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Delhi
After almost 2 months in relatively relaxed Goa and Southern India, it was time to brave the North through the infamously chaotic Indian capital of Delhi. Delhi By Locals had been recommended by a couple we met in Goa – tours by young local Delhi residents, with 50% of…
Tamil Nadu Part 5 – Mamallapuram
Nope, we still can’t pronounce it, but apparently it’s simply ‘Mahabs’ (former name was Mahabalipuram) to those in the know – a small seaside town, stone carving centre and UNESCO World Heritage site. A couple of hours North of Puducherry, on the way to Chennai Airport, and in Rough…
Tamil Nadu Part 4 – Puducherry
Our next destination was Puducherry (previously Pondicherry, fondly known as Pondy), the former capital of French India.
Pondy is as cluttered and chaotic as any Tamil Nadu town, but the compact centre is tangibly more Gallic. The bazaars give way to leafy boulevards , mansions and rows of houses…
Tamil Nadu Part 3 – Thanjavur
Thanjavur is not on most Indian tourist itineraries and we didn’t see very many Western faces there – but it’s featured in Rough Guide and Lonely Planet so is not that obscure. There are 2 main attractions – the breathtaking Brihadishwara Temple (signposted Thanjavur Big Temple), Tamil Nadu’s most…
Tamil Nadu Part 2 – Chettinad
“Gourmet dining” at The Bangala and visits to Chettinad mansions, but Debbie failed in her quest for diamonds.
Tamil Nadu Part 1 – Madurai
Our first Indian train journey, a spectacular temple, Ghandi Museum and new glasses for Debbie, ready in under an hour.
Kerala Part 4 – Varkala
Six nights on the beach in Varkala. Beer in mugs, narrow alleyways, fierce waves and whistle-mad lifeguards.
Kerala Part 3 – The Backwaters
We stayed in two location on the backwaters; firstly at a homestay in Kumarakom and then a couple of days on a houseboat that departed from Alleppey.
Kerala Part 2 – Into the mountains
After the heat & humidity of Kochi, we set off for some welcome respite in the cooler climes of the Western Ghat mountain range. Our first destination was Munnar, the tea-growing centre of South India, followed by Thekkady in the Cardamom Hills and entrance to the Periyar National Park.
Kerala Part 1 – Kochi
Fort Kochi is a total contrast to the modern Ernakulam part of the city – a thriving port and centre of the spice trade, colonised by the Portuguese and taken from them by the Dutch, it’s a lovely & intriguing blend of cultures and architecture. Very grand houses abound,…
Tamil Nadu Part 5 – Mamallapuram
Nope, we still can’t pronounce it, but apparently it’s simply ‘Mahabs’…
