<![CDATA[ - India (1)]]>Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:37:59 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[India]]>Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:13:43 -0800http://www.kennykhaw.com/1/post/2009/10/india.html
         Water taxi - the main mode of transport


 Kerala backwater - what an experience!

Our trip along the Kerala backwater (March, 08) onboard the houseboat, traditionally called kettuvallam, is the most enchanting experience we had in India.  I had read so much about this backwater and had watched numerous documentary shows and it's a great feeling to be on the houseboat moving slowly past water lilies, padi fields, villages & coconut groves.

Three nights & four days of luxury living - served day and night and having our own aircon room with bathroom attached - really this is a luxurious lifestyle!   The wonderful sights surrounding us and with the slow "rocking" movement of the boat, no one wanted to take a rest in the room.  The first evening when we stopped for the night by the bank, we bought live chickens for the crew to cook extra meal for us - but have to chased after the chickens.  We were served breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. 
 In the morning I woke up early to catch a glimpse of dawn of the backwater.  It was a wonderful feeling - so serene.  The surrounding scenery is fanstastic.
                  Wonderful sunset
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 The end of our "luxurious water life-style" - SIGH!!! -  Well everything has to come to an end and we were sad to leave the houseboat and the wonderful crew.
Also see India (northern side)

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]]><![CDATA[India]]>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:45:26 -0800http://www.kennykhaw.com/1/post/2008/06/-everybody-loves-to-travel.html

 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

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