cliff when seen from the beach gives an
awe-inspiring sight of a jewel twinkling
with countless lights.
On the last morning of my trip I took
a train to Alleppey for the much awaited
backwater ride. Alapphuza port was
packed with agencies offering backwater
rides so it didn’t take me a lot of effort to
snag a good deal of `650 for a five hour
ride including lunch. Finally began the
ride in the enchanting backwaters and I
was spellbound with the sweeping vistas.
Cruising along narrow lanes of the canals,
we got a glimpse into full glory of village
life. Canoes were used by villagers and even
schoolchildren to move around just as we
use cycles and bikes. Backwater ride was
everything and much more than touted in
the brochures.
I took a train back to Bengaluru in the
evening convinced of the title conferred to
Kerala—it truly is God’s own country. But,
was I satisfied? Not so much. I finished my
trip with a longing to come back again, and
with more time in hands this time.
Tips for solo Backpacking
Safety:
Pair of scissors or pepper spray
for defence.
Avoid taking deserted lanes/
routes, even during the day.
What not to do
Avoid taking private taxis for
both budget travelling and
safety reaons.
Build a financial cushion in
your budget apart from the
set amount for instances
where you may have to book a
costelier hotel or private taxi.
Accommodation
Look for hostels with foreign
travellers as such places are
used to hosting female solo
travellers. Based on reviews,
I’d booked a shared dormitory
for `400 in Rampart
Backpacker hostel, Fort Kochi
through hostelworld.com.
A quick hunt on feet will
come in cheaper. After Cochin,
I’d managed to find private
rooms in the range of `400-
`500 in homestays.
Take accomodation near bus
stand to simlify conveyance.
Conveyance
KSRTC buses are easily
accessible, safe and rock-
bottom cheap—tickets range
from `80-`120.
Timings for buses can be
gathered from information
booths at bus stands.
For longer distances, look for
trains on irctc.com.
Carry your driving licence
for local traveling on a
scooty/bike.
[email protected]
Tea plantations in Munnar
www.outlookmoney.com December 2017 Outlook Money
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