Travel Category

Tamil Nadu is a land where history, culture, architecture, and cuisine come together in a fascinating blend. On my recent journey through this vibrant state, I explored the bustling city of Chennai, the ancient shore temples of Mahabalipuram, the charming French quarters of Pondicherry, the magnificent temples of Tanjore and Trichy, the heritage mansions of Chettinad, and the timeless cultural heart of Madurai. 

Each destination offered a unique glimpse into Southern India’s rich legacy, from centuries-old monuments and sacred temples to coastal landscapes, colorful streets, and unforgettable local flavors. This travelogue captures the highlights, experiences, and memories from an incredible journey across one of India’s most captivating states. 

I flew from Delhi to Chennai to join a group of travel agents from the UK, who had also landed in Chennai in the early hours of the same day. We all met up later in the morning, and our exciting FAM trip kicked off with a short sightseeing tour of Chennai. The tour included visits to San Thome Cathedral, St. Mary's Church, and the Fort Museum, giving us a great introduction to the city's rich history and heritage.

After the tour, we headed back to our hotel, the Taj Connemara, a beautiful property full of character, history, and old-world charm. Early evening, we decided it was time to explore Chennai's food scene.  For dinner, we visited Geetham, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its authentic South Indian cuisine. From flavourful dosas to delicious local specialties, the meal was fantastic and a great way to end our first day in the city. 

The next day, we headed to Pondicherry (or Puducherry as it is now called), en route stopping at the centuries-old temples of Mahabalipuram, which truly felt like being in an open-air museum. Every step through Mahabalipuram revealed yet another masterpiece carved by hand centuries ago. After exploring the shore temples of Mahabalipuram, we continued our journey to Pondicherry and reached by early afternoon. Pondicherry was a French colony till 1954, and parts of the city still retain the French flavor.

We spent the rest of the day sightseeing, covering Auroville, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Pondicherry Museum, and a paper factory. Since it was a Sunday, the town was buzzing with tourists everywhere. Our stay was at Palais de Mahe, set in the French part of town, which itself had become a bit of a popular photo stop, with people actually queueing up outside to click pictures of its beautiful façade. In the evening, we took a short drive to Maison Perumal, a sister property of Palais de Mahe, located in the Tamil quarters, for a lovely and relaxed dinner, the perfect end to a busy but beautiful day. 

The next day, we drove to Kumbakonam, a beautiful town that serves as a perfect base for exploring nearby temple towns of Tanjore and Trichy. Our stay was at Mantra Koodam, a tranquil resort that blends modern comfort with plenty of in-house activities, making it a relaxing and immersive experience. Later in the afternoon, we drove to Tanjore and explored the sights there, including the 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswara Temple, which stands tall as a timeless bridge between divine devotion and human craftsmanship.  In the evening, we enjoyed a fun bullock cart ride through the village, which was a real highlight. We then wrapped up the day with dinner at Aatrupaduthal, an open-air live kitchen dining experience that made the evening even more memorable. 

After enjoying several cups of the famous Kumbakonam degree coffee, the next day we travelled to Chettinad, en route stopping at the spectacular Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy. After the visit, we continued our journey to Chettinad, a region well known for its grand heritage mansions and aromatic cuisine.  Once there, we took part in a cooking lesson and also enjoyed a short walk through the quiet village, passing several beautifully preserved Chettinad mansions along the way. 

The next day, we woke up early for a cycling ride through Chettinad’s villages, which was truly a great experience. Our next destination was Madurai, one of India’s oldest cities, famous for the spectacular Meenakshi Amman Temple. We arrived by afternoon and set out for a sightseeing tour of Madurai, covering the Tirumala Nayakkar Palace and, of course, the Meenakshi Temple, before heading back to our hotel, The Gateway Madurai, for dinner. 

The following day, we took an early morning flight back to Delhi and bid farewell to our Tamil Nadu adventure. 

This Tamil Nadu trip was fast-paced but incredibly rewarding. In just a few days, we experienced a wonderful mix of heritage, culture, temples, villages, and authentic local cuisine. 

From Chennai’s colonial charm to Mahabalipuram’s open-air wonders, the peaceful vibes of Pondicherry, the cultural richness of Kumbakonam and Tanjore, the heritage of Chettinad, and finally the spiritual aura of Madurai, every destination had its own unique story to tell.

It was a packed itinerary with just one night in each place, but every bit of it was worth it. It was a truly enriching journey.

By Atul Shrivastava

The Easter long weekend combined with another Indian national holiday was a perfect opportunity for me to travel to two of Central India’s gems --- Bandhavgarh and Khajuraho. The Bandhavgarh National Park is one of India’s best known Tiger Reserves , and Khajuraho is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Chandela Temples as well as being in close proximity to the Panna National Park. 

What prompted me to take this trip, and to particularly combine these two destinations , was not only the fact that they are both in Central India, not too far from each other, but also the fact, that the Oberoi Group  has recently opened their resorts in both these locations. The Oberoi Vindhyavilas in Bandhavgarh opened it’s doors during the last year, and the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho only opened it’s doors earlier this year. 

First stop Bandhavgarh , which was a bit of a long journey, with first a short flight from Delhi to Jabalpur , and then a 4 hour car journey to the Oberoi Vindhyavilas.  The fatigue of the journey went away rather quickly once we  arrived at the Vindhyavilas, which is a oasis of luxury just a few minutes from the entrance to the National Park.  Beautifully appointed luxury tents and villas , spread in acres of forested greenery , with a beautiful pool and great food !  What more could one ask for !  The icing on the cake were the two safaris in to the National Park the following day, on which we were lucky to spot tigers on both occasions.  Nothing quite beats the experience of spotting tigers in the wild !  Time between the safaris was well spent between the outdoor pool and the spa, and proved to be relaxing , inspite of the hectic safari schedules.

After two wonderful days in Bandhavgarh, we made our way to the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace in Khajuraho, which was about a 5 hour car journey from Bandhavgarh. Not really the finest highway in India , but comfortable enough regardless. Getting to the Rajgarh Palace was a wow moment --- the beautiful 200+ year old Palace having been meticulously restored by the Oberoi Group surpassed our expectations in every way.  The two beautiful swimming pools, and the wonderful tented spa (not to talk of the extremely warm temperature) at the hotel tempted us not to venture out at all, but , we did so. 

Time spent at the Chandela temples of Khajuraho, which were just a short 25 minute drive away was well worth it, with the intricately carved Chandela Temples always a awe inspiring sight.  The temples are divided in to the Eastern Group and the Western Group of Temples – over 4 hours, we were able to do both , and inspite of the 40C day temperature, we loved the morning. We were managed to fit in a safari in to the Panna National Park, which is just a 8 minute drive away from the Oberoi Rajgarh Palace. 

The Tiger population in this park has risen substantially during the last few years thanks to the conservation efforts, and we were lucky to spot a tiger within the first 30 minutes of entering the park.  What makes the Panna National Park more attractive (other than good tiger sightings there) is also the fact that the Ken river flows through it, and lots of wildlife can be spotted along it’s shores. 

Some trips stay on your bucket list for years. This was one of them.

About 11 years ago, I visited Mysore and Kabini on a FAM trip and promised myself that I would return someday. I also wanted to explore Coorg and Neeleshwar, but life had other plans. What I thought might happen in a year or two ended up taking more than a decade. Eleven years later, I finally made that long-awaited journey a reality with my family.

We flew into Bangalore and then drove about four hours to Mysore, a city that proudly showcases its royal heritage. Since it was a Sunday, in the evening, we headed to Mysore Palace for its famous evening illumination. Every Sunday, nearly 95,000 bulbs light up the palace creating a magical sight.

The next day, we began with a visit to the revered Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, where the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views of Mysore set a serene tone for the day. After spending time at the temple, we drove down to Mysore Palace to admire its grandeur in daylight.

Later we headed to Kabini (Nagarhole National Park), where we enjoyed every bit of our stay at Evolve Back Kabini. From a traditional tribal dance performance and a coracle ride to a sunset cruise and cycling along the banks of the Kabini River, there was plenty to keep us engaged. We were lucky to get a Safari slot at the last minute, and were even lucky to spot a Tiger in Nagarhole.  The Nagarhole National Park has a very good Tiger population, and plenty of other wildlife species including as a large population of Elephants, Gaur, Wild Dogs and Leopards and other mammals.

Our next stop was Coorg, where we stayed for two nights at the Evolve Back Coorg, nestled amid hundreds of acres of lush coffee plantations. It was an incredible place, and we absolutely loved our room—a sprawling 4,000 sq. ft Villa with a private pool. The resort offered a variety of in-house activities, and we enjoyed several of them while taking time to unwind. We also visited Bylakuppe, home to the largest Tibetan settlement in India, which added a unique cultural dimension to our stay.

The last stop was Neeleshwar, along the untouched coastline of North Kerala. After days of travel and exploration, it was time to slow down and simply unwind by the sea. We spent the last two days in complete relaxation—long walks on the quiet beach, watching the waves roll in, and soaking in the unhurried rhythm of coastal life. The golden sunsets were a highlight, turning the sky into soft shades of orange and pink as the day gently faded away. It felt like the perfect pause at the end of a journey that had been over a decade in the making, and the Neeleshwar Hermitage was a perfect place to end the trip.

By Atul Shrivastava

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Varanasi and Bandhavgarh along with a group of Travel Agents from overseas. This was my first visit to both destinations, and they had been on my bucket list for quite some time. I am delighted to say that the experience exceeded all expectations and was truly worth the wait.

We arrived in Varanasi around lunchtime on the first day, where our hotel was the Taj Ganges, a beautiful 5-star hotel, not too far away from the old city and the ghats. After a couple of hours of rest at the hotel, we headed out for a sunset boat ride on the River Ganges, followed by the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat. The boat ride offered a fascinating glimpse into life along the ghats. On one side, we witnessed devotees taking holy dips in the Ganges, performing rituals, and conducting pooja ceremonies. On the other, we observed funeral pyres burning at the cremation ghats. At one point, five or six cremations were taking place simultaneously. Our guide explained that Varanasi is unique in that cremations are performed around the clock, unlike most Hindu traditions where cremations are generally not conducted after sunset.

Following the boat ride, we disembarked at Dashashwamedh Ghat to witness the evening Ganga Aarti. It was truly an out-of-this-world experience. The beautifully choreographed ceremony, accompanied by chants, music, and synchronized rituals, lasted nearly three hours. The ghats were packed with visitors, and our guide mentioned that most of the crowd consisted of tourists rather than local residents. Nevertheless, it is an experience that everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime.

The following morning, we embarked on a dawn boat ride at around 4:30 am. This experience was completely different from the previous evening. The river was calm and peaceful, while devotees quietly performed their morning prayers and rituals. The serenity of the Ganges at sunrise was breathtaking. Adding to the magical atmosphere were musicians on board, whose melodious tunes perfectly complemented the tranquil surroundings.

After the boat ride, we disembarked at Manikarnika Ghat and began a walking tour through the old city. The narrow lanes were bustling with activity and offered a fascinating insight into the daily life of Varanasi. During the walk, we saw the Kashi Vishwanath Temple (one of the holiest shrines for Hindu devotees) from the outside. Long queues of devotees waited patiently for their turn to enter and offer prayers. As some members of our group were non-Hindus, we did not enter the temple and instead admired its significance from outside before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

We also visited Sarnath, which is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Visiting the museum and learning about the life and teachings of Buddha was a wonderful experience. Sarnath is undoubtedly a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Varanasi.

The next morning, we departed for Bandhavgarh. The journey took approximately seven hours, thanks to the improved road conditions. Upon arrival, we checked into the Oberoi Vindhyavilas, which I believe is one of the finest and most luxurious properties in the region. The service, food, ambience, and overall hospitality were exceptional and among the best I have experienced anywhere.

The following day, we enjoyed two jungle safaris. Our morning safari in the Magadhi Zone did not bring us any tiger sightings, which was slightly disappointing. However, the afternoon safari in the Tala Zone more than made up for it. We were fortunate enough to spot four tigers, making the visit truly memorable and fulfilling the main purpose of our trip to Bandhavgarh.

The trip ended with the drive to Jabalpur Airport for the flight back to Delhi. As the trip came to an end, I reflected on the remarkable contrast between the spiritual energy of Varanasi and the wilderness of Bandhavgarh. Together, they offered a unique combination of culture, history, spirituality, and wildlife.

This journey was everything I had hoped for and more. If you are looking for an experience that combines India's rich spiritual heritage with its incredible natural beauty, I would highly recommend including both Varanasi and Bandhavgarh in your travel plans.

By Ashu Gupta, June 2026

India, a land of sensory overload, is best experienced at a slower pace. Walking tours offer a unique opportunity to truly connect with the country's vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. Here's a more detailed look at some of the best walking tours India has to offer:

Heritage Walks in Historic Cities:

Old Delhi: Imagine yourself transported back in time as you navigate the labyrinthine lanes of Old Delhi. This is a sensory explosion, with the aroma of spices mingling with the sounds of bustling markets and the sight of ancient havelis (traditional mansions). A walking tour here is not just about sightseeing; it's about experiencing the soul of Delhi.

Jaipur: The Pink City comes alive on foot. As you stroll through its streets, you'll be captivated by the architectural marvels that dot the landscape. From the majestic City Palace to the astronomical wonders of Jantar Mantar, each structure tells a story of Rajput grandeur. Don't forget to explore the vibrant bazaars, where you can find everything from colorful textiles to intricate handicrafts.

Varanasi: Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is a city that pulsates with life and energy. A walk along the ghats (riverfront steps) is an experience in itself. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, where priests offer prayers to the holy river, and explore the ancient temples that line the banks. The narrow lanes of the old city are also worth exploring, where you can discover hidden gems and interact with the locals.

Mumbai: Mumbai, the "City of Dreams," is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Explore the historic heart of the city, encountering colonial architecture like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the iconic Gateway of India, a symbol of Mumbai's maritime history, and the serene beauty of Marine Drive, offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. A walking tour allows you to experience the pulse of Mumbai firsthand, encountering its diverse cultures, rich history, and the ever-present spirit of resilience.

Kolkata: A Kolkata heritage walk offers a captivating journey through time, exploring the city's rich history and architectural grandeur. Wander through colonial-era landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and St. Paul's Cathedral, marvel at the intricate details of Victorian mansions, and delve into the vibrant local culture in bustling markets and vibrant neighborhoods. These walks provide a unique perspective on Kolkata's past, revealing hidden stories and offering a deeper appreciation for this fascinating city.

Goa: Beyond the beaches, Goa has a rich Portuguese heritage waiting to be discovered. Explore the historic churches and mansions of Old Goa, wander through the colorful markets, and savor the region's unique cuisine, a blend of Indian and Portuguese flavors.

Pondicherry: This charming coastal town in Tamil Nadu offers a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. Stroll along the promenade, explore the French Quarter with its colonial architecture, and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, a spiritual community.

Kochi: Kochi's charm lies in its diverse cultural tapestry, evident in places like Jew Town and the iconic Chinese Fishing Nets. Jew Town, with its narrow lanes lined with antique shops and the magnificent Synagogue, offers a glimpse into the city's rich Jewish heritage. Meanwhile, the Chinese Fishing Nets, a unique fishing technique introduced centuries ago, stand as a testament to Kochi's maritime history, offering a picturesque backdrop against the setting sun.

Food Walks for Culinary Adventures:

Old Delhi: Old Delhi is a food lover's paradise. A food walk here is a must, where you can sample a variety of street food delights. From spicy chaat to delectable sweets, the options are endless. Be sure to try the local favorites, like parathe (stuffed flatbreads) and jalebis (sweet fried dough).

Mumbai: Mumbai's food scene is as diverse as its population. A food walk here can take you from the iconic vada pav (potato fritter sandwich) to flavorful seafood dishes. Explore the city's many street food stalls and restaurants, and discover hidden gems serving up culinary delights.

Kolkata: Kolkata is known for its rich culinary heritage. A food walk here will introduce you to the city's delectable Bengali cuisine. Sample traditional dishes like fish curry, biryani, and rasgulla (syrup-filled cheese balls). Don't forget to try the local favorite, kati roll (a wrap filled with meat or vegetables).

Planning Your Walking Tour:

Choose your destination: Consider your interests and fitness level when selecting a walking tour.

Check the itinerary: Ensure the tour covers the attractions and experiences you're interested in.

Pack appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and sunscreen, and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Be prepared for crowds: Indian cities can be crowded, so be patient and respectful of the local culture.

Embrace the experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture, interact with the people, and savor the unique flavors of India.