Warning: Heavy picture post
Day 1 to 3 in Chennai – formerly known as Madras
3 days in Chennai for my hubby’s cousin’s engagement/wedding/reception event.
The Wedding Stage:
The Brothers, awww:
Isn’t my black saree SO pwettie?
When in India – must have damn good brakes, working horn & lotsa lotsa luck.
If the heat doesn’t get to you, the constant shrieking of horns and their driving skills will. Having had one too many omg-we’re-going-to-get-into-a-car-accident moments, it eventually grows on you and becomes *almost* a roller coaster ride – minus any protection
The amount of traffic and people here is incredible. In 2007, Chennai was estimated to have population of 7.5 million, making it the fourth largest metropolitan city in India and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.
Talk about overcongestion and lack of birth control methods.
Hubby’s aunt’s beach house, 1 hour drive away from Chennai. Isn’t the view gorgeous?
Hubby on the beach:
Taking it allll in:
Moon or a dot?
Saw this near the beach house and just had to take it:
Day 4 & 5 – Kannur in Kerala
Place of Stay: Kailari Heritage (Riverside Resort) – 8 kms from Kannur in North Kerala
Travel time: 1 hour flight from Chennai to Calicut, followed by a 100 kms (approx 2.30 hours) drive by taxi – an ambassador car.
The car itself is a highlight of the trip. Imagine having 2 people sitting in front, yup, that’s what the hubby & I had to do for 3 hours!
Kannur & Kerala in general is full of greens, coconuts and is literally a water state in the west coast of India. Its capital in Kerala is a mouthful – Thiruvananthapuram. Now say that out loud and fast!
A little bit of knowledge:
Besides the malayee majority, certain hill tribes exhibit affinities with the Negrito peoples of Southeast Asia. Agriculture is the state’s main economic activity. Plantations of cardamom, cashew nut, coconuts, coffee, ginger, pepper, rubber, and tea account for 40 percent of the total land. Temperature normally ranges between 27º and 32º C
A must visit in Kannur:
Mutthapan Temple to watch the Theyyam or Theyattam dance which is a popular ritual dance of Malabar viz North Kerala. This dance is found abudant throughour northern Kerala. It’s a religion based ritual dance Theyyam is performed as an offering to the deities, and to ward off poverty and illness. This temple is the only place where one can see the theyyam performed all around the year.
Day 7
House Boat In Allepey
Place of Stay: Our House Boat – Backwaters Symphony
8 hours drive from Kannur to the House Boat
Allepey:
Lush green rice fields spread away into the distance here with no roads, only water ways with the occasional small huts occupied by the farmers. Water is the key to everything here.
Our 2 tier House Boat
Features of our Houseboat :
» Comes with decent wooden furnishing with nice flooring,
» Each houseboat is provided with a sun deck, spacious living / dining area.
» Comes with attached toilets and 5 bedrooms
» Comes with a kitchen and a good cook and 4 crews.
Wasn’t the best houseboat despite the hefty price tag of RS9000 (approx almost RM900). Boats are allowed to travel from 12pm-6pm only therefore we had to dock the entire night with ALL kinds of insects keeping us company.
Lots & Lots of duckies:
The Fields:
Gorgeous view
Enjoying the view
Day 8
2 hours drive to Cochin Airpot from The HouseBoat early Saturday morning
1 1/2 hour flight to Chennai, followed by a 1.30am Sunday night flight out to home sweet home.
Did 80% of my shopping in Chennai as we were pressed for time. Unlike Kerala, Chennai is def a nice place to shop and is not wallet-friendly since they have huge rows and emporiums of clothes that will drive you nuts.
My buys in India
Yes, lots and lots of hair products – Garnier and Lakme products. SO can’t find these here. Accessories freaks will LOVE India. Gorgeous pieces of necklaces and earrings for less than RM5, no joke!
Can you believe these cost less than RM1 each?? It’s almost RM10 here.
Baby sis – your stuff that awaits you when u come home
Churidar/Salwaar Kameez –exquisite pieces and cheaper than KL.
Indian goodies and products – lots and lots of TEA!
Yummy Indian Sweets:
A point to note, food in Chennai & Kerala is awesome! There are no words to describe how even a simple vegetarian meal can taste so good. I def miss the food most and of course, the tea.
Will blog more later about the other places of interest we visited once I get the pictures from my daddy in law & brother-in-law (Suresh, huge hint here dude!)
Despite the scorching hot sun, the floods of people and traffic in Chennai, the insects on the houseboat, true to its tagline, India was incredible indeed. Excellent food, affordable shopping, great company and places of interest – it was a perfect place for recreation and relaxation.
India trip, done & over. Next Destination: Thailand in March. Can’t wait!
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