This is my 2nd trip to India, my 1st to Kerala. Admittedly, the first few days did not overwhelm as there was so much time wasted on bus rides. As we drove 4-5 hours each journey from Cochin to Munnar to Thekkady to Allepey, the joy of travel was only enhanced by good company and shopping. I’m NOT a shopper but I don’t mind tagging along or waiting while others shop and dump their bags of purchases by my feet while I sip my coffee or wine in some bar. Problem was I never enjoyed the coffee here. And alcohol isn’t as available as one wanted in this corner of the world. The whole trip we only enjoyed our wine in the hotels and found the coffee in Spice Village in Thekkady, Kumily as acceptable. I honestly wished this was our hotel as it has a sprawling garden, a good buffet spread, good coffee and a stone’s throw from the bazaars!
Shopping was good anywhere in India. I still remember the sarees and kurta I bought from my first trip. This time, the big tote bags and clutch bags filled my suitcase along with the black tea with masala from the tea gardens of Munnar. No shopping in Allepey though as we were happily on “houseboat arrest”. These were the tranquil moments before reaching Cochin where the adrenaline rush started pumping again because of the shopping options. From bags to shawls to purses and tote bags to bangles to paper products to table linen. And for the serious shoppers, the handicrafts and jewelries.
There were lovely pants and skirts to choose from. Very Indian. In vibrant hues and exotic patterns. Matched with lovely and colorful duppati which can be worn loosely like a shawl. Almost always, our pee stops included some shopping outbursts. Well, you’d never know what you’d find in the most unusual places. But I did find shopping in Shristi Charitable Trust in Munnar the most meaningful. The products are made by underprivileged children under the Trust’s care. Beautiful products like paper from different non-wood materials. The Trust is dedicated to the upliftment of these children through education, skills development and health care. God bless them 🙏
lifeisacelebration 