After a slight swap in the tour plan, we are delivered to a boat in Allepy on which we spend the next 18 hours: a cruise to a lunch stop, with delicious curries on board, then more cruising around the backwaters are delightful, relaxing & serene, at least until we come across bigger channels where there are hundreds of backwaters boats; we then have to get off the boat for two hours (we snuck back on after one), before being fed a delicious dinner; my call for beer is met an hour later by a tuk-tuk driver; and then we retire at about 10pm so the captain & chef (in photo below) can sleep in our lounge, whilst we have a sumptuous bedroom.
By arrangement the previous night, our breakfast comprises only sliced fruits & lassi. Delicious. One more cruise, for an hour, then we are asked to leave, at 9am when our driver reappears. A treat.
We then drive through more backwaters to our next hotel, the Kumarakom Park Resort, with a balcony overlooking the swimming pool. Unfortunately it leaves scum on the skin, excused by the receptionist as ‘someone used soap in the pool’. And not only an hotel bar but also a locals’ bar at the side. This stop was to include a visit to the large nearby bird sanctuary but we are informed it is currently closed whilst alteration works are carried out after a recent guest accident.
Instead, we are treated to a tour of a local museum of fossilised rosewood ‘natural’ figures, unearthed by tsunamis at the Andaman Islands. Bizarre, especially as it is curated by a very ex-teacher bossy lady who demands full attention to her presentations at each point. Chris & Rakesh sneak out, giggling.
Another restive night is determined, at our hotel. Where we watch the final T20 cricket match between New Zealand & India in both bars & the restaurants. Shock, NZ win.
Chris & Kath's Travel Time 