Travelling to Kerala

sparrer

I'm going to Kovalam for 2 weeks in Feb and want to take small gifts for children. I've been told pencils are very acceptable so will take those, any idea what else I can take that won't take up too much room when packing? Also something for my hosts, I'm at a loss what sort of thing they don't have but would appreciate.
Tia

Bob_the_Saver

Pens (biros) with pocket clips rather than pencils. Small torches with batteries.

markandkate

try https://www.stuffmyrucksack.com

sparrer

markandkate wrote: »

try www.stuffmyrucksack.com

can't find that one, did find www.stuffyourrucksack.com though . Unfortunately they don't list Kerala but thanks anyway

elsien

I personally wouldn't take anything to give to individual children, I think it encourages them to beg and hassle tourists for money and presents. If you want to do something useful, I'd take pencils etc and give them to a local school or charity.
When you say prezzies for your hosts, where are you staying?

Doshwaster

elsien wrote: »

I personally wouldn't take anything to give to individual children, I think it encourages them to beg and hassle tourists for money and presents. If you want to do something useful, I'd take pencils etc and give them to a local school or charity.
When you say prezzies for your hosts, where are you staying?

If the OP intends giving out gifts to random children in the street then I would agree. Some of the poverty you see when visiting India can be heart-breaking It's not the done thing and it may not be safe either. Giving a donation to a local school or charity is a good idea.

Bob_the_Saver

Yes. perhaps I should have said my suggestion #2 was for 'people you are familiar with' don't start giving out goodies in the street to all and sundry, there are about 1.2 billion of them and you'll meet most of them in 1.2 milliseconds if you do (please don't try it!)

sparrer

I'm not intending to stand on street corners and hand out gifts like the benevolent white woman, I've travelled enough to know that is not what one does unless one wants to be swamped by all the children in that state an all the adjoining ones! They're going to a charitable school, so I thought pencils would be better than pens...and a few sharpeners for the teachers to look after.

Re my hosts, they're local people I've not met yet, I only know them through a mutual friend and they're now offering me their hospitality.

Blue_Max

I am originally from Ernakulam and have been to Kovalam a few times since my teens.
Nice place but more popular it gets less enjoyable it has become.
Also check out other seaside places in Kerala.

Some years back, I used to take a lot of stuff from here . But these days you can get most things in India, often cheaper.
There are also many online shopping sites in India that sell at discount prices. So you can order from here with your credit/debit card. But you need someone there whom you can trust, to take delivery of the goods.

Have a GR8 time in Kerala

Blue_Max

in case you have not come across before, IndiaMike.com is a long established site with loads of info and a friendly and helpful forum.

Its huge with over 88,000 members but fairly well organised.
For Kerala visit
http://www.indiamike.com/india/kerala-f39/

sparrer

Thanks for the tips stevie. I agree about giving to the poorest, just have to be cautious how its done.

Thanks for the link Blue_Max, it's very informative. I'm hoping my hosts will show me other towns but as they live in Kovalam that will be my base.

I've pressed thanks for everyone who's replied but my thanks button isn't working, so thanks everyone