Kumbalangi, as made famous in Kumbalangi Nights! The second time we play tourists in Cochin.
Grand Hyatt. We had to see the place after Jayasurya’s Sunny. What a view! They have a sunset cruise, but we were told that that the boat was ‘unwell’! But the fantastic views along the walking path made up for it.Dinner at Colony Clubhouse & Grill at the hotel. Surprisingly good food! Tip: Choose the city side view for a changeBreakfast at Gokul Oottupura, behind the Siva temple. Now a regular part of the itinerary.There’s something about Puri Bhaji in Kerala 😀 By the way, their dosa chilli chutney is amazing.Fish curry meals at The Grand is another fixed part of the itinerary. Welcome to the Aquatic Island Resort, KumbalangiIt’s all ‘floating’, and the bedroom is below the waterline. No, you don’t get to see it as you might in a submarine. First stop – Chellanam harbour. Less than 30 mins away. Walk the causeway there. For local cabs, call JJ Tours and ask for Vivek. Puthenthodu beach. In the evening, you can watch the Beach Soccer League in full flow! 🙂Cross the district border to reach Andhakaranazhi in Alleppey. Vivek’s suggestion. Quiet, with only locals around. Images never do justice. Anjilithara Road is just a mud track at one end, but the sereneness is out of the world. 5 mins walk from the resort. The breakfast view from the resort restaurant.Cherai for lunch. This is Chilliout. Funny name, but clean and pretty!Not to mention, great seafood. Squid and tuna. Cherai beach seemed surprisingly not much to talk about. This is high tide, but…Kuzhuppilly on the other hand, was lovely. Stretching indefinitely, and full of erm, love birds! The Vypin lighthouse as seen from the Puthuvype beachPuthuvype beach. Unfortunately not very well maintained. The National Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom (I kid you not) aka Vallarpadam Basilica Remember this, from Kumbalangi Nights? If you know what OMKV stands for, you might drop in only for that kick! But you also have a beautiful sunset view here. One that you can enjoy while you eat absolutely local stuff. The Pal kappa was so-so, but we loved the kappa (beef) biriyani It’s hard to say goodbye, but we’ll be back in a bit
Excellent, but what is OMKV