Inside our itineraries: Exploring Southern India with Kelly-Anne

Boasting ancient temples, a labyrinth of backwaters, and a host of characterful cities, South India ranks amongst South Asia’s most popular destinations – but what’s it like in person?

Kerala and its surrounding regions consistently capture the imagination and keep our customers coming back for more every single year. From its world-famous heritage sites to the distinctive customs and traditions of each local culture, this delightful region promises memorable moments at every turn. But what elevates Kerala above other neighbouring Indian destinations? We spoke to Kelly-Anne, our Lead of Content, to find out.

Having recently travelled with us on our Kerala & India’s Beautiful South tour, Kelly-Anne was keen to share her valuable, firsthand insights and the extra touches, big and small, that made her experience so special. From her personal highlights and thoughts on each hotel to the things that surprised her most, here’s what Kelly-Anne had to say:

What was a wish-list moment of your trip?

Gliding through the labyrinth of backwaters in Alleppey on the deck of our private houseboat, we watched daily life unfold along its tropical banks. As the sun set, we moored for the evening and enjoyed a special dinner, a selection of exquisite dishes prepared by our own private chef.

I also loved exploring the streets of Pondicherry by rickshaw, with its charming French-colonial architecture, and indulging in the pastries that made me feel as if I were in Paris!

How did this trip change the way you see the destination?

I was quite nervous about visiting a destination like India and had a lot of preconceived notions, especially around the food, but I was so pleasantly surprised. The food was incredible, I didn’t get sick once, the people were so warm and welcoming, and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. I'm now so eager to go back and explore more of the country.

Was there an unexpected experience that turned out to be a highlight of the trip?

We did a lot of travelling by coach across the country, but our tour manager kept us thoroughly entertained with stories and insights into life in India. I particularly loved watching the diverse scenery unfold, from the peaceful, misty foothills of Thekkady to the chaos and colours of Madurai. A huge shoutout goes to our tour manager, Jithu, who was the best tour manager I've experienced so far and who went above and beyond in every single way.

Who do you think would absolutely love this destination, and why?

It’s ideal for customers with an open mind, who are eager to embrace new experiences and discover destinations unlike anywhere else.

Did any of the hotels or experiences stand out?

The houseboat in Alleppey was a true wish-list experience. The boats are beautiful, spacious, and kitted out with everything we needed and more. The bedroom itself was nicely decorated with a four-poster bed, and I loved the deck area, which you could sit on and watch the world go by.

Another highlight was the WGH Poetry Thekkady, which was set up in the misty foothills overlooking spice and tea plantations. It also had a stunning infinity swimming pool and a bar (which is a rare find in Southern India!).

One of my personal favourites was also the Heritage Madurai hotel, a historical haven with tropical gardens and a lovely swimming pool in the heart of the city.

In terms of experiences, I really enjoyed travelling by tuk-tuk and rickshaw through cities. It felt like a truly immersive way to experience another side of the city as we navigated smaller streets and back alleys.

What local dishes or culinary moments wowed you the most?

Like I mentioned, I was slightly nervous about getting ill, but the food was amazing – we ate like kings and queens! With every meal, they would bring out hot rotis and garlic naan, and I had the best butter chicken I've ever had at multiple hotels. The selection of desserts and pastries was also a nice surprise. My personal culinary highlight was the dinner on the boat prepared by our private chef.

What cultural traditions or local encounters added something special to your journey?

We went to watch an evening bedding ceremony at Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai. We were the only tourists there, surrounded by locals at midnight, and it was unlike anything I've ever experienced. The people we also encountered were so friendly and warm, asking to take photos with us and wanting to know where we were from. They were always very respectful.

What practical tips would you share to help others plan the perfect trip here?

Linen trousers, skirts or dresses that reach the ankle are needed for visiting most of the temples. You should also bring mosquito spray, suncream, a hat and a pair of comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty/muddy. It’s a good idea to pack a light raincoat, a reusable straw, hand sanitiser and some hand wipes too. Surprisingly, a lot of places don't have peppermint tea, and after eating all the rich foods, it's really nice to have a cup, so I’d personally recommend taking a pack with you if that’s something you enjoy. Make sure that you don’t drink the tap water (even when brushing your teeth) and avoid street food. Above all else, though, go there with an open mind and just enjoy!

If you could sum up the feeling of this place in one word, what would it be?

Inviting!

Would you go back, and if so, what would you do next time?

I would love to go back to explore more of the region, perhaps with a stop in Goa, or travel to northern India to experience the Golden Triangle instead.

Soak up the sights of India’s beautiful south with Newmarket Holidays

Have you always dreamt of an Indian adventure of your own, or simply want to discover something totally different away from the tourist traps? With one of our award-winning Asia tours, you can discover exquisite Kerala and a host of southern cities under the expert guidance of our friendly tour managers. To get the ball rolling on your next escape, or for more information on each unforgettable itinerary, give one of our holiday planners a call today. If another country is on your mind, you can also see our full range of escorted tours by visiting our dedicated destinations page.