Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is high in the Nilgiri (blue) Hills of Northern Tamil Nadu. Every 12 years, a native shrub called kurunji turns the hills blue with its blossoms. That sight inspired the name. It must be quite a sight to see. Sadly, we did not catch this phenomenon during our brief visit. …
Imagine a vast plain of dry, fissured red earth baking like clay under the hot sun. It collapses and erodes under the weight of each South Indian monsoon. Scruffs of grass are the only growth it bears after decades of deforestation. Visiting the city of Auroville now, you’d never guess that this was the condition …
There’s much to love about Puducherry. Called Pondicherry until 2006, it’s now mostly known as Pondi. The city was the French capital of India from 1674 to 1954 and as such is decidedly different than any other part of India.
After leaving The Bangala, as we whizzed along the Karaikudi to Pudukkottai Highway, near the Thirumayam Fort, our driver Murali asked if we’d like to see a small Shiva Temple that he knew about. We had a long day ahead and had really only just got going but how could we say no? We trusted …
Read more about A Shiva Temple near Thirumayam on the Karaikudi to Pudukkottai Highway
Spice Village in Thekkady, Kerala, lies on the fringe of Periyar National Park. I’ve stayed here four times now and each time I do, my attachment grows stronger. The CGH Earth Experience company owns and operates this resort. CGH stands for clean, green and healthy. They walk the talk and living these values has earned …
In the heart of the Idukki District of Kerala lies Periyar National Park. It attracts many travellers each year and between the beauty of the park and the area’s spice trade, there are a number of fun things to do in the region’s small towns of Kumily, Thekkady and Periyar. Here are our Top 5 …
Read more about Our Top 5 Things To Do in the Idukki District of Kerala
South India is lush. Things want to grow and grow and grow. Nowhere is this more true than in the area around Periyar National Park. On the drive up to these highlands from coastal Kerala, you’ll see white Angel’s Trumpets heralding your journey. Blue morning glory creeps along the roadside. Clusters of red, orange and …
Our friend Mr. Abraham has a two acre spice garden surrounding his home and two more gardens nearby. They are completely organic and open for tours. Lunch can be booked. In our previous post, we described our day in the spice garden in his backyard. Now, with Pauli-Ann’s beautiful photos, we want to lead you …
Read more about A South Indian Spice Primer from Mr. Abraham’s Spice Garden in Kumily
The first time I visited Alleppey in the Backwaters of Kerala, it was to enjoy a houseboat cruise and to take a walk with an elder in the tiny village of Chennamkary. I wanted to learn about the way of life there. It was 2012. Houseboating I spent 24 hours cruising the lakes and channels …
Chennai had always served as a jumping off point for us. We’d usually land in the wee hours of the morning from an overseas flight and bolt straight south to Mamallapuram like a child to the loving comfort of it’s mother’s arms. We never spent anytime in Chennai because, like children perhaps, we found it …