Kerala & India Connections

10/02/2025

Explore the local villages and communities when you stay at in North Kerala.

08/02/2025

Mysore roundup by a recent client

“Efkays Homestay in Mysore is amazing, an oasis in the city with great birds and accommodation - and good meals were available too.

We saw the Palace illuminated, which is quite a sight, almost much for the crowds there as for the lights! And of course we went the next day as well.

The bike tour was very popular with our party, both to explore the city in a very good way, and for the interesting conversations over breakfast with our guides. The electric bikes were a bonus (although not all of them worked, though that didn’t really matter).

We were skeptical in advance about the Mysore zoo, having read some rather downbeat guidebook descriptions, but we enjoyed it quite a bit, especially but not only the birds.”

07/02/2025

Images of Wayanad….
🌴 ⛰️ ☀️

05/02/2025

Ameyakerala Backwaters

03/02/2025

Thank you Jules for the lovely write up in your Newsletter, so glad you had a great time in Kerala :-)

Welcome to my first newsletter of 2025. It’s no secret that I love the warm feeling of the sun on my skin. It’s traditional for me and my husband to disappear for a couple of weeks at the beginning of January for a little bit of winter sunshine. Normally this is a working holiday and the laptop...

29/01/2025

Carmel Simon Villa is a delightful homestay situated in an intriguing, less-visited part of Kerala. It’s 31km from Kollam and just 7km from Kottarakara Railway Station, which gives many options to combine with train travel and access to the southern part of Kerala & Tamil Nadu.

The property has 6 room options:

1. FIG TREE HOUSE ~ A fully furnished villa with a conical roof, spacious AC bedroom, living-dining area, kitchenette and garden views.
2. BOUGAINVILLEA HOUSE ~ a unique holiday room with large windows with natural inspired interiors.
3. GARDEN ROOMS ~ 4 simply furnished AC bedrooms facing the farm with independent access and attached bathrooms.

The homestay is set on an acre of rubber estate and surrounded by nature. The area of Kottarakara is famous for its palaces and known as the birthplace of the Kerala art form of Kathakali.

During your stay learn about rubber, tapioca, banana and spice production, take a local bus journey, explore the area by bike or foot and with your hosts buy a lottery ticket!

Ask for details of how to add this lovely Homestay to your Kerala adventure.

26/01/2025

Happy 76th Republic Day
Sun, 26 Jan 2025

“Although India gained independence from colonial rule in 1947, the Constitution of India did not come into effect until 26 January 1950. With the adoption of the Constitution, India declared itself a sovereign, democratic, and republican state.”

19/01/2025

My lovely clients Elaine and Peter were in Cochin at the end of last year and here are some of their restaurant/cafe discoveries:

“We enjoyed a tomato and cheese doorstep sandwich at the Kashi Art Café and chatted with some local students who seemed to be fascinated by us.

We went to the Seagull to the east of Brunton Boatyard. It’s within walking distance but we took a tuk tuk for £1. Basic menu and popular with locals. It’s a no-frills place but we started with yummy garlic prawns and battered calamari. Our chosen fish was presented with lemon and garlic, filleted out for us at the table to go with our French fries. The bill including a 300-rupee beer and a soda came to a mere 3100 rupees (£15 per head).

On our last night we just crossed the road to the Cochin Fort. Another simple but authentic place with a very extensive menu. As we waited the waiter went round with a spade full of hot coals fumigating against the mozzies. We opted for Northern India choices and enjoyed Pakora, Butter Chicken, Chicken Kadai with tomato and green peppers, Aloo Gobi and Rice and chapati. It was all delicious. The bill was 2170 rupees, about £10 per head.”

Included is a map of these three places if you would like to try these on your next visit to Cochin!

Thank you Elaine & Peter for your great feedback and dining reviews. 😊🙏

18/01/2025

Birthday in Kerala!

Clients celebrating a birthday at Ameyakerala in the Kerala Backwaters. If you have a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion please ask how we can make it an unforgettable experience.

14/01/2025

Clients enjoying their holiday in Gujarat.

13/01/2025

Welcome to the Companion Team, Riyas & Sreekumar!
🚘 🇮🇳🙏

11/01/2025

Throwback to a journey from Ernakulam Junction (Kochi) to Coimbatore Junction on the 12678/Intercity Express in early January 2016.

I always enjoy a train journey - the hustle and bustle of the stations, the people watching and a carriage chai!

08/01/2025

Theyyam: Muchilott Bhagavathi Theyyam
Place: near Thalasseri

To witness a Theyyam in North Kerala in your Kerala adventure please ask for details.

05/01/2025

Kara is a boutique/heritage hotel situated in Fort Kochi, facing the Parade Ground. Its 8 rooms are artistically designed with paintings, sculptures and photographs being beautifully showcased. All rooms are different and in two 17th century buildings that have been stylishly renovated.

“Kara” means shore in Malayalam and is run by Maneesha Panicker, who operates the hotel alongside her beautiful Backwater property called Kayal Island Retreat. Both properties combine local culture and heritage with a contemporary design.

At Kara there is a restaurant and shop - experiences offered include cookery lessons, walks and music & dance performances.

04/01/2025

Taleket:

“Pirkko was an exceptional host and the calm of Taleket was the perfect start to our holiday. It felt like a home from home for our first few days which was great for helping us to orientate ourselves following the long flight.”

01/01/2025

Happy New Year from everyone at India & Kerala Connections.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣

29/12/2024

9 years ago!
Varkala sunrise.