Kerala - Trivandrum, Kovalam, Kanyakumari, Madurai

December 4 (Sunday):

Got up at 5:30am to watch the sunrise.  From our room we could see lots and lots pf people lined up at various locations to watch the sunrise, and we were lucky to have a much superior view high up from our hotel.  Again, unfortunately it was somewhat cloudy, so did not get the best view,  Had breakfast at the hotel, and then took a ferry to two rocks - a 5 minute sailing. There was a huge line-up for the ferry (2 hr wait - but we jumped the line - at least I have learnt something from the Indians on this trip).  There were very impressive monuments on each of the 2 islands - one of them had an imprint, as legend has it, of Shiva's footsteps as he prayed on the rocks.  Both the rocks were huge and believed to be sacred.

Returned to the hotel, checked out, and departed Kanyakumari at 10:30am.  We drove on a 2 lane highway - best road I have seen to date in India - no potholes; no elephants; no cows; and no driving in between lanes.

Arrived in Madhurai at 2:00pm.  Checked in at the Germanus Hotel.  Showered and freshened up.  Our tour guide, Johnson, came at 3:15pm.  Went to visit the 'Madhurai Meenakshi Temple' - amazing and exquisite - this was nominated as one of the wonders on the world, although did not make the final cut.  There was an elephant that took money (from pilgrims) in it's trunk and gave blessings to people on their foreheads.  The city of Madurai was built around this temple.  Also visited the Thirumalai Naikhan Palace and Thapprakkulam (water palace).

Returned to the hotel and had dinner there - my first steak in India.  Again had drinks with Gijo and slept late.

Spent the night at Germanus Inn.


December 3 (Saturday):

Up at 7:00am.  Had breakfast at hotel, strolled to the beach and watched the fishermen bring in the day's catch - very small number.  Gijo picked us up at 10:00am, checked out and departed Kovalam.  After an hour's drive, stopped at Poovar for boating.  Went for 1 1/2 hr boat ride through mangrove forest; visited 3 islands and stopped by at a floating restaurant.  Continued our journey onwards at 1:00pm through narrow roads and lots of small villages.

Arrived in Kanyakumari at 3:45pm and checked in at the Hotel Seaview.  Kanyakumari is the at the tip and the southern most point of India - known for it's beautiful sunrise and sunset.  It's also known as "Sangam" - where the 3 seas meet - Arabian Sea; Indian Ocean; and the Bay of Bengal.  We had the best room in the entire hotel - top (5th Floor) and the south-east corner room - splendid view of the ocean and perfect for watching the sunrise from our room.

After unpacking, went for a walk - it was packed with lots of people, lots of stalls and lots of beggars - wasn't a pleasant sight.  Went back to the hotel to freshen up and then went to the sunset observation point - unfortunately, it's was cloudy so did not get a good view of the sunset.  Had dinner at hotel and then had drinks with Gijo.

Spent the night at Hotel Seaview.



December 2 (Friday):

Got a wake up call at 7:00am.  Had a restless night as I was itching all night.  Got ready and went down for breakfast - it was a buffet with a large number of choices.  After breakfast, we were informed, and went to the private beach to watch the fisherman fishing.  This was very interesting indeed - at around 7:00am, around 50 men cast a huge net into the sea (with the help of boats) from the beach - this forms like a "U".  They then slowly reel the nets in - 25 men on either side.  By around 9:00am, the nets make the shore, with a large catch of fish.  Half of the fish is for the 'boss' and the other half is divided amongst the 50 men - therefore their day is dependent on the size of the catch.  Each fisherman also gets 10 Ruppes (20 cents).

At 11:00am, drove to Trivandrum - the capital of Kerala - a hustling, busy city.  Saw the Kuthiramalika Temple - a magnificient site; the Ministry (Parliament); museum etc etc.  On the way back to Kovalam, stopped for a road site coconut water.

Rested in the afternoon, then went to Kovalam beach at 5:00pm for a stroll and dinner.  Watched the fishermen bring in the day's catch - which was large.  Gijo has a severe back ache so went to hospital for medication.  Slept early.


Spent the night at Uday Samudra Beach Resort.