Kochi and Kumily - Photos

KOCHI
Boarding the train from Agra to Delhi to catch our flight to Kochi in the southern Indian province of Kerala

Have to make sure you find the right carriage on these trains - cattle class is not much fun!

We get our seats and are happy

After an early start we arrive late in Kochi and head out for dinner at Dal Roti

V and Shandy looking forward to another excellent meal in India

Breakfast the following day at our hotel

Our amazing hosts really looked after us - Ashley gives us some pointers for our sightseeing trip

Sheeba is the owner and instantly became our mother for our stay - an amazing woman!

Off we head to explore

The beach in Kochi

This guy just happily relaxing at the side of the road

The local fishing harbour

They still use these Chinese fishing nets

A picturesque river running through Kochi

A history of this town

We stop off at the Santa Cruz Basilica

A stunning view of the inside as Lara looks around We head to a Spice Market

Here the floor is covered in ginger drying out in the sun
Then packed ready for export

Jain templre where the birds swarm around before feeding time

Greg feeding a pigeon while the rest tuck into the food on the ground

A Hindu temple

Opposite this beautiful temple sitting on the water

There are some stunning buildings in this beautiful town

After a tough day it's time for lunch at Solar Cafe

After an afternoon rest we head out for dinner later

With a customary card game before our meal

Greg and Leise happy after a great dinner

KUMILY

Our guesthouse in Kumily

We take a stroll around this tiny town - Greg picks out some interesting sights from the Lonely Planet

After a very short walk we stop off at The Jungle Cafe for lunch and a drink

Water Buffalo right behind the restaurant

Most restaurants don't have a license to sell beer so some sneakily serve it in teapots

That's a lot of tea ;-)

What a great view!

A quick stop off at this Internet Cafe to sort out future travel plans and accommodation

A quick dinner and cards before our very early start the next day

PERIYAR WILDLIDE SANCTUARY

It's dark and early as we head off to the wildlife sanctuary

The drive is beautiful and reminds us all of parts of South Africa

Stunning scenery

It's early and still a bit chilly - Shandy and V are well wrapped up though!

We stop to enjoy the view

Then it's back on board again

Breakfast and cards

Then it's time for our Jungle walkOur tour guide for the walk

Lara descends the ladder as we have to cross this dam wall

Some beautiful rivers and water features on the walk

Time for the crew to have a breather and it's hot now!

Lara, V and I working our way through the bush...

We have to cross the dam for lunch

Lara kicks back after a tasty lunch

We all relax and enjoy the surroundings

Then we head off for a boat trip on the dam

Fortunately our guide does all the hard work...

Water Buffalo drinking in the heat

We stop off at this beautiful waterfall

This stunning blue Kingfisher relaxes on the waters edge as we make our way back

A local villager collecting bamboo - many locals make their living this way