Kerala Part 4 – Varkala
Six nights on the beach in Varkala. Beer in mugs, narrow alleyways, fierce waves and whistle-mad lifeguards.
Six nights on the beach in Varkala. Beer in mugs, narrow alleyways, fierce waves and whistle-mad lifeguards.
We stayed in two location on the backwaters; firstly at a homestay in Kumarakom and then a couple of days on a houseboat that departed from Alleppey.
After the heat & humidity of Kochi, we set off for some welcome respite in the cooler climes of the Western Ghat mountain range. Our first destination was Munnar, the tea-growing centre of South India, followed by Thekkady in the Cardamom Hills and entrance to the Periyar National Park.
Fort Kochi is a total contrast to the modern Ernakulam part of the city – a thriving port and centre of the spice trade, colonised by the Portuguese and taken from them by the Dutch, it’s a lovely & intriguing blend of cultures and architecture. Very grand houses abound, some converted into heritage hotels, others into arty cafes and galleries, or just private homes or homestays.