IDA Kerala tour
– February 2018 –
in association with Globe Travel Centre
We spent seven nights in breath-taking ‘Kerala’- voted as one of the ‘50 places to see in your lifetime’ by National Geographic.
DAY 1:
IDA Kerala Tour: Cochin
After arriving in India and checking into our hotel, our GTC (Globe Travel Centre) representative took us for a walk around the cultural hub where we immersed ourselves in the bustling culture of a busy city. We saw the amazing colours of the incense and spices – which is what Kerala is famous for exporting.
DAY 2:
IDA Kerala Tour: Cochin
After a delicious breakfast we boarded a public ferry boat which transported us over Punnamada Lake, which is India’s longest lake. It took us to Fort Kochi where we had a tour of the Dutch Palace and Jewish Synagogue.
Later we visited Kerala Kathakali Centre where we were allowed to watch the extensive task of performers applying their make-up pre-performance.
We then sat in awe whilst watching a one hour performance of the famous dance-drama, which is actually just a snippet as traditionally the performance continues throughout the night until breakfast the following day!
“It was an incredible trip with so many adventures. The culture is so different to what I am used to, it made me feel alive.”
DAY 3:
IDA Kerala Tour: Alleppey
We visited a school today which was a truly humbling experience. We were permitted to visit a few classrooms to see the children and the learning taking place. 50 children sat on pews in each of the tiny, basic classrooms – girls on one side, boys on the other, all perfectly behaved and excited for our visit. Our pupils taught them a vocal warm up which they all copied with their smiles beaming.
All IDA pupils were able to gift a bicycle to the most underprivileged children in the school. The bikes were donated by IDA to enable these handpicked pupils to get to and from school every day without having to walk for miles. Their parents were invited to attend the ceremony, they were so grateful, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Four of the pupils who attend the school are disabled, and very sadly, orphaned. One of which caught polio as a small child. The students are in their last year of being funded (allowing the students to be collected to and from the orphanage everyday) as the money has been stopped. Thanks to the support of IDA parents and carers, we have pledged the money for these pupils to continue their education for another year.
We stopped off at a beautiful beach to relax after our moving experience.
DAY 4:
DAY 4: IDA Kerala Tour: Alleppey
We were invited to an intimate kathakali explanation and performance. After serving us delicious Keralan food on a banana leaf, our host explained the meanings behind the ancient dance- drama form. We were treated to two performers teaching the group the 24 hand gestures used, as well as demonstrating footwork. The performers then applied kathakali make up to (the more than) willing students, using all organic, natural make up.
“Exhilarating, inspiring, exciting - incredible India. We immersed ourselves in the culture every day of the trip.”
DAY 5:
IDA Kerala Tour: Alleppey
Today we enjoyed a day cruise on a ‘kettuvalloom’ – a converted rice boat which now exudes luxury boasting bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. Our private houseboat took us along the famous backwaters of Kerala, with mesmerising views of the stunning palm fringed landscape. A local seller used a canoe to bring us our ice cream for dessert!
DAY 6:
IDA Kerala Tour: Alleppey – Guruvayur
We took a ride in a tuk-tuk to the train station which was exhilarating (and slightly scary)! Once we arrived in Guruvayur we visited an ancient temple, although as non-Hindus, we were not allowed to enter.
We also visited a zoo and were able to get so close the tigers and even crocodiles! In the evening we were treated to another intimate experience, we were invited to Vallabhatta Kalari, a martial arts training centre. Kalarippayat (Kalari) is an ancient tradition of martial arts training and discipline. As well as open hand combat and grappling, the art form also uses weapons, such as sword and shield, knives, also short and long sticks. This was exhilarating to watch and we were fortunate enough to have three generations of the family to explain and demonstrate their passionlo.
Later that evening we had our very own, private IDA yoga class! The teacher taught us some movements to practise at home and explained the various health benefits. What a treat!
“I really enjoyed meeting the children in India at the school and helping them, I loved giving them bikes so they can get to school easily. I enjoyed the elephant sanctuary as it was an authentic one to help the elephants, not make them work for the tourist’s benefit. I really enjoyed the trip and want to go again next year with my new friends at IDA - and to help other children in other countries.”
DAY 7:
IDA Kerala Tour: Guruvayur - Cochin
On our final day of this incredible trip we visited Punnathoor Kotta Kovilakom, an elephant sanctuary housed in the compounds of an old palace. We were just 3 feet away from over 60 temple elephants, watching them being fed, bathed, taken for walks – it was just one of the highlights of our tour.
We later stopped at Athirapally Waterfalls, a stunning example of the wild and natural landscape. The water begins to flow from the hills and crashes through gorges overhung with trees. We were able to dip our toes in shallow waters in between the rocks.
