Travel Ideas
The Indian subcontinent is a rich tapestry woven from diverse traditions, languages, religions, and cuisines. It encompasses a variety of belief systems, each contributing unique customs and festivals. It boasts vibrant art forms, including classical music, dance, and intricate handicrafts, alongside a profound literary heritage. Social structures, family values, and communal celebrations play a significant role, reflecting a blend of modernity and tradition. The culinary landscape is equally diverse, featuring a vast array of flavours and regional specialties, making the subcontinent a colourful and enriching cultural mosaic
Getting here
We suggest aiming to land at Kochi international airport on Friday February 21 2025.
We will organize your transport to Thrissur once you provide information about your arrival details.
Following the events at Thrissur, we suggest landing at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore on the morning of Friday February 28 2025.
Flying home from Bangalore is easy with direct flights to Sydney; or connect through Singapore to major Australian cities.
Kerala
Often referred to as "God's Own Country," it is renowned for its breath taking natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage. Kerala offers visitors stunning backwaters, lush hill stations, and serene beaches along the Arabian Sea. Popular attractions include the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, the hills of Munnar, and wildlife sanctuaries like Periyar. The state is also famous for its ayurvedic wellness retreats and traditional performing arts, such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam. Culinary experiences featuring local spices and seafood further enhance the appeal. With a focus on sustainable tourism, travellers can experience unique landscapes and vibrant traditions while promoting ecological conservation.
Thrissur, Kerala, is a wonderful base for exploring the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical sites of the region. You can experience a variety of attractions nearby with a 3-4 day trip.
Guruvayur & Mammiyoor Temples - major pilgrimage sites for hindus. You may also buy traditional Kerala handicrafts and souvenirs.
Punnathur Kotta - an elephant sanctuary housing around 60 elephants. You can watch them being bathed, fed, and taken for walks, making it a great place for animal lovers
Vadakkunnathan Temple - iconic Shiva temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning architecture and large temple complex
Thrissur Archaeological Museum - learn about Kerala’s history and heritage, with displays of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and antiques
Shakthan Thampuran Palace - the royal palace that offers insights into the history of the Kochi dynasty and the architectural styles of the region.
Athirappilly waterfalls - this breath-taking waterfall is Kerala's largest. You can enjoy a peaceful time in nature and take a short trek to explore different viewing points.
Backwater Ride - take a relaxing boat ride through the Kerala backwaters. Hire a houseboat or a small canoe to explore the serene waterways and enjoy the rural beauty of the region
Rainforest visit - explore the surrounding forests and enjoy the natural beauty. If you like trekking or wildlife spotting, the area is rich in flora and fauna.
Relaxing Kerala Spa or Ayurvedic Treatment - visit a local Ayurvedic spa or wellness centre in Thrissur for a rejuvenating massage or treatment
Local Cuisine - don’t miss Kerala’s seafood, appam with stew, puttu, and banana chips.
See the links for various information resources to better plan your trip
District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPC) - Official Kerala tourism information
Reddit Kerala Travel Guide - Community aggregated information for travel advice and tips
Lonely Planet - Information about attractions
Karnataka
Karnataka tourism offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it one of India's most diverse travel destinations. The state is home to ancient temples, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hampi and Badami, showcasing remarkable architectural prowess. Nature enthusiasts can explore the lush landscapes of Coorg, the wildlife sanctuaries in Bandipur and Nagarhole, and the pristine beaches along the coastal region of Gokarna and Karwar. The state capital Bengaluru, known as the Silicon Valley of India, offers a vibrant urban experience with gardens, nightlife, and diverse cuisine. The state's rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its festivals, traditional crafts, and renowned classical music, making it a captivating destination for every traveller. Some ideas below
Bangalore palace
Vidhana soudha
Bangalore Fort and Tipu sultan’s Summer palace
MG road and Brigade Road Shopping
Local cuisine - try local cuisine such as bisibelebath, idli, dosa, biriyani, street food and filter coffee
Day Trip to Nandi hills and Bhoga nandeeshwar temple
Day trip to Mysore to see Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, St. Philomena’s church
Day trip to Coorg to check out the dubare elephant camp, Abbey falls, Raja’s seat
Day trip to Hampi to explore the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous attractions include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and the Stone Chariot
Day trip to Kabini wildlife sanctuary for a safari experience. The Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Nagarhole National Park and offers a chance to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife.
Some resources below to better plan your travel.
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English is widely spoken across India, particularly in Cities and urban centres. Of course, you may find this may not be the case in rural and regional places.
During your stay, we recommend getting an E-Sim for your smart phone to ensure you are connected throughout. Use the code JEEVAN6615 with Airalo for a discount!
Google Maps and Google Translate work reliably well along side Whatsapp for ongoing communications.
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Mastercard or Visa credit cards are widely accepted in India. Similarly, Apple pay and google Pay are accepted at most retailers. However smaller retailers may opt out of credit card payments due to the merchant fees. Consequently cash is still used heavily.
It is possible to exchange cash in India through banks, currency exchange centres and sometimes Hotels. They will require you to bring your passport for ID. The easiest way is to use your debit card at ATMs. Withdrawals are limited to 10,000INR, however you can make multiple sequential withdrawals. Wise provides an excellent service that facilitates currency exchange. The link facilitates a free travel card that can be used on your phone.
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Savour the diverse culinary delights, from North Indian curries and street food to South Indian dosa and seafood delicacies, ensuring to try local specialties in each region. A vast selection of cuisines, including western cuisines, can be found in urban centres.
Please be mindful that your stomach may not be used to the local bio gram. To avoid getting sick, consider washing hands before eating/drinking; sticking to bottled water; decline ice in your drinks; stick to hot foods where you can (yes that might include avoiding chutney at snack bars; f they use filtered/bottled water in food preparation, it would be safe to consume).
Consider bringing paracetamol, anti diarrhoeal medications, anti nausea medications and hydralyte on your travels. You may also consider seeing your GP for a short course of Antibiotics to take in the event you become unwell. IF you do become unwell, using medications to manage symptoms; resting and hydrating is essential. The illness is usually self limiting and should pass in a few days.
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For the the nights of the events, we are happy to look after your accommodation. For the remainder of your travel, there are numerous options available for travellers. However please be mindful that there are extra regulations (fees and paperwork) for hotels that accommodate non Indian nationals. Please make sure your hotel can accommodate your stay prior to landing in India.
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Uber and Ola work well for local travel across India. Autorickshaws are a useful option for short trips. However Autorickshaw drivers may try to avoid using the metered fare options and might not be interested in certain journeys. Using Uber or Ola will help avoid this issue.
Private taxi is also an excellent option for a day trips or long journeys. We can help facilitate this for your trip.
Intercity journeys are easiest with readily accessible flights or, if you prefer the scenic route, with intercity rail. However buying train tickets requires additional steps that may require some assistance.
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Traveling in India can be safe, but it requires awareness and precautions, like in any other country. Respect local customs, dress modestly in sacred places, and use reputable transportation methods. Avoid engaging with strangers who approach.
It's advisable to check visa requirements and stay updated on health and safety guidelines. Stay informed about local laws and customs, use trusted transportation, and avoid isolated areas at night. Keeping your belongings secure and being cautious in crowded locations can help mitigate risks. Additionally, registering with your embassy and obtaining travel insurance is wise. Overall, with the right preparation and awareness, many visitors enjoy a safe and enriching experience in India.