Early Next year 2015, we will go to Chennai and Kerala, South India

India map1   Indian food

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During the last Yangon trip, I mentioned to participants that we may go to Chennai and Kerala, South India (click on the map for a better view).  Chennai is one of the most famous and populated cities in South India.  I have been to Chennai and Kerala more than 30 times, although I am not able to speak Tamil, the language spoken by Indians who migrated to Singapore many years ago.

The attractions in Chennai are its beaches and beach resorts, the South Indian food, its culture and heritage.  Kerala is really back waters, relaxing, coconut trees, rice boats, shapely or shapeless mangoes, massage, spa and its unique food.

Over the last 12 years, I visited Chennai and Kerala, due to my work and business with the Indian newspapers.  The people of Chennai and Kerala are very nice, pleasant and cheerful.  I remembered not too long ago, I took a boat ride, only to be allowed to take over the wheel.  It’s always like this, if we are nice, others will be nice too.  We can have a holiday.  I am currently planning with a friend of mine who works in Malayala Manorama.  He is helping to piece together a program which most European tourists do not get to see.

For some of you, you may not believe it, but you can get cool winter in India.  Wear a jacket too.  I plan to go in March 2014.  You don’t have to buy tickets or book your hotels yet.  More details will pop up in this Post.  Keep in touch.  And, of course, if you are interested, simply put your name up for registration.  Going as a group is always fun.

Terence Seah

Registration: If you have interest, doesn’t mean you are going.

  1. Terence Seah
  2. Ng Meng Wai
  3. Evon Lim
  4. Daisy Yeo
  5. Ann Lim
  6. Gabriella Chua
  7. Zara
  8. Lin Chuah
  9. Marg Tian
  10. Lilian Teo
  11. Gingko Tay
  12. Jacqueline Wong
  13. Yuit Leng
  14. Catherine Ho
  15. Annto
  16. Christina Chan
  17. Annie Tang
  18. Eileen Thean
  19. Sockie (Sock Cheng)
  20. Bira
  21. Frisna
  22. Lily Ho
  23. Pauline Chew
  24. Evyonne Chew
  25. Julie Guan
  26. Winnie Tan
  27. Theresa Seow
  28. Irene Seet (Kiv – membership lapsed – awaiting approval from Admin)
  29. Jimmy Tsin
  30. Lee Ah Nee
  31. Cindy Wee
  32. Pearl Kwan
  33. Simon Lee
  34. Susan Chong
  35. Dolly Lim
  36. Audrey Wong
  37. Bobby Bok
  38. Charles Chua
  39. Tian Soo
  40. Daisy Phua
  41. Dorine Tan
  42. Alice Yap
  43. Mary Tan
  44. Chengpun
  45. Caroline Gee
  46. S K Chua
  47. Helen Wong
  48. T K Pow
  49. Esther Mok
  50. Grace Wong
  51. Lawrence Lee
  52. Jessie Lee (Mrs)
  53. LydiaChin
  54. Helen Yeo
  55. Irene Chua
  56. Yoke Moon
  57. Foo Jock Khim
  58. Jane Tan
  59. Pat Oei
  60. Linda Chua
  61. Peri Liew
  62. Thomas Loh
  63. Mega Abdullah
  64. Steven Chan
  65. Serena Tay

Author: Terence Seah

Founder

92 thoughts on “Early Next year 2015, we will go to Chennai and Kerala, South India”

  1. Hi Terence

    The early birdies registering here. Meng Wai & Evon Lim, Anne Lim & Daisy Yeo.

    We shall look forward to another great time!

    Thank you, Terence

  2. Hi Terence

    Thank You for organising. I’m interested. Can confirm only when final dates are out.

    Regards…

  4. Hi Terence,

    We would certainly like to go to these 2 places. Please include Lilian Teo, Marg Tian and myself.

    Thank you.

  6. Good morning Terence,

    Both Yuit Leng and I are interested. Will confirm again when the dates are out. Thank you for organising.
    cheers,
    Jac

  7. Hi Terence,

    I’m interested, provided the dates are during the March school holidays!

    Thank You,
    Cath Ho

  9. Hi Terence, please register for Annie Tang, Eileen Thean, Sockie, Bira & Frisna

    Cheers
    Annie Tang

  13. Hi Terence,
    This will definitely be a very exotic, interesting and educational journey. Have always wanted to go to India. I would definitely be interested if it doesn’t clash with another March trip to Bandung.
    Please add me in.
    Thank you, winnie

  17. Sockie,

    Plse ask Irene Seet to contact admin. Her membership has lapsed.

    Terence Seah

  18. Hi Terence,

    I am interested. Will be able to confirm once you have finalise the dates.
    Thanks.

    Jimmy Tsin

  19. Hi Terence,

    I wish to join in your FUN trip. Hopefully the dates are around 1st or 2nd week of Mar 14. Please include me and Cindy Wee. Thank you for organising! :)

    Ah Nee

  21. Hi Terence,
    I am interested, please include me but need to confim on actual date.
    Tk u.
    Susan Chong

  22. Hi Terence,

    Do you already have a date in mind? March 2014 seems quite vague as there are 30 days in March. What’s the weather like at that time in Chennai and Kerala?

    For update, could you add in Christina Chan (the walker)’s name? We share the same slot at #10.

    Thks much,
    annto

  23. It’s nice to know that so many of you are interested in Chennai and Kerala. I am not a tour guide, and neither am I a travel agent. I just know that some places in the world are beautiful and where we have the opportunity, we should see them before our legs cannot walk. I shall try to firm the dates as quickly as possible, but not likely before 20 Dec.

    I would say March is sure; but the actual dates will depend on the airfares, direct from Singapore to Cochin and back.

    Your registration is noted, and I thank Gabriella for listing them down in order as they come in. Rest assured it will be an experience.

    Terence Seah

  24. Terence,
    I am not a great lover of chapati or roti prata but then, few members told me that these 2 places are nice and since I will be out of job soon, so I chop a place first lor.. Hopefully, by March, I still bo kang cheo so India, here I come.

    Cheers.. Dolly

  26. Hi Terence,
    Thank you for organizing, please register my name for the tour to Chennai & Kerala. If your room has vacancy I will be most happy to share it with you just like in Yangon. Best regards & cheers..
    Bobby

  27. Hi Terence,

    Can we register our interests also, Tian Soo and myself. I have never been to India but am confident you always organise very well-planned trips.

    Thanks

  33. Hi Terence

    I’ll have to renumber the list of registrants … two no. 4 :-( (Wonder how it happened? – Not done by me leh.)

    Also cannot understand why I cant use single line spacing – only double line.

    Wd appreciate your advice.

    Tks & regards.

  34. Hi Terence
    Pls register me for this trip. Thank you.
    Cheers
    Caroline

  36. Gabriella
    I did the editing for the following reasons :

    1) the double line spacing were taking up too much space making the post unnecessarily long. Not only it is difficult for those reading the forum with smaller gadgets, it is in line with Terence’s instructions to me yesterday to reduce unneccessary line spacing on post. (I spent a couple of hours going thru all recent posts last night.)

    2) there were more than 1 name for each number (in some cases, as much as 4 names on 1 line). I had allocated 1 number per name thereby giving the exact number of people signing up for this trip. If I had duplicated no.4 – my apologies. You should have noticed that the actual number is now more than double of what you originally listed.

    You can’t get single line spacing because your pc setting is double lined. Set your pc to single line and the problem will be solved. Hope this clarifies.

  37. Hi Terence…
    pls register helen wong n TK Pow for this trip..(she got problem signing in ).
    Thank you
    helen k.

  40. Lily
    Tks for the clarification.

    Re: your para 2, I listed the names according to those whom I’m sure are going to be room-mates ~
    e.g. Ng Meng Wai and Evon Lim
    Another example is I did not list Terence Seah with Bobby Bok as Terence has not confirmed whether he’ll be sharing his room with Bobby altho B has indicated his intention to share the room with T. I intended to edit later when the registrants have confirmed.

    I listed others separately cos I do not know who will be bunking with whom as there’s no indication.

    With best regards…

  41. Oh I see, Gabriella…… you are just listing the number of rooms required but not the head count….. I see. Sorry I didn’t know about the rooming issue. How about listing the number like 1-4 for so and so……. this way at least, we know how many are going? My apologies for kaypoing. I hope you have resolved the double line spacing now. If not, let me know. I will whatsapp the steps to you.

  42. Hi EOs…
    Pls delete my name from this trip as I register for Helen Wong and TK Pow becos she got problems signing in..thanks!
    Helen k

  43. Dear Helen

    Amended accordingly. Sori for the oversight as I’m not functioning well today :-(

    Btw, I wd like to clarify that Terence Seah is the EO for this event. I’m only providing secretarial support as requested by him.

    Thank you.

    Regards…..

  44. Lily

    Ref your comments above.

    Although I’ve bunched them up according to their sharing of rooms (mostly 2 to a room except for one case ~ triple sharing ~ ) and the total number of lines used was around 28 or so (cant remember exactly cos it’s been deleted), I have actually indicated the total number of people who signed up as follows:

    (TOTAL OF 39 MEMBERS SIGNED UP ALTOGETHER)

    I have checked this total many times to ensure that this total is the actual headcount. That is why I spent the whole morning from 6+ am trying to tally the number 38 to my total count of 39 participants.

    Also, Terence leaves the nitty-gritties to me to handle in the best possible way for him.

    Tks, I’ve managed to resolve the double line spacing.

    Hope the above clarifies.

    Regards…..

  46. wow.. half the shc membership are going! I don’t want to miss this boat… terence, pls include me. thanks. Lydia.

  48. Hi Terence,
    I am interested to go in March & I have registered. Yes, I am registered without a room mate now & as I do not have the details I can’t ask around. Btw, anyone here looking for one too then hope to meet you on the 20th Dec Xmas Orch walk
    & discuss the possibility of rooming together.
    Cheerio,
    zara.

  50. Hi Terrence
    Please add Irene Chua, she forgotten her password
    In future how can she login without her password? please let me know so I can tell her what to do, tks helen

  51. Hi Chengpun

    You have registered twice on Dec 5 and 7. Wd appreciate if you could refrain from registering twice in future.

    Thank you.

    Gabriella
    for Terence Seah

  54. I think that travelling together as a big family is a pleasure. I am sure this trip will be a big eye opener, as well as enjoyable. The plan is to enjoy South India for 6-7 days.

    It is likely we will fly Singapore – Cochin, and for those who know this part of India, we shall go to Cochin, munnar, thekady, kuarakom, varkala,trivandrum and kanyakumari. This is still tentative.

    We will have a vehicle to follow us throughout the journey. There will be a legal tour guide too. Usually the coaches are non-aircon, with metal frames and plastic seats. And,, it will shake all along the way, from town to town. So, if your vertebrate is weak, you may suffer between points. We will start with 20 pax, but we may land up with 2 x 20 pax.

    Now, the key is the dates. There are a number of flights from Singapore to Cochin. So, we will find a week where we can get a budget price. Hotels will be organised by the travel company. We will have clean but 3 to 4 stars hotels.

    Blackouts are rather common in India; and sometimes the coach also suffers from blackouts and we can sit by the side of the road, until the electricity is back.

    Again, we should try to fly on a Tue or Wed, and return on a Tue or Wed, subject to ticket prices. We should keep our costs down.

    Meantime, please wait until 20 Dec 2013, and I shall try to nail down the dates. You can help by checking the flights in March.

    Terence Seah

  56. Hi Terence

    Your latest comments are in the wrong post.

    You mentioned Trivandrum as one of the places to be covered.
    Tiger flies to Trivandrum too. Return to Singapore:

    Trivandrum-Sin Mon, Thu & Sat Lv 00:15hrs Ar 07:15hrs
    Airfare approx. S$158.40.

    Subject to your final itinerary of course, if we are doing a 7 day trip, we can arrive Kochi on a Friday and leave Trivandrum on a Thursday. There will be no back tracking and it will allow us time to cover more places.

    Sin-Kochi Wed, Fri & Sun Lv 22:15hrs Ar 00:10hrs
    Airfare approx. S$133.00.

    You also mentioned Kanyakumari which is in Tamil Nadu and Chennai is on the east coast of India. Take it that you have mentioned these just to get us more excited.

    Hope these are useful.

    Regards
    Daisy

  57. Getting excited, I hope Terence won’t set the dates coincide with 13 & 14 Mar 2014.

    Ah Nee

  61. Terence
    Please put me on the list. I hope the dates do not clash with my work part-time assignment.
    Thanks

  63. Hi, Just wanted to share my tour experience in Kerala about 6 years ago with my wife. I requested for quotes from 5 travel agencies in Kerala. After vetting thru and I manage to get one for 5 days, 6 nights

    Munnar 2 Nights Hill Station – Recommend 3 nights here n must to go.
    Thekkady 1 Night Hill Station/Wildlife Sanctuary
    Alleppey(Houseboat) 1 Night Backwater/Beach
    Cochin 1 Night Beach

    As I used to travel to Tamil Nadu at least once a year, I decided to travel across to Palghat (majority Tamils as its close to Tamil Nadu Border). I took an overnight train from Chennai and reach Palghat R/W Stn in the early morning where my tour guide cum driver picked us up. A 6 hour drive through paddy fields, hills to Munnar and checked into Hotel. On the way from Palghat to Munnar, we pass by but did not stop over to see the Dam, Crocodile farm, Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandalwood & Bamboo forests and Tea plantation. But stop over to stretch ourselves at water falls.

    At Munnar, we went to the Photo point, Jungle honey bee nest, Echo point, Elephant arrival spot, Cinema shooting point, Lakes , Tea museum, Blossom International park and Boating at lake. There is also a flower called kurinji which blooms once in 12 years in the mountains. Not sure when its next blooming season.
    From Munnar we went to Thekkady. On the way sightseeing water falls
    Dam and spice plantation. Halt and the next day Boating on Periyar Lake. It’s a wildlife sanctuary but we saw only elephants and deers. We visited tea, coffee and spice plantation. Buy tea leaves and spices here
    From Thekkady, we went to Alleppey. A 4 hour drive through Kerala villages, paddy field and back water. Check into a Luxury Houseboat with one aircon room and toilet attached. There is also a seating area for viewing and dining area for your meals. A slow ride and sightseeing through the back water in the houseboat and overnight stay in Houseboat at middle of the lake. You can see churches, schools , paddy field, houses and their daily life style of washing and bathing too on both side of the back water. We had two staff manning the boat house. All meals were cooked in the boat house and served too.
    From Alleppey we went to Cochin. On the way, we went Alleppey Beach. Check into Hotel and in the morning visited a Palace and a Hill palace museum. You could see Chinese fishing net along your way

    Consider the Monsoon period and Booking of house boat in advance for large group

  64. Hi Terence

    Coincidentally, my boss was holidaying in Kerala in early December.

    His advice:
    Munnar – stay at least 2 nights;
    Thekkady – must go;
    Backwaters – is an experience;
    Trivandrum – was disappointed but maybe because he was tired.

    On the whole, a great holiday.

    Daisy

  65. As of today, here is the latest update on the trip to India.

    1. We leave Sinfapore direct for Kochi (Cochin). We return from Thiruvananthapuram, capital city of Kerala.

    2. The tentative dates are:
    * Departure Sun 9 Mar 2014 late night
    * Return Sat 15 Mar 2014

    3. Costs:
    * airfare – everybody book your own. Must arr by Sun night 9 Mar. Buy Sin/Kochin one way.
    For return, buy Thiruvananthapuram/Sin on Sat 15 Mar, one way.

    Hotels and boathouses – being organised. Intinery – should advise soon.

    Including hotels, transport, guides, breakfast and some meals, and travel, and entrances fees, please use USD 300 as the guide for entire trip.

    We will limit the trip to 20 pax in a 24 seater bus.

    The plan has excluded Chennai due to lack of time. Kerala is a beatiful state in West and South India.

    Please prepare, gather in groups to buy your air tickets, pay at SAM.

    Anybody has contacts with Tigerair to book all 20 seats, to and fro?

    The trip is payable in advance, Usd 300. There is no refund because I calculate costs/20 pax.

    Please wait for confirmation next week Tues.

    Have fun.

    Terence Seah

    9 15

    1. Re the Kerala trip, I have been considering all options, and scenarios, and have decided that we will postphone the decision on the trip to India. First, the trip is ON, but the dates cannot be confirmed because of various circumstances.

      The visit areas and the intinery will remain unchanged. I will let you know again once things are more settled.

      Apology for the postponement.

      Terence Seah

  67. Hi,

    I will need a room mate as Christina Chan is unable to travel in March 2014. Any ladies?

    Wishing all a Merry Christmas,
    annto

  68. Hi Terence

    I am interested in this trip too; Pls register me. I will need a lady roommate.
    Thank you!

    Serena

  69. For those who are wondering what has happened to the trip to Kerala, down south in India, I had decided to postpone the trip due to discomfort about going there at this time. However, the temperatures are going up, and soon it will not be comfortable to travel around.

    Therefore, I shall hold this trip until early next year 2015. We have the program, the agent, the hotels and hopefully, the same group will come along. Sorry, guys and gals. See u next year.

    Terence Seah

  70. The time is right for us to plan our trip to Kerala (India) in early 2015. We wont go to Chennai, but will go straight to the state of Kerala, with coconut trees, back-waters, undulating hills and valleys, meditation and spas.

    Kerala is celebrated as the Spice Coast of India, and has a distinct British history.

    Lunar New year 2015 is on 19 Feb 2015. We were planning to go 3rd week Feb 2015, but the dates may not be suitable for travellers. If you are contemplating a visit to Kerala, and would like to join me there, please indicate a preferred date. I am likely to consider your request. Let’s close suggestions end Sept 2014.

    I have been to Kerala at least 10 times in the last 10 years, and I love its relaxing atmosphere and surroundings. For me, I visit the newspapers there regularly for business. Its mangoes are sweet and gripped-palm size and rarely has the same size. We can cruise the backwaters on rice boats and have a fantastic relaxing massage, spa or even a meditation session. English communication is norm. Kerala food is unique, and you have taste it to know.

    So, let’s talk about dates.

    Terence Seah

  71. Hi Terence,

    I would like to join you and will be available from 19 Feb to 1 March 2015. Hope this period is acceptable to you.

    Regards,
    Moon

  72. Hi Moon,

    !9 Feb 2015 is the Lunar New Year. It is a good date because Lunar New Year is not celebrated in India. However, flights may be expensive and attendance may not be there. But, we dont give up.

    Terence Seah

  73. Hi Terence,

    It depends on the no. of days we will be in India. We can depart a few days after the lunar new year like 23 Feb, or look for a day that the fare is lowest during that week.

    Regards,
    Moon

  75. Hi Moon,

    I am inclined to take your schedule. Look at your schedule. I shall confirm the start date at the end of this month.

    Terence Seah

  77. Hi Terence
    Merry Xmas and Happy New Year ahead…

    I am interested in this Kerala trip but can only travel during the March school holidays from the evening of Mar 13- Mar 22 Sunday. Hope you can accomodate me. If cannot, no worries.
    Thank you
    Laura Wee

  78. Hi Terence Merry Xmas!
    Wonder why you didnt do a new post. Didnt realise its still on till laura told me today. Me and bira are still interested to go. Dates depend on majority

  80. Morning Terrence – Can give some indication what date it will be for this trip in March? Need to quickly apply leave otherwise no chance to secure leave leh……. Thanks Freda

  81. Thank you to members who have indicated interest to go to India.

    The kerala trip has been delayed last year. It is the good time now to go, as coast is clear. At this moment, the date I have in mind, is over the CNY period, 17-24 Feb 2014. But, this is still changeable, but it will definitely be before end Feb 2015. I would say the deciding point is an acceptable airfare price.

    From today, we monitor the airfare, and if I will like firm the date base on 3-4 confirmed persons. Interested parties, please note,

    Meantime, I shall be asking our Indian travel agent to arrange the hotels and the program. Of course, the cost too. Likely the travel will ETA in Cochin and ETD from Trivandrum.

    Keep in touch.

    Terence Seah

  82. Hi Terrence,

    Regret, too short a notice to take leave, hope to join u if ever there is a next time.
    Meanwhile, wishing you n
    all a safe passage into the new year ?????

    Gan Bei

  87. Is the dates (17/2 to 24/2) firmed? Will be buying airtickets soon but need the dates.

  88. Hi Ann, Sockie and others interested in going to Kerala (India).

    It seems we have a smaller group, and the travel agent is not interested to take a small group. I am going, that’s for sure. But I am unable to confirm a tour. Of course, one way of going is to take a tour from there. There are many, but it can be disorganized and adhoc. As such, cost wise, I am unable to confirm a firm package price.

    A bit hesitatant to lead a group with a few people. It can be expensive, due to the small numbers.

    As for now, I am confirmed to go, except I have no price for anybody.

    Terence Seah

  90. Hiya Terence, am actually looking forward to this Kerala trip, and now …..
    Guess you can revive this long delayed Trip by re-posting it to the current.
    This may help generate better response

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