South India Overland

Cochin
(16/18 Jan 1997)

Portugals first trading station in the East Indies and built around a saltwater lagoon of the Arabian Sea, Cochin is one of India's prettiest towns.

The numerous islands, linked by bridges and ferries, have many interesting buildings and churches including the Jewish Syangogue shown on the left.

The Chinese influence is more than obvious and originates with the trading routes established by the court of the Kublai Khan.

A forty minute drive south of Cochin brings us to the Keralan backwaters.

The boat on the right is carrying the coconut husks used to make coir.

The backwaters of Kerala are a tropical paradise, an experience not to be missed.

The peace and tranquility of the environment is punctured only by the sounds of laughter and happiness which rise from the villages and fields either side.

Kathakali dancing is unique to the region.

The elaborate costumes and make up alongside the detailed expressions and gestures give the dance form it's fame.

The following morning we head inland again to climb the Nilgiri Hills en-route to Ooty (or Ootacamund), the queen of hill stations, at 8,000 feet high.

We pass the cattle market seen on the left early on.

As we climb up into the hills the local wildlife lines either side of our way.

Before reaching Ooty we stop at Coonoor and continue the rest of our journey by train.

Despite the fact the sun is still shining it is still getting cool at this height.

Madras, Mahabalipuram, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Periyar, Ooty, Mysore, Goa, Hampi, Bijapur, Aurangabad, Bombay.

If you have any comments or suggestions about these pages then drop us a line.

If you are interested in South Indian Food then why not visit Sue's Recipe Server, our other Web site.

North India & Nepal is the record of our overland journey from Dehli to Kathmandu during January 1998.

Exploring Vietnam is the record of a journey through Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and beyond during March and April of 1999.

		The numerous islands, linked by bridges and ferries, have many interesting buildings and churches including the Jewish Syangogue shown on the left.
		The Chinese influence is more than obvious and originates with the trading routes established by the court of the Kublai Khan.

		A forty minute drive south of Cochin brings us to the Keralan backwaters.
		The boat on the right is carrying the coconut husks used to make coir.

		The backwaters of Kerala are a tropical paradise, an experience not to be missed.
		The peace and tranquility of the environment is punctured only by the sounds of laughter and happiness which rise from the villages and fields either side.

		Kathakali dancing is unique to the region.
		The elaborate costumes and make up alongside the detailed expressions and gestures give the dance form it's fame.

		We pass the cattle market seen on the left early on.
		As we climb up into the hills the local wildlife lines either side of our way.

		Before reaching Ooty we stop at Coonoor and continue the rest of our journey by train.
		Despite the fact the sun is still shining it is still getting cool at this height.