We left Periyar for Fort Cochin, a French-Portuguese-Dutch settlement in the heart of Kerala. It's amazing how, to this day, colonialism influences tourism. While walking around Forth Cochin, we often heard French and Dutch spoken. Like Pondicherry, there is a very European vibe, with narrow streets and many cafes. There is also an old Jewish settlement called Jew Town where there is a small, active Synagogue.
From Fort Cochin, we took our first train ride to Alleppey where we embarked on an overnight cruise of the backwaters. The backwaters are a series of canals that extend hundreds of kilometers throughout Kerala and act as a main transportation route for the locals. It is often called the Venice of India. The slow-paced cruise along the canals was a really nice way to chill out and enjoy the scenery.
JULIA & ANDREW: It's been a while so we have a few questions for you. 1) What is the original name of the city of Mumbai? 2) The Taj Mahol was built for what purpose? 3) What are the names of the 3 Gods in India's most popular religion? Extra Credit question: Can you help us figure out the train schedules?? We are totally lost!!!
Next stop - MALDIVES!
Watch how you go...
Ian and Greg
Tea plantations as we leave Periyar...
Seaside in Fort Cochin...
Jew Town...
Pardesi Synagogue...
