A cheeky little upgrade from Delhi to Cochin was a lovely welcome back, particularly after the hellish transit procedure at Delhi Airport. Be warned if on connnecting flights.
After that the day just got better and better. My first south Indian breakfast was on board and then on arrival in Cochin I was whisked off by my driver Renjith to a pretty new homestay, I’d been told about built from traditional materials and reclaimed wood. There followed breakfast number two, I skipped lunch, honest! Delicious appam and mutton stew, dosa and sambar with coconut and tomato chutney, fresh mango juice, fresh fruit and proper cardamom chai. A charming setting in a private nutmeg plantation, birds flitting all around, pleasant conversation, and a takeaway bag of pears and star fruit plucked fresh from the garden. Wonderfully simple and does one really need any more?
Well, no as it happens, because then I checked into CGH Coconut Lagoon, and there could not be a more fitting place to start the #celebrate25K2K than here. George Dominic was one of the first people I met in tourism to Kerala, fond memories going back all that time, of us discussing where to start and where it could all lead.
As a hotel chain who at that time had just 3 hotels, they have gone from strength to strength; showcasing how elegance in simplicity, keeping it local with experiences, keeping in theme with the local area, having fabulous staff, standards and pretty much pioneering sustainability from the word go (yes, all that time ago) means you can’t go far wrong.
I was transferred there by boat, met with a warm welcome, and then shown to my spacious, traditonal-styled room with a very comfortable bed (I’d not slept all night on the flight). Somewhat refreshed, I then wondered the paths to discover afternoon chai and snacks (deep fried banana) had also been delivered by boat.
There followed an incredible sunset, my favourite time of day, where, accompanied by a gentle breeze, I watched the sunset cruise boats come in and the birds come home to roost, as the fishermen made their way out for the night, all amidst spectacular skies.
There was just time for a quick visit to the bar for a kombucha served with homemade crisps fried in coconut oil, how could I have forgotten those? Before dinner and bed. I’m up at 0600 to go kayaking, of course I am!
Day 01, a huge success.
For travel advice to India, contact philippa@indianexperiences.com or WhatsApp +447966025330
#celebrate25K2K
