Indian Transport holidays
Around the State in 7 Ways
They say that if you want to get to know a people, you must learn their
language. We don't recommend learning Malayalam, the local language, on your
holiday unless you have a long, long time to spend! However the next best way to
get a real feel for the place is to travel the Indian way. And that means about
the most varied holiday you can imagine. Never a dull moment! That's our
promise.
Want
contemporary comfort? Then it's the backseat of a roomy Ambassador taxi car for
you. It's the classic Indian taxi with something of the appearance of a very
large white bug, hugely spacious, strong and safe with a driver who will even
carry your shopping and treat you like a maharaja from start to finish.
The
famous Indian Railway, one of
the first most effective rail networks in the world, is an experience not to be
missed. Fancy a romantic puff-puff on a steam train to a hill station? It
doesn't move at supersonic speed but you'll have a chance to enjoy the
spectacular scenery, coffee and tea plantations and magnificent hills with
unusual flora and fauna. All aboard here!
Or take the Rajdani Express train and enjoy the constant attention of the
chai-wallahs who parade up and down the corridor wearing smiles and serving you
sweet milky tea while you luxuriate in an air-conditioned carriage. But we must
do the booking for you. The Indian Railway timetable is tougher to handle than
Astro-Physics. You can have General Compartment which you don't want. Or 2nd
Class Chair or 2nd Class Sleeper, 2nd Class AC Chair or maybe Sleeper
……..zzzzzzzz
The three-wheeled auto rickshaw gives you natural air-conditioning. There are no
doors! That same factor also gives you a constant shot of adrenalin. But you'll
be glad of its daintiness in thick city traffic because its turning circle is so
small that its wheel can cut a 180 degree angle. A further bonus is the
chit-chat in English of its cheerful drivers who generally act as unofficial
agents for anything from best Indian saris to mangoes.
Then sit amongst the crowd of friendly faces on a typical Indian bus, but please
don't go for a back seat. It's bumpy. And please don't go for a front seat. The
constant honking of the horn will drive you demented. That is, if you can hear
it over the Hindi music that continues day and night. However this experience is
a MUST HAVE but we think a shorter one rather than the long-haul will suffice.
Tour at a Glance:
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Day 1: Cochin. At leisure
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Day 2:
private taxi to boat jetty. Ferry to historic Fort
Cochin. Sightseeing.
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Day 3: Alleppey. Heritage House. Elephant ride.
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Day 4: Rickshaw to Houseboat. Overnight cruise.
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Day 5: Kumarakom. Stay in traditional-style houses.
Punt down the river.
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Day 6: Oil bath. Ayurvedic massage. At leisure.
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Day 7: Train to Trissur. Temples.
Museum
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Day 8: Trip To Great Elephant House, 40 elephants. Then at leisure.
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Day 9: Bullock cart! Trip to local families,
toddy-drinking
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Day 10: Sun tanning and shopping
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Day 11: Shopping and sun tanning.
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Day 12: Transfer to airport.
Day - 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12