EC-Rider Travels

Sanjit had suggested we might take an early morning boat ride to watch the sun rise and the backwaters come to life. So at 6.30 we were down at the water edge to be met by a beautiful shikkara (an open boat with bamboo seats – not fixed I don’t think!) and its charming boatman,…

We had just the most amazing morning at the Kochi Muziris Biennale a huge contemporary art exhibition taking place across Kochi and indeed in several other cities around the world, at different times of the year. Mariam kindly arranged for us to be guided round the exhibition by the most amazing young guy called Siddharth.…

This morning I awoke to the happy sound of cricket being played on the parade ground on the other side of the road. After breakfast (fruit and yoghurt is not the Indian’s speciality!) we met our very charming guide, Clyde (bit of a surprise) who took us on a fascinating tour of this small city…

Today has been a bit of a travelling one. We said farewell to our friends who had looked after us at Windermere, including a personal call from the MD who was mortified that he had not come to meet me personally! After several references to James Finlay on our tours and walks yesterday, I had…

I had had enough of just hearing all the amazing bird-song here so decided to join Ancel for an early morning bird walk. So at 6.30 we headed off together amidst the most stunning sunrise and a cacophony of different sounds, all of which Ancel could recognise, but none we could see. I think they…

Oh my goodness I was sad to leave Rajakkad Estate, it really is a very special place. This morning I woke to the most beautiful singing from the temple in the village below and again wonderful birdsong. I walked out of my bedroom window into the forest where there are small clearings with tables and…

I had a lovely gentle morning, waking up early to the loudest birdsong, I think I have heard since I was in the jungle. I wandered into the garden to see if I could see any of the vocalists, but they were well hidden by the forrest. There were monkeys leaping around in the trees…

We left the Svatma Hotel with another charming ritual by one of the beautiful receptionists, blessing me and our onward journey. With Arun at the helm we continued south-west, passing the most incredible 7th century Tiruchirappalli Rockfort balanced on the top of a 83m rock. Within this is the Uchhi Pillayar temple dedicated to Lord…

We started today with the Brihadeeshwara Temple built by Rajaraja Chola I, father of Rajendra Chola’s (yesterday’s temple), and completed in 1010. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and is one of the largest temples in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple tower is the tallest in the world at…

Bit of an early start with the crows in full voice this morning. Interestingly, despite being by the sea, there appear to be no seagulls, but plenty of rooks n crows. I had breakfast with my friend Mr chipmunk who I feel is a regular at La Villa’s breakfast table. Rebecca and Arun arrived, a…