27 December 2012 - another day out this time to Alleppey. Unfortunately we did not have the same driver and so the journey became somewhat fraught with Indian style motoring on a single track road !
Our first stop was lunch at the Royal Park hotel - a recommendation by Lonely Planet - which most importantly had a liquor licence although the drinkers had a separate area from the 'family restaurant'. The vegetable thali and a bottle of the local brew called Haywoods !
Next we headed to find a boat for a tour of the backwaters. Much hassle ensued and eventually we did find a pleasant small boat and set off for a 2 hour cruise through the waterways. Kerala has a desire to become a tourist hotspot and it certainly has the natural beauty - unfortunately for that dream to become a reality there needs to be a major public education campaign on litter !
As the guide book suggested the backwaters themselves are somewhat over populated with boats all taking the same route however despite that the sights and sounds are worthwhile.
Our final stop was another Ayurvedic massage place - this time we had to wait as it was popular being the only place in town recommended by the LP guide.
Back home in the dark - more fraught traffic manoeuvres - and the inevitable buffet at the hotel ! Not a quiet meal as this is a family resort !
Our first stop was lunch at the Royal Park hotel - a recommendation by Lonely Planet - which most importantly had a liquor licence although the drinkers had a separate area from the 'family restaurant'. The vegetable thali and a bottle of the local brew called Haywoods !
Next we headed to find a boat for a tour of the backwaters. Much hassle ensued and eventually we did find a pleasant small boat and set off for a 2 hour cruise through the waterways. Kerala has a desire to become a tourist hotspot and it certainly has the natural beauty - unfortunately for that dream to become a reality there needs to be a major public education campaign on litter !
As the guide book suggested the backwaters themselves are somewhat over populated with boats all taking the same route however despite that the sights and sounds are worthwhile.
Our final stop was another Ayurvedic massage place - this time we had to wait as it was popular being the only place in town recommended by the LP guide.
Back home in the dark - more fraught traffic manoeuvres - and the inevitable buffet at the hotel ! Not a quiet meal as this is a family resort !