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All articles about Flying Fluskey travels through Incredible India. Read our blogs from our five month trip backpacking and other trips. We’ve been to Agra, Bengaluru, Bodh Gaya, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Sawai Madhopur, Thiruvananthapuram, Udaipur, Varanasi and more.
Barefoot at Havelock isn’t just a luxury property on Havelock Island. It is also has a deep respect for the nature that surrounds it. A swath of reserve forest lies between the accommodation and Radhanagar Beach and this is home to many of the resort’s activities. Join us as we experience some of the coolest activities at Barefoot, Havelock
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
Barefoot, Havelock
Havelock Island used to be a backpacker secret but the secret is out and many more travellers are starting to discover it’s beauty. Developing along with the visitors, Barefoot at Havelock has evolved from simple beach huts on a banana plantation to a luxury eco resort that caters to a more affluent clientele.
Our first activity started after dark. After handing out torches, our naturalist guide, the excellent Reuben, led us to the edge of the reserve wood. The night air was warm and flies skittered across our torch beams. With senses on high alert (there are snakes on Havelock and I am pretty paranoid about them) we started making our way along the path into the woods.
Almost immediately, Mr Fluskey spotted a large huntsman spider a little way into the brush. Then, something shifted and we saw the first of many crabs. Turns out, the forest is a home to thousands of crabs as they search for a sheltered nights sleep.
In all, we spend about two hours exploring and discovering hermit crabs, robber crabs (which seem similar but are bigger), ghost crabs that are the same colour as the champagne coloured sand on the beach, and some cool insects.
Breakfast with The Birds
Birding
Heading back into the reserve forest felt so different with the sun up and the birds singing. No longer jumping at every leaf shifting felt like a whole new experience. This time, instead of torches, we were armed with cameras and binoculars. For this tour, we were joined by a mum and her son, who was about six years old. He took some coaxing but when he found what everyone was talking about, he was adorably excited.
Now, many birdwatchers can be identified by their HUGE camera lenses, and it became clear why. Our phones, both of which claim to have excellent zooms simply couldn’t cope. Luckily, our guide Reuben had kindly brought his camera and immense lens so I could look at the photos. His kind that he remembered how blind I am from the night before and made allowances. We walked slowly through the forest, stopping to scope out the birds high up in the trees. It was all rather calming. We spotted:
Bright green parakeets
Emerald doves
A white-bellied seagull
Green imperial pigeons
Two kingfishers
Now, I grew up at the seaside in the UK (Brighton to be precise) and seagulls are a menace. Giant bullies of a bird, they live on my parents roof and steal chips from unsuspecting tourists at the beach. It was so weird to have someone who was thrilled to see a seagull. Similarly, the excitement over the Green imperial pigeons made me laugh every time. Yes, I know they aren’t the same as the grey scourge of cities across Europe but I have never met anyone over the age of four that has said the word “pigeon” with an excited glint in their eyes. My favourite spot was the kingfisher, it was close enough for me to make out through the binoculars, was really beautiful and is such an Indian icon.
Breakfast Time
We were guided to two separate tables, set for breakfast. The young guy on the tour was a bit crestfallen when he realised the birds weren’t going to come and join him for the meal. He was hoping to live his best Dr Doolittle, Tiki Room life. We were given the Swimming Elephant menu to choose from and I was thrilled to see masala dosa. This is siced potato, wrapped in a thing, crispy gram flour and rice pancake. It was served with three tasty chutneys, with the coconut being my favourite. Mr Fluskey opted for more Western option but he was disappointed when his scrambled egg went cold quickly in the sea breeze. The whole thing was served with an abundance of fruit, far more than we could get through. This was a lovely way to start the day.
Picnic at a Special Spot
Still rather full from breakfast, we made our a little further along the beach for our special picnic. I wasn’t sure what to expect but we found another table, set up, facing the waves. This spot is really special to Barefoot. The owner even renewed his wedding vows here. Under a small canopy of trees, with a beautiful view of the beach, it is a magical location to relax.
We were given the Swimming Elephant menu again, along with the bar menu so of course, lunchtime cocktails had to happen. Being so close to the sea, seafood had to happen as well!
We ordered some giant prawns and a little seafood selection that included local catch of the day, squid and yet more prawns. We got some fries to go with them and it came with salad too. Again, we definitely overordered but it was all cooked well and full of flavour. It must be said, the fries were great too. We spend a happy hour picking through our lunch and enjoying the solitude of the beachside spot.
Elephant Beach
The Trek
Elephant Beach used to be a hidden gem on Havelock island. Intrepid travellers took the 45 minute trek through the woods to reach its pristine white sand and turquoise waters. It has now been discovered and boats run from the other side of the island all morning. However, Barefoot can arrange an escorted walk which will let you arrive before the crowds. The trek is very manageable, even for us unfitties.
Our Time at Elephant Beach
We had the blissful scene all to ourselves for about 10 minutes. We wandered around enjoying the peace and marvelling at the incredible water full of fish. However, minutes later, boat after boat started to arrive, disgorging hoards of people, all intent on having that very same experience. Huge water inflatables thronged the beach and jet skis tore through the waves.
Yes, we did have a turn on the jet ski and it was lots of fun, but the whole thing served as a reminder not to believe everything we see Instagram.…and that it’s worth waking up early to do the trek if you want that moment all to yourself. We also took a quick snorkel around the reef right on the beach. The fish were plentiful but the coral was suffering a lot of bleaching. I think we ever make it back, we will invest in a deeper reef snorkel or dive trip.
Dinner in the Wilderness
The Set Up
Another special dining experience you can take is the Dinner in the Wilderness. Another variation of this is the same kind of set up by the beach. Either way, an array of candles and multi-coloured lanterns are laid out to create a romantic space, perfect for a date night.
Our Dinner
The food served is once again from the Swimming Elephant. Mr Fluskey was thrilled as it allowed him to have the delicious prawn, cashew and tender coconut curry that was so very, very good! For startes we had some fantastic spiced prawns, and more local grilled fish. Both of these were fresh and bursting with flavour, the prawns in particular. For mains, I opted for the chicken malai, tender chicken simmered in a sauce full of nut paste, mild spices and cream. I think I had eaten too much that day as it felt so rich and I couldn’t finish the dish….it may have been down to scoffing the garlic naan and prawns too though.
Rock Pooling
If you remember crouching in the edge of the rocks, plastic bucket and mini net in hand then you might think you know what rock pooling is. Well, on the Andaman Islands it looks a little different. This is essentially reef exploration without putting you face underwater. The earthquake of 2005 which caused the dreadful tsunami, raised a reef up to near the surface and it is an ideal home for young sea creatures.
A Natural Aquarium
We slowly waded through the water and eagle-eyed Prathamesh pointed out the coolest sea life. Reefs are like nurseries for the sea. Tiny fish spend their teenage years here before venturing out o the wider ocean. If you’ve seen Finding Nemo, you get it. In fact, if you have seen Finding Nemo then you would be as excited as we were to see the clown fish, living skittishly in the anemones. We also caught glimpses of a cool nudibranch (pronounced noo-dee-brank), a little shell-less mollusc. We also saw several sea cucumbers, a a lurking lion fish and loadsof colourful clams. Sadly we had to leave to catch the ferry or I would have happily spent another hour peering into the water at the cool fish around us.
Other Activities
Here are some of the other things on offer that we didn’t have a chance to try:
Scuba and Snorkelling – This is offered by Barefoot Scuba that are associated but not the same compny as the hotel. The reps can be found at the lobby every night just after sunset and can book deep snorkelling, scuba fun dives, scuba courses and free diving.
Tree Walk – Exploring the property, you will learn all about how Barefoot was replanted with the trees that are native to the area after many years a banana plantation.
Kayaking -This can be organised during the day or for sunrise. This is especially exciting when it is a new moon as you might be able to see the natural bioluminescence that exists in these waters.
Game Fishing – You can try your hand at catching a biggun!
Paddle Boarding -Stand up paddle boarding is a relaxed and fun way to traverse the ocean. You stand on a large stabilised board (it looks like a surf board) and sedately glide across the surface of the water (at least, that’s the plan).
Body Boarding – Taking a body board, or boogy board, you surf the waves into the beach.
Trail Biking – Tearing up the island on muddy trails by bike is an eciting way to eplore the interior.
A Boat Ride – You can charter a boat for a relaxing sunset cruise.
Final Thoughts on Our Activities at Barefoot, Havelock
It was amazing to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of Barefoot and the Andamans. It is such a shame we didn’t have more time so we could see even more. If you are visiting then these activities give invaluable information and a greater appreciation of the location you are immersed in. Thank you for such a brilliant time, and especially to the naturalist guides who were patient, fun and so knowledgeable. You were superstars!
Soft white sand, rosy sunsets and peacock blue seas, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) has everything you could dream of as a tropical getaway. Add to this the abundance of activities designed for adventure and romance and you have the perfect honeymoon destination. Here are our 5 reasons to take a Havelock Island Honeymoon.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
1 – Havelock has Beautiful Beaches
The sand on Havelock Island is pale champagne gold, burnished daily by the sunset and lapped by clear, turquoise waves. There are three main beaches to visit:
Radha Nagar
Radhanagar Beach is always included on the list of the top beaches in Asia. Sometime it makes the best in the world. Suffice to say, this six kilometre long, stretch of sand is stunning! There is a popular area at the east end of the beach, with more private areas further along. You’ll find street snack stalls, shops, cafes and changing/toilet facilities. It might seems like you have to stay in this spot but the whole thing is actually open to the public. If you are visiting from the the east end, walk the paths through the trees and you can reserve on a much quieter spot. This beach is especially popular at sunset as it dips behind the western edge. Swimming stops after the sun disappears but you can float in the gentle waves until then.
Govinda Nagar
On the opposite side of the island, near the popular guesthouses around, is Govindanagar. again, here you’ll find facilities for changing, toilets, stalls and shops. This beach is much thinner so you may have to walk along to find a quiet spot where you lay your towels.
Elephant Beach
If you visit Elephant Beach, there is an array of water activities on offer. For real thrill seekers, there are loads of inflatables that are whizzed around by speedboats. They also have jet skis. You can’t drive the jet skis yourselves but a willing driver will give you a fast zip around the bay which is so exciting! You don’t need to worry about damaging the jet ski (a common way to make money in many a beach resort) and can just enjoy the ride. Snorkelling trips leave from here or you can just snorkel the reef that is just off the beach too. Don’t worry if you aren’t a strong swimmer, some tours have rubber rings to keep you afloat.
Alternatively, you can have a beautifully relaxing day by just walking along the beach. You won’t be close to the facilities but you will also lose the crowds. Walk five minutes away and you will have a huge stretch of sand entirely to yourselves. It is much more romantic.
2 – Havelock is Affordable
Of course, this is all relative. As with everything, you can only afford it if you can afford it. However, when compared with the world’s top honeymoon destinations, Havelock and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in general are incredibly cheap.
Travelling from India, the domestic flights are so much cheaper than travelling by to another country and although there is a bump in price (“island tax”), you won’t find it much more expensive than an major Indian city.
If you are coming from a place with a stronger currency, things will seem amazingly affordable. Here are a few examples;
A beer in a regular bar: ₹200
A cocktail in a swanky bar: ₹450 – 550
A main dish at the popular Full Moon Cafe: ₹200 – 350
A fun, hour-long snorkel at Elephant Beach: ₹1500
A basic but well rated guesthouse room: ₹4000
A well appointed economist resort like Barefoot: ₹14000
The Taj Exotica (by far the fanciest place on Havelock): ₹40000
Compare these prices to other popular spots like the Maldives where a cocktail will cost around £18
3 – Havelock has Romance Built In
Search “Havelock Island honeymoon” on any search engine and you will find innumerable companies offering “the perfect package”. They really know how to build a blissful honeymoon on Havelook.
If you are staying in a nice hotel/resort, there is no doubt they can arrange a private dinner. Some have beach access and here, you can sit by the sand and listen to the waves. Others can just find you a quiet spot around the resort where you can dine alone, surrounded by candles and lanterns. Barefoot at Havelock offers beach dining, wilderness dining and a lunch by the beach. We tried them all and had a wonderful, relaxing time as a couple.
Being a tropical region, there are clear days and some rainy days throughout this period. The driest months are January to March and the hottest months are March and April. For the very best chance at perfect weather, January and February are your best bet. Of course, if you are coming from anywhere in Europe or the north of North America, any time in winter is going to feel fantastic, giving you an escape from the cold,
May – October
Sitting as it it does, in the Bay of Bengal, monsoon does affect Havelock. However, that doesn’t mean constant rain all day every day. You will find patches of sunshine and blue skies between showers. The rainiest months are June to August with an average of 19 days with some rain. It will be hot and humid and sometimes it will rain. Plus, the sea will be rougher and you may not be able to swim. If this doesn’t bother you then you are golden. If you like to swim, make sure you book a hotel with a pool and you can swim in the rain to your hearts content.
Taken in March on a rain free six day trip.
5 – Havelock is an Adventure
A honeymoon in the Andaman and Nicobar islands isn’t just a “fly and flop” for most people. There are three main islands that people like to visit for at least a day. To travel between them, you need to catch public ferries. This is all part of the fun. You can get all your tickets booked in advance (we used and loved Go2Andaman.com) so there is no need to stress. On the day, go to the office and reconfirm and then it is time to climb aboard and relax for your boat ride across the Andaman Sea.
There is so much to do in the Andaman & Nicobar islands. On your way to Havelock, you will be flying to Port Blair. Before you travel on to Havelock, stay a night or two here. Port Blair has some cool little museums so you can learn about the history of the area, and the nature of the islands. Plus, a trip to Ross Island and the Cellular Jail are an absolute must.
Then, even on the relaxing island of Havelock, there is an abundance of nature adventures to enjoy. You can take a trek through the forest and if you have a guide with you, you can do some natural wondering. Whether you are into bird watching, critter and crab spotting or rock pooling for pretty sea life, there are options for everyone. You can also try so many water sports. If it is a new moon, you can join a kayak tour and see if you can spot the natural bioluminescence in the waves. It is so exciting. You could gpo snorkelling together. Floating above the coral, holding hands and spotting pretty little fish is so relaxing. If you are after a rush, try one of the crazy speedboat inflatables. Sitting next to your loved one on a giant inflatable sofa, as you bounce and laugh over the waves is a really fun thing to share together.
Final Thoughts on Our 5 Romantic Reasons to Take a Havelock Island Honeymoon
If you are travelling for a Havelock Island Honeymoon with a loved one, you will find plenty of special moments. We visited on a normal holiday but even that was romantic. It would be a brilliant honeymoon destination, or a place to renew your vows, or just reconnect with a partner. It has all the tropical vibes you need, a price tag that many can afford and a touch of the rough and ready to share a giggle over. I would plan my own Havelock island honeymoon but that would mean getting remarried, and I don’t think Mr Fluskey would approve.
For most people, Port Blair is the entry point for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Domestic flights arrive from the big cities of India, and with a shiny new international airport, more tourists will soon flood into the city. Before hopping on a ferry to Havelock Island or another popular island, take some time to enjoy Port Blair itself. Here are 10 places to visit in Port Blair for the perfect Port Blair itinerary.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
If you are continuing your adventure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands then check out the best place to book ferry tickets, accommodation and more, Go2Andaman
1 – Keep it Cheap at Excel Restaurant
Located on the roof of a hostel, this relaxed eatery is a wonderful option for those travelling on a budget. The seating is comfortable, the décor is full of funny signs and pretty paintings and the music that ranges from Ibiza chill to Indian raga. They have a decent selection of local dishes, as well as Nepalese momos (very tasty) and beer if you ask. Just be wary, some dishes include onion when not stated on the menu (this includes the marguerita pizza). If you aren’t a fan, best to make sure. The food is prepared fresh so it isn’t the quickest place to eat, but the friendly staff, convivial atmosphere make this a lovely, lazy evening.
2 – Go Back in Time at Ross Island
A quick boat ride from Port Blair is Ross Island (recently renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island but still widely referred to as Ross Island). This island, abandoned to nature, was once home to the British ex-pats that called the Andamans home. There was an officers club complete with teak dancefloor, a church, barracks and Commissioner’s mansion. They were hit by a huge earthquake in 1941 and then quickly vacated when the Japanese invaded in 1942. The island was occupied by Japanese forces before it was taken over by rhe Indian navy, and finally became open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the dilapidated buildings, overgrown with roots or hot foot it to the striking lighthouse. You can also meet the spotted deer (chital). They bow just like the famous deer in Nara but they were actually introduced by the British as they missed game hunting.
To get to Ross Island, make your way to Aberdeen Jetty. You need to put your name down at the small table and wait for a few others to fill the boat’s seats. Be mindful that the time you are quoted includes waiting for your boat to arrive. We were the first people to sign up for the day but the fourth boat to leave. When you arrive, you can join a golf buggy tour which will whisk you to the other side of the island, giving you time to go down to the lighthouse. We opted to walk and only got a shot of it from above but had time to explore the empty buildings all to ourselves.
3 – Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
This slightly eclectic, but mostly marine-themed museum is a short drive from the Aberdeen Clock Tower. There are five main rooms as well as some side areas and a pretty central courtyard. Some of our favourite things are:
The room which discusses the geography and ethnographic groups that inhabit the islands. There was loads of info in this room and the air con was super too.
The mini aquarium with some fish local to the area and a rather superb sea cucumber.
The large naval guns in the courtyard.
The room full of beautiful shells. The pearlescence was stunning.
You will probably be here for 45-60 minutes, depending on whether you take the chance to sit in the shaded chairs or not. Don’t forget to ring the bell on your way out.
4 – Fisheries Aquarium
A small, three room aquarium that isn’t going to give most around the world a run for their money. However, it will be a hit with small children and is a cheap attraction. Bear in mind that taking pictures costs extra, as with many sights in India, but it is small enough that they might actually notice.
The aquarium is a nice way to see the local sea life if you aren’t comfortable swimming or snorkelling. You can opt to have a guide and they can help bring it all to life with fun stories and facts. Some of the space is given over to preserved coral and sealify curiosities which are nice to see but disappointing in an aquiarium where you expect the majority of the exhibits to be alive. Oberall, this is a good diversion which will help cool you off for half an hour or so.
Finally, let’s address the elephant in the room. There is a sign that reads, “Fisheries Museum cum Aquarium”. No giggling please, we are all adults here.
5 – Delve Into a Dark History at the Cellular Jail
Built by the British to house Indian citizens that broke the law or fought for independence in the early 1900s, this classic star-shaped prison was home to some rather brutal practices.
Purchase your ticket in the booth on the far left hand corner before you head for the main door. Everyone floods into the two air conditioned rooms at the entrance that depict the history of the prison and some of the prisoners that were kept here. We think it is best to visit these just before you leave. You will want to savour the air on after the hit visit and before heading back outside.
Visitors have a chance to explore the two wings still standing. One has been beautifully resorted, the other is a little more weathered. Around the well-manicured grounds you will see recreations and explanations of the torturous treatment of the prisoners and two eternal flames celebrating freedom fighters. Seek out the cell on the top floors of in the lesser-restored wing, the home of
6 – Return to the Jail for the Light and Sound Show
The Cellular Jail has a fantastic projection mapped light show that tells the story of the jail. Rousing music and effective storytelling make this one of the better light shows on offer. The whole thing ends in a stirring rendition of the Indian national anthem. All in all, it’s a very impressive show.
The show happens several times a night in Hindi and three times a week in English. Indian citizens will find it easy to book in advance (and yes, this does sell out) through the Andaman E-Tourist website. So far, so good BUT now comes the tricky bit. You need an Indian credit card to book tickets online and you cannot book them in person. We have scoured the internet to find a way to do it for international visitors and think that Dekho Andaman’s tour that includes a pick up and drop off might be the only way.
7 – Seafood and Beer at New Lighthouse Restaurant
For a great value seafood feast, you can’t beat the Lighthouse. This double level restaurant is located near the Aberdeen Jetty and is open late. There is a large menu or local and “oriental” dishes. You can also order a selection of seafood from the live options on the ground floor. We saw two huge lobsters which were very tempting. Don’t skip on the biryani which is utterly delicious. If you don’t like spice, try the korma which is one of the only kormas we have found that made Mr Fluskey happy. It is full of all kinds of surprising goodies. When you order, the waiter will offer you a beer. If you fancy some, they come in big, ice cold bottles so don’t try and get ahead by ordering lots at once.
In terms of seating, upstairs is breezy and cooler helped by several fans. Smoking is only allowed downstairs so if you want a cigarette with your seafood, the stuffy ground floor is where you will be sitting.
8 – Hit the Beach at Corbyn’s Cove
At first glance, Port Blair just seems like a city on the water, but with no public access to the water. However, just a pretty 30 minute drive south of the main city is Corbyn’s Cove. This sweep of golden sand, backed by palm trees is picture perfect…if you arrive very early in the morning. At that time you can have it to yourself for a little while. Arriving later in the afternoon and you will see that it has become a hive of beach activity. Of course, it is still gorgeous, just less postcard perfect as the footsteps of visitors, and receding tide leave it looking a little beaten up later in the day.
At Corbyn’s Cove Beach you will find vendors selling drinks and snacks, fresh coconuts and maggi. There are washrooms and toilets and watersports galore. For the thrill seekers, options include jetskiing, power boat rides and parasailing. You can swim from the beach or just relax in the dappled shade by the trees, taking in the atmosphere.
9 – Sip a Sundowner at Amaya
Amaya at the top of the Seashell Hotel is the nicest place in town for a drink or some dinner. It does come with a bigger bill than many local spots (cocktails are 400 – 770) but the drinks are very good and it is such a super spot to see the sky turn red. You can reserve a table on the balcony but they do have space for walk ins if you arrive early. Service levels here are to good international levels with courteous and professional staff. The ambience is cool with some great music to enjoy.
The food is also some of the best and most hygienic in town with plenty of options from India and around the world. They are especially known for their excellent touch with fresh seafood and a good range of international style vegetarian food.
10 – Explore Mount Harriet National Park
If you haven’t had your fill of British ruins from Ross Island then head to Mount Harriet (now officially called Mount Manipur National Park). The remains of a British summer house, perch atop a high hill giving incredible views. Once home to the high commissioner, it was named after his wife, Harriet. It is a haven for wildlife which in turn, makes it great for photography. Keep your eyes peeled for wild pigs, robber crabs, and turtles that have all been spotted here. Landscape snappers and wildlife clickers will both be very happy here with almost 400 kinds of plants, 90 species of bird and a plethora of butterflies all enhancing the gorgeous views of the coast. Remember that using the camera does incur an extra cost.
You can take a ferry to Mount Harriet from Chatham Wharf on the Northern tip of Port Blair. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can travel by road but this takes about 2 hours. You can drive almost all the way to the summit but you can hike up if you want as there are plenty of trails. If you do take a trek, wear long trousers, wear plenty of deet and carry lots of water. Stay alert for insects, snakes and other harmful animals. It may be best to hire a guide so they can help with this and the navigation. Plus, they can point out the view of the lighthouse that used to be on 20 rupee note.
Final Thoughts on Our 10 Places to Visit in Port Blair
Port Blair isn’t a spot to stay for a week, but over a day or two you can have a lovely time, eat some great food and learn all about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From here, head for the islands and relax on the sand for a couple of days. You will appreciate them all the more once you know how India fought for them.
If you are continuing your adventure in the Andamans then check out the best place to book ferry tickets, accommodation and more, Go2Andaman
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands in India are undergoing a rapid change. As tourism increases, once secret beaches are being discovered and more guesthouses pop up. If you want a slice of the real Andaman & Nicobar then visit Barefoot at Havelock. They are a truly sustainable property, that has developed organically from their backpacker roots amidst rewilded tropical forest and just minutes from Havelock Island’s most incredible beach, Radhanagar. Read on for our full Barefoot at Havelock review.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
During our stay, we got to try out some of Barefoot’s many activities but there were so many, we have decided to pop them in a separate post.
Radhanagar Beach is one of Asia’s most stunning stretches of sand. The sand is soft and white, lapped by blue water and backed by green forest. It’s truly a beautiful beach, picture perfect with a slow sloping descent into the water, making it family friendly too.
Hidden just two minutes back from the tree line is the Barefoot at Havelock resort. The area Barefoot sits within used to be a banana tree plantation but over the past two decades, the owners have put considerable effort into replanting endemic species of plants and trees to repopulate the forest.
A Look Around Barefoot at Havelock
The Lobby
On arrival, we were offered comfy seats in the bar area of the lobby, along with cooling towels. The fans were already doing a pretty good job of keeping us cool. Looking up at the wooden structure, I was so impressed. Apparently the architect is Swiss which you could never guess from its Bali-esque vibes.
Before entering the building, guests are required to remove their shoes, upholding the resorts name, Barefoot. There is a small foot washing station, which is also found at the restaurant and each room as well. Looking at the reception desk, the hub of the resort, there is a small gift shop on the left and the bar on the right. Up the stairs is a mezzanine level with low seating and a small library.
The Room
Down rocky paths and tree slice stepping stones (bring some sandals with sturdy soles) you will find 31 rooms. They have tented cottages, duplex cottages, villas and one special room designed by a Sri Lankan architect. They are all the epitome of barefoot luxury with natural materials, designed to integrate with the pretty surroundings.
Our Tented Cottage
I wasn’t sure what to expect from something called a tented cottage, but it turns out it was a beautiful thatched roof with a thick canvas tent beneath. The material was decorated with pretty prints which gave it a sense of place.
Under our canopy we had a nice outside seating area. There was a bench, complete with umbrella that we could use if it rained. There were also two deck chairs but with the beach so near, we didn’t use it. What we did use, was the foot washing station. This dealt with the age old problem of bringing the beach sand into your bed by mistake. We managed to keep our room sand free.
Our pad.How lovely is this personalisation?Our laundry was ready and waitinghours before we expected it.
Inside the room, the furniture was minimal but what we did have was useful. There was a low table on which we found some information about the resort. Next to this was a tea and coffee station, along with filtered water and a couple of wine glasses. I meant to make a coffee at some point but our early morning activities meant it was better to just get up and out without faffing so I didn’t get round to it. There was Nescafe and the more local Coffee Day. For something a little cooler, we had a minibar with a couple of soft drinks in and two large beers. It was a shame we don’t like beer as these were very tempting when it was hot outside.
To the left, there was a wardrobe/shelving unit of sorts. It was handy to hang anything we intended to twear the following day, and I liked having the mirror but it wouldn’t be good for people that love to fully unpack. Luckily, we could just pop oiur packing cubes here when we needed to rummage in them.
The Bed
Our lovely big bed had crisp white sheets and super soft pillows. This wasn’t your average camping fare! On either side we had a bedside table and a plug. which was nice. At 16:00 every day, the housekeeping team came and turned the bed down, enclosing it in a mosquito net. One of our vital travel items is duct tape, and it is standard to cover up any little holes in a mossie net with a little square of tape. We did this on the first night and on our second evening saw that they had sewn the hole up really neatly. Top marks!
Check out that air conditioner
The Bathroom
The bathroom was outside of the tent but still under the roof. It was a giant semi-circular area at the back of the room, housing the toilet, a shower and sink. The shower was fantastic and felt like we were outside with the morning sun slicing in sideways.
We were provided with four large bottles of shampoo, shower gel, conditioner and body lotion. They were all lovely to use and my hair product stayed in my washbag. We also got a soap to cut through all that sun cream and deet, and a shower cap for quick, pre-bed rinses. It was a great set up. When you are used to guesthouses with small wet rooms, having so much space to drip dry or waft a towel was a treat.
This made short work of my hairThese products were all greatSo much space
Dining
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served at The Swimming Elephant. This lush, open sided structure is almost original. It used to be reception when Barefoot first opened. It has been expanded and now fits everyone in for food. There are two sections of tables and chairs, and one with low tables along with big, thick cushions. There were even a couple of tables outside which one French family loved to make use of while we all dashed for the cooling fans.
I enjoyed sitting on the cushionsMais oui!
We also had a few special dining experiences but I will talk about those in the activities blog post. It is worth noting that all the food came from the Swimming Eephant so it is all a review of the same menu.
Breakfast
There is a no breakfast buffet at Barefoot. Everything is served a la carte apart from the drinks selection. Every morning there was a different selection of fresh juices, cold coffee or milkshakes to pour. We were given a menu with a selection of western options on one side. Mr Fluskey greatly enjoyed the scrambled eggs and chocos with cold milk.
Then, on the other side was a daily Indian selection. The idli with dips was delicious but the winner had to be the masala dosa, a spicy and hearty start to the day which I totally forgot to photograph because I was far too excited to eat it. We were also given a plate of fruit every day which was a nice, fresh accompaniment.
On Wednesdays, we eat pinkIdli and dipsThat’s one happy Fluskey
Lunch
We only had one lunch in the restaurant itself but it was a good one. We opted for the satay chicken and prawn curry. The satay was unusual, being Thai marinated chicken that was then coated and fried. Then came the main event, the tender coconut and prawn curry with a cashew based sauce. Oh my goodness. This was heavenly! Turns out, the recipe came from one of the staff’s grandmas. She must have been an epic cook as this was one of Mr Fluskey’s favourite Indian dishes ever. It was so good that we had to order it again for another dinner. If you go, and you eat seafood, you MUST order this!
Chicken supreme satayMr Fluskey’s new favourite curry
Dinner
We had dinner at Swimming Elephant three times during our day, which meant we got a nice variety of dinner options to sample. there are three main sections on the menu here, Chinese, Italian, and Indian. Italian might feel a little strange, and like an attempt to cater for everybody, but Barefoot has the bona fide to back it up. They used to have an Italian couple working in the kitchen and they passed on plenty of knowledge of Italian cooking to the staff to continue serving up European fare. The pizza, was as good as it could be with the quality of mozzarella available. It was definitely the best pizza I have ever had in India.
There are some fun and unusual dishes on the menu, like the ginger chicken. This is a fancy version of chicken goujons. Chicken and ginger are coated in polenta and fried to produce a simple, but incredibly more-ish starter.
On our first evening, we tried a potato dish, which was a whole potato stuffed with stuff? And covered in a creamy curry sauce. We’ve never had anything like it in India, but it was filling and the most delicious food.
Mr Fluskey’s biggest distress in India, is that there are no decent kormas to be found. He has suffered through many a pasanda and Shahi paneer on the hunt for a mild but tasty almond based curry. Well, finally, his search was over as Barefoot serves a top-notch vegetable korma. Add to this the south Indian style paratha and you have one very happy Fluskey!
Ginger ChickenPizzaSeafood and Stuffed potatoesStuffed PotatoVegetable Korma and NaanPanna Cotta
We only managed dessert on one evening, full to the brim. On every other attempt. We shared a panna cotta, which was good, but not amazing. It was served with sweet jam-type sauce, rather than a sharper compote or sauce, which made the whole thing slightly too sweet.
Drinks
Throughout the day, the bar in the lobby was open for drinks. We were impressed to see a decent cocktail list, full of original options. We indulged in a few cocktails during our time, even accidentally picking a shooter due to some absent-minded ordering at dinner. Every drink we had was good, and the selection of international spirits was unexpectedly broad. It speaks to the luxury element when you can have Absolute vodka instead of the local paint stripper.
One drink that is especially worth mentioning is the Laal Chai offered to guests every night down on the beach during sunset. As the colour changes to gold, a giant tea pot appears, full of hot, spiced chai. On our first night, we grabbed a beach mat and found a spot, taking our tea with us. It felt odd having a hot drink in the sun but it didn’t stop it tasting scrummy. Then, on our last evening, I spend an hour in the sea before sunset. It actually got a teeny bit chilly so the lovely warm tea was very well received.
OMA Spa
The best way to chill out on your holiday is to let someone smooth your tensions away so we were so excited to have a full body massage. We had a quick sit down in the reception, debating whether the bowls on the floor, complete with leaf were for the aesthetics or for our feet. We erred on the side of caution and left our toes unsoaked. The massage therapists were going to do our massages side by side and showed us into the room, presenting us with a huge pair or paper pants each. It actually made a nice change from the tiny paper thongs often awkwardly yanked on for these experiences, but it definitely felt hilarious at the time.
The fancy pants
We lay down and the lovely ladies went to work. It was a hard massage, the hardest I’ve ever had I think . I would normally ask for a lighter touch but after carrying my backpack on sore shoulders, and in a sort of sadistic whim, I decided not to say anything. It was somewhere between delightful at points and almost too painful at some stages. I figured it must be good for me! After our time was up we both showered in the bathroom and wandered, lighter than air, back to our room. Mr Fluskey fully intended to have another massage but one of our other activities over run and he didn’t have time. It is such a shame as around £30 for an hour of pummeling, detangling and destressing was very affordable.
Final Thoughts on our Barefoot at Havelock Review
Barefoot at Havelock has found a fantastic balance offering excellent service and high end rooms whilst still recognizably coming from eco resort roots. The owner is clearly really passionate about both sides of business. Remembering the early days, he enthuses about the replanting of local tress around the former banana plantation, and the quality of the new architectural delights. We found ourselves falling under Barefoot’s spell too, sad to leave after three days and dreaming of another visit.
I have the longest travel bucket list. Experiences and places that I dream of visiting. Enjoying afternoon tea at the most world’s iconic hotels is a whole bucket list of its own and we were so excited to take high tea at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel during our stay. Read on for our full review of afternoon tea at the Taj.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
One of the most iconic hotels in the world, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai is a shining example of luxury hospitality right on the waterfront. One of its original bars, The Sea Lounge, sits up on the first floor. Guests enter through the lobby (on the far right on the frontage) and then make their way along the first shopping arcade and up the beautiful floating staircase.
The Sea Lounge has a slightly muted, mid century feeling and it has been hosting the great and good of Mumbai for over a hundred years. Business deals have been forged here, special occasions celebrated and many an arranged marriage given the seal of approval here.
The Sea Lounge
We arrived half an hour after the first guests arrived for their tea so all the window seats were taken. These are the prime seats and cannot be reserved so if you want them, arrive early. Looking around, we chose a sofa and comfy chair as it felt a little less formal that the wooden chairs and tables. A couple of people jumped into a window seat as the first people left. Very shortly after, another table cleared but we decided that we were nice and comfortable where we were. Plus, we had our own room in the hotel with the view of the Gateway of India and the next customers may not be staying so this would be their only chance.
Afternoon tea is accompanied by live music. This pianist had a beautiful voice.
The Afternoon Tea
There are two choices when it comes to the afternoon tea at the Taj.
Sea Lounge Afternoon Tea Buffet ₹3000 – The Sea Lounge Afternoon Tea Buffet includes a buffet stacked with hot Indian and international snacks, finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and street snacks. This is all served with tea or coffee. The selection of teas and coffees were very impressive with two full pages of teas including delicate jasmine, refreshing mint tea, the house blend of Darjeeling and Assam, and robust, spiced Mumbai Masala Chai..
Maharaja Afternoon Tea Buffet ₹4500 – All the above, plus prosecco. At ₹1500 extra, we thought the Maharaja Afternoon Tea would only include one glass of sparkling wine. They were selling at the bar downstairs for ₹1300. However, it turns out, it is unlimited. Of course, you cannot pour it yourself, but wait to be offered. Actually, the table next to us asked for top tups a couple of times so I guess you don’t even have to wait. It’s a total bargain of an upgrade!!
The Buffet
Along the edges of the area were a series of hot stations. Here we could pick up a selection of Indian and international hot snacks. The bao buns, based on pav bhaji were the best for sure! We also had some fantastic prawn balchao tostadas, pasta lamb sliders, chicken croquettes (which were a little dry) and chicken apricot skewers (that were perfectly tender). At this point, we had no idea how much food was to come so we probably had one or two too many nibbly bits.
We grabbed some sandwiches too. There were traditional finger sandwiches with very neat little paper wraps for picking up. Then I selected a mini salami ciabatta which was delicious enough to go back for seconds. The salmon croissant was a bit stingy on the salmon front, not even filling the inside of the croissant.
Drinks
On the side, there were three drink dispensers. Chocolate milkshake, virgin Bloody Mary (spicy tomato juice) and tropical berry. These are an excellent addition for those only expecting hot drinks, and especially for people that don’t like tea and coffee (many children…or Mr Fluskey).
The Royal Charlie
The three tier afternoon tea stand, sometimes called a curate, is presented by the staff. It is referred to at afternoon tea at the Taj as a “Royal Charlie”, though we still haven’t worked out why.
There are so many delicious morsels supplied with the Charlie, that they even had to bring a couple more little bowls. I am going to be honest, when the waiter was explaining all the sweets, we were just smiling and nodding with grins on our faces, wondering how on earth we were going to eat it all.
The Top Tier
We actually ate this top tier last, as it had the sweets on which came from all around India. Now I’m not going to lie, this was full of textures that I struggle with. There were sweets made of almond, sweets made of almond and coconut, saffron soaked sweets, and sweets made with milk and sugar.
The Middle Tier
I did not catch what any of these were specifically but I believe they were all kinds of vegetable dumplings. One had spinach and paneer, one was chickpeas and they were all very delicious. On the side we had idli in a sweetened yogurt and apricot which I quite liked but Mr Fluskey wasn’t keen on. We also had small chicken kebab pieces. The moiced chiclken combined with punchy spices was very tasty.
Tier Three
Fried delights! There were two items on the bottom that I really liked. The fish fingers were a firm favourite. These are obviously not Bird’s Eye style but cuboid fish mince coated in gram flour batter and fried. There were two samosas, or which the little lamb ones were the best. I also enjoyed the potato pakoras which had very thin slices of potato in the batter. Finally, and the winner of best thing on the Charlie, was the egg. It was like a scotch egg but with really thin pakora batter. It was the epitome offusion afternoon tea.
Street Snacks
I was caught lusting at the street food stand. “How do I get some pani puri”? I asked, eyes gleaming. Pani puri, also known as golgappa, consists of small, fried semolina cases. Inside, you find sweet and savoury fillings ike chickpeas, yogurts and potato. Then, on the street, the whole thing is dunked into spicy or sweet water before being popped into your mouth whole. At The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel high tea, the flavoured water is served in a shot glass, ready to pour into the puri and demolished. You also get a few chaats.
The Scones
No afternoon tea is complete without scones (and that is scone like gone, not scone like groan). We got two plain scones with cream and jam. This was probably the weakest part of the afternoon tea. The scones were a little dense, round topped and not that fluffy. The jam was more like compote which was nice and fruity, but didn’t spread that well. The cream wasn’t copious enough. I am sure we could have asked for more but we were so incredibly stuffed by this point that we could only manage half a scone each any way.
One Devon and one Cornwal…just to stop being told off
The Cakes
Instead of a small selection of mini cakes, there was a selection of I dian sweets, some mini delights and a whole side covered in full size desserts! We were so stuffed by now but couldn’t leave without sampling some. We figured that, as the Charlie had featured some local sweets, we would focus on the cakes.
The little basque cheesecake was bang on taste wise but I think it had too much bottom. It’s so hard to make miniature versions so I will entirely forgive it. The mini chocolate eclair was a little dry. I think it needed more fresh cream filling to balance it out.
Then we picked up a sliver of the fresh fruit cake and it was divine. The fresh cream was so refreshing and it was incredibly moist. I kicked myself for not having more room as this was the best cake I’d had in a long time!
The Bathroom
If you need to use the bathroom, make sure your afternoon buddies know you may be a whille. The bathrooms are outside of the Sea lounge, along a coriddor lined with photos, documents and paintings all celebrating the history of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. You will find famous guests, original materials and lots and lots of other distracting diversions.
Final Thoughts on Our Afternoon Tea at the Taj
I am surprised we managed to squeeze out of the door at the end of our mammoth 2.5 hour afternoon tea. It is incredible value for the amount of food and drink you get. We even had to take some away (which we ate the next day for breakfast). I met someone today who said they wanted to go for afternoon tea at the Taj for their birthday and I made sure to advise them against eating too much breakfast!
At the end of their on board safety video, Vistara announces itself as “India’s Beat Airline”. Having flown with Indigo a few times, Spice Jet and Air India, we were really intrigued to see how they would live up to that moniker. Is Vistara really India’s best airline? Read on for our review of Vistara 787-900 economy as we travel from Mumbai to London.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
Why Vistara?
We were meant to fly home from Mumbai with Virgin Atlantic, but we’re enjoying our time at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel so very much, that we decided to change our flight and go later with Vistara. I guess you can say we just wanted our fill of Tata (that own both the hotel and Vistara). Vistara has the latest flight from Mumbai to London (around 14:55 on the day we flew), arriving back in the UK around 20:00.
The Airport Experience
Our check in was quick and easy. We dropped our bags as we had wine to bring back to the UK. We wouldn’t normally check in bags but with Vistara’s 7kg hand luggage allowance, plus the boozy souvenir, we decided it would be best. Vistara had about 10 desks at Mumbai which is pretty good to say they only have one flight.
We made our way through security and passport control before making our way to McDonalds. Yes, we just had to grab a Maharaja Mac to see if it was as good as we remember from 2009…turns out, it was.
The boarding gates at BOM are big, open seating areas with some lovely lamps and big sections of green plants which make it quite a pleasant space. They also have huge windows out onto the ramp and runway so we found a nice spot for trying to plane spot as we waited for the plane to board.
Economy was split into two queues, one for the back section and one for the front. It worked reasonably well but as the queues were formed outside of the tensa barriers, the usual slight scrum occurred.
Vistara’s 787 Interior
Let’s do a review of Vistara inside. I love the Boeing 787 and I love that Vistara uses the unique features offered on this plane to full effect. (Almost, the sliding recline on the ANA 787 still wins).
The lighting on the 787 is nicely adjustable. On boarding, they were a pinky purple (not as purple as Virgin’s lighting but very reminiscent.
The windows on the 787 are lovely and large with dimmer switches on the bottom. This is fun but it was a little annoying that they were all dimmed quite early in the flight. The lights were brought down and the message was clear, its sleepy time. When the lights were bought up for the second meal service, they left the windows dark so it still felt like it was nighttime. I tried to brighten mine but I guess they had master control. It would have been to see the sun to help adjust to U.K. time.
After meal two the windows remained dim and the lights were shut off again for another post dinner nap. It felt so odd to wake up the plane for that snack and then try to get them back to sleep.
Our Economy Seats
Seats are in a 3-3-3 configuration in economy, decreasing to 2-3-2 in premium. The seat covers are navy and made of a thick woven material, topped with a head cover with the Vistara logo.
In economy, the seats have a … inch pitch and … inch recline. It feels fine when you are sat but getting in and out is a real squeeze. Luckily, we managed to snag three seats between us so I wasn’t clambering over a stranger but it would be…intimate.
The headrest was very adjustable and was almost low enough at its lowest point for me to use the flippy bits. This is unheard of!
Under the TV, in the seat back is the reading material shelf. This contained the inflight magazine, the safety card and a sick bag.
Below this was the tray table. This had a very neat clip rather than the more common spinning lock. It felt quite snazzy. The tray folded down and then out, sliding towards the seat (but with no room to do so after dinner).
The Storage
Technically, Vistara only allows 7kg in hand luggage but there were clearly a fair few people flouting those rules. Several large bags were slotted into the overhead lockers around us, which the bins took well.
Vistara’s Entertainment
Being an Indian carrier, the entertainment system, Vistara World, was a mix of Indian and American options. There was an abundance of HBO programming and several films starring the same actors. (A few Cate Blanchett, several Ryan Goslings and a couple Leo DiCaprios). They also had music and games but I never got around to those.
I started the flight enjoying the Bernie Madoff film, “The Wizard of Lies”, and then settled in for a rewatch of “White Lotus”. An excellent show as it is, the heightened viewing experience of planes really sucked me in.
Mr Fluskey managed to finish “Crazy, Stupid Love” which he started on the Virgin Atlantic flight on the way over. Don’t you love it when things work out. He moved onto Bullet Train, featuring the new James Bond.
He also found the live channels which were all showing the news. What a happy bunny he could have been with nine hours of BBC World News on one screen and the world map on the other.
The best thing about having three seats is having that middle seat set to the map the whole way. I especially loved spotting some cool mountains from the window and checking out where we were flying over.
Vistara offers paid internet access. Personally, I didn’t need to be online so I didn’t use it but it was good to see the options. Combined with the plugs offered in economy, you could definitely be doing some work on a laptop or just scrolling on your phone if you like to stay connected.
The Amenities
For our review of Vistara amenities, lets start with what is on the seat. There is a pillow, blanket and headphones and all were surprisingly good for economy. I liked the blankets smooth feel but it wasn’t super warm.
The plugs in the TV (a USB and a sound connection) was actually a dual prong. I was worried that this would result in the horrible twiddling that you have to do to use a normal 3.5mm jack but it worked perfectly with just one. Happy days.
The bathrooms were fine. By midway through the flight, they ended up pretty messy and didn’t seem to improve. I would definitely say this was user misuse rather than bad cleaning by the airline. I don’t know if the cabin crew are meant to spot clean them.
Each toilet had the normal foamy hand wash in, some antibacterial gel and curiously, some mouth wash. This was an interesting addition as it requires the user to squirt it right into their mouth and it doesn’t seem like many people would use it?
Vistara’s Economy Food & Drink Service
Round One
Our first meal was served about an hour and a half into the flight. There was an option of chicken or veg and we both opted for chicken. The trolley had a decent selection of drinks including spirits, wine and beer. It is worth noting that although there was Diet Coke, the sugary version was Pepsi. This doesn’t bother me but I am aware there are people that might consider this a deal breaker.
For the review of Vistara’s main meal I had a chicken curry with cumin rice. The curry suffered from being a little two salty but the chicken was really tender and wasn’t dry, a serious accomplishment for an economy meal. The cumin rice was full of flavour and quite fluffy, I was impressed. The bread roll was pretty dry however, but a liberal slather of the good, salted butter solved that.
The little salad on the side had cucumber, tomato and cumin. With the squeeze of lemon it was very refreshing and still crunchy. I would say it’s the best airline side salad I’ve had.
For afters we had a gooey chocolate cake dessert which was yummy scrummy and it was demolished at speed! Finslly, there was a packet which at I first I thought was sugar. Turns out it was a sachet of the minty, herby nibbly stuff often seen at the end of Indian meals.
There was only one drink offered with dinner, with tea and coffee afterwards.
Round Two
At around 2.5 hours to landing, the lights were brought up and the trolley rolled through a second time. Again we were offered the choice of chicken or veg and we both chose chicken. It was another almost full tray with a hot chicken wrap. The wrap was whole meal and slightly chapati-esque and the filling was soft pulled chicken packed with spice. The potatoes were spicy but not really flavourful.
The dessert was a soaked sponge with a crumble topping and sweetened creamy custard. It was another total winner.
On the tray we got another tiny water and a masala lemon water which was fun. It’s nice to have so much water but one bigger bottle would probably be better as they must produce an awful lot of plastic waste with all these cute little ones. They have paper cups and bamboo cutlery so they are obviously making strides in the right direction.
For some reason, our crew member didn’t offer drinks from the trolley whilst the others were pouring away. We caught her on the way back and grabbed a couple of Cokes. We were offered tea or coffee after the meal again but we both declined.
Honestly, I think this is one of the best economy services we have had in terms of food. The quality and quantity were both better than expected. We have often had one good meal followed by a terrible snack, but both meals were tasty. The only things I would change are the cutlery (we had to use the same spork for our savoury food as our dessert) and the plastic bottles.
The Views
Final Thoughts of our Review of Vistara 787-900 Economy
I was pleasantly surprised with Vistara and their service. The food was genuinely tasty, the entertainment selection pretty decent and the seats comfortable enough for a long haul flight. The crew were super friendly and very professional. I didn’t enjoy the lighting settings being dark for so long on a day flight.
Kerala is the Indian state that hugs the southeastern coast. However, there is so much more to it than pretty beaches and greenery. God’s Own Country, as Kerala is known, has a rich culture full of colour, dance and incredibly more-ish cuisine. Soak up the scenery, try something tasty, enjoy a traditional performance and have an adventure across the beaches, lush tea plantations and tranquil backwaters. Here are 25 amazing things to do in Kerala.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
25 Amazing Things to Do in Kerala
1.) Savour a Sadhya
The traditional food of Kerala is served on a banana leaf, especially at festival time. Not only is this a very pretty way to serve a meal, but it is also exceedingly eco-friendly. Once the food is finished, diners fold the leaf over, which is either composted or given to the animals. So what is on this leaf? The meal will always start with rice. Kerala has two staple foods, rice and coconut. Then, along with the rice, some sort of curry and sambal…always sambal. Around the main dish, you will find a pretty and delicious selection of pickles chillies and condiments to spice up the main dish. For pudding, it’s common to have a banana and some payasam, an incredibly sweet and sticky dessert.
2.) Get Your Boots Muddy in Wayanad
Wayanad is an area of Kerala full of hills and lakes. It is incredibly beautiful and perfect for adventure travel. In the dry season, you” find hikes to be hiked, animal safaris to enjoy and bamboo rafts to explore the waterways. In the monsoon, however, some of these activities become unfeasible but never fair, there are some great alternatives.
The best operator of adventure activities in Wayanad is aptly named Muddy Boots. One of the coolest activities they can offer year-round is zip wiring. Guests get kitted up in a harness and helmet before climbing a short tower. The wire takes you down, through a tea plantation. It is exhilarating, won’t get you muddy at all and involves almost no physical effort, so it is fun for the whole family.
On the other end of the spectrum is Mudfest, particularly mud football. Wayanad Tourism organises a mud football tournament every year during the rainy season. Competitors aim to get a ball in the goal…sa far, so regular. However, they are knee-deep in a huge muddy puddle. It is intense and hilarious with people kicking mud at each other, falling over in the mud and just getting soaked through with plenty of laughs.
3.) Take India’s Tropical Train
India’s train system is one of the most remarkable ways to get around the country. Long-distance trains clatter through the night whilst small commuter trains can be packed to the rafters in the city. The line that runs through Kerala takes in some gorgeous views along the coast as it passes over bridges with the backwaters flowing beneath. From these tracks, you can catch some of the most beautiful sunsets Kerala has to offer with pinks and purples evolving as the view changes. The train that travels between Kerala’s two main entry points. Kochi and Trivandrum takes around four hours, so it is very easy to travel slowly from one to the other and hop on the train back at the end of your trip.
4.) Celebrate Onam in the Monsoon Rains
August in Kerala means monsoon, which you might think is a bad time to visit, but there is a lot going on. Every year the 10 day harvest festival of Onam brings unique performing arts to the streets and for two days the snake boat races take over the waters. The racing boats are huge and can have up to 120 sailors rowing for the victory. The boats used for Vallam Kali are war canoes so you best believe they can go at speed! For the most iconic battle, head to the Nehru Trophy Boat Race which takes place on the Punnamada Lake.
As well as this watery fun, there are huge festival celebrations around temples and within communities. Here you will discover tasty treats such as special sadhya spreads and spiced lentil fritters called parippu vada and kaliyadakka. Kaliyadakka are little deep-fried balls made of rice (duh) and dal and then covered in sesame, cumin, coconut and salt. Then of course you have banana chips, jackfruit chips and tapioca chips. After all those deep-fried delights it is time for a dance and Onam has a crazy collection of speciality performances on offer. The most iconic is the Pulikali tiger dance. This is performed on day fur of the festival and involves performers painting their skin in iconic stripes or spots before dancing to rhythmic music. Intriguingly, the dancers drink as much water as they can to make sure their bellies are plump and round. After all that water, dancing is the last thing I’d want to do!
5.) Cruise the Kerala Backwaters on a Houseboat
The most iconic of all the things to do in Kerala, and one you mustn’t miss out on, is to take a backwaters cruise. The waterways that crisscross the areas around Alleppey/Alappuzha, where Kerala meets the sea, have a special quality. It looks like the water is flowing backwards (hence the name). The best way to see the rivers and the life of the people that surround them is from a houseboat. These range from quite basic to ultra-luxury, but whatever class you float in, you will be making really special memories. All of the boats spend a few hours out and about on the water before mooring up for sunset and a restful night’s sleep.
Kovalam is Kerala’s premier beach resort, attracting tourists from across the world. Why do they love it? Kovalam has three beaches backed by coconut groves, that have been voted the safest in Kerala. This means you hit Lighthouse Beach and swim, kayak, take a catamaran out or surf. The photos of the lighthouse at sunset are gorgeous and I am just sad I didn’t get to stay until sunset.
If you just like to relax in the sun then Hawa Beach is ideal and used to seeing plenty of people in swimwear so there’s no need to worry. Finally, for some serious solitude, Samudra Beach is just a little along the coast and is much, much quieter. Some luxury properties are up here and so there are a few honeymoon couples.
Kovalam did suffer from over-tourism but it seems to be reclaiming the idea of sustainable tourism and the joys of celebrating the local rather than big international brands.
Kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art form originating in Kerala is not just a way to fight off your enemies. It has a holistic philosophy and is deeply spiritual It originated over 3000 years ago and is still kept alive by amazing schools like CVN Kalari Nadakav.
Kalari warriors, the martial artists that practice Kalaripayattu train their body’s flexibility, strength and speed using animal forms and “meippayattu”. These longer sequences of flowing movements are quite beautiful to watch. The students are also proficient in all kinds of weapon art including sticks, daggers, and huge flexible swords that are part blade and part whip.
If you are lucky enough to see a performance of this fantastic martial art, you may even have the chance to try a few moves yourself.
8.) Explore Fort Kochi
Kochi (Cochin) is a city spread across several islands. It has a laid-back vibe and pretty Dutch architecture that is unusual in India. The most popular area for tourists is Fort Kochi and here are some spots that you should visit.:
Chinese Fishing Nets – Named “Cheena Vala” in the local Malayalam dialogue, the Chinese Fishging Nets are the icons of Kochi. There are a couple of stories about how these fishing nets came to Kochi but most oft-repeated is that a Chinese fisherman called Zang arrived here 500 years ago and bought this method of fishing along with him. These days, very little fishing is done and the gentlemen that work here make most of their money from tourist tips. If you plan to go out on to the structure and help with the hauling demo, be prepared to pay for the privilege. Taking photos from the shore is free.
St Francis Church – St Francis dates back to 1503, making it the oldest European church in India. Looking at the architecture, you’ll find lots of traditional Portuguese elements alongside some more local fl9ourishes. Inside, look out for the original resting place of Vasco de Gama, the explorer that so famously toured this coast.
Mattancherry Palace – Known as the Dutch Palace this mansion was originally built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It was a present to the king to apologise for wrecking a nearby temple. Inside there is a room full of the most incredible murals. Try and hire a guide to share the stories beautifully told in pigment.
Jew Street – Jew Street refers to an area around Kochi’s Paradesi synagogue that used to be the epicentre of the Jewish community in the city. It is an excellent spot for a little shopping as the road is full of antique shops, clothes shops, spice shops and art shops. It is highly photogenic too with pretty cobbles and a mix of European and local architecture,
The Beach – Kerala is blessed with eternal beautiful, swimmable beaches and the shorre right around Fort Kochi is no exception. Families take to the sandy shore for a dip in the sea, especially as the heat of the day dies away and the sun begins to set. (Don’t try this during monsoon as the sea is dangerous).
9.) Take in a Kathikali or Theyyam Show
India is a country with an exceptionally vibrant performing arts culture. Dance, theatre and music are often intertwined and every temple has its storytelling performances. In Kerala, the most famous theatre traditions are classically and them. these are both performed in temporal temples during important festivals, but as a tourist, it can be hard to stumble upon these. Plus, there are a few that have the sticking power to watch until 5 a.m. Instead, find a performance in one of the countless theatres offering a glimpse. These shows give an introduction to the intricate movements and their meanings, as well as performing short stories in a highly stylised style. You can even pay for special early access to watch the performers get ready, applying for make up and costume which can take up to three hours.
9.) Visit the Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram
Despite non-Hindus not being allowed to enter this stunning temple, it is still worth a visit. Inside there are treasures locked away that are rumoured to be worth over $22 billion, making this the richest temple in the world. The façade is reminiscent of temples in Tamil Nadu, which is quite unusual in Kerala and the giant tank next to the temple is used for ritual bathing if you are visiting at the right time, or for feeding the fish if you’re not.
10.) Sip a Spot of Tea in Munnar
Munnah is one of Kerala’s most famous destinations, and for good reason. This was one of the hill stations favoured by the British and tea production was (and is) huge here. During a visit to Munnar, you can explore the rolling tea plantations with their tea bushes that look like intricate jigsaw puzzles of greenery. Tea has been an integral part of India’s culture since it was first introduced by the British in the 1800s and it is still a daily treat for most of India. It is rather special to see how it grows, hugging the curving hills of Kerala.
It is also possible to arrange a factory tour and see how the tea leaves are turned into Britain’s favourite beverage. Green tea and black tea come from the same leaves, but black tea, the kind, most commonly drunk, is made by leaving the leaves out to dry and ferment. The green tea is not oxidised. The expensive and highly prized white tea is made from just the youngest leaves on the bushes and whereas a good tea picker can pluck 100kg of tea per day, it would take a full day to pick just 3kg or 4kg of white tea leaves.
11.) Relish the Spray at AthirapillyWaterfall
The Athirapilly Falls is Kerala’s most impressive waterfall, disrupting the ChalaKudy River near Thrissur. The water thunders over the rocks and plummets 80 feet to the rocks below. In the dry season, the volume dips to just a twentieth of the flow. In high water, if you can make it to the bottom, you will see a beautiful rainbow in the mist when the sun comes out. To reach the falls, visitors walk over a hill, covered in bamboo trees. This descends to the viewing platform area. It is good to have steady feet down here.
12.) Bend Some Bamboo at Uravu
When you think of bamboo you might think of China, but this wonder material is being used and cultivated in Kerala to great effect. The nursery holds hundreds of varieties from teeny tiny dwarf bamboo to the giant stuff they used to make scaffolding. Inside the workshops, you can see them create hand, stripped blinds, skilfully, woven lampshades, and pretty bamboo. P. Head upstairs to the shop for a whole host of bamboo products that are not only practical but beautiful. Oh, and there is a food shop too. Did you know that when Bamboo dies it produces something called bamboo rice which is not only edible but delicious. This resource is incredibly sustainable so it’s worth going to support their efforts.
13.) Spot Wildlife at Periyar Tiger Reserve
On the edge of Thekkady is the large Periyar National Park, protected from development and preserved for wildlife. There are so many options for visitors to explore the reserve. Large groups can take boats around the huge lake, trying to spot animals on the banks. This is the least likely way to spot a tiger, however. Instead, consider a leisurely bamboo raft through the smaller waterways, a nature walk with an experienced guide, or even an overnight stay in one of their jungle camps. Speaking of guides, some of the staff here were locals who had to resort to poaching. They’ve been retrained as guides and can now make a living supporting nature, which is an amazing initiative.
14.) Discover Ayurvedic Treatment
Kerala’s most famous export is undoubtedly its wellness programmes. Ayurveda is more than just a massage technique, it is a holistic approach to wellness that involves massage, detox, beautiful treatments, like sound baths, exercise, and nutrition. People travel to Kerala from across the globe to immerse themselves in Ayurvedic resorts, sometimes for months on end. The shortest time recommended for an Ayurvedic retreat is around three days, but you can always opt for one treatment and even that can leave you feeling like a new person. It is especially good if you have been hiking, surfing, or indulging in other active endeavours. Bear in mind that if you are staying at a centre, you will be on a strict Ayurvedic menu so if you are coming to India to feast on the cuisine, you may leave feeling a little shortchanged.
15.) Stay in a Treehouse
Spend the night with the sound of a rushing stream and the monkeys below shaking the branches at Vythiri Resort. This is a very special spot hidden in the trees of Vythriri (in the Wayanad area). Every room is special with pool villas, single-room cottages with private pools, jacuzzi rooms and treehouses. It is a really unique place to visit in Kerala and well worth the trip into the hills. The natural surroundings with streams and forest as well as the full Ayurvedic spa mean you can’t fail to relax. They make a decent screwdriver with freshly squeezed orange juice too.
16.) Party at Thrissur Pooram
Another huge festival that is worth making a special trip to is Thrissur Pooram. This northern Kerala town hosts the most spectacular celebration at Vadakkunnathan Temple and it brings in visitors from across the country. So, what can you expect? Elephants that are painted and decorated (literally) for the Gods. They have fine gold headdresses and intricate patterns across their bodies. There is an array of fireworks above and below, plenty of dancing and music. In total, celebrations run for a week so you can dip in as part of a longer trip easily.
The Leela Raviz Kovalam is one of India’s best hotels. It sits atop a rocky outcrop, looking over the waves and the beaches on either side. Plenty of their rooms have sea views, and they have an actual palace that has been converted into four large suites. The Halcyon Palace (as it was once known) was built in 1932 as a summer house for the royal family. Guests who book one of these palace rooms, all named after maharanis, are welcomed with a full drum performance, flower petal toss, and guard ceremony. It is quite the entrance! Inside you will find Murano chandeliers and lush furnishings. Alternatively, if you stay in a club room, you get to use their gorgeous infinity pool that looks out over the Arabian Sea.
Oh, and from personal experience I can tell you that their buffet (including the desserts) was absolutely excellent.
18.) Chill on the Cliffs of Varkala
Below the striking red cliffs of Varkala, the orange beach plays host to surf lessons, swimmers, sunbathers, and everyone in between. On top of the cliff, you will find guesthouses, and ayurveda massage centres cheek by jowl with lots and lots of restaurants. As this is a tourist town, every eating spot uses mineral water or filtered water for their ice, meaning you can opt for a slushy or iced coffee with peace of mind. The best time to be had in Varkala is to order some fresh seafood prepared with the level of spice you enjoy. You can take one of the tables that looks out over the cliff (many restaurants are set up with stepped tables) and munch your way through said seafood whilst enjoying the sunset.
19.) Visit a Sustainable Tourism Initiative that village and try toddy
There are so many things to do in Kerala, and it is so admirable to see their focus on sustainable tourism, working with local communities and enriching their lives too. During my trip (hosted by Kerala Tourism) we met school children as we all learned about music, and visited workshops that feed profits back into the community, keeping traditional skills alive.
Located near the pretty resorts of Kumarakom Lake is one of Kerala’s excellent, sustainable tourism initiatives. The village of Kumarakom has a variety of intriguing, traditional arts, crafts, and skills to share with curious travellers. You can see how they collect coconuts, weave the fibres into rope and might even get to try on some traditional dress. Ask nicely and a surprisingly agile gent might nip up a palm tree and collect some fresh toddy. This alcoholic beverage can be sweet or sour depending on the time of day. It’s best drunk as fresh as possible. Don’t worry about getting drunk by mistake, at 8.1% or so you’ll need rather a lot for a proper buzz.
The Kerala Arts and Crafts Village is located in Kovalam but features artists and techniques from across the state. There are over 100 artisans producing crafts from pottery to jewellery and weaving. Stroll through the outdoor corridors and see what catches your eye. Some of the artists work in their studios so you can see the magic happen!
On the outskirts of Calicut is a handloom workshop. You can see the process right from the initial rolling of the rope, to its colouring, spinning and finally weaving on the handloom. The lovely ladies who work these looms sit in pairs, firing the shuttles back and forth rhythmically with speed and skill….we weren’t so good at it.
The Blue Yonder, specialists in sustainable tourism, can arrange all kinds of amazing experiences that are great fun and give back to the community. We had the amazing chance to visit a school in Kerala and learn about music with them. The children had talks and demonstrations before we arrived. Afterwards, we got to join in with some drumming and they even did some brilliant performances for us and gave us some gorgeous handmade presents!
20.) Marvel at the Boats of Beypore
As well as floating along on the backwaters, you can check out the beautiful “uru” boats being constructed. Beypore is the heart of this industry and although most of these dowe boats make their way to Oman and the UAE, they are still built in the traditional Keralan way. You can explore the boats that are at different stages of manufacture. Uru boats are also known as fat boats which makes them sound small and cute, but these behemoths are worth millions of pounds apiece. It’s no wonder when you realise they are mostly made of teak, a hard and very valuable wood.
21.) Pad Through Padmanabhapuram Palace
Through a nondescript doorway, along the back alley and next to a few shoe racks is the entrance to Padmanabhapuram Palace. This beautiful building is almost entirely created in wood. The intricate carvings are pretty enough, but you’ll also find a collection of Kathakali costumes, huge ivory carvings and gifts from around the globe. There is a small room full of small statues and don’t underestimate them, that cute little gold statue you’re looking at is thousands of years old!
The palace is also called the Horse Palace and if you want to see why, look out across the front of the palace from the first dancing room and see if you can spot the horses heads.
22.) Start the Day with an Indian Breakfast
The breakfasts in Kerala are quite unique. It is definitely worth stepping outside of your comfort zone to try something new to set you up for the day. There are some things to look out for:
Appam – This flatbread, full of bubbles, is everywhere in Kerala. It is made of coconut and rice and is fried in a little bowl-shaped pan. It is traditionally served with a mild curry sauce.
Idli – These steamed rice flour dumplings are crumbly and act like sponges when they are soaking up sauces.
Idiyappam– These are known as string hoppers in Sri Lanka and are delicious, especially when covered in sauce. The batter is extruded into long, spaghetti-like strands before being steamed in little nests.
Nadan Mutta Curry– How do you like your eggs in the morning? I like mine hardboiled in a rich curry sauce full of ginger, garlic and coconut milk.
Dosa – This is an all-day dish but many hotels will cook you a fresh dosa for your breakfast. Whether you like a young coconut dosa (Karikk) or prefer the ghee-laden paper dosas, they are an excellent start to the day.
23.) Check Out Cool Kozhikode
Kozhikode (Calicut) is a coastal city in Northern Kerala and isn’t often on the tourist trail. Its absolutely worth a visit though.
Mishka mosque is distinctly Keralan, and unlike any mosque you might imagine. The building is wooden, dates way back to the 1300s and extends up six floors into the sky. Mishkal, the wealthy merchant the mosque was named after, wanted to be able to spot it above the rooftops when he returned from trips at sea. Sadly, women are not allowed inside, but it’s still worth a look. Around 300 m away you’ll find another wooden mosque, Muhiyudheen Sunni Masjid, which is the oldest in Kerala. It’s not quite as pretty but worth a look.
Five minutes in the other direction is the trendy Gujarati St. Here you will find the weird and wonderful Gudhaam Art & Antiques. This beautiful house is full to the brim with the personal collections of the owner, Badayakandy Basheer. Take a wander and in one room you’ll find thousands of stamps and, in another vintage phones from the last 100 years. Stop by for a gander and a drink in the Art Cafe…but don’t fill up.
Adam’s Tea House is your stop for lunch. They specialise in north Keralan cuisine and can do everything from a casual snack to a huge feast (although these should be booked in advance). The biriyani sharing buckets look yummy and everything we tried was so flavourful. They love to use local brands too, featuring local fizzy drinks (soda) that you won’t find anywhere else. You can choose the AC room or the regular room which we think is a bit more lively.
Finally, head to the beach to relax. If the red flags are up then you can just take a stroll or perch on the rocks and watch the waves crash. If it is nicer weather, you can take a dip in the Arabian Sea or soak up some sun on the sand. Bear in mind that it can be busy, so bring swimwear with a little more coverage than a string bikini if you don’t want to attract attention. Oh, and if you are a Starbucks fan, there is one right on the beach here for your coffee addiction (or if you just want some good aircon).
24.) Join an Adventure at Nihara Resort and Spa Hotel
Nihara Resort and Spa is nestled on one of the many islands in Kochi but it feels a world away from the bustling centre. This villa resort specialises in fun activities and relaxing spa treatments. Some rooms have a duplex style upstairs bedroom with gorgeous views of the garden, and some have direct access to the pool. The restaurant makes incredible dishes, especially the seafood which is treated with love and utterly addictive. You could just chill out, get an ayurvedic treatment and relax by the pool. However, it is worth joining the guides for a pleasant cycle through the back lanes of the area. You’ll get some gentle exercise and get to see a little of small town life.
You can take to the sparkling water of Lake Vembanad on a kayak which is an amazing way to relax. It is a wonderful way to de-stress from the busy city. They even have their own boat so sunset cruises are also an option.
25.) Take a Cooking Lesson
Don’t just eat when you visit Kerala, take home the skills to recreate some its unique cuisine. You’ll find cooking lessons throughout Kerala, some offer a demonstration and some are more interactive. Celebrity home cook Abida Rasheed is a YouTube star, famous for her passion for Mopah cuisine. She takes a few flavourful ingredients and lets them sing. The Moplan cuisine is very different from the butter and cream-laden curries of the North, and has a little less coconut than other Keralan dishes. There is plenty of fiery chilli and toasted whole spices though! This cooking tradition comes from Arab traders which is what gives it a distinct style. You can visit Abida in her stunning Kozhikode home, shared with her family for a lesson or demonstration, just contact her through her Facebook page.
Khan’s Cooking Lessons in Varkala are more low key and more interactive. Everyone mucks in creating a meal that the group then shares. This is pure Keralan cuisine with lashings of coconut. During our visit, we cooked fried fish in bubbling coconut oil, flavour packed tomato and turmeric rice, a fiery curry and an abundance of vegetable pakoras. This is an excellent way to learn new recipes, try new skills and meet new friends.
Final Thoughts on 25 Amazing Things to Do in Kerala
Kerala is a remarkable destination with an array of experiences to offer. I have been twice and there is still so much to do! From serene backwater cruises to cultural Kathakali performances and Ayurvedic therapies, it has something for everyone. The state’s lush landscapes and warm hospitality make it a must-visit. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this enchanting corner of India, where you can create lasting memories.
On my second trip to Kerala in India, I was lucky enough to spend a wonderful night on board one of the best luxury houseboats in Alleppey. Embarking on this beautiful boat journey through the backwaters of Kerala with Blue Jelly Cruises was a total dream come true. The blend of luxury and nature, the delicious dinners and the chance to relax as local life slipped by. Read on for my full Blue Jelly Cruises review.
This post may contain sponsored content or affiliate links that help support the blog. All opinions are our own.
Flying Fluskey in Alleppey
Cruising the backwaters of Kerala, was my big unticked box. On our first trip to Kerala, we were unfortunate enough to come up against a strike. Every mode of transport powered by petrol (gas) was resolutely stationary. We were due to take one of the luxury houseboats in Alleppey, but the idea of spending all that money on a boat that didn’t move didn’t appeal. Instead, we hopped on a train down to Varkala, a clifftop resort town, where we chilled out until the end of the trip. Ever since I had suffered severe regret that we didn’t board any of the luxury houseboats in Alleppey.
The Kerala Blog Express coach pulled into the entrance to Blue Jelly and, as we were the last to be dropped off, we were all champing at the bit to get on board. The staff took us through the Blue Jelly Resort and onto the private dock. As we boarded the houseboat, into the whoosh of welcome air-conditioning, we were each presented with a pretty flower garland and fresh coconut. I loved putting my flowers in the bathroom. Garlands liven them up and if the garland is made of jasmine, the blooms are a natural air freshener.
We took our overnight bags to our rooms and settled in as the boat pulled out onto the water. After a quick room tour video, we all dashed to the front to take in the view.
The Onyx
Blue Jelly Cruises has four boats and ours, The Onyx, is one of the smaller ones. The interiors were flawlessly clean with one long corridor along the side with a large sinks for hand washing the rooms going off it. I loved the pearlescent flooring which seemed to glow at night.
At the front was the main room with the dining area and some seating. It had windows all around so was a really nice spot for eating. We requested music and they let us connect to the Bluetooth which made dinner nice and relaxed.
What Are the Bedrooms Like on Blue Jelly Cruises?
The decor was modern with a couple of slightly twee additions. Saying that, if I was taking this cruise as a special occasion with my other half, I would love the frilly bed curtains. The large windows with the seating area were great, allowing in lots of light and the chance to take in the views from the comfort of the air-conditioning. We were visiting in monsoon season, and actually, the weather was incredibly kind to us during our sailing, but if it had been raining, we would have taken the chance to sit inside and watch the scenes outside.
The Beds
On the Onyx, there are three bedrooms. These can all be made up as doubles or twins depending on the guests’ requirements. As we were travelling in a group, and sharing rooms, our was set with two single beds. The mattresses were very comfortable and I slept really well until the alarm went off in the morning.
The Amenities
The room had three plug outlets which were enough for the average person but with all of our electronics, we did struggle. My multiplug wouldn’t work in two of the outlets, and the one that seemed to work must have stopped about two minutes after we went to bed. We woke up and nothing was charged. It wasn’t ideal. However, if we had only had single items that needed charging, it would have been fine.
There was a large wardrobe with a safe but as we only had small bags, we didn’t use this at all. Instead, we piled everything onto every available surface and lived like slobs for the night.
The Bathroom
I was impressed at the size of the bathroom and how “unboaty” it felt. There was tiling around the walls in a nice, warm hue, making it feel very luxe. There was also a huge rainfall shower head in the huge shower. This is not the pokey little shower cubicle you can expect on a regular cruise ship. The water on board, as elsewhere in India, was not for drinking but filtered watered was provided for drinking and brushing our teeth… And speaking of brushing our teeth, there was a full selection of bathroom amenities including a dental kit, comb, shampoo and conditioner etc.
What is the Food Like On Board Blue Jelly Cruises?
We had three meals on board our Blue Jelly Cruise and each was delicious. The emphasis was on local specialities but we were asked about our desired level of spice. There were a couple of members of the group that didn’t enjoy spice so they tempered it for some of the dishes.
Breakfast
We were also offered an omelette with our choice of cheese and vegetables. We had black coffee. South Indian coffee tends to be quite weak and very heavy on the milk so if you are more used to a strong blend, opt for black with maybe a little milk on the side.
Lunch
This was the first meal we had, an hour or so after we boarded.
There was a variety of local dishes with some real standouts:
The crispy bitter gourd was by far the best way to eat this tricky vegetable
The prawns were packed with flavour, both the natural sweet prawn meat and the spices that were added. (Yes, I had way above my allowance).
The beans and coconut were a combination I hadn’t tried before but thoroughly enjoyed
On a side plate, we all had a Pearl Spot fish. These small fish are quite honey so watch out while you are separating the flakes.
The beetroot curd had a wonderful kick along with the sweet creaminess and I had rather a lot.
Dinner
Dinner came with all kinds of dishes again.
The chicken and king fish was nice but it was all about the rice and curry for me.
The soft paneer dish was creamy, a little spicy and highly addictive.
Parotta all day day, every day please!
Very kindly, they provided a bottle of wine for us to enjoy with dinner, which was a very welcome surprise.
Cruising the Backwaters of Kerala
The engines at the back of a houseboat puttered, and the gentle waves slapped the hull as the boat carved through the water. They were four seats set just behind the captain and the group settled in, taking in the view. Along the banks of the waterway, people went about their day. I guess they are so used to seeing these tourist boats passing that they barely glanced up. In contrast, when we passed other boats, everybody waved frantically. I mean, it is the rule that you wave to other people on boats.
However, it wasn’t all relaxing as we were each given a turn at the wheel. Although the river was wide, the backseat captain told us to turn left, left, left, right, right, right! He obviously knew where the shallower areas were that needed to be avoided. It was a lot of fun!
As the sun set, more and more people came down to the riverside. Some were bathing, some doing the laundry and there were plenty of children playing in the water. It was so lovely to see real life taking place is so naturally something with the water. Of course, on such a big boat, we couldn’t go down the small canals that ran through the villages, but having done so on a previous trip to Kerala, it is clear that these waters are really important to these people’s lives.
Discovering St Mary’s Church
Stepping inside, my breath was taken away as I saw the paintings on the ceiling. From its bleached exterior, I wasn’t expecting such a riot of colour within. I was trying to see the organ, which was awfully European of me as there isn’t one. The next morning when we floated past it once again, we heard everybody chanting which was very different from the lacklustre hymns warbled out in churches across the UK every Sunday.
Relaxing at the Blue Jelly Resort
Blue Jelly is the only cruise company that has its own private dock, which means that guests can disembark in the evening and relax in the resort. There is a pool here and a room with games, including pool and table tennis. We took some time to play games which I merrily lost… Yes, I lost everything; the games and my dignity.
Final Thoughts on Time with Blue Jelly Cruises
If you are craving the perfect blend of glamour in unique natural surroundings, you know where to steer your thoughts. Taking one of the luxury houseboats through Kerala’s tranquil backwaters should be on everyone’s India bucket list. Whether you are with a group of friends, ready to have a small boat party, a work group looking for a special work getaway or a couple organising a romantic honeymoon, you’ll find the perfect houseboat with Blue Jelly Cruises.
New Delhi, India’s capital city can be an overwhelming introduction to the country. Well, arriving anywhere in India can be overwhelming, so any research you can do is great. This complete guide is a great starting point for you if you are backpacking Delhi for the first time.
When it comes to beach breaks in India, Goa seems to get all the attention, but down the coast, the state of Kerala has some stunning coastline. Kerala’s beach highlight is the clifftop idyll of Varkala Beach. If you have a few days around the area and are wondering what are 16 of the best things to do in Varkala, India then read on. We’re sure you’ll have a great time even if you only do a few of these things to do in Varkala.
Just a few hours away from Delhi, is the city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. It sits on one point of “The Golden Triangle” that comprises of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. This makes a short trip here just perfect. So, how do you make the most of the city if you have just 2 days in Jaipur? Below is our suggested 2 day Jaipur itinerary and recommendations for places to visit in Jaipur in 2 days.
India is huge. No, really, it is the 7th largest country in the world, you can fit the UK into India 20 times. With all that distance to cover, it may be tempting to jump on a plane and reach your destination quickly, but you will miss out on all the fun. Instead, I am here to convince you that rail travel is the better choice. Trust me, travelling India by train is the best way to see the country, and here’s why.
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