Backwaters of Kochi

Kochi allures the tourists with its antiquity – the quaint ambiance and monuments of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry - with its modernity – the bustling MG Road, Broadway and Marine Drive - and finally with its nature’s bounty – the stretch of backwaters.

Cargo barge cruising through the backwaters of Kochi.

A ride through the backwaters around Kochi city offer you a great picture of the land, with many islands scattered here and there and  lush greenery along the banks. Another characteristic feature of Kochi visible while on a backwater cruise is the sight of Chinese fishing nets. So when you visit Kochi, hire a tourist boat from Marine Drive and enjoy the beautiful ambiance of backwaters here.

View from Kochi Marine Drive at dusk.

Public Transport Boat service in the Kerala backwaters.

Bandipur–December 2013

Images taken during our stay at Karnataka Forest Department cottages, Bandipur – December 2013. Photos by Neelima & Rohan Bimalraj.
Deer spotting's near our cottage: Most commonly seen & abundant in and around the cottages which is in the midst of  Bandipur forest.
Gray Langurs at Bandipur Forest Cottages: They inhabit this surroundings-sharing space with the

Bandipur to Mananthavadi via Nagarhole – December 2013

There are two routes running through Nagarhole National Park to Mananthavadi.

Bison Herd, Bandipur.

These are two options described as “Route A” and “Route B” in the map below for getting to Manandavadi from Bandipur via Nagarhole. For both routes the road up to Handpost Jn. and from Kattikkulam to Mananthavady are same. Even I did not know there are two routes existed through Nagarhole National Park to Manandavady, although I searched the internet before the journey. That is why I made this detailed route map & published here for those who want to take this course. Some cautions before you decide on which route to take: For both routes, traffic not allowed between 6 pm and 6 am. “Route A” is more liberalized allowing two wheelers and lorry, bus traffic. Through “Route B”, no two wheelers allowed. It is mandatory to write details about your name vehicle reg. no., destination and time of