Finally on 28 December, we set foot in Nagerkovil. With hunger ruling our minds, we rushed to the home of the Bensams (who were waiting for us after celebrating their wedding anniversary). Ate a hearty meal of piping hot idlis, mutton curry and chicken fry! yummy!
Well, the next day we checked out the beautiful, well-maintained Vattakottai (Round fort), built strongly on the beach. Climbed the elephants staircase, stood on the parade grounds, sat on the fortifications and mainly struggled to keep ourselves on our feet from the powerful winds that simply swayed us.
Moved on to Kanyakumari (where is the beach?) – saw the Gandhi madapam, viewed the Thiruvalluvar statue and Vivekananda rock from a safe distance. Spent time shopping and shopping at ridiculously low prices, but sad at the state of poor maintenance and neglect. Enjoyed thoroughly the wax-museum at Bay watch (on a site once the property of my parents) with both Kevin and Priya striking some great poses. 
The next day, moved to Thuckalay (home of my mom’s sister). From there we moved to Thiruparappu falls (waterfalls + swimming pool + dangerous swirls) – then ate at a small hotel there (Won’t recommend it – but that is the only option, unless you have packed food with you). Then went on to Thotipalam (Asia’s tallest water canal bridge between two mountains, stretching for over a kilometer). Drank coconut water, checked out the famous and nutritious red bananas and while uncle bought some stems to grow at his house, Dad bought a whole set (bunch – more than 30 red bananas). Climbed, jumped and ran around Davy’s uncle rubber plantation. Even saw how the sap of the rubber tree is collected each day. Ate hot-hot egg bondas at a local roadside eatery. From there we moved to Muttom beach. (wow – rocky, dangerous, less tourists).
Rested the night with some lovely kerala parotas and beef curry. Set out for Padmanabapuram palace. Loved the whole dreamy roaming in that palace! Learnt that there is a tunnel from the palace to Vattakottai fort (collapsed now) through which people can move around. Beautiful place and found lots of great carvings and artifacts (including the famous lamp that does not spill-out the water or oil even after you tilt it!)
Overall, exhausted, thrilled and filled with many memories to last.
So when are you going to all these places?
Really Good..it took me back once again, to all the places we visited
U guys really n-joyed.. Delighted to go thru your writing skills and nice to see the snaps too !
Cheers !
Great blog. Good write up. Keep it coming.