Since we last blogged we've been very busy catching the sights and using numerous modes of transport aound south India, seeing states Karanata, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. We encountered our 2nd sleeper bus from Hampi to Bangalore which was more like a fairground ride with your whole body taking off from the bed and leaving your stomach in the air! Needless to say we gained no sleep from that 8hr journey.No trains were available from Bangalore for the next 5 days so we plumped for a taxi to take us to Cochin in Kerala 600km away. We were told that this would take 12hrs and we'd be there for 9pm the same day, however, luck wasn't on our side, 2 drivers and 2 different vehicles later and one also getting us lost, we finally arrived at 2.30am with everything deserted! We managed to get 2 rooms for 400rps each which stunk of old sweat and mold was growing on the walls, that said there was no restraining the heavy eyelids and we slept till midday.Cochi isn't very impressive apart from the Pizza Hut we found which did satisfy our craving for Western food! With great desire to get on a house boat for a bit of relaxation we jumped on a local bus for Alleppy which took little over an hour crammed into a tin can with all the locals, not as bad as it sounds and quite an enjoyable experience for me (not sure about the lads) except for the numb bums having sat on the backpacks the whole way.The following morning we headed for our house boat which is nothing like the felucca, Thank God!!!! We had 2 dbl rooms ensuite with a dining / lounging area and 3 crew who served us bloody good grub for the 24hrs we spent on board. The time was spent watching the scenery, wildlife and local people going about their daily chores on the backwaters. Beer o'clock came around and we cracked open the Kingfisher' beer and vodka with the Ipod tunes playing in the background whilst playing a few games of s*&t head which Steve isn't talented at!After our night of peace and quiet we were back on the move by ferry and local bus heading to Periyer wildlife reserve.