Help with India in February
Sep 16th, 2010, 06:38 PM
#42
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Hi LIpgirl.
Are these itineraries from two different tour planners? You have Cochin in one, but not the other. I'm nut understanding--are you asking for comments to cpmpare the itineraries?
Did you request COchin from both planners or just one?Why not request the same itin for each, so you can truly compare?
What are the price differences?
You have not summarized correctly, in at least part of your list. For ex,
see the first itinerary,, day two--you mean there is a tour of Old Delhi? then return to Imearial Hotel in New Delhi?
when things are nt described accurately, as presented by the trip planners, it is hard to comment on them. I'm thinking back to someone who did this , making her trip sound far more disorganized than it acutally was, because she described the itin was in a quite different like the way then travel planner had described it!
it wil probably cost you a lot to change your flight to lv out of Mumbai. Did you make this clear to the tour planner? If so, why does the trip have you departing from Mumbai instead of New Delhi?
The first one has you the first three nights in New Delhi at your hotel; the second has two nights. I think that is a good idea, esplly as the the first night, you are getting there "late evening" and, coming off a long journey, will probably want some R and R time.
Any particular reason you are choosing the Imperial? Please read the Tripadvisor Reviews, and one of the travel reports here (cant recall who) as it was pretty negative. There a wonderful hotelin New Delhi su ch as ITC Maurya where you will have no problems with dropped reservations...although having a good travel company behind you should prevent that. (It unfortunately did NOT prevent it in the case of the Fodor traveler i'm thinking of).
"Don't want to overcrowd our trip
Are these itineraries from two different tour planners? You have Cochin in one, but not the other. I'm nut understanding--are you asking for comments to cpmpare the itineraries?
Did you request COchin from both planners or just one?Why not request the same itin for each, so you can truly compare?
What are the price differences?
You have not summarized correctly, in at least part of your list. For ex,
see the first itinerary,, day two--you mean there is a tour of Old Delhi? then return to Imearial Hotel in New Delhi?
when things are nt described accurately, as presented by the trip planners, it is hard to comment on them. I'm thinking back to someone who did this , making her trip sound far more disorganized than it acutally was, because she described the itin was in a quite different like the way then travel planner had described it!
it wil probably cost you a lot to change your flight to lv out of Mumbai. Did you make this clear to the tour planner? If so, why does the trip have you departing from Mumbai instead of New Delhi?
The first one has you the first three nights in New Delhi at your hotel; the second has two nights. I think that is a good idea, esplly as the the first night, you are getting there "late evening" and, coming off a long journey, will probably want some R and R time.
Any particular reason you are choosing the Imperial? Please read the Tripadvisor Reviews, and one of the travel reports here (cant recall who) as it was pretty negative. There a wonderful hotelin New Delhi su ch as ITC Maurya where you will have no problems with dropped reservations...although having a good travel company behind you should prevent that. (It unfortunately did NOT prevent it in the case of the Fodor traveler i'm thinking of).
"Don't want to overcrowd our trip
Sep 16th, 2010, 06:55 PM
#43
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Oops--the above is what you wrote in your first post. So why now to Southern India? Dont make the mistake of doing exactly that--stuffing in an additional trip to the South (either Kerala or Tamil Nadu) unless you really, really must. It 's not that these arent wonderful, but it seems like the extra flight and travel time will add the "hectic" factor.
Which do YOU want to go to, if you do go to the South?Again, compare "apples to apples" and get a price aquote for the same trip, from each. If you want to fly into Cochin, and stay at Kumarokom after, find out how each travel planner would do it.
BTW, for Kumarokom, I would recommend Phillipkuttys Farm instead of Coconut Lagoon. ONe night is ok in Cochin, but just one night in Kumarokom? that totally defeats the purpose of the restful atmosphere in that area.
Here's something else you wrote:
"both of these itineraries seem really busy as I list them here!!
Also both leave out Udaipur"
Nor do I see see the "little villages" you spoke of wanting to see, in the midst of al the travel.
The trip planners didn't come up with these itineraries out of the blue. YOU have to communicate well and say what you want. So you must have asked for ideas to visit the South.
You can go just to the South (see villages, wild life, temples, tea plantations,misty mountains) Or just to the North (Golden Triangle including Taj; tigers;etc)
but please...in two weeks, just stick to one of the other. At least, that is my recommendation.
From your first post, i got the idea you want to give this wonderful trip to your daughter i.e. "at her age may be a while before she can return to India." Your daughter is young and if she loves it, she will be back . If she doesn't see it all now...and there's no way she can--she'll be back!!
Which do YOU want to go to, if you do go to the South?Again, compare "apples to apples" and get a price aquote for the same trip, from each. If you want to fly into Cochin, and stay at Kumarokom after, find out how each travel planner would do it.
BTW, for Kumarokom, I would recommend Phillipkuttys Farm instead of Coconut Lagoon. ONe night is ok in Cochin, but just one night in Kumarokom? that totally defeats the purpose of the restful atmosphere in that area.
Here's something else you wrote:
"both of these itineraries seem really busy as I list them here!!
Also both leave out Udaipur"
Nor do I see see the "little villages" you spoke of wanting to see, in the midst of al the travel.
The trip planners didn't come up with these itineraries out of the blue. YOU have to communicate well and say what you want. So you must have asked for ideas to visit the South.
You can go just to the South (see villages, wild life, temples, tea plantations,misty mountains) Or just to the North (Golden Triangle including Taj; tigers;etc)
but please...in two weeks, just stick to one of the other. At least, that is my recommendation.
From your first post, i got the idea you want to give this wonderful trip to your daughter i.e. "at her age may be a while before she can return to India." Your daughter is young and if she loves it, she will be back . If she doesn't see it all now...and there's no way she can--she'll be back!!
Sep 16th, 2010, 07:01 PM
#44
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Sorry, i meant it is better to have the three nights in New Delhi--the fiest night won't even "count" as you'll be recovering from the long jouney.
And talk about me begin disorganized...that wierd sentence in the first reply should read:
"I'm thinking back to someone who did this , making her trip sound far more disorganized than it acutally was, because she summarized and described the itin in a quite different way than travel planner had described it"
REally, try to NOT feel compelled to see soooo much, that you will be exhausted. Traveling from place o place in India is NOT like traveling from place to place in most of the Western world. That for me is part of the fun and adventure and experience of India, but you have to also "respect" that with an awareness of not trying to force in too many places.
And talk about me begin disorganized...that wierd sentence in the first reply should read:
"I'm thinking back to someone who did this , making her trip sound far more disorganized than it acutally was, because she summarized and described the itin in a quite different way than travel planner had described it"
REally, try to NOT feel compelled to see soooo much, that you will be exhausted. Traveling from place o place in India is NOT like traveling from place to place in most of the Western world. That for me is part of the fun and adventure and experience of India, but you have to also "respect" that with an awareness of not trying to force in too many places.
Sep 17th, 2010, 04:04 AM
#45
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First is from Faith at Indian Panorama, second is from Mr. Singh. Both were told the same things we wanted to do and the time frame we have. I said that if the beach OR an ashram were convenient that we would like to do that, as well.
We are at the point to fine tune this and that is why I put it out here - to get suggestions.
My question is where is it worth spending more time and what is not worth stopping at.
I have told both of them that I do not want to be in the car all day - we added a day at Varanasi because I didn't feel that getting there in the evening and leaving the next morning was enough time. Both my daughter and I love to wander through markets and shop and it doesn't seem like we will have time anywhere for this.
I gave the basics of each itinerary and it seems pretty clear to me.
thanks for the comments
We are at the point to fine tune this and that is why I put it out here - to get suggestions.
My question is where is it worth spending more time and what is not worth stopping at.
I have told both of them that I do not want to be in the car all day - we added a day at Varanasi because I didn't feel that getting there in the evening and leaving the next morning was enough time. Both my daughter and I love to wander through markets and shop and it doesn't seem like we will have time anywhere for this.
I gave the basics of each itinerary and it seems pretty clear to me.
thanks for the comments
Sep 17th, 2010, 06:47 PM
#48
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There are stories (including one here on Fodors) of Imperial not honoring reservations. Yes, it gets mostly great reviews, but i've heard enough about the above situation to give me pause . At any rate, their tariffs are waaayyyyy above what i think is necessary to pay. I LOVED the Maurya, but hsd Starwood points. Would i pay $400 plus a night for it or any other hotel? Personally, no way. (Obviously, that is a matter of personal priorities and budget.)
One part that struck me as unclear was this:
Feb. 9 - Old Delhi Imperial Hotel
Feb. 10 - New Delhi Imperial Hotel
Someone not familiar with this would wonder if they are two separate hotels.
"Both my daughter and I love to wander through markets and shop and it doesn't seem like we will have time anywhere for this. "
You are correct. You MUST cut out some of this, or you will come back excited by what you've seen, but regretting that you didnt have more time to savor it.
So....again, just IMHO....North (Golden Triangle/tigers/ Rajasthan villages) ...
OR South (parts of Kerala, TM--coast and hill stations--Kabini/Mudumalai for animals)
I still don't get how one person came up with Cochin, and the other with the TM coast. YO could do both, but only if you stick to the South.
read Cicerone's comments above, paragraph #1.
Also--what is the PRICE difference? That is of course something to consider...all else being equal.
Do you have a great need to see beaches? Have you been to other places with beaches--eg Hawaii, Caribbean? Why add Goa (or substitute it) for an already overpacked mix?
YOu WILL have a wonderful trip...but be sure to include some "down" time--wandering, shopping, just putting your feet up (after all the walking!)in the hotel and watching Indian TV sometimes. My daughter and I are markets/shopping people too.
One part that struck me as unclear was this:
Feb. 9 - Old Delhi Imperial Hotel
Feb. 10 - New Delhi Imperial Hotel
Someone not familiar with this would wonder if they are two separate hotels.
"Both my daughter and I love to wander through markets and shop and it doesn't seem like we will have time anywhere for this. "
You are correct. You MUST cut out some of this, or you will come back excited by what you've seen, but regretting that you didnt have more time to savor it.
So....again, just IMHO....North (Golden Triangle/tigers/ Rajasthan villages) ...
OR South (parts of Kerala, TM--coast and hill stations--Kabini/Mudumalai for animals)
I still don't get how one person came up with Cochin, and the other with the TM coast. YO could do both, but only if you stick to the South.
read Cicerone's comments above, paragraph #1.
Also--what is the PRICE difference? That is of course something to consider...all else being equal.
Do you have a great need to see beaches? Have you been to other places with beaches--eg Hawaii, Caribbean? Why add Goa (or substitute it) for an already overpacked mix?
YOu WILL have a wonderful trip...but be sure to include some "down" time--wandering, shopping, just putting your feet up (after all the walking!)in the hotel and watching Indian TV sometimes. My daughter and I are markets/shopping people too.
Sep 18th, 2010, 04:57 AM
#49
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I have added a night in Kumarokom but when I read the reviews about PhlipKuttys Farm it says it gets very boring there. Is that true? One itinerary has us at Kumarokom Lake resort - not sure what Coconut Bay is but I will read up. I really appreciate you comments. I did indeed give the same information to both - I have been back and forth many times and finally getting to the place where we are comparing apples to apples, as you suggested!
Without the knowledge of others It is hard to discern what is really valuable to see. I have read many books, spent hours online but unless someone has been there and has had the experience it is hard to know what is really important. That is why I ask about PhillipKuttys Farm. The new itinerary includes one night on a houseboat which I find interesting.
I am going to redo both itineraries and list them, hopefully making them clearer. Mr. Singh has us only one day in Delhi which I think is not enough. Suggestions again, please.
Without the knowledge of others It is hard to discern what is really valuable to see. I have read many books, spent hours online but unless someone has been there and has had the experience it is hard to know what is really important. That is why I ask about PhillipKuttys Farm. The new itinerary includes one night on a houseboat which I find interesting.
I am going to redo both itineraries and list them, hopefully making them clearer. Mr. Singh has us only one day in Delhi which I think is not enough. Suggestions again, please.
Sep 18th, 2010, 11:51 AM
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You're right: one day is not enough in Delhi. Heck, you will just barely be recovered from jet lag!
If there's anything i can guarantee of your whole trip, it is that you would LOVE Philipkuttys. Please, trust me: it is NOT "boring"--and i am GLAD you asked, If that is in a tripadvisor or other review- rare among the glowing ones--it must be someone who needs constant activity and cant stand to be alone with their own thoughts for a minute-- seriously.And what is more important to me (and you) is that WE loved it!
Neither I nor my daughter experienced "boredom" for even a minute. Sure, after your day's activites, this is a place to sit on your cottage verandah and relax for a bit, watch the world go by, wave to local folks on their boats, on their daily journeys, or check out the other houseboats Isnt this the kind of experience you wanted. The meal times were delightful, all gathered and chatting round a big table under an open-air gazebo dining room with fantastic home cooking, ingredients from the farm. Anu and her staff (who have been here for many yrs) treat you like family. In the main builiding (which is wheer the kitchen is, the computer, the TV--if you need it--you'll meet her family the two beautiful kids, her mother in law, who we al lcall "Mummy" and who is a fantastic cook! But this family interaction is by no means forced. The atmosphere of the place and the loving famiy is one of our very best memories. Philp Kutty died unexpectedly, leaving Anu to carry on the beautiful farm and home he created, and the entire place is a tribute to his foresight at carving out this place on an island.
We were there three nights and could have stayed longer. Anu is a marvel. My daughter celebrated her 22nd birthday there and wouldnt have traded it for the biggest, baddest party anywhere. Anu can ararnge all sorts of fun things to do. One afternoon we went to Kumarakom to shop (Fabindia) (it's a baeutiful drive from the farm) one day we went on a boat ride for a few hours from the dock at the farm., where you pass the villages, seeing people living their lives. Also Anu will tell you how to get to a local village from her place--you take a boat across from the farm, then a bicycle tuk tuk. (It is NOT the village right across, where the locals tend to stare--it is the village across the bridge, one further up--if you decide on PK I will send you more info)
You can visit one of the other lakeside hotels (Taj, etc) and Anu, who knows everyone in the tourist business in the area, will arrange for you to use their pool, etc. We spent some time at Coconut Lagoon, enjoying its very different , more manicured ambiance...but SOOO glad we were staying at PK's instead.
Again i cannot emphasize it enough...if you visit the South and there is any way to fit this place in, please go , for two days (I'd say more, but i know your time is limited)
Have you seen the website ? the photos do not do it justice. We stayed in the last cottage over--the one farthest from the main house.YOu can request that.
You know i like to be economical. PK is far fro the cheapest accommodation you'd get, but when you consider the amount of delicious cooked-from-the - farm Kerala style food (4 meals/day including afternoon tea) the beautiful place, the nightly sunset boat ride on the lake, and the exquisite cottages--it is money well spent.
If there's anything i can guarantee of your whole trip, it is that you would LOVE Philipkuttys. Please, trust me: it is NOT "boring"--and i am GLAD you asked, If that is in a tripadvisor or other review- rare among the glowing ones--it must be someone who needs constant activity and cant stand to be alone with their own thoughts for a minute-- seriously.And what is more important to me (and you) is that WE loved it!
Neither I nor my daughter experienced "boredom" for even a minute. Sure, after your day's activites, this is a place to sit on your cottage verandah and relax for a bit, watch the world go by, wave to local folks on their boats, on their daily journeys, or check out the other houseboats Isnt this the kind of experience you wanted. The meal times were delightful, all gathered and chatting round a big table under an open-air gazebo dining room with fantastic home cooking, ingredients from the farm. Anu and her staff (who have been here for many yrs) treat you like family. In the main builiding (which is wheer the kitchen is, the computer, the TV--if you need it--you'll meet her family the two beautiful kids, her mother in law, who we al lcall "Mummy" and who is a fantastic cook! But this family interaction is by no means forced. The atmosphere of the place and the loving famiy is one of our very best memories. Philp Kutty died unexpectedly, leaving Anu to carry on the beautiful farm and home he created, and the entire place is a tribute to his foresight at carving out this place on an island.
We were there three nights and could have stayed longer. Anu is a marvel. My daughter celebrated her 22nd birthday there and wouldnt have traded it for the biggest, baddest party anywhere. Anu can ararnge all sorts of fun things to do. One afternoon we went to Kumarakom to shop (Fabindia) (it's a baeutiful drive from the farm) one day we went on a boat ride for a few hours from the dock at the farm., where you pass the villages, seeing people living their lives. Also Anu will tell you how to get to a local village from her place--you take a boat across from the farm, then a bicycle tuk tuk. (It is NOT the village right across, where the locals tend to stare--it is the village across the bridge, one further up--if you decide on PK I will send you more info)
You can visit one of the other lakeside hotels (Taj, etc) and Anu, who knows everyone in the tourist business in the area, will arrange for you to use their pool, etc. We spent some time at Coconut Lagoon, enjoying its very different , more manicured ambiance...but SOOO glad we were staying at PK's instead.
Again i cannot emphasize it enough...if you visit the South and there is any way to fit this place in, please go , for two days (I'd say more, but i know your time is limited)
Have you seen the website ? the photos do not do it justice. We stayed in the last cottage over--the one farthest from the main house.YOu can request that.
You know i like to be economical. PK is far fro the cheapest accommodation you'd get, but when you consider the amount of delicious cooked-from-the - farm Kerala style food (4 meals/day including afternoon tea) the beautiful place, the nightly sunset boat ride on the lake, and the exquisite cottages--it is money well spent.
Sep 18th, 2010, 04:34 PM
#51
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The way it shapes up now we arrive in Cochin stay one night at Hotel Old Harbour. The next day we go to Kumarakon and stay at two nights at Kumarakom Lake Resort in a pool villa.
Then we spend a day on a houseboat which takes us to Allepey where we stay at Hotel Marari Beach Resort for two nights. The next day we fly to Delhi, stay overnight and leave the next day.
I contacted Mr. Singh to let him know I wanted another day in Delhi. In his previous e-mail he said one day is enough but I disagree, as well. So, I contacted him again!!!
Suggestions on where to change and put in Philip Kutty's?? And it was on TripAdvisor that someone said there was nothing to do there and they were very bored!
Thanks again for all of your help!!
Then we spend a day on a houseboat which takes us to Allepey where we stay at Hotel Marari Beach Resort for two nights. The next day we fly to Delhi, stay overnight and leave the next day.
I contacted Mr. Singh to let him know I wanted another day in Delhi. In his previous e-mail he said one day is enough but I disagree, as well. So, I contacted him again!!!
Suggestions on where to change and put in Philip Kutty's?? And it was on TripAdvisor that someone said there was nothing to do there and they were very bored!
Thanks again for all of your help!!
Sep 18th, 2010, 06:16 PM
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"when I read the reviews about PhlipKuttys Farm it says it gets very boring there. "
Lipgirl, i dont get why out of 98% great reviews, out of many, many people who have taken the time to give their appraisal, you focus on one person who says she was "bored". Please, please, pleae...if you are going to go by Tripadvisor or other reviews, read them ALL.
Lipgirl, i dont get why out of 98% great reviews, out of many, many people who have taken the time to give their appraisal, you focus on one person who says she was "bored". Please, please, pleae...if you are going to go by Tripadvisor or other reviews, read them ALL.
Sep 19th, 2010, 06:08 AM
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I had already asked Mr. Singh to try to work it in my itinerary! I just mentioned the fact!
Have not heard back from him yet. Mentioned above what he had included and looking for comments on that.
Have not heard back from him yet. Mentioned above what he had included and looking for comments on that.
Sep 19th, 2010, 12:40 PM
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Lipgirl, maybe i am missing something, and if so, truly apologize in advance. I really "feel" your desire for a wonderful trip with your 21 yr old daughter..probably because i spent much time and energy planning the perfect first trip with my then-21 yr old daughter!
Said previously, I'll say it again: compare "apples to apples" Ask all the planners (i think you narrowed it to two) for prices on the SAME itinerary, hotels, route, etc.
For the same itinerary, what are the price differences between the two agencies? Did you ask BOTH instead give you an itinerary which will include Cochin rather than Chennai, for example? I know from personal experience that the drivers employed by Indianpanorama are fantastic, safe, personable,fun, protective, and communicate well in English, the driver--as you have not doubt gathered from other threads here and elsewhere--makes a big difference. Many travelers (including those on Fodors) rate their India trip very much by the driver...you will see why after traveling.
Glad you requested an Innova-- a very good move!!!
I the first listed itinerary you are staying at the Oberoi AmarVilas in Agra --which, as Lcuy said, is the place for a "splurge." But it looks like you have decided on several "splurges" so if it is in your budget--go for it!!!!
So now you need to ask Faith about a trip to Cochin, instead of Chennai, with stay at Old Harbour. It is fairly expensive, but a good location in Cochin (much better than Brunton Boatyard, for ex) near the waterfront. The owner Edgar Pinto ran a budget place for yrs, and put his heart into restoring the building that now houses Old Harbour .He will promptly answer any queries, no matter how minor. ( Be sure to ask the nearby harbor fisherman for a try at pulling up the fishing nets!) Your driver can take you over to Jewtown (yes, that is the real name!) for shopping--great fun. Also, right around the corner from Old Harbour is a wonderful restaurant, Dal Roti--very budget prices for amazing food . (Incidentally, we stayed at very highly rated by tripadvisor homestay just outside Cochin--chosen by us, not a travel planner--where we wondered later about the uniformly great reviews--wish i had stayed elsewhere- this is one of my experienc es that taught me to be skeptical of 100% perfect reviews)
On the other side of Old Harbour Hotl, is a rather pathetic branch of Fabindia, very small selection and when we went in, very indiffernt staff.--dont waste your time at that one (unless it seems to have improved). Go instead t the Fabindia in Kottayam, which you can easily get to via a lovely drive from either PKs or whichever Kumarokom area hotel you chose (Sorry--in earlier post I wrote Kumarokom, to shop--i meant Kottayam, the nearest big town in the Kumarokom region of Kerala). There's aninterstikng coffee house/art gallery in Cochin too. Cant recall name, will send it to you.
You can, instead of an overnight houseboat, take a houseboat (one of the big fancy ones if you want) for a day trip. They cook for you on the boat, and you'll love it..it is a peaceful day. But the houseboat cannot go into the narrower smaller canals (For photos of this, see the IP's website photo gallery or "newsletter" and you'll see what narrow canals/ small waterways:
http://www.indianpanorama.in/gallery...ters/index.htm
For that, you might prefer to take a "country boat" in Alleppey, or even get one at the bridge (near the boat to Coconut Lagoon) on the way to or from Kottayam town. (If you read "The God of Small Things" the village is in this area and there are boatmen who will take you by it).
OR...as in Mr Singh's itinerary...you can take a houseboat to Marari Beach.
But...again i ask,.... are beaches a top priority? If you have been to places with stunning beachs-e.g. Hawaii, Caribbean--perhaps that day at Marari could be better spent elsewhere in a way that more fills your needs for what you stated you want in the trip( village, local shopping. If you do chose that area, Faith has an interesting description of a fairly new place called A beach Symphony in one of her newsletters:
http://www.indianpanorama.in/news_nov08.html
To be honest, your trip still seems a bit "too packed" for 15 days, but i understand your desire to see places both in the north and the south. And the contrast will be interesting. This is a very broad generalization, but the south has a gentler, slower pace, less pushing,shoving, begin hassled etc . I love it all!!!
Anyway, i am rambling, and this may be TMI, but i hope you get at least some useful info.
Said previously, I'll say it again: compare "apples to apples" Ask all the planners (i think you narrowed it to two) for prices on the SAME itinerary, hotels, route, etc.
For the same itinerary, what are the price differences between the two agencies? Did you ask BOTH instead give you an itinerary which will include Cochin rather than Chennai, for example? I know from personal experience that the drivers employed by Indianpanorama are fantastic, safe, personable,fun, protective, and communicate well in English, the driver--as you have not doubt gathered from other threads here and elsewhere--makes a big difference. Many travelers (including those on Fodors) rate their India trip very much by the driver...you will see why after traveling.
Glad you requested an Innova-- a very good move!!!
I the first listed itinerary you are staying at the Oberoi AmarVilas in Agra --which, as Lcuy said, is the place for a "splurge." But it looks like you have decided on several "splurges" so if it is in your budget--go for it!!!!
So now you need to ask Faith about a trip to Cochin, instead of Chennai, with stay at Old Harbour. It is fairly expensive, but a good location in Cochin (much better than Brunton Boatyard, for ex) near the waterfront. The owner Edgar Pinto ran a budget place for yrs, and put his heart into restoring the building that now houses Old Harbour .He will promptly answer any queries, no matter how minor. ( Be sure to ask the nearby harbor fisherman for a try at pulling up the fishing nets!) Your driver can take you over to Jewtown (yes, that is the real name!) for shopping--great fun. Also, right around the corner from Old Harbour is a wonderful restaurant, Dal Roti--very budget prices for amazing food . (Incidentally, we stayed at very highly rated by tripadvisor homestay just outside Cochin--chosen by us, not a travel planner--where we wondered later about the uniformly great reviews--wish i had stayed elsewhere- this is one of my experienc es that taught me to be skeptical of 100% perfect reviews)
On the other side of Old Harbour Hotl, is a rather pathetic branch of Fabindia, very small selection and when we went in, very indiffernt staff.--dont waste your time at that one (unless it seems to have improved). Go instead t the Fabindia in Kottayam, which you can easily get to via a lovely drive from either PKs or whichever Kumarokom area hotel you chose (Sorry--in earlier post I wrote Kumarokom, to shop--i meant Kottayam, the nearest big town in the Kumarokom region of Kerala). There's aninterstikng coffee house/art gallery in Cochin too. Cant recall name, will send it to you.
You can, instead of an overnight houseboat, take a houseboat (one of the big fancy ones if you want) for a day trip. They cook for you on the boat, and you'll love it..it is a peaceful day. But the houseboat cannot go into the narrower smaller canals (For photos of this, see the IP's website photo gallery or "newsletter" and you'll see what narrow canals/ small waterways:
http://www.indianpanorama.in/gallery...ters/index.htm
For that, you might prefer to take a "country boat" in Alleppey, or even get one at the bridge (near the boat to Coconut Lagoon) on the way to or from Kottayam town. (If you read "The God of Small Things" the village is in this area and there are boatmen who will take you by it).
OR...as in Mr Singh's itinerary...you can take a houseboat to Marari Beach.
But...again i ask,.... are beaches a top priority? If you have been to places with stunning beachs-e.g. Hawaii, Caribbean--perhaps that day at Marari could be better spent elsewhere in a way that more fills your needs for what you stated you want in the trip( village, local shopping. If you do chose that area, Faith has an interesting description of a fairly new place called A beach Symphony in one of her newsletters:
http://www.indianpanorama.in/news_nov08.html
To be honest, your trip still seems a bit "too packed" for 15 days, but i understand your desire to see places both in the north and the south. And the contrast will be interesting. This is a very broad generalization, but the south has a gentler, slower pace, less pushing,shoving, begin hassled etc . I love it all!!!
Anyway, i am rambling, and this may be TMI, but i hope you get at least some useful info.
Sep 19th, 2010, 02:13 PM
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Faith is going to work on the same itinerary. She will not be in India until Tuesday as she is traveling from New Zealand. Her itinerary so far had us on the houseboat overnight. I have been to many beaches but absolutely find peace being near the water. What I have told both of them is that I want to be near the beach but near a village where we can shop , etc.
As far as hotels, some have changed. When I get final itineraries from both of them I will post.
I asked Mr. Singh to add a day in Delhi, as well, so this is far from finalized. I have taken the best of both of their itineraries, put them together and will then get a price to compare which will be apples to apples.
I do appreciate all of your comments - no such thing as TMI when planning a trip like this!
As far as hotels, some have changed. When I get final itineraries from both of them I will post.
I asked Mr. Singh to add a day in Delhi, as well, so this is far from finalized. I have taken the best of both of their itineraries, put them together and will then get a price to compare which will be apples to apples.
I do appreciate all of your comments - no such thing as TMI when planning a trip like this!
Oct 8th, 2010, 12:14 PM
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OK - our trip is set and yes, we are staying at Philip Kutty's!!! Gave up a beach resort for it - can't wait. My question now is - houseboat overnight or just day trip??? I have heard the overnight just parks at the lake for the night and mosquitos get bad in the evening so you can't sit outside.
Suggestions, please!!
Suggestions, please!!
Nov 21st, 2010, 03:17 AM
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Hi again. you and your daughter will love PhilipKutty's. Perfect relaxation without leaving the farm, or take brief day trips from there, which Anu can arrange if necessary, or you can do as part of your overall itin. We went one day to Kottayam town (I said Kumarokom above--was confusing with the lake) for some shopping. It is a lovely ride, you'll pass the backwaters, an.
Good questin re houseboats. I would probably take the houseboat for total r and r relaxing day trip. They can pick you up at PKs and you'll return in the evening. ONe family did that while staying there, then told the rest of us of their adventures over dinner that night.
Either way, whoever is planning your itin will have feedback.
Did you book an Innova for your trip to India. Especially as there are two of you, it is far more comfortable, higher up off the ground (safer, and see more, and well worth the extra $.
Not too many months now!! i'll bet the anticipation is building!!
Good questin re houseboats. I would probably take the houseboat for total r and r relaxing day trip. They can pick you up at PKs and you'll return in the evening. ONe family did that while staying there, then told the rest of us of their adventures over dinner that night.
Either way, whoever is planning your itin will have feedback.
Did you book an Innova for your trip to India. Especially as there are two of you, it is far more comfortable, higher up off the ground (safer, and see more, and well worth the extra $.
Not too many months now!! i'll bet the anticipation is building!!
Dec 16th, 2010, 05:36 AM
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Trip is set - made an abrupt change and are going to southeast India instead of southwest.
Flying in to Chennai, two days in Pondicherry and two in Mahabalipuram.
Any suggestions???
Also, best malaria drug to take???
Flying in to Chennai, two days in Pondicherry and two in Mahabalipuram.
Any suggestions???
Also, best malaria drug to take???
Dec 16th, 2010, 01:42 PM
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I didnt take any malaria drug so can't personally answer about the meds. Malarone, asmentioned by thursdaysd, is s'posed to have the fewest side effects.
Oh, you are lucky, Lipgirl! Havent been yet to that part of India but want to go in future. Write after and tell us about it. Are you heading south to the temples of Madurai also?
From what i read, two days in Pondy is sufficient--it's supposed to be a very relaxing place.
Near Mahaballipuram is a place called Dakshinachitra--google it. Started by one woman so the old crafts of different states wouldnt die. Also,if you are into textiles, there's a town nr Mahaballipuram , called Kanchipuram that is famous for its silks including saris.
Since you will be in this state, see my thread on Tamil Nadu hero about a man who feeds the poor in Madurai.
I'm certain you and your daughter are going to love, and learn so much on, your trip .I was just reminsiching wth my daughter about our trip to India when she celebrated her birthday at a homestay.
Here;'a an article on Pondicherry..
http://traveller.outlookindia.com/fu...ue.aspx?id=222
and here's one about the yummy French-influenced food.
http://travel.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264545
If you decided on going with a driver, he can take you and your daughter to any of these, if not in walking distance of where you are staying--or there will be tuk-tuks, taxis, etc.
Oh, you are lucky, Lipgirl! Havent been yet to that part of India but want to go in future. Write after and tell us about it. Are you heading south to the temples of Madurai also?
From what i read, two days in Pondy is sufficient--it's supposed to be a very relaxing place.
Near Mahaballipuram is a place called Dakshinachitra--google it. Started by one woman so the old crafts of different states wouldnt die. Also,if you are into textiles, there's a town nr Mahaballipuram , called Kanchipuram that is famous for its silks including saris.
Since you will be in this state, see my thread on Tamil Nadu hero about a man who feeds the poor in Madurai.
I'm certain you and your daughter are going to love, and learn so much on, your trip .I was just reminsiching wth my daughter about our trip to India when she celebrated her birthday at a homestay.
Here;'a an article on Pondicherry..
http://traveller.outlookindia.com/fu...ue.aspx?id=222
and here's one about the yummy French-influenced food.
http://travel.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?264545
If you decided on going with a driver, he can take you and your daughter to any of these, if not in walking distance of where you are staying--or there will be tuk-tuks, taxis, etc.
