Mumbai/Bombay (any other suggestions place here) Went to Cochin for the night so we could fly from there to Mumbai in the morning. Checked in at a nice place, Bastian Guest House, then went out for a meal at Oceana's in the evening. Sat down to eat, looked to our right five minutes later and there was a German sat there who decided to join us. Initial awkwardness turned into a good old chin wag. Fantastish! The flight to Mumbai was short but fascinating. As w...

Marari Beach We arrived at Marari Beach Villas, after hearing about a deserted beach, on our Auto-Rickshaw (tuk-tuk) in the early afternoon and was greeted by Raju, the owner. Marari Beach is known for being very quiet and not very well known, hence the appeal and high prices by Indian standards. We managed to find a place that was quite reasonable in comparison and seemed great on first impressions. A really big room with high ceilings, large bathroom, only a...

Alleppey So, we say goodbye to Varkala after 8 days there, but it's definitely time to move on. It's a great relaxing holiday destination but let's face it, this skin ain't for browning and I don't want my hair to go all 'ginga'. Next stop was Alleppey, a two and a half hour train ride from Varkala. Didn't run like crazies this time, just strolled to the carriage, like the train pro's we are. Arrived at a place called Bella Homestay which is a stones throw fr...

Black Beach! Went looking for a place they call 'Black Beach!' today, which is, well, a beach with black sand...surprisingly. So we asked a local where this could be found, and headed off on the 5-6km walk along the shore...without water...at 1.00pm. So, off we went on our short walk to find the wonderful, amazing, spectacular, mysterious Black Beach! in 35 degree heat, without water. Our walk took us past the bars, restaurants, and shops along the cliff front...

Been settling in well in our new place, been to most of the restaurants and bars along the cliff front. We've had some really good Indian food, fresh fish (every place has a stall with a wide range of fish just outside for you to pick), everywhere has a tandoori oven, naturally, and we're taking full advantage of the cheese naan. Its probably as traditional as Tikka flavored Walkers crisps, but I am especially addicted. Most places shut at about 11.00pm of a nig...