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canals, passing tiny villages, observing their inhabitants’ daily life, while eating fried banana and tapioca crisps. I admired the skills of the fishermen in dugout canoes, using one hand to paddle and the other to operate their nets, a skill that goes back centuries.

NEXT day in Kochi, we boarded a canoe at Kumbalangi Village which was operated by two boatmen using long bamboo poles, skilfully gliding under

Chinese fishing nets to an island. Here we saw how fishermen caught prawns and crabs, then we watched the art of extracting sap from the coconut tree to make beer. The next process involved removing the shell, then grinding the coconut, adding water to make milk for cooking; the fibre is then made into rope using a spinning wheel – cultural skills of a bygone era still practised.

We enjoyed a delightful buffet lunch at the edge of the lake before climbing into a tuk-tuk for a bumpy but exhilarating ride back to Boudicca.

The last stop was Colombo, Sri Lanka. I had eagerly looked forward to revisiting this city after a gap of decades. A scenic drive over hills and through valleys brought us to the Ingiriya Tea Plantation. In this tranquil setting, we watched women, dressed in their beautiful saris, picking leaves. Inside the factory, we followed each process, from drying the leaves to sifting and grading. It was fascinating to see how your cup of tea is made.

A great way to see Colombo is through a city tour, which highlights the sights, reflecting colonial and Sri Lankan cultures.

Boudicca’s final evening excursion took us to the grand Galle Face Hotel, built in 1864, a masterpiece of Victorian architecture, where I had stayed on my visit years ago. We were entertained on the lawn by Kandyan dancers and musicians. The combination of music and dance routines reflected different regions throughout different eras. Their national costumes and saris were dazzling.

My dream had become a reality. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ itinerary and excellent shore tours exceeded my expectations, leaving indelible memories characterised by sights, sounds and saris.

A similar cruise with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2020 will be a 14-night “Authentic India” fly-cruise (D2003), departing the UK on February 6, 2020. Joining Boudicca in Colombo, Sri Lanka, ports of call include: cruising Maldives’ Northern Atoll; calling at Kochi, Mormugau and Mumbai (all for an overnight stay); followed by a call into Porbandar, with the cruise ending in Dubai, to disembark and fly home.