Trifter

As an Indian, I have witnessed many interesting facets of this wonderful country and here is a glimpse into some of them. I am currently based in Bangalore, (called the Silicon valley of India) which is in southern India. So, my first part of this series is a travelogue listing places in south India that one must visit!

1. Munnar

   
   all image by author

   This hill station in Kerala (the southern most state of India, touches the Indian Ocean) is a set in the picturesque ‘western ghats’ at an altitude of about 1600 meters from the sea level. You can reach this place by road from Cochin(capital of Kerala, major port and airport). Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the valley, the confluence of rivers, the winding roads, spice gardens, numerous waterfalls and tea estates. The options to stay are plenty and most of them are pretty comfortable. I visited the place in October which comes in between the best season of visiting this place. (August to May). And yes, do grab some fine tea and cashew packets from the local market and the very delicious home-made chocolates! They are really good!

2. Coorg

   

   Read more in India

   « Taj Mahal: The Wonder of the World

   Kerala: The Country’s Own Paradise »

   Coorg is often called the Scotland of the East and quite rightly so. It is about 250 kilometers from Bangalore and 135 kilometers from Mangalore(both cities have airports). You can take a road route from Bangalore via Mysore. Coorg is situated at a height of about 1525m above sea level. The land is full of sparkling valleys, lush green mountain ranges and awesome weather. Major attractions include the Dubare island which is an Elephant haven, the Namdroling Buddhist monastery and Nisargadhama. Coorg also offers outdoor activities such as trekking, angling and white water rafting in the majestic Cauvery river! I enjoyed Coorg in December which is again in between the best season to visit the place (September to June). And the Tibetans offer you some great stuff (read jewelry, scarves and nick-nishes) for amazing bargains!

3. Pondicherry

   

   Known as ‘India’s Little French’ because of the French rule, Pondicherry is a quiet, calm and simple city. The Indian and the French cultures amalgamate beautifully in Pondicherry as is evident from the presence of the ‘French Quarter’ and the ‘Indian Quarter’ in the city. One of the many attractions of the town is the peaceful rock beach where you can spend a calm moonlit night! Sri Aurobindo ashram is another place which fill your heart with inner peace. Auroville, 12 kilometers north of Pondicherry is a unique township founded by Sri Aurobindo Society and is meant to be a universal town where men and women of all countries are able to live in peace and progressive harmony, above all creeds, all politics and all nationalities. The place is a great place for spiritual healing. I visited Pondicherry in November and the best season is between September to April.

4. Alleppey

   

   If you want to experience the famous backwaters of Kerala, then Alleppey is your destination! Known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alleppey (Alappuzha in local language) has picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons! The main attraction obviously remains the vast backwaters wherein you can rent a houseboat and spend blissfully peaceful day in the serene surroundings! These houseboats are equipped with well-furnished rooms, decorated decks and mouth-watering delicacies prepared on-board! There is also a canal village which you can visit by taking a ride in a small canoe or row-boat! The paddy fields on one side and the tranquil canal on the other form a breath-taking scene! There is also a beautiful beach in Alleppey-shoring the Arabian sea. It is vast, the tides are high and unlike other popular beaches, it is less crowded. A prefect place to hang out! I visited alleppey in October, which is a good season and you can take a road route from Cochin.