Inside our itineraries: Talking all things Southern India with our expert tour manager

Get the inside track on what makes Southern India so special and how escorted touring helps to bring out the best of Kerala’s many highlights with our tour manager, Jithu. 

India is a destination that simply never gets old, and we could spend years exploring without covering all its varied highlights. Though the country’s northern highlights are often the starting point for many travellers’ first visit, there are plenty of other choices that deserve just as much admiration. One such region, Kerala, is every bit as impressive and rewards those who take the time to explore it.  

While we could sing Kerala’s praises endlessly, it’s not quite the same as hearing from someone who lives and breathes this spectacular region every day. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with one of our specialist local tour managers, Jithu, for a deeper insight into what life is like in India’s South. From his personal highlights to what makes the region unlike any other, here’s what Jithu had to say. 

What first inspired you to lead escorted tours in Kerala and the South?  

I like to travel by myself, and I like to keep moving, so I was looking for a job which suits my lifestyle. Before becoming a tour guide, I was working as a driver, and a friend in the tourism industry helped me become a guide and I found I liked the job better. The main reason that I enjoy this job is that it allows me to keep travelling. 

South India is sometimes overshadowed by the north, but what do you think people miss when they skip it?  

South India is more organised, and the people tend to be more open. I find that Kerala has its own culture and lifestyle. If you’d prefer a more peaceful but still very colourful and vibrant India, I’d suggest visiting the south. 

Do you have any experiences that continue to surprise you no matter how many times you've done them?  

The illumination of Mysore Palace. It doesn't matter how many times I’ve seen them, it’s still thrilling to see the lights coming on and it's definitely one of the best things for the customers as well. 

How does travelling as part of a group change the way you explore Kerala?  

When you’re travelling as part of a group, everything is organised, so you don't have to worry about anything. This means you can enjoy this beautiful place without any worries.  

Given that the food in Southern India may vary from what customers expect, what foods do you encourage them to try first?  

Fish molly. It's basically fish cooked in coconut milk – not spicy, a little bit sweet and tangy. It also goes well with appam (a leavened rice pancake). If they don't like fish, then vegetable Korma would be a good dish to start with.  

What's one piece of advice that you share with every group you take?  

Be careful when you go for walks, especially when crossing roads. Zebra lines are just for decoration in India! 

With such a range of highlights on offer, how do you balance all of Southern India's best sights within a single tour?  

I think the best thing is that customers get a day to relax on a traditional houseboat in Kerala in the middle of the tour. They also get some down time in other places as well, so even though there are lots of things to see, there is always enough time to relax.  

Is there a moment from a tour that has stayed with you or reminded you why this job matters?  

In one of my groups, I had a solo traveller who was 93 years old. Even though she was very active, I had to take extra care for her, and at the end of the tour, she hugged me and said I was one of the kindest people that she has seen. That was a really heartwarming moment for me.  

Is there anything first-time visitors can do to prepare themselves for Southern India before they arrive?  

Be prepared for the hot weather. And in South India, definitely they will be visiting some temples so they will have to remove footwears and walk barefoot inside the temple compound but in most of the temples they can wear socks. So carrying some extra socks will be handy.  

What would you say to someone who’s considering visiting the region but is unsure? 

South India is all about variety. You’ll see different landscapes, the temples and shrines of different religions cities that have their distinct colonial influences, whether that’s from the Portuguese, Dutch, French or English. There’s also a lot of diversity in the food we eat, and you’ll taste a range of rice, teas, fruits and spices that vary by region. Altogether, it's not just about the itinerary, you’ll fall in love with the variety that’s in every aspect of Keralan life.  

Explore the wonders of Kerala for yourself with Newmarket Holiday 

Whether you’re an avid explorer or a newcomer to this fascinating part of the world, Kerala offers a wide range of distinct cultural highlights and natural treasures that make it well worth a holiday in its own right. For more information on our featured itinerary, or to get the ball rolling on your own South Indian escape, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your heart lies elsewhere, we also have a broad range of escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.