Harriet reached out to me for assistance with a two-week family adventure to India. With her husband and two teenage daughters, she wanted a mix of vibrant culture, historical treasures and unique experiences - what a fantastic family adventure...
We started our adventure in Mumbai, staying at the iconic Taj Mahal Tower. Stylish, grand and luxurious, it was the perfect base to explore the city. Our excellent guide, ably supported by a friendly driver, was knowledgeable, flexible and made every moment interesting.
From there, we flew to Kerala, and Forte Kochi quickly became our favourite hotel. The boutique heritage property had so much character, wonderful staff, and excellent food.
An evening watching Kathakali dance was unforgettable, as was watching the Kalaripayattu martial arts and our serene night aboard a houseboat in Alleppey with a great crew and fabulous food.
A nod to our guide here too – he was superb, knowledgeable, friendly and just a pleasure to be around. He shared a little about his family and life in Kerala which was incredibly interesting.
Rhythm Kumarakom offered beautiful lake views and the longest pool we’ve ever seen, while Munnar was all about tea plantations and breathtaking scenery.
Our guide, Sriraj, went above and beyond, sharing his passion for the region and keeping our girls engaged with little surprises like balloon flowers.
As we moved inland, we explored Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple, enjoyed the antique charm of The Bangala in Karaikudi, and soaked up the welcoming atmosphere at Maison Perumal in Pondicherry - such a lovely hotel.
There were lots of extras here like henna painting, arts and crafts, and a cooking demo included as standard plus use of bikes and access to the pool at the sister hotel.
Each stop brought something unique, and we were constantly amazed by the warmth of the people we met.
Our driver, Selvaraj, deserves a special mention - his insights and enthusiasm added so much to our trip. From spotting wildlife to pointing out hidden gems, he made every journey memorable.
This trip was an incredible family adventure. From Kerala’s peaceful backwaters to the vibrant streets of Pondicherry, every moment was an experience.
Thank you, Ruth.
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