r2i forum

Hi

We are planning to R2I in the middle of next year, i.e. 2012. I am basically from North side (Delhi) and my wife is from South (Kerala). Now living here in UK for the past few years makes us think whether we will be able to settle in Delhi specially with the hot summers. It may be fine for me, but definitely not for my wife as she hasn't faced such hot weather.

So my dilemma is to choose which part of the country. Can anyone comment on the life in Kerala. I have been there few times during my childhood, at that time it seemed to be a very backward part with main emphasis on farming. Have things changed now, are there good schools, particularly in Kochi. And what about purchasing a house there, is it expensive?

If someone is able to clarify few points, I would be grateful.

Thanks

It really is one of the better places in the country. It has all the right statistics going for it; highest rates of literacy, atheism and alcohol consumption in the nation. Beef is also popular. I really liked their cuisine, except for non Keralaite cuisine in the region (expect to find leaves floating about in your chicken soup or mustard seeds in noodles). The people are generally upbeat and happy, rivaling the live-it-up spirit of Punjabis, also a lot less malicious than most other Indian races. I also prefer their accent a lot better than that of Gujaratis for example. There are a lot of great scenic places in Kerala, such as the backwaters, Waynad, Munnar etc where the air is pleasant and not polluted. Cochin is a dump IMO, like all other mid sized Indian towns- but again, far better than Meerut for example (ghastly place!). Infrastructure is relatively good, but dining options and nightlife are substandard. Many low priced, well stocked bars in 5 star hotels though. There are a lot of good schools including some IB curriculum ones, and a fast growing expat/westerner population in Cochin. Rural Kerala is definitely a place I would like to visit again to just laze about on a houseboat and eat the seafood.

Mastan Bhai, I share your thoughts on Kerala. The North of Kerala, especially near Calicut is pristine. Road trips to Kerala, especially up to Mangalore are very joyful. The backwaters and greenery are surreal. One place free of fire cracker pollution during Diwali. No wonder they call it God's own country. Reminds me of some parts of east coast. Why would anyone not R2I to Kerala?

You have to state what your goal is. If you want a great career/salary in computer field, Kerala may not be the place. If you want to start a business, Kerala may not be the place. If you want to retire it is a fantastic place. As to specific qns on Kochi I will leave it to members from Kochi.

If weather is the biggest factor....there is no metro that beats Pune.

Kerala appears to be a good place to retire a set of parents, so that the NRI child can go and visit them on holidays.

if you know native language and like food,festival's and local issues, you will just do fine.
I have no clue about water/electricity situation if living outside huge apartment complexes with water/electricity backup

[QUOTESo my dilemma is to choose which part of the country. Can anyone comment on the life in Kerala. I have been there few times during my childhood, at that time it seemed to be a very backward part with main emphasis on farming. Have things changed now, are there good schools, particularly in Kochi. And what about purchasing a house there, is it expensive?]

Iam someone -Keralite by birth , lived outside the state the greater part of my life and returned there after 12 years in the UK. What is outlined in bold above was probably one of my main reasons to get back to Kerala- the greenery.
Kerala is a state with a great many contradictions. WIthout doubt the most advanced state in the country as per any health statistics, literacy etc etc. At the same time, probably amongst the worst roads in the country. Disparity between classes is probably also the least.
THere are great apartment complexes, villa colonies, and pretty good schools. If you're after international schools, your best bet would be Trivandrum. I also think that IT jobs are best in Trivandrum at the present time.
This years Hindu Young World Quiz- national winners were from Trivandrum, ist runners up from Kochi, then Chennai, then Bangalore and Tirupati.
I do not like living in big cities- so Delhi/Mumbai/Bangalore etc would be totally out for me. Chennai -would be ok,somehow Hyd too. So basically, if you are a big city person, this may not suit you.
Nightlife in Kerala- is probably fairly pathetic ,I would imagine. I am not sure where Mastan Bhai ate in Kochi- we have some absolutely great restaurants in Kochi and in Trivandrum.
Perhaps you should spend some time with the wife's family and judge for yourself.

sumachechi;423317 I am not sure where Mastan Bhai ate in Kochi- we have some absolutely great restaurants in Kochi and in Trivandrum.

He eats only chakna, so must be any bar.

okonomi;423263Kerala appears to be a good place to retire a set of parents, so that the NRI child can go and visit them on holidays.

My parents retired and settled in Kerala a few years back. Ever since the entire family looks forward to our breaks there. Love the calm and peace there.