Highlights
South India boasts ancient sites, colorful market and green spaces where you can chill a moment away from the crowds.
Itinerary
Trip Overview
On this 3 week trip through South India in Jan/Feb of 2015 we mostly traveled by car and driver with a couple of domestic flights to cover longer distances. Cities and sights visited included Mumbai, the Ellora Caves outside of Arangabad, the former French colony of Pondicherry, Madurai, the backwaters of Kerala, the tea plantations in Munnar and Ooty, Mysore and the Hampi ruins.
General
Tips on Car and Driver Road Trip in South India
South India Tours and Travels – Review
Munnar or Ooty – How to Choose an Indian Hill Station
Mumbai
Revisiting Mumbai
Post includes a walking tour around the Crawford market down to the Gateway of India.
ITC Maratha – Hotel Review
Palatial retreat near the airport.
Arangabad
Ajanta Caves
Buddhist caves carved and painted in the 6th century.
Daulatabad Fort
12 century medieval-type fort.
Ellora Caves
Carved cave complex that spans 4 centuries and 3 religions.
Dinner at the Great Sagar – A Journey through the Streets of Aurangabad
Lemon Tree Hotel
Holidays are like Sundays on Steroids, Mamallapuram
A visit to the sights of this seaside town on a crowded national holiday.
Pondicherry
Photo Tour of Pondicherry
Photos journal from this former French colony.
Sleeping and Dining at Villa Shanti
More Dining Options in Pondicherry
Trichy Temple Under Construction, Tamil Nadu
Sadly, the largest temple in India was covered in green cloth and scaffolding.
Madurai
Foodies Day Out – An Introduction to Madurai
A bountiful tour of regional delicacies.
Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Madurai Sights
Post includes the not to be missed Meenakashi Amman Temple.
Munnar
Tea Plantations – Kaivalyam Retreat
A peaceful hotel tucked above a hillside forest.
Mountain Trek
Trek explores the region’s picturesque tea plantations.
Walk Through Cardamom Plantation
From the small white flower to the towering bamboo-like stalk this is a fascinating jungle spice.
Kerala
Bella Art and Meditation House, Alleppey
Spotlessly clean and exotically yet tastefully decorated, this is a charming place to stay.
Finding a Houseboat in Alleppey
Floating the Backwaters of Kerala
Photo journal of an overnight houseboat trip.
Ooty
Fernhills Royale Palace
The majestic summer palace of the Mysore Maharajas has seen better days.
Day Hike Through Tea Plantations
Mysore
Royal Orchid Metropole Hotel
Heritage home style hotel with gigantic rooms.
Mysore Palace Video
Post includes a link to the official video of this stunning palace.
Chamundi Hill and Sri Chamundeswari Temple
Devaraja Market
Including a colorful vegetable and flower market.
Hassan
Halebid and Belur – Hoysala Temples
These stunning 12th century temples see few foreign visitors.
Hoysala Village Resort – Review
Hampi
Center of the Vijayanagara Hindu Empire, 1343-1565, it was at it’s peak in the 16th century when merchants from all over the civilized world came to Hampi to trade. Today it’s a fascinating complex of ruins worth at least a day or two of exploration.
Sights of Hampi, India Part 1 – Vittala Temple
Sights of Hampi, India Part 2 – Achutaraya Temple
Sights of Hampi, India Part 3 – Virupaksha Temple
Sights of Hampi, India Part 4 – Queen’s Palace and Bath
Sights of Hampi, India Part 5 – Royal Enclosure
Sights of Hampi, India Part 6 – Hazara Rama Temple
Uramma Heritage Homes, Anegundi (Hampi)