OUR 4 FAVOURITE PLACES IN SOUTH INDIA FOR £50.00 OR LESS! Hmmm, South India, aka God’s Own Country – a must see destination for any visitor to India. It was my first Indian destination over 15 years ago and although certain areas have developed and the choice of hotels has grown immeasurably, it is still beautiful and the people are gentle with smiles that warm the heart. 99% of travellers say that, no matter their reasons for choosing Kerala as a destination, whether beaches, the backwaters, Fort Cochin, Ayurveda or delicious sea food etc. once there, it was the people who made it special. A ride over the hills, through spice plantations takes you into Tamil Nadu, a state which topographically couldn’t be more different. This state is is renowned for its temples, and temples and yes, more temples! But, there is so much more to this destination than people appreciate. In our choices below, we have taken you away from the main track, into destinations you may not have heard of, which show you a side of these 2 destinations that they may not necessarily be known for. The one thing that is consistent though, is the level of hospitality and a ‘real’ India experience, where you will mix with the locals and come back, delighted, enchanted and enriched by the experience. |
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Cardamom House, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu. From £50.00Cardamom House started out as a plot of land in a tranquil location, over looking a lake and surrounded by the Kodai Hills and was the retirement dream of the exuberant and yes, slightly eccentric retired physician, Chris Lucas. The nearest village is Athoor, 5kms away which other than locals no one had heard of. He started out with just 2 rooms and now, several years later (I will be kind and not say how many!) there are 10 guest rooms and a wonderful eco project, beautiful location, great walks, just over an hour to Madurai and its famous temple and some of the best food to be had in the south.. It was the first place I thought I could truly spend several days if not weeks at. I can’t say more, you have to check out this link or try it for yourselves… |
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Elephant Valley, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu. From £41.00Spacious grounds on the edge of the National Park and a famous elephant corridor, a rushing river flowing through the land, cosy stone cottages with wood burning stoves, fire places, organic farm, horse riding, cheese making, home grown aromatic coffee which is packaged for purchase on site… this place appeals to the senses on so many levels… |
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Villa Jacaranda, Varkala, Kerala. From £50.00Ok, so Varkala isn’t exactly off the tourist trail, but it is coming on in leaps and bounds as a destination with great beaches, cliff top restaurants and easy day trips to be had. Whilst it has always appealed to the back-packer crowd and offers an abundance of very budget-concious accommodation, we found this little haven, with just 4 rooms, tastefully furnished and just a short walk from ‘where it all happens’. There is a roof terrace and tropical gardens and ayurvedic treatments available on request - it is a wonderful base from which to explore Varkala and beyond. |
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Pranavam, Wayanad, Kerala. From £44.00… a remote location surrounded by tea plantations and overlooked by the Western Ghats, you could have a leisurely stay here but as there is so much to do, why would you? From mountain biking to hiking trails, great picnic spots, lakes to swim in, bamboo rafting and bird watching, it is an outdoor paradise and a great family destination….. |
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Other reasons to head south in April/MayFESTIVAL - the elephant festival at Thrissur. On 01 May, over 50 caparisoned elephants will be on display and these, together with countless musicians will form one of the biggest temple festivals of the south! PRICE - technically off season so some great deals to be had. NEXT ISSUE: Easter Escapes. Whether your ideal is to escape to a stone cottage in the hills, to view wildlife in a National Park or a fun family activity, we will feature the best best offers for Under £100.00 |