Intro
I’ve just returned from the most amazing adventure across South India, and honestly, I loved every minute! From Kerala’s peaceful backwaters to Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples and coastal towns, every day brought something new, unexpected, and beautiful.
Day 1 – Arrival in Cochin, Kerala
Wow, what a busy 24 hours! Finally in India, and what a packed first day. No sooner had we landed and made it through passport control than we were checked in at the hotel and straight back out into the warm, humid Cochin air. We started with a hotel visit at the Casino Hotel, followed by lunch, and then some sightseeing around Cochin. Our stops included the Jewish Quarter, where we learned about the once-thriving Jewish community (the synagogue was closed for the Jewish New Year), and then on to the European Quarter, where we saw St Francis Church and wandered through quirky lanes full of characterful boutique hotels. Finally, we headed to Fort Cochin, where Chinese fishing nets line the shore, such an iconic sight. We ended the evening watching a traditional Kathakali dance performance in a local theatre, which was very different but brilliant! Kerala instantly surprised me. It’s colourful, full of life, yet calm and green. The people are so warm and welcoming, and there’s a wonderful mix of history, culture, and nature everywhere you look.
Day 2 – Houseboat Life in Alleppey
In the morning, we went back to the Jewish quarter to visit the synagogue due it being closed yesterday. Which was beautiful. We boarded a traditional Keralan houseboat for a day and night drifting through the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey. It was so calm, with palm trees, quiet villages, and life moving at a gentle pace along the water. The crew looked after us brilliantly and even made sure my dairy-free meals were sorted. The food was delicious, the scenery beautiful, and the slower pace was exactly what we needed after a busy start, my room was stunning, it was a comfortable double room with an ensuite, with air con. I slept comfortably.
Day 3 – From Backwaters to the Hills of Thekkady
Today we said goodbye to our lovely houseboat and travelled inland to Koottickal, where we visited a local family running a rubber plantation. It was fascinating to see how rubber is tapped straight from the trees and turned into everyday items. We checked into the Poetree Thekkady hotel, staying in a Club Room with stunning views. Dinner was delicious and again fully dairy-free for me! The rain made a dramatic comeback just in time for our visit to the Spice Plantation. We wandered through rows of cinnamon, cocoa, peppercorn, and cloves. As it was Friday night, we didn’t stop there! In Periyar, we watched a Kalaripayattu martial-arts show, complete with knives, swords, shields, and even fire! Another busy but brilliant day.
Day 4 – Wildlife and Cooking in Periyar
The day started with a hotel visit at Greenwoods Resort, a gorgeous tropical-style property that, again, caters for all dietary requirements. Then it was off on a jeep to Periyar Lake for a safari boat ride. We spotted plenty of wildlife including birds, deer, boar, and even a camera-shy monkey! Afterwards, we returned to the hotel for a cooking demonstration, an Indian version of rice pudding 🍮.
Day 5 – Madurai: Temples and Tuk Tuks
We travelled down to Madurai in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, heading into warmer 30-degree heat. The drive was lovely, with monkeys greeting us along the roadside 🐒. In Andipatti Village, we visited Weaver Street, where local women hand-crafted beautiful saris on traditional looms. Their skill was incredible. We made a short stop at Entrance Gateway Temple, a smaller version of Madurai’s main temple, before checking into the peaceful Heritage Madurai hotel. After some well-deserved downtime (and a bit of wildlife spotting around the grounds), we hopped into Tuk Tuks, my favourite! Whizzing through the busy streets, dodging cars, bikes, and cows was pure fun. That evening, we experienced the famous putting-to-bed ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple. No photos were allowed inside, but thousands of worshippers attended. It was truly something special to witness.
Day 6 – Palaces, Rickshaws, and the Road to Pondicherry
We began the day early in 30-degree heat with a visit to Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, a 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak. The grand pillars, ornate stucco work, and open courtyards were breathtaking. Then came a rickshaw ride, another unforgettable experience! We made a quick stop at the banana market, then went barefoot back into Meenakshi Temple to see it in daylight. Even though the exterior was under renovation (part of a 12-year cycle), it was still stunning. After lunch at a fun cinema-themed restaurant, we set off on a six-hour coach journey to Pondicherry, checking into the lovely Residency Towers Hotel right in the city centre.
Day 7 – The French Charm of Pondicherry
Pondicherry quickly became one of my absolute favourites, calm, relaxed, and full of character. Once a French colony, the influence is still everywhere: pastel-coloured buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and even the street signs. We began at the peaceful Sri Aurobindo Ashram, which promotes spiritual growth and acceptance of all faiths. As someone who loves to meditate, this was a real highlight. Next, a rickshaw ride through the French Quarter took us past Notre Dame des Anges Church and the Sacred Heart Basilica, both beautiful and serene. Our final stay was at the ITC Kences Palm Beach, a stunning beachfront property that almost felt Caribbean. We ended the evening with a farewell dinner, sharing our favourite moments from the trip, the perfect ending to a truly unforgettable journey.
Day 8 – Mahabalipuram and Chennai Farewell
On our last day in India, we visited Mahabalipuram, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Bay of Bengal. It honestly felt like stepping back into the 7th century with all the temples and carvings.
✨ Shore Temple – over 1,300 years old and still standing strong against the sea and wind.
🪨 Arjuna’s Penance – a massive stone carving, so detailed and full of Hindu mythology.
🏛 Pancha Rathas – five rock-cut temples, each carved from a single block of granite.
After exploring, we drove back to Chennai, squeezed in one last city tour, and then made our way to the airport for our flight home. ✈️😭
Final Thoughts
Now that I’m back, I can honestly say, what a trip! I loved every minute and would 100% recommend visiting South India if you ever get the chance. The people were so friendly and welcoming, every hotel catered for our dietary needs, and the scenery changed so beautifully from one place to the next. From calm backwaters to bustling cities and centuries-old temples, it was a journey full of variety, warmth, and heart. South India completely stole mine, and I’ll be visiting again in the future.
