We had a great day!

Celebrity Co
We booked with Peter and his company for a full day excursion in Cochin when our cruise ship called into this port.

Correspondence with Peter throughout was prompt.

Our van and guide were waiting at the port when we disembarked which was an excellent beginning because our group was half an hour ahead of the scheduled start time for the tour.

The van was very comfortable, water was provided for the day. It was a long one hour or more drive to Allleppey and the guide gave us a running narrative of the countryside and of all things of interest in the state of Kerala. 

At Alleppey, we stopped at Lakes and Lagoons, from whom the houseboat was chartered, to complete some admin work at their office (needed a copy of passport and Indian visa) and use the bathroom. You could also buy some cold drinks here.

Then it was onto a motor boat for a short transfer to the houseboat.

The houseboat was very pleasant with an undercover open air lounge deck, a couple of bedrooms (with ensuite western toilets) for overnight trips, and a kitchen at the back.

Journey down the waterways was relaxing. Along the banks, colorful rural scenes of fishermen and local folk getting on with life, some tropical crops, rice paddies and some bird-life. 

Lunch was served on board the houseboat - freshly cooked and aromatic kerala cuisine. There were three vegetable dishes ( cabbage with fresh grated coconut, long beans and a vegetable stew), a fresh side salad, fried chicken ( a little spicy) panfried fish fillets, pappadams, and brown rice. 
Then came a very sweet dessert of vermicelli in hot milk with a hint of cardamon, some fresh fruit and tea and coffee to follow. All very tasty.

The houseboat trip ended back at its mooring, and we tipped the captain, cook and assistant (bring small change for tips) and were transferred back to land to continue the tour in Cochin.

The sights for the rest of the day included dhoby ghat, a stop at a government shop (for a bathroom stop) chinese fishing nets, the ancient fort, St Xavier church and a half hour stop at Jewtown (for souvenir or other shopping if desired).

Our guide Tommy was great, well presented, knowledgeable and professional, and considerate of our welfare especially when crossing the street.

We were delivered back to the port at 5.30pm.

A lovely day's excursion.

Peter Lee
​Auckland Central, New Zealand
Celebrity Constellation - Mar 31 2018