Travel News June 2014
INDIA 31 you’ve been to the deep South Continued from Page 31
The temperatures hover around the 30-35 Celsius mark but humidity increases during that time. Most businesses close for that period until October, but it is possible to find a place to stay. Food
South Indian food is rice-based. Rice is served boiled or as idlis - steamed cakes made from rice batter. Typical South Indian breakfast consists of idlis and a variety of chutney and sauces - all served on a tray in small bowls. South Indian breakfast is quite filling, and it should keep you going for most of the day. Remember to try fresh mangos - often served with chilli. Bottled water is widely available (although getting a cold bottle might be a problem), but if you feel adventurous you should try sugarcane juice with ginger and lemon juice from street vendors.
Other interesting facts
In Kerala, you might be surprised at pictures of Lenin, Che Guevara or Hugo Chavez lavishly displayed in public places – this is because Kerala is known as the most ‘leftie’ state in India. It also comes across as one of the most progressive states with high literacy and low birth rates, well understood gender equality, and ‘not bothering’ with the caste system.
Even if you’re not an early bird, it is worth trying to get up before the sunrise: the locals practice yoga and perform many religious rituals on the beach, and normally don’t mind being photographed. Staying in touch with home might be a problem. While a lot of places offer free wi-fi, getting a local SIM card is a practically impossible: after the 2008 Mumbai bombing getting a SIM is problematic even for the locals and they can get a touch suspicious if you ask somebody to borrow their phone.
People are generally very kind and the only form of harassment you are likely to experience is ‘meester/madam, photo together pleeeez’. This part of India is safe, also for women traveling alone.
LEFT: Locals wielding a giant fishing net at Kochi in south India
PICTURES By
NATASHA WARCHOLAK BELOW:
Kerala leans a little to the left if these posters are
anything to go by
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