Travel Agent Stillbay

India: A CGH Earth experience!

"To be at a CGH Earth destination is to be part of the life of a local community and to celebrate its living culture."

I was so excited when I started to read about CGH destinations before our journey, the journey that has literally changed my life. I knew that I was meant to visit the South of India, Kerala...and I will go back again one day and stay for longer.

I arrived in Cochin on the 16th of August and travelled 4 hours by car to Periyar.

I enjoyed a walking tour from our Spice Village Hotel to the famous spice bazaar of Periyar. There were amazing arrays of the renowned fresh spices of Kerala on display. In the late afternoon we took a boat cruise on Lake Periyar, and saw wild Elephants, Wild Boars, Sambars and Monkeys in their natural habitat. It was lovely and our tour guide - Anthony’s knowledge was a treat!

On the 17 - 18 of August we traveller 127 km to Kumarakom (127km)

Here we drove to Kumarakom, and en-route we visited a spice plantation! This was an ideal way to have a deeper understanding of how the spices are grown in their natural habitat, harvested and used in everyday cooking. We drove further and enjoyed a spectacular scenic drive past mountains, valleys, and streams with greenery all around! WOW! So, so beautiful.

We took a boat from the port to the hotel, Coconut Lagoon. I would love to have my honeymoon here one day! The Natural Butterfly garden, Yoga and everything and everybody is at peace with the world...unbelievable - total bliss! I enjoyed great food, great kayaking (thanks to my friend and colleague) and had a wonderful experience.
Here we also went to their Ayurvedic facilities...these treatments cover anti stress, weight loss, beauty and anti ageing, complete with authentic kitchens, diet and other therapies, such as Yoga and meditation. I had the best facial and back massage ever!

On the 19 - 20 of August we spent in Kumarakom & then travelled to Mararikulam.

I stayed at the Marari Beach Resort. This resort had a completely different feeling than Coconut Lagoon. It is a beach resort and much bigger in size with more people. We enjoyed a very HOT day on the beach, relaxed a bit and did some shopping...

On the 21 - 22 August we spent in Mararikulam & then travelled to Cochin.

I stayed at the Casino Hotel.

I enjoyed a half day sightseeing tour of Cochin. This city till today is influenced by medieval Portugal Holland and England. I visited St. Francis Church, which was built in 1503 by Portuguese Franciscan Friars where Vasco da Gama was buried for 14 years before his remains were transferred to Lisbon. His tombstone still stands. The Chinese fishing nets were amazing. These cantilevered fishing nets line the entrance to the harbour mouth. They were introduced by traders from the courts of Kublai Khan. We also saw the Jewish City with the Jewish Synagogue, which was constructed in 1568, with hand-painted, willow-pattern floor tiles brought from Canton in the mid 18th century by a Rabbi, who had trading interest in that city.

On the 23rd of August, I travelled to Dubai in Business class!)

The Spice village, Marari Beach and Coconut Lagoon are excellent places to take an Ayurvedic holiday with CGH. But even if you don't plan a very intensive Ayurvedic experience, keep in mind that a quick general massage treatment can add wonderfully to any holiday experience. Their one-off beauty treatments too, are really popular with visitors.

I must just add that we had an amazing driver throughout our trip.

Thank you Amnish you are the best.

The last words in my memoirs of Kerala were..."I want to stay here..."