India – South

Thermal spas, beaches and lush gardens in this island are a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of busy city life, where life is lived slow. Hike up chestnut forests and vineyards to get to the highest point to enjoy views of the waterfront. Ischia is great for longer duration holidays.

The land of the black soil (Karunadu) stakes its fame on several aspects ranging from the glorious Vijayanagara empire (Hampi) and other kingdoms from thousands of years; the majestic jungles that are home to tigers, elephants and the king cobras among many other species; coffee that covers the Western Ghat mountains were smuggled in, in the 17th Century; some of the best waterfalls (Jog and Shivanasamudra) in India including two that are acclaimed by the world waterfall database for its visual appeal; a range of culinary delicacies and folk forms. As is clear by now, one can go to Karnataka for several reasons, over several visits.

One of the world’s top 50 destinations of a lifetime” – remarked the National Geographic Traveller magazine in 2000. Kerala has never looked back since. Bathed in pleasing green shades, thanks to the profusion of coconut trees and paddy cultivation, Kerala is where culture and nature blends seamlessly. A houseboat cruise is not just about the serene backwaters; it’s also a vivid experience of rural lifestyles, occupation and food. Festivals are not just about religious traditions, it’s also a cornucopia of colours, flavours and the rhythmic movement of oarsmen on snakeboats. Here wellbeing is not only under the hands of trained ayurveda practitioners, it’s also finding yourself in solitude among tea plantations or at a sacred grove.

The distinct Tamil culture written all around the city, yet with clear traces of French and Portuguese influence in the form of cozy, tree lined avenues dotted with heritage buildings in hues that can be mistaken for a European village. That is Pondicherry. The French Quarter seamlessly merges into the Tamil Quarter where cultures effortlessly mingle in the form of cuisines and architecture. Though only a small city, you need three days to cover every inch of what most Indians call the destination – ‘Pondy’.

The land of one of the world’s oldest languages – Tamil – Tamil Nadu is synonymous with the renowned Chettinad cuisine and is also known as the land of temples. History and living heritage are vividly portrayed on temple walls, traditional homes and ancient streets. Tamil Nadu has been home to the great kings of the Pallava and Chola dynasties. The state is also renowned for the resplendent Nilgiris mountain range and numerous trekking trails across forests.