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| Top: Zara (old). Shorts: River Island (old). Sandals: Solillas. Bracelets: Astley Clarke (buy some in the sale here) and Daisy Jewellery. Rings: Pandora |
One of our longest holidays, we feel like we’ve been away forever. We had a lovely time exploring the coast of Kerala, eating the freshest fish, catching up on our reading lists and recharging for the year ahead – Christmas is my new favourite time to go away.
Our trip started in Cochin, then Varkala, up to Marari beach near Alleppey (and the Backwaters) and then up to Mumbai for the last few days. I am definitely more of a city person, and it definitely took me a while to completely relax (and Kerala’s laid-back attitude, at least 1.5 wait for any food etc, didn’t do much to help with a Londoner’s anxiety). But the fresh food, the people and the lack of a ‘to do’ list grew on me.India is a relatively cheap holiday, most meals in Varkala including alcohol came to £5 per person and accommodation can be as cheap as £20-£30 a night for basic (but clean) rooms. Although I must admit I was craving a few home comforts by the end of the trip.
As beautiful as Varkala was, we found it quite touristy. It must have changed in the last few years as I had been recommended it by so many people. We much preferred Marari where we stayed 4 nights in a Homestay looked after my a local family for £20 a night – they cooked us meals every night, sat with us for dinner and organised our houseboat and canoe along the backwater (I would recommend the canoe trip, rather than the houseboat though, which again is a little touristy) – such a wonderful experience.
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| Top: Kirei Clothing. Shorts: And Other Stories (old). Sandals: Solillas |
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| Hat: Melissa Odabash. Swimsuit: Asceno. Sunglasses: Ray-Ban via Vestiaire Collective. Shorts: River Island (old). Sandals: Solillas. Towel: Sluiz Ibiza. |
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| Hat: Melissa Odabash. Dress: H&M (old). Sandals: Solillas. Bag: The Jacksons London |
Whilst I was away I teamed up with one of my favourite sandals brand, Solillas, to bring you better photos from our trip.
I'm leaving to Thailand in three weeks and was very happy to read your post: first of all, your photos reminded what expects me making my freezing Belgian Monday much happier; second, you gave me some great beachwear inspiration!
The homestay is a great tip, will for sure consider it for my next trip!
Have a great week!
Al
Oh how wonderful, some much needed sun during January, have an amazing time xxx
What beautiful photos! This is one of my places to visit as well as to go back to Sri Lanka, hope you managed to try appam out there. Sounds like you had a lovely time x
Tee x
Yes we did!! We made sure one of our hotels served it – delicious. Although I must admit, I was craving burgers when I got home! x
Lol yes I can't go without a burger for too long x
Just out of interest, where did you fly into? Looks so beautiful.
We booked flights return to Mumbai and then later on, once we knew where we wanted to go, booked internal flights from Cochin….with hindsight we should've flown to Cochin, then travelled along the coast to Trivandrum and then flown back to Mumbai – but you live and learn! xx
how beautiful, i'm thinking about travelling to india next year! managed to win a £350 travel voucher so theres no excuse now really… x
Indeed – flights aren't too expensive at all, and there is no need to spend much once you're there! x
Oh Alex, looks amazing! I have wanted to go to Kerala for so long!
Are you going to do more posts, itinerary etc would be interesting, also info about Homestay!
You look fab as ever, definitely my fashion icon!! 🙂 Xx
Oh thank you 😉 🙂 I haven't really listed too much as Kerala can be so different to so many people – we did Cochin, Varkala, Marari then Mumbai – we skipped Kovalam as heard it was even more touristy than Varkala but still kind of widhed I'd tried it. We stayed in some v budget places, not to everyone's taste (!) but if you do want any advice then email me alex@the-frugality.com.gridhosted.co.uk xx
Great experience shared! India is a beautiful country to fly and watch the natural beauties. I think the shoes also help you to walk around the sea beach and enjoy. How many days have you spent there?
Beautiful Pics its really nice to see such awesome images of gods own country. And the places are really worth going . It would be great Experience.
woow i really love this pictures , i love my country