Archive for the ‘Kerala’ Category
A homestay (or home stay) can be an enriching alternative to traditional accommodations. The idea is to offer a clean and affordable place for foreigners to stay, usually with the intention of learning more about the community, culture, and traditions. If you are interested in learning more about a home stay in India, please read my recent article on Travelhoppers, titled Homestays in India.
One of our Sodha Travelers, Nanci Jackson, recently returned from Kerala. Her favorite accommodation during the trip was a home stay in Cochin, and here she shares a few enchanting memories:
It almost felt other-worldly to stay for three nights at the home of a local family in Kerala. The owners were truly gracious and accommodating and invited me to participate in their daily tasks. One morning, after a delicious breakfast that included a dosa, fresh fruit, coconut and local coffee, I went to the local market with the homeowner, Mrs. R. We shopped together for groceries and other items. In the evening, I helped her (or more realistically, watched her) prepare some traditional Keralan dishes. Watching her cook was like observing an artist create a masterpiece. There was such love in the preparation. Then, during dinner, we had a delightful conversation about India’s culture, the people, and the way modernity is weaving a thread in the country’s traditions. It was such a gift for me to have this encounter and stay with a local family. I highly recommend it for any of your travelers!
Thank you for sharing, Nanci. For more information on home stays in India, including the different categories and amenities, please contact our team!
Imagine discovering a vault with contents valued at over $22 billion! I recently came across an article in the NY Times about a vast treasure found beneath the 16th century Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. The items include gold coins, precious jewels, diamonds, and gold statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. Now the question looms: Who will manage the wealth?
In many markets, the word customized is usually an indicator of a product or service being more expensive. Customized furniture. Customized clothes. Customized vehicles. When someone is making the item unique or distinctive, time equals money. So, it does not surprise me that when I encourage clients to customize their itinerary, I am met with hesitation. “Customized? Isn’t that more expensive? I don’t think that is possible with my budget.”
Last week, I started planning a trip for Laura. She had reviewed our Featured Tours and was interested in combining Heritage Discovery and Sublime Kerala. After I started to inquire about her activity preferences, I realized that the planned destinations were perhaps not the best choice. I suggested substituting other cities and adding more specialized tours, including an elephant safari and cooking demonstration. Because Laura had a specific budget, she was concerned about the changes. “Allison, I don’t know if that will work. I can’t afford a customized trip. What are our other options?” Over the next few days, I slowly reassured her that customized WAS possible. And once she reviewed the final itinerary and proposal – which was actually less than the original tour packages by $67 – she was convinced that yes, travelers can have a customized vacation!
I also often receive emails from past clients who send a link to a current tour from another company. Bhutan, Tibet, Nepal, India… They are all wondering, can we offer a similar tour for less? And many times, they are pleasantly surprised to find that that yes, we can! Although we make no price guarantees on our land packages, we remain committed to offering affordable and unique travel experiences.
Many travel agents and agencies impose a supplemental fee for customizing an itinerary. However, Sodha Travel does not require a deposit or fee for creating a customized package proposal. Each journey is different, and we enjoy getting to know our travelers and understanding the reason behind their voyages. For some, it is to immerse in the culture. For others, it is voluntourism. And, by creating each proposal, we also get ideas for our own upcoming trips!
If you are interested in a customized itinerary, please complete our Custom Trip Proposal or contact our team!
I recently received a testimonial from Marilyn Fisher, who traveled to India with her family in December. Their itinerary included North and South India: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Cochin, Alleppey, and Mararikulam.
Dining on the houseboat
Thank you, Marilyn, and we look forward to coordinating the details of your next Indian experience! We always appreciate client feedback: travel@sodhatravel.com.
As India continues to be ranked one of the most favorable travel destinations worldwide, hotel chains are busy developing newer and more creative accommodations. Looking ahead, 2011 is going to be one of the most exciting years for unique properties, catering to both budget and luxury travelers. Here are a few of my most anticipated additions to the Indian market:
Artist Rendering of Rasa in Jaipur
Rasa, Jaipur: Opening in March, the Rasa seamlessly blends modernity, luxury, and ecotourism. There will be forty tents with glass-wall facades and a private outdoor pavilion. Located adjacent to the 16th century Amer Fort, the futuristic Rasa also serves organic produce grown on site. The nearby nature sanctuary offers hiking and bird watching, all within close proximity to Rajasthan’s capital and Pink City, Jaipur.
Radisson Hotel, Haridwar: As much as I love Haridwar, a holy city on the Ganges River, there are very limited first-class accommodations that cater to the more discerning traveler. The Radisson will have 16 suites and 113 rooms with a variety of upscale facilities, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, bar, club lounge and tea lounge.
Park Plaza and Park Inn, Delhi: It is hard to believe that Delhi, India’s capital and one of the three cities on the Golden Triangle tourism circuit, has a limited number of reasonably priced moderate hotels in favorable parts of the city. But for this reason, I am very pleased to see three new properties opening in Delhi: Park Plaza New Delhi Dwarka, Park Plaza New Delhi Nari Nagar, and Park Inn Delhi CBD Shahdara. Park Plaza is an upper mid-scale brand that offers modern design in a comfortable atmosphere, while Park Inn is the slightly less upgraded counterpart. Both are highly recommended by travelers, and one of my clients calls their breakfast buffets “the best in India.”
Banasura Hill Resort, Wayanad: Though Banasura is already operational, I encourage travelers to experience this ecoresort before the popularity detracts from its charm. Banasura is located in the misty hills of Wayanad in the Malabar region of Kerala. It is also Asia’s largest “Earth Resort” and awarded the Greenest Destination in the Nilgiris Biosphere. The main resort is built entirely from mud, and the villas are constructed from rough hewn stone. Very impressive, considering the luxurious finishes and spacious rooms – not to mention a mud structure in an area known for heavy rainfall.