Most Inspirational Moment
Too many to mention. For me a lifelong dream of watching the Kathakali theatre and visiting the fabulous Meenakshi temple in Madurai have to be at the top of the list. But lots of other cultural experiences, like visiting a local laundry in Fort Kochi, eating palmyra palm fruit from a seller at the side of the road, trying out the tea picker's tool near Munnar, travelling through the Western Ghats with it's fantastic tea bushes. The journey on the houseboat was wonderful too as was visiting local markets and eating parathas and drinking masala chai at roadside cafes and my Ayurvedic massage in Periyar! As an ex teacher,the visits to 2 local schools were an eye opener, I even got to sing a song to the children, who were very appreciative!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ajith Kumar was amazing. A kind, helpful, generous guide, with a great sense of humour who was passionate about his area of India and who wanted us to experience as much as we could in the 2 weeks we were with him. Nothing was too much trouble, he was especially helpful when I developed a nasty cold and cough, seeking out appropriate medication for me. I'm sure it was only due to him that we saw so many incredible sights. From visiting a site to see how clay bricks were made, to buying samosas and fruit for picnic lunches and for me - interpreting the menus in restaurants and hotels, so I didn't have to eat too much chilli! Aji as he liked to be called was a fabulous role model for other tour leaders, I know I wouldn't have had such an amazing time with so many brilliant memories had it not been for him. He gave us an amazing amount of information, but I didn't feel I had information overload, as can so often happen. We were caught up in the Jallikattu demonstration in Madurai, which meant we didn't see the Gandhi museum which was disappointing, but couldn't be helped. Aji handled the situation brilliantly and there was never a time when we felt overwhelmed by the huge crowds of demonstrators.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The pace is quite full on, but feel free to drop out of experiences if you need to, it's your holiday after all. When I was ill, I missed the jungle walk but needed the time to relax and felt better for it. However if you can, embrace everything that's on offer as it will enrich your experience. Be prepared for some hotels to be basic eg the eco homestay. The beds at Sona Palmshore in Kovalam are rock hard too! I took a small feather travel pillow, which I was grateful to have as many of the hotel pillows aren't comfortable but maybe that's just me! I didn't need the suggested £15 a day for food, the food is extremely cheap, - I took £300 sterling and came back with £75! I did buy some souvenirs & I would suggest Periyar & Kovalam as the best places. We mainly changed cash at money lenders so didn't have to shfow our passports. Be prepared to haggle! Otherwise take plenty of hand gel or antibac wipes. No one in our group had an upset stomach as far as I'm aware.