Kim Mckie Travel Counsellors 0191 3810021

Kim Mckie Travel Counsellors 0191 3810021 Personal Travel advisor based in North East of England.

Here to plan your Leisure & Business Travel.
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🇮🇳🫚🍃Spice farm visit in Thekkady The visit was all about flavour and fragrance at Green Park Spice Farm in Thekkady. We...
10/09/2026

🇮🇳🫚🍃Spice farm visit in Thekkady
The visit was all about flavour and fragrance at Green Park Spice Farm in Thekkady. We wandered through lush plantations discovering 16 different spices that bring India’s cuisine, drinks and natural medicine to life.
We tasted:

🍃Cardamom used in fragrant rice, sweets and desserts, aromatic tea and even as a natural mouth freshener

🍃Cloves, Peppercorns, nutmeg, curry leaves, sweet chilli, cocoa, cinnamon, jackfruit, coffee plants, betel leaf, turmeric growing in the ground and vanilla pods hanging on the vine

🍃One of the highlights was watching the ladies carefully harvesting cardamom by hand, a reminder of the incredible work behind the flavours we take for granted.

🍃We finished in a lovely shop where you can taste, sample and purchase spices and natural products to bring a little bit of Thekkady home with you.










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🇮🇳🍃☕️ India Diary: Day 5 – Munnar to Thekkady 🍃☕️We left Munnar early, winding through tea plantations, watching picker...
10/09/2026

🇮🇳🍃☕️ India Diary: Day 5 – Munnar to Thekkady

🍃☕️We left Munnar early, winding through tea plantations, watching pickers at work in the fields. The tea is still picked with hand shears, gathered into nets and then loaded onto tractors: a beautiful, timeless rhythm against the rolling green hills.

📸We stopped at Anayirankal Dam viewpoint for valley.

✈️As we travelled towards Thekkady, the landscape shifted from tea to cardamom plantations and then coffee plantations - so much GREEN 🌳.

🇮🇳On the Munnar–Thekkady highway we passed the striking Lord Ganesha statue at Vandanmedu in Idukki district, celebrated as one of the largest Ganapati sculptures.

🫚🌶️Reaching the Periyar region, there are many spice plantations, many of them owned by families who live on the land.

♦️At Green Park Spice Farm in Thekkady we walked through a living pantry of flavours: Cardamom, Cloves, Jackfruit, Coffee, peppercorns, nutmeg, curry leaf, vanilla pods, turmeric, cocoa, sweet chilli, betel leaf and cinnamon.
Ladies were carefully harvesting cardamom and there is a lovely shop where you can taste and purchase spices to bring home.








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India Diary 🇮🇳🍃My stay at Windermere Estate, Munnar: where it is all about the views, the breeze and the stillness of th...
09/09/2026

India Diary 🇮🇳🍃
My stay at Windermere Estate, Munnar: where it is all about the views, the breeze and the stillness of the hills.
Tucked 5,000 feet up in the hills and surrounded by tea and cardamom plantations, Windermere Estate is a beautiful choice for people who love nature, peace and a real sense of place.
The restaurant serves simple, tasty food: continental or Indian breakfast, then local lunches and dinners with rice, vegetables, a meat dish and bread. The focus here is definitely on the experience rather than fine dining, but it works very well with the relaxed, homely atmosphere. The team on site are warm, attentive and genuinely lovely.
Rooms are simple in style, have a huge bed and with the naturally cool hillside air, the room was very comfortable during my stay.
Hammocks dotted around the grounds for shady, tranquil spots to read or just listen to the birds. There is a pool and the property’s showpiece is a dramatic 70‑foot boulder with panoramic views across the plantations and hills.

If you would like to know more please get in touch and I can tailor a stay to suit you.

Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/








india_and_more

Day 4: Misty Hills & Tea Trails of Munnar 🌿 🇮🇳Wake up to the sound of songbirds and the cool mountain air in Munnar, whe...
09/09/2026

Day 4: Misty Hills & Tea Trails of Munnar 🌿 🇮🇳
Wake up to the sound of songbirds and the cool mountain air in Munnar, where the hills are covered in endless tea plantations and low, drifting cloud.
Munnar is all about slowing down and really seeing nature:

♦️Starting with a gentle bird-watching walk with sightings:

🪶Red-vented bulbul
🦜Bright green parrot
🪶The canary flycatcher
🐿️A giant squirrel, an endangered species

♦️We visited the beautiful CSI Church of India, set on the hill overlooking the town.

♦️A stop at Sristi Charitable Trust gave a glimpse into local life where they produce paper, textiles, fruit, vegetables and a bakery, with the chance to see workers in the factories and browse the little shops.

The scenery is so beautiful, the highest peaks rising to around 8,000 feet, the air is crisp and the views are breathtaking.

☕️At Lockhart Tea Factory we followed the journey of the tea leaf from hillside to teacup:

🍃Leaves hand-picked by local people in the plantations, withering trays, roller machines, fermentation, graded, separated and packaged.

♦️Later, back in Munnar town, we explored the lively market: stalls piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, fragrant herbs and spices, dried fish, flowers and colourful clothing.

☕️🍃The day ended perfectly with a tea-tasting back at the hotel: five different flavours, including delicate green and elegant white tea. White tea was my favourite – smooth and subtle.

Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/







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🇮🇳🛺Day 3: Kochi to the Hills of Munnar Leaving the coastal plains of Kochi behind, we headed east into the mountains, w...
08/09/2026

🇮🇳🛺Day 3: Kochi to the Hills of Munnar
Leaving the coastal plains of Kochi behind, we headed east into the mountains, winding our way through a patchwork of banana, mango, coconut and rubber plantations, rice paddies, spice gardens and small townships. Tropical greenery thickened into forest, with teak trees abd sometimes wild elephants come down for water in summer.
We paused at Windermere River House for lunch, a tranquil planter-style bungalow on the riverside surrounded by rubber estates and native plants. It feels like a hidden village retreat: birdsong, butterflies, forest walks, kayaking and a riverside pool, with just a handful of rooms for an intimate stay.
Then it was back on the road, climbing higher into the Western Ghats stopping at water falls with the monkeys and then on to reach Windermere Estate in Munnar: 5,000 feet up, wrapped in tea and cardamom plantations with panoramic viewpoints, gentle hikes and bird walks from the door, it is the perfect base for 2–3 nights of cool mountain air, hammocks and tea-scented trails.

indiamore_tbi
Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/







🇮🇳🪷Storytelling & Cultural ImmersionAn evening at the local theatre, watching a traditional Kathakali performance. We ar...
08/09/2026

🇮🇳🪷Storytelling & Cultural Immersion
An evening at the local theatre, watching a traditional Kathakali performance. We arrived early to see the stage being set and the intricate makeup come to life: serious make up envy, these artists are incredibly skilled. The colours, costumes and music, all combining to tell ancient stories in the most atmospheric setting.
This is another authentic cultural experience which I can incorporate into your next India adventure.

India Diary: My Stay at Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi 🇮🇳🇮🇳I have been lucky enough to stay at the beautiful 5 Brunton Bo...
07/09/2026

India Diary: My Stay at Brunton Boatyard, Fort Kochi 🇮🇳🇮🇳
I have been lucky enough to stay at the beautiful 5 Brunton Boatyard* in Fort Kochi: a colonial-style boutique hotel with just 22 rooms and suites, right on the waterfront. The drive from Kochi airport to the hotel is a gentle introduction to Kerala, and arriving at this characterful property feels like stepping back in time.
I stayed in a sea view room on level 3, overlooking the pool and harbour. The room is spacious and full of heritage charm: a huge high double bed with crisp white linen, terracotta floor tiles, dark wooden shutters and classic woodwork, air conditioning and ceiling fans. There is a large bathroom with bath and separate shower, toiletries, hairdryer, mini bar, balcony and replenished bottled water in the room add to the comfort and convenience.
The outdoor pool looks straight out over the water, with pool towels provided, and there is a private boat dock platform where the hotel’s own boat departs around 6pm for a complimentary sunset cruise for guests. Watching the sun set over Cochin Harbour from the water is a real highlight of a stay here, and high tea, yoga and the boat trip are included.
Step outside and you are perfectly placed to explore Fort Kochi on foot or by tuk tuk: the Chinese fishing nets, waterfront walkway, Bastian Street, Princess Street, Rose Street, St Francis Church, Dhoby Khana, Mattancherry Palace (Dutch Palace), Jew Town and Jew Street are all within easy reach. It is an ideal base if you want heritage style, comfort and a real sense of place right from your hotel.
If Brunton Boatyard and Fort Kochi sound like your kind of India, I would love to help you plan a stay here or create something similar tailored just for you.

Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/








India Diary: Day Two part two 🇮🇳Tuk Tuks, Dhoby Khana, The Dutch Palace & Jew Town.The second half of our day in Fort Ko...
07/09/2026

India Diary: Day Two part two 🇮🇳
Tuk Tuks, Dhoby Khana, The Dutch Palace & Jew Town.
The second half of our day in Fort Kochi took us off on a colourful tuk tuk adventure. From St Francis Church, 13 of us Travel Counsellors hopped into tuk tuks and whizzed through the backstreets to Dhoby Khana, the traditional open-air laundry. Here, long lines of clothes are washed and dried in the old-fashioned way, giving a fascinating glimpse into everyday working life in Kochi.
Our tuk tuks then carried us on to Mattancherry to visit the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace). Inside, we wandered through cool, simple rooms decorated with ancient murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, along with beautiful wooden details and dolls. Stepping back outside, the palace leads naturally towards Jew Town, so the history flows straight into the next chapter of the day.
In Jew Town and along Jew Street, we strolled between antique shops, spice stalls and clothing boutiques, all scented with cardamom, clove and incense. The highlight here is the serene Paradesi Synagogue, home to around 1,100 hand-painted floor tiles with no two alike, plus antique chandeliers and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.
This tuk tuk tour was great and really brought Fort Kochi’s layers of history and local life to life for us, and was the perfect complement to our morning waterfront and walking explorations.
If colourful tuk tuk rides, heritage sites and atmospheric old quarters sound like your kind of India, I would love to help you plan your own Kerala adventure.

Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/







India Diary: Day Two 🇮🇳Walking & Tuk Tuk Adventures Day two in Kerala began down by the waterfront walkway, watching th...
07/09/2026

India Diary: Day Two 🇮🇳
Walking & Tuk Tuk Adventures
Day two in Kerala began down by the waterfront walkway, watching the iconic Chinese fishing nets in action. Local fishermen were busy casting their nets, with fish market stalls set up along the shore and the smell of the sea mixed with street food. It is such an atmospheric spot and a real symbol of Fort Kochi.
From the water we wandered through local streets, exploring Bastian Street, Princess Street and Rose Street. These characterful streets are lined with local shops, market stalls, street food vendors and chai wallahs (tea sellers). It is a great area just to stroll, browse, shop and people-watch.
The locals are very friendly.
We visited St Francis Church, one of the oldest European churches in India and the original burial place of Vasco da Gama, adding a historical highlight to the morning.
Then it was time for a change of pace, as 13 of us Travel Counsellors hopped into tuk tuks for a fun tour.
Post to follow on Tuk tuk tours.

Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/







Sunset on the Water at Brunton Boatyard 🇮🇳🌅One of my favourite moments so far in Fort Kochi has to be the hotel’s sunse...
06/09/2026

Sunset on the Water at Brunton Boatyard 🇮🇳🌅
One of my favourite moments so far in Fort Kochi has to be the hotel’s sunset boat ride. The
bruntonboatyard_cghearth boat departs from the private jetty for guests sailing out into Cochin Harbour.
From the water, you really feel the soul of the city: fishing boats heading home, the warm sea air, the changing colours of the sky, the fishing nets on the shoreline. As the sun begins to sink, the light turns golden and the silhouettes of ships and shorelines become beautifully atmospheric. If you are lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two playing in the harbour but sadly we didn’t.
It is a gentle, unhurried way to end the day before heading back for dinner, and such a lovely inclusion for guests staying at this characterful heritage hotel.
If sunset boat trips, boutique hotels and a relaxed introduction to southern India appeal to you, I would love to help you plan something similar. 👇

Kim Mckie
Travel Counsellors
Independent Travel Agent

Whatsapp / Phone 📞
0191 3810021

Email 📧 [email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Website 💻
https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/kim.mckie/







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