in Club Mahindra which is about 6,000 ft. above sea level and most morning & evening the place is covered with mist. 

In Thekkady, we went for the boat ride in the huge lake in the forest reserve and also elephant ride in the spice garden.

 This is the town of Cochin, the old town where the hotel is situated.  

we passed by this place but did not go in

 stalls selling handicrafts, etc.

 Chinese fishing net - many such nets can be seen along the river side.

The Jew street - many shops selling handicrafts & art pieces, paintings, etc.

Munnar

Click on photos to enlarge

Munnar's tea plantation

Munnar - a beautiful lake

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The town of Munnar

Thekkady

This is the place about elephant and spice plantations.  Another attraction is the Periyar Wild Life sanctuary where one can view large herds of wild elephant & other wild life from the boat on the lake - formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river.

  India North