India (Kerala)

From the cultural mix in Malaysia, we now move to the southwest of India. It is the first time someone is expecting us, which is a great change for both of us. Kathi and Nikhil are waiting for us at the airport and accompany us to our accommodation. They are also the main reason for our trip to India, as we have been invited to their wedding. 

Kathi knows the best accommodations in the Mararikulam area and has reserved a wonderful room for us in a homestay. 200 meters from the sea and close to their home. The next days, Kathi and Nikhil show us around and we enjoy their company. Although they still have a lot to do for the wedding, they take time for us, which we appreciate very much. 

After a few days, we start a small round trip on our own with a rented scooter. Our first stop is Fort Kochi. A district characterized by Victorian buildings and where traces of colonial times are still visible.

Coincidentally, there is an art festival going on, which we spontaneously visit. In a small restaurant, almost like a snack bar from the outside, we eat the best grilled fish we had until then, and Fort Kochi has a lot of charm.

From the city, we head towards the highlands of Munnar. After a tiring, approximately 5-hour drive, we find ourselves in a wonderful place. The mountains/hills with their tea fields have something magical about them. 

 

We feel very comfortable in Munnar and spend a few days there, enjoying the "cooler" temperatures. Our next stop is a layover on the way to Kumily. We spend two nights in Idukki and visit the reservoir. 

Kumily is our last stop before we return to Mararikulam. Near the town is a national park where you can go on tours. We decide to take a boat tour and just make it in time for the first tour of the day. We see some deer, buffaloes, and even an elephant. At the boat boarding point, we also see a water snake. Overall, the tour was not particularly spectacular, but still a great experience. Especially because of the many Indian tourists. 

Now we return to Mararikulam where most of the other Swiss wedding guests have arrived. The wedding celebrations are spread over three days, where we eat and celebrate. The ceremony took place outside, right by a lake. The place was like something out of a movie. Only the heat affected everyone a bit. 

Most of the wedding guests from Switzerland travel to Munnar with the bridal couple after the wedding. Since we have already been there, we spend a few relaxing days in Mararikulam before flying back to Malaysia.