India Travel Review: Thekkady, Kolukkumalai, Kumarakom, Kochin, Kerala

Our travel agency did a wonderful job being responsive to our needs. What made our trip exceptional was our driver. Any request we had, he made it a priority to make it happen. After many travel experiences, we realize that a driver can make a good vacation a great one. Our highlights included a South Indian cuisine cooking class with a family in their home in Thekkady, our stay at the Spice Tree Hotel -staff were so welcoming and the food fresh and delicious. Our 2 hour bumpy ride in a jeep to Kolukkumalai, the highest tea growing estate in the world in the Western Ghatts was well worth the journey. The Backwater in Kumarakom was educational in terms of agriculture and fishing. It is a tourist attraction; however, getting off the boat for a walk along the jetty is a chance to truly experience the unique culture. The children were eager to talk with us using the English they have learned in school. One the way back to Cochin we had a traditional lunch in a private home where we were taught how to eat an Indian vegetarian meal with our hands arranged on a banana leaf - very delicious! We were fortunate to be in Kerala during Onam, the Harvest Celebration. Kerala is truly "God's Own Country".