8 years later, our highlights from India
There’s no secret – our trip around India wasn’t my favourite one.
In fact, it was one of the trips that disappointed me the most.
On the other hand, I always believed in silver linings, so here are the little things in South India that mattered – and I will focus on them.
Goa
From what I read and watched, it seemed that Goa had been but was no longer the hippest place in South India. Well, we both loved it!
● Arambol
Arambol is so laid-back! Of all the beach settlements on the Goan coast, I am glad we chose to stay here. Portuguese influences are perceivable in the language and the vibe.
𓌉◯𓇋 + ☽︎ Hungry Geckos
I remember waking up to such a bright sun that I could barely keep my eyes open! The accommodation and restaurant are both great. It served my favourite dessert (a long list of favourites follows) of the trip – the Banoffee Pie.
𓇼 Arambol Beach
My favourite beach of the trip, by the Arabian Sea!
☘︎ Arambol Bazaar
My favourite bazaar of the trip! I’m still wearing the clothes I bought there. The sellers were very friendly!
☼ Old Monk Rum
My favourite rum is made in Goa. You can only buy it there (federal laws). It is different from all the rums I’ve tasted – its flavour says ‘India’ to me.
Karnataka
It is such a gigantic state that we barely found somebody to take us from Goa to Dandeli!
● Dandeli
In terms of energy, Dandeli is very light. It’s probably the lushness of the jungle, too, that makes it feel that way.
𓌉◯𓇋 + ☽︎ Dandeli Chalet Homestay
We felt pampered here! They even adapted the spiciness of the food to suit us! (It was delicious, by the way!) Not only did we learn a lot about local plants, but we got to hang out with two Indian families that we befriended. We were sad to leave!
𓅪 Birdwatching tour
I’m not a morning person, but the birdwatching tour was worth getting up at dawn! We saw monkeys and hornbills! They were high on Marcel's wishlist!
﹏ Kali kayaking
It then got to my wishes – the low water level made rafting impossible, but we could kayak. Indeed, only a small part of the river. It was enough to feel its sacred energy, the one I was looking forward to, through the legends I heard!
When I realised our closeness to the reserve, my secret wish was to spot a black panther (Bagheera was one of my favourite characters as a child). It didn’t happen, but the ride was nice!
☼ Dandeli Backwaters
It’s a beautiful sight! I didn’t feel in India anymore; it reminded me of the Scottish Highlands.
🔖 Hosapete bus to Chennai
I’ve never travelled on such a neat bus! We were able to sleep even though the road was bumpy at times.
Tamil Nadu
Of the states we crossed, Tamil Nadu was my least favourite. However, while nothing is entirely good or bad, we found an extraordinary town about 50 km from Chennai.
● Mahabalipuram
To its right, the beach seems endless. To its left, there are temples, there is good food, and there’s surfing!
𓇼 Bodyboarding
We bodyboarded! We loved it despite the curious stares on the beach.
Puducherry
Even though it is a small and condensed state compared to the other mammoth states explored, Puducherry has its peculiar and unmistakable charm.
● Puducherry
The capital was my favourite city of the trip – a mix of art, curiosities, and cuisine.
🥄 Zuka
We couldn’t stay away. We were there at least twice every day – the atmosphere and sweets were delicious! After all, happiness is chocolate-shaped!
Its colours and neatness fascinated me. Its terrace, too! Your hosts will help you, from booking cinema tickets to renting out a scooter.
☼ The French Quarter
Many influences across Puducherry are French. So, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi that you’ll find especially in the French Quarter.
While the staff wasn’t the kindest, I recommend a walk to the paper factory. There are fascinating items created there.
☘︎ Clothes
I found the most beautifully-handcrafted and most colourful clothes here, in Puducherry. Be patient and go through tens and hundreds of items. You’ll find treasures!
☘︎ Auroville accessories
I have no opinion of Auroville, but the accessories and toiletries from there were of good quality (however, a little expensive).
Kerala
Of the South Indian states we visited, Kerala was my favourite. Most of the smiles I saw around India came from Kerala.
● Varkala
I expected more from Varkala; however, it is a beautiful and spectacular place!
𓇼 Odayam Beach
The walk to Odayam Beach was one of my favourite things in India. The backdrop is fantastic, on the one hand. On the other hand, one gets to see authenticity – from fishing instances to peaceful beach life.
● Alappuzha
Water is the key element here. We wanted to be close to water and experience activities connected to it.
☽︎ Orchid Lakeview Homestay
It was one of the two accommodations we loved most throughout our South Indian trip. If we arrived in Alleppey set on renting a houseboat, we understood that those old, unkept, and expensive houseboats weren’t for us. Instead, we took a break, breathed in, and received a sign. When we found Orchid Lakeview Homestay to book, we immediately headed there. We made friends and felt like part of the family. The view, food, and atmosphere were all extraordinary!
﹏ Traditional boating
During our stay, it rained. We watched the fruit bats and ate by the water. When the drops stopped falling, our hosts helped us rent a traditional boat and paddle. Balance was key!
﹏ Kayaking
Another interesting experience was kayaking the Alleppey backwaters. It could have been even better, but we saw snippets of real life.
● Kochi
Kochi was smaller compared to the other cities we visited, but it is lovely just the way it is. The people we met were very friendly to us.
𓌉◯𓇋 Little Kochi
The food was delicious; I still remember its taste. The ambience is also wonderful!
We could not be in Kochi and not attend a Kathakali show. It was one of the most impressive experiences of my life – from the make-up to the energy of the entire play.
Maharashtra
It was probably the craziest state we crossed, but it also ranked very high in terms of cultural shock, as we saw it at the beginning of our trip and its end.
● Mumbai
We saw Mumbai preparing for Diwali, which was full of colours and flowers. Its population may well be the population of my country. It is a gigantic and crazy megalopolis, but I loved it!
Would I return? To all the experiences listed above? Definitely yes.
To India? I’d like to see its north, too. Someday.
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