Alison has been obsessed with India for as long as she can remember and, for years, it held spot #1 on her countries to visit list. In 2011, Andrew had the opportunity to work from his former company’s India office, so we planned a two-week trip combining work and pleasure.
Friends in Bangalore invited us to stay at their home, giving us a unique insight into modern Indian life. We had great tour guides who also came to our rescue when Andrew got sick. They also organised an incredible trip for us for our second week in India.
First, the four of us flew to Goa, to explore the beaches, markets, and a bit of nightlife. Then, they headed home and we continued on to Kerala. This magical province was the highlight of an already amazing trip. Not only was our hotel outstanding, but we spent a fascinating morning exploring Kerala’s Backwaters on a traditional houseboat.
While motorhoming around India may not be practical (and yes, we have thought about it), we’re ready to return and see more of Incredible India by whatever method possible.
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Intricate carvings in the Veerabhadra temple, Lepakshi
One of the highlights of our recent travel to India was visiting some of the spectacular Hindu temples. While staying in Bangalore, I was invited to join a girls-only outing to Lepakshi, to visit the 16th-century Veerabhadra temple.
Nirvana – The Taj Kumarakom
Our luxury experience at the Taj Kumarakom Hotel in Kerala, India was a resort stay we’ll never forget.
Candolim Beach, Goa, India
For many, Goa, India still conjures up images of hippies, all-night raves, drugs and drunken debauchery. This side of Goa still exists, or so I’m told, but it’s certainly not the Goa we experienced. For us, Goa was a place of laid-back relaxation, fresh seafood and drinks on endless sandy beaches. In a word, Goa was restorative, but not without its own lessons on surrendering to India.
Purple Jacaranda trees in Cubbon Park
Despite being India’s 3rd most populated city, Bangalore is not typically on the tourist trail. That doesn’t mean you should overlook it as a place to visit.
Sound OK Horn
“This guy could kill us, take all of our stuff, dump us and no one would ever find our bodies.” Even while saying this to Andrew, in the back of our cab, I was oddly zen about the whole situation. Andrew merely nodded in agreement. He too was decidedly blasé about our impending doom.
Parliament Building in Bangalore and the city’s never-ending construction work
The country’s new tourism slogan is Incredible India. I’ve seen it in travel magazine ads and on TV for the past couple of years. It wasn’t until I visited that I truly got it.
