Backwaters | Tagged Posts
2023
31
May
Want to Experience the Real India Away from Big Cities?
31
May
Question:
Humans say...
Sunny
Go to Goa countryside and stay there in some Homestay for local vibe . Delhi and Agra is not going to be that good , I am afraid to say so just try to spend as minimum as you can over there . If you are in to the mountains , there are plenty of options available .
Kindi
Following
Alison
Kerala is lovely. The boat trip to spice farms was fun. Very relaxing and great scenery.
Liz
If you go to Pondicherry a MUST to see and stay is Auroville. It is a self-sustainable international community where you can have access to a range of activities from music, yoga, meditation, embodiment, sound baths, etc. Also has great places to stay, it is open and relaxed , quiet, and extremely beautiful. Lots of influence from Europeans, you will find fine food and a kind of western vibe with Indian influence. I know you are not traveling half of the world for a western style holiday, but really is not like that. It is a beautiful and harmonic fusion between the west and the east. An oasis in the middle of the craziness of the big cities.
Alison
Liz I spent a month in Auroville. Such an amazing community. There’s great videos on YouTube of the Matramindar. And you can find my musician friends Nadaka & Gopika and their music Raga Mantra playing there.
Liz
Beautiful! Yeah Auroville is quite special. I am married with an Indian and his family lives there. So I am super lucky
Debby
Following. I’d like to go but am REALLY worried about getting sick. Am I being overly anxious?
Rosemary
Debby yes. Be cautious but enjoy yourself. I was there for a month and didn’t get sick once. By the time I made it to Mumbai I was drinking the tap water. Not that I recommend that….
Bharti
Debby drink only bottled water and eat only freshly prepared food. No chutneys and dishes containing water. Also avoid milk products. These measures can help you stay healthy to most extent. Wear a mask to avoid the dust on roads.
Gordon
Alora and Ajanta caves
Jasbir
Goa kerala Amritsar golden temple. Agra.
Jacquie
Following
Sneh
Kerala is very nice
Arrange your tour and hotel and car / driver for tour company like gets holiday ( I have booked with them 5 time) or other company like mytrip
That way everything is sorted and u have no worries about how and where to go.India gets crazy and confusing.
Chris
Sneh I have been to India before so know how crazy it is. Will be watching some India v England cricket matches so excited for that
Sneh
Chris wow that will be a different level of crazy
Bharti
Sneh The backwaters of Kerela and the tea plantations are just so surreal
Sneh
Bharti yes I loved the trip tea plantation area and amazing waterways
Elle
Pushkar is one of the smaller towns we enjoyed during our visit
Kindi
Following
Bharti
Goa is awesome. Food, beaches, greenery, culture….
A.I. says...
Unveiling the Hidden Gems of India: A 3-Month Itinerary Avoiding Major Cities
India, a land of rich culture, vibrant traditions, and breathtaking landscapes, offers an abundance of experiences for travelers. While the bustling metropolises of Delhi and Mumbai attract many tourists, there's also an India beyond these urban centers, waiting to be explored.
If you're planning a 3-month journey in India this winter and wish to immerse yourself in the authentic heart of the country, here's a curated itinerary that takes you to tranquil destinations while ensuring you have plenty to explore.
Pondicherry: A Serene Coastal Paradise
Start your journey in Pondicherry, a former French colony on the southeastern coast of India. This charming town exudes a unique blend of Indian and French heritage, with its colorful colonial architecture, wide boulevards, and laid-back atmosphere.
Spend a few weeks in Pondicherry, enjoying its pristine beaches, exploring its historical monuments, and indulging in the delicious local cuisine. Visit the Promenade Beach for a relaxing stroll, marvel at the grandeur of the Aayi Mandapam, and take a boat ride to Paradise Beach for a secluded retreat.
Hampi: A Lost City amid Ancient Ruins
Head inland to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and immerse yourself in the ruins of the once-magnificent Vijayanagara Empire. This abandoned city is a treasure-trove of temples, palaces, and monuments, providing a glimpse into India's rich past.
Trek through the rugged boulders, explore the intricate carvings of the temples, and witness the grandeur of the Virupaksha Temple. Don't miss the sunset from Matanga Hill, which offers panoramic views of the ruins.
Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is a picturesque city known for its stunning lakes, magnificent palaces, and vibrant culture. Embark on a boat ride on Lake Pichola, visit the City Palace complex for a glimpse of royal splendor, and stroll through the narrow lanes of the old city.
Take a day trip to the nearby Fateh Sagar Lake for a tranquil retreat, and indulge in traditional Rajasthani cuisine at the numerous rooftop restaurants that offer breathtaking views of the city.
Darjeeling: A Himalayan Haven
Venture to the foothills of the Himalayas and discover Darjeeling, a hill station renowned for its tea plantations and breathtaking mountain views. Take a scenic ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit the Ghoom Monastery, and hike to Tiger Hill for a sunrise view of Mount Kanchenjunga.
Explore the lush tea estates, savor the aromatic Darjeeling tea, and soak in the tranquility of this charming Himalayan retreat.
Conclusion
This 3-month itinerary provides a glimpse into the hidden gems of India, offering a unique opportunity to experience the authentic heart of the country. From the serene beaches of Pondicherry to the ancient ruins of Hampi, the royal grandeur of Udaipur, and the Himalayan beauty of Darjeeling, this journey will immerse you in the diverse cultural and historical treasures that India has to offer.
So, embrace the tranquility, venture beyond the big cities, and uncover the real India that awaits you in these enchanting destinations.
Chris
Planning on spending 3 months in India this winter. We will obviously be doing Delhi & Agra. We want to avoid the other big cities whilst still experiencing the real India. Have earmarked Pondicherry for a few weeks. Where else is quiet but with things to do?