Thanks for the warning, I'll take it on board.

You still celebrating you daft old coot?

You found a TC yet Oldhand. If not you could save a packet and just come home.... then at least you could always have some parched peas as a novelty

Hey Oldhand,

I am born and brought up in South India in Kerala. I have moved to UK, Italy and now in Switzerland. I receive many requests for travel help and suggestions and have helped many of our friends travel and come back with beautiful memories. If you need any help in planning the trip, please let me know. I would love to do it for you.

Trips are always pleasant and memorable when you have someone to do it with. Especially when you relax on the houseboats at back waters of Kerala and the experience the first dew around the Tea estates in Munnar.
So I will widen the search for a travel companion.

That being said South India (Especially Kerala) is perfectly safe to travel alone but you should plan your trip in advance so that the travel agencies take care of your pick-ups and drops. You dont want to be stranded anywhere. Not because it is not safe, it IS a developing country and has its limitations with infrastructure and you dont want that to spoil the essence of the trip. Good Luck !


Regards
Tink

Thanks Tink, I've completed all my bookings including a car and driver for Munnar. I'm pretty sure I'll find someone to enjoy a few trips with and if not I'm just going to soak up all the beauty on my own.

@Oldhand... hope you have a wonderful trip

part from for accommodation which, as you say, you've alreaday booked, sometimes you can find interesting eople to meet, to have a meal or a walk around, through www.couchsurfing.com. It's worth doing the research, browsing through the profiles, before you leave home, of course, so you don't spend your time there in an internet café. Especially if you correspond with them in advance, couchsurfers can sometimes be ready to offer you a back-up plan, just in case your car-and-driver has to back out of the deal, or if one of your homestays isn't what you'd hoped.

And for anyone else reading Oldhand's thread.... today I stumbled across this, the way it goes in the net and in real-life travel itself, as I was looking for something else.
http://www.women-on-the-road.com/wha...companion.html

Thank you Dora,

I've clicked on a few links and there are loads of good ideas. I'm not too worried, as I actually enjoy being alone and where ever I've been I've always met people. It's getting nearer now and the excitement is building.

I'm off on my adventure tomorrow. Very excited and a little bit nervous. I'll be in touch when I'm back and let those who are interested know how I fared.

Bon voyage, Oldhand!

Happy and safe travels, Oldhand!
Hope you have a great time, I'm so envious.... and looking forward to hearing about your trip on your return.

Been thinking of you and wondered when is the 'off' - have a wonderful time and can't wait to hear how it all went (jealous ... moi) - Joyeux Noël et Bon voyage.x

Bon Voyage OldHand, looking forward to your safe return and news of your travels.

Enjoy, such an exciting place to travel!

Have a great time Oldhand. Look forward to hearing about your travels on your return.

Bon Voyage OldHand, looking forward to your safe return and your travel news.

Only just saw this ... (wanted to consult you on the Christmas MIL thing, which then turned out great - thank you). Wish you a fantastic trip!

Would really love to be kept informed. Keep me in mind for your next trip?

Hi all,

I'm having a ball! I've been treat with nothing but kindness and the State of Kerala is both beautiful and facinating. After many day's travel I'm chilling in Varkala and tomprrow I start a 3 day course of Ayruveda massages. Life is good

Great to hear that all is going well. Wonderful that you can keep in touch this way.
Take care and enjoy yourself.

Not really jealous, enjoy!

Personally, I'm jealous