Memories of India
Jan 24th, 2018, 04:25 PM
#41
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Annhig, we were there from mid Jan to early Feb, and while it was hot in Tamil Nadu it wasn’t uncomfortable for us. The backwaters of Kerala however, were too hot to contemplate doing much in the afternoon.
CaliNurse, yes that’s Ann’s homestay. Here’s a pic of the house.
CaliNurse, yes that’s Ann’s homestay. Here’s a pic of the house.
Jan 24th, 2018, 06:34 PM
#42
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Thank Sarotric! I stayed at a homestay, on Vembanad lake, west of Pala. Such a beautiful, beautiful area, isn't it?
Annhig, apologies for earlier typo ("LOL, weight all have a metope"!) Thatshould say, "we will all have a meet-up" as iI think there are several Fodorites contemplating a trip o that region for next winter.
When it gets closer, we can post a separate thread about it, perhaps.
Annhig, apologies for earlier typo ("LOL, weight all have a metope"!) Thatshould say, "we will all have a meet-up" as iI think there are several Fodorites contemplating a trip o that region for next winter.
When it gets closer, we can post a separate thread about it, perhaps.
Jan 25th, 2018, 08:28 AM
#44
Great idea to start a separate thread closer to the time, calinurse, though it would be useful to have some idea of time frames when it comes to booking flights. Personally I can't at the moment imagine that I would be in India for more than 3 weeks or so the timing could be crucial.
Jan 25th, 2018, 10:35 AM
#45
Great idea to start a separate thread closer to the time, calinurse, though it would be useful to have some idea of time frames when it comes to booking flights. Personally I can't at the moment imagine that I would be in India for more than 3 weeks or so the timing could be crucial.
Last edited by progol; Jan 25th, 2018 at 11:05 AM.
Jan 25th, 2018, 02:13 PM
#46
Weatherbase has the average January high for Pondicherry as 85F (29+C.), only 1 degree warmer than that for December. Nothing's guaranteed, of course, but January is what I'm thinking too.
Puducherry, India Travel Weather Averages (Weatherbase)
Puducherry, India Travel Weather Averages (Weatherbase)
Jan 26th, 2018, 12:53 PM
#49
Progol, I was thinking more of February but Jan could also work for me. My rough plan is to fly into Chennai [I can get direct non-stop flights from LHR] and go to Pondicherry then work my way west towards Cochin, fly back to Chennai and spend a few days there researching family history before flying home. When is Pongol 2019? [ok, answered my own Q - 15-18 Jan in 2019]. I'm thinking about roughly 2 ½ -3 weeks.
Jan 26th, 2018, 07:46 PM
#50
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The backwaters look beautiful Sartoric. Though I didn't quite enjoy the stay in a houseboat, the small home stays along the waters were very quaint.Aah. the ayurvedic massages.Heavenly.Did you get one for yourself? Would highly recommend one.
The weather in South India is a pleasant 23C to 32C between November and March. Beyond this time frame it could get unbearably hot and humid,
especially along the coast.The south west monsoons are practically over in Kerala and Karnataka,while Tamilnadu will experience the north east monsoons till mid- December.Considering the ease of air connectivity,Chennai,Kochi and Bangalore can be the hubs from where one could explore each State & fly in between they to save time.Air France,Lufthansa,British Airways,the Emirates and many more connect Bangalore & Chennai direct.
Singapore,Hongkong,Kuala Lumpur & Colombo too are hubs to fly into from west coast US & Australasia.A lot of Permutations & Combinations available.
The weather in South India is a pleasant 23C to 32C between November and March. Beyond this time frame it could get unbearably hot and humid,
especially along the coast.The south west monsoons are practically over in Kerala and Karnataka,while Tamilnadu will experience the north east monsoons till mid- December.Considering the ease of air connectivity,Chennai,Kochi and Bangalore can be the hubs from where one could explore each State & fly in between they to save time.Air France,Lufthansa,British Airways,the Emirates and many more connect Bangalore & Chennai direct.
Singapore,Hongkong,Kuala Lumpur & Colombo too are hubs to fly into from west coast US & Australasia.A lot of Permutations & Combinations available.
Jan 26th, 2018, 11:15 PM
#51
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Progol, yes, this boat ride was in a “country boat” belonging to Emerald Isle Resort.
inquest, it is beautiful, but was stifling hot and humid end of January last year. I didn’t get a massage, but M did. He said it was good, but found the oil clean up a bit of a challenge.
Jealous of all your plans to catch up, I’m almost certain we’ll go again later this year for Diwali.
This is one of the kettuvallam that ply the waterways.
inquest, it is beautiful, but was stifling hot and humid end of January last year. I didn’t get a massage, but M did. He said it was good, but found the oil clean up a bit of a challenge.
Jealous of all your plans to catch up, I’m almost certain we’ll go again later this year for Diwali.
This is one of the kettuvallam that ply the waterways.
Jan 27th, 2018, 01:40 AM
#52
another great photo. It looks delightful I suspect that the idea of cruising the waterways is better than the reality. When it is hot and airless being on the water can be worse than being on land as we discovered one baking hot afternoon in Toulouse. also as a single traveller I'm not sure that being alone on a boat all night just with the staff is necessarily something I'd want to do; not just because of safety concerns but I think I'd be bored!
Jan 27th, 2018, 03:53 AM
#53
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We signed up for a half day boat trip not too far from Cochin with Salmon Tours- supposedly you go on a very uncrowded , off the beaten track waterway on small boats (variable capacity) with transportation from your hotel as an option. Reviews are good. I will report back on my fast approaching India trip.
Jan 27th, 2018, 03:55 AM
#54
Loving these photos, sartoric! I know there's a good chance that it will be hot and humid, but it does look so lovely and relaxing.... sigh, can you tell that I need a vacation?!
annhig, my current plan is to retire at the end of December, and I'm looking for about a 4-week trip focused mostly in S. India (though thinking about adding something but not sure what). And given the timing, I would definitely love to include Pongal. That would mean arriving in Chennai (probably around 11-12 January), going on to Puducherry for 2-3 nights, then on to one of the towns in TN for Pongal. I'm interersted in visiting Chettinad, Madurai and more (itinerary to be determined) before arriving in Cochin. I had a 2+ week itinerary worked out 2 years ago but am now looking for a longer trip, so it's still very much a work in progress. I'll probably purchase our tickets in the spring and then finalize my itinerary then, but I'm strongly leaning toward this as a plan!!
annhig, my current plan is to retire at the end of December, and I'm looking for about a 4-week trip focused mostly in S. India (though thinking about adding something but not sure what). And given the timing, I would definitely love to include Pongal. That would mean arriving in Chennai (probably around 11-12 January), going on to Puducherry for 2-3 nights, then on to one of the towns in TN for Pongal. I'm interersted in visiting Chettinad, Madurai and more (itinerary to be determined) before arriving in Cochin. I had a 2+ week itinerary worked out 2 years ago but am now looking for a longer trip, so it's still very much a work in progress. I'll probably purchase our tickets in the spring and then finalize my itinerary then, but I'm strongly leaning toward this as a plan!!
Jan 27th, 2018, 01:29 PM
#56
Progol - that sounds very much like the route proposed to me by Tim from India Panoramas. it looked good save that it was a bit too fast for me and I wasn't sure about the bit before Cochin which involved time on a tea plantation [not for me, done it in Sri Lanka and when you've seen one you've seen them all] and a houseboat which again I'm not keen on, but a homestay looked nice with opportunity to do a half day on the water perhaps a little like the one jft mentions, do some cookery, etc.
That's a shame Jason. a South India GTG would surely be a first!
That's a shame Jason. a South India GTG would surely be a first!
Jan 27th, 2018, 04:19 PM
#57
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Realising that photos may help the planners (even those who don’t want to meet ��), I’ve changed my one photo per day rule and wished I had read the posting guidelines prior to adding eight attachments. It’s four per post, and emoticons count.
annhig, we too thought we’d be bored on a houseboat. Our time in the backwaters was enlivened by an eclectic group of people to chat with around the communal dining table.
We liked Cochin with it's Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, street art and funky shops. It’s quite walkable, although ‘twas hot in late January last year. M needed a change of shirt prior to lunch after a mornings stroll.
annhig, we too thought we’d be bored on a houseboat. Our time in the backwaters was enlivened by an eclectic group of people to chat with around the communal dining table.
We liked Cochin with it's Chinese fishing nets, colonial architecture, street art and funky shops. It’s quite walkable, although ‘twas hot in late January last year. M needed a change of shirt prior to lunch after a mornings stroll.
Last edited by sartoric; Jan 27th, 2018 at 04:48 PM. Reason: Remove
Jan 27th, 2018, 08:58 PM
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Annhig, are you saying Indianpanorama's proposed itinerary had you in an overnight houseboat? If so, I'm surprised, as from my own experience, I learned that Tim strongly discourages those overnight boats. What was once charming and peaceful has become the opposite, boats clogging the waterways and anchoring overnight in the same areas. Other companies may recommend it (and did when I first enquired almost ten yrs ago) but IP did not.
However, a small boat ,from canoe-sized and up, along the backwaters is great!! THE smaller the boat, the narrower the waterways it can navigate. You can take a day trip of a few hours or half-day (like JFT is doing) from any of the homestays lining the waters. From one place we stayed, a family went on a large ketuvallam, had lunch, cruised along, but just for half a day--then returned for tea and dinner and sleep at the homestay. Best of both worlds!
I'm sure you all already know this--if you don't want to do something on a proposed itinerary (e.g. a tea plantation) any good travel agent will adjust to your needs. If a route looks too hurried, say so. The answer to how that request is taken helps narrow down the choice of company you go with, anywhere in the world. Assorted agents in Asia and Africa have taught me more what to look for.
Mme Perdu, thank you for that average temperature link. Right--Weatherbase!!!!
Sartoric, you are "killing" me with those photos of Cochin!!!! I hate you!!!
What is the white building with the red sign--I can decipher the word "bungalow." is that where you stayed in Cochin? That decaying mansion with the initialed gate, and sign "terror"! Wow!!
So there's now a way to post photos on here? i'll have to read up on that...but will warn you all prior to posting!
I'm still dreaming of a January Tamil Nadu gtg with assorted Fodors Folks, and as the date gets closer we interested parties should start a "GTG TN" thread.
JFT, if not too late --have a fantastic, memorable trip to "Incredible India." It really is---in all sorts of ways!
However, a small boat ,from canoe-sized and up, along the backwaters is great!! THE smaller the boat, the narrower the waterways it can navigate. You can take a day trip of a few hours or half-day (like JFT is doing) from any of the homestays lining the waters. From one place we stayed, a family went on a large ketuvallam, had lunch, cruised along, but just for half a day--then returned for tea and dinner and sleep at the homestay. Best of both worlds!
I'm sure you all already know this--if you don't want to do something on a proposed itinerary (e.g. a tea plantation) any good travel agent will adjust to your needs. If a route looks too hurried, say so. The answer to how that request is taken helps narrow down the choice of company you go with, anywhere in the world. Assorted agents in Asia and Africa have taught me more what to look for.
Mme Perdu, thank you for that average temperature link. Right--Weatherbase!!!!
Sartoric, you are "killing" me with those photos of Cochin!!!! I hate you!!!
What is the white building with the red sign--I can decipher the word "bungalow." is that where you stayed in Cochin? That decaying mansion with the initialed gate, and sign "terror"! Wow!! So there's now a way to post photos on here? i'll have to read up on that...but will warn you all prior to posting!
I'm still dreaming of a January Tamil Nadu gtg with assorted Fodors Folks, and as the date gets closer we interested parties should start a "GTG TN" thread.
JFT, if not too late --have a fantastic, memorable trip to "Incredible India." It really is---in all sorts of ways!
Jan 28th, 2018, 12:35 AM
#60
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http://www.gratitudeheritage.in/
Okey folks,someone gave me a lead on these properties in Pondy. Said to be good. Many of you are planning to head that direction. Feedback will be appreciated. One more in Chennai on the way...
Okey folks,someone gave me a lead on these properties in Pondy. Said to be good. Many of you are planning to head that direction. Feedback will be appreciated. One more in Chennai on the way...
