sartoric

Hi julies, thanks for the kind words, it was indeed a great trip.

We did find beer in Varanasi (albeit the can was wrapped in tin foil, a bit pointless when it's poured into a clear glass, shrug). Our hotel would send a guy out for beer and serve it to us on the very top terrace. There were liquor stores in the block behind the river.

Tamil Nadu is fascinating, my advice, stock up on booze in Pondicherry, it has a much more liberal alcohol policy. We didn't know in advance how tricky it would get, so didn't do this.

I would very much like to have the time to wing it on trips, but DH is still employed, hence limited time and all the planning. For this trip, our driver made a huge difference, and I would definitely use the services of Tim at indian Panorama again.

Hope you find the time to tell us about your travels in Myanmar...

Habsfan10

Hello Sartoric,

I read your fascinating account of your trip and thoroughly enjoyed it! My wife and I, both 'youngish retirees' are heading on our first trip to India (2.5 weeks in Kerala/Tamil Nadu and then 3.5 weeks in Rajhistan, Agra, Varanasi and Delhi) with Indian Panorama. We leave in late January. I'm going to suggest to my wife that she read your 'journal' because it will allay any concerns she has about such a trip.

Thanks and I'd love to correspond with you as our trip approaches. By the way, I enjoyed your writing style and your observations about what you experienced along the way. Well done!

sartoric

Hi Habsfan10,

You’re in safe hands with Indian Panorama, have a great trip and please tell us all about it. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have pre trip, and there’s some very helpful people on this board with loads of India knowledge. So ask away !

Glad you enjoyed the report.

Lolazahra

Wow! For some reason I am just reading this all the way through, no doubt inspired by your recent SL report. By far, I am most thrilled to read about the interactions you have with local and fellow travelers. It is what travel is all about. Thanks again for taking us along for your incredible journeys as they happen. I know you are just back from SL, but where to next?

sartoric

Thanks Lolazahra, if you’re bored there’s a few other TRs of mine on here !

Next trip is loosely planned - Africa in September 2018, but that might change. I won’t last 10 months without going somewhere, maybe a return to Sri Lanka for a wedding !!

Lolazahra

Well you know Africa is my continent, though I have barely touched the surface,. Been to South Africa two dozen times, Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Morocco. Dying to go to Rwanda and Uganda next. Ready to give advice if you pose questions on the Africa forum. And I get it -- 10 months is a long time!!! I will do more reading of your trip reports on the weekend. They are such fun!

mymxhj

I know a long time has passed but I saved your trip report for my upcoming kerala trip. My question is, at emerald isle, were you able to take small canoes and see a lot of village life. I want a base where I can do this for a few days.
Thanks for your time

sartoric

I’m not sure about canoes. There were bikes you could borrow to ride around the island, and a country boat (wooden with oars and motor) that we went on late afternoon to see local village life and hear info about rice and toddy production. I sort of remember a large plastic kayak in the front yard, but can’t find photographic evidence. Hope it’s not too hot when you’re there !

mymxhj

We unfortunately are going in July! We have a wedding in Kovallam so will try to see a bit of southern india. I have only been north. I am just searching for a place where i can have photographic opportunities and a good wander. I could not figure out if emerald isle was the place.

peterscotch

Enjoying Your Trip Good Luck.

waldor263

So where are the photos from the trip?

progol

Here’s a link to the thread with some of sartoric’s lovely photos:

Memories of India