Although French rule ended here in 1954, the small colonial city of Pondicherry is still very much under the influence – in architecture, food, and street style. The French Quarter is solidly French – right down to street names and door signs. There are many shopowners, hoteliers and restauranteurs who are French nationals and the … More Pondicherry’s spiritual aura
While Varkala is not India’s ground zero for yoga, a walk along the town’s cliff-top path will have you tripping over tanned and toned aficionados. Signs for sunrise, sunset, rooftop and beach yoga classes proliferate. “Oh right,” I thought, looking at this poster, until I saw a beautiful woman do a similar pose on the beach, … More Varkala: Where yoga meets the sea
We would have missed Munroe Island, but for the chance meeting of a fellow traveller and her heartfelt endorsement. She had just come north from staying at a nearby ashram and raved on about the beauty of the area. Canoe rides through narrow canals. Cycling on flat dirt paths by the river. Losing an … More Welcomed like family on Munroe Island
The backwaters of Kerala have been compared to the American Bayou and billed as “Venice of the East”. This area of low-lying barrier islands is linked by five lakes, 38 rivers and hundreds of canals, both natural and man-made. Kerala backwaters have been used for centuries for transportation, fishing and agriculture; the dykes built to … More Waterworld: gliding through Alleppey’s murky green canals
Our five-hour bus trip to Munnar was entertaining (non-stop Bollywood dance sequences), comfortable (clean seats, A/C) and calm (our driver drove the twisty, winding roads in a safe and gentle manner; allowing the impatient masses behind him to pass on blind corners without challenging them to a game of chicken). We left behind blistering heat … More Munnar: our first Indian hill station
We are now in sultry Kerala, one of India’s southernmost states and it is hot. The past few days have simmered in the low 30s, and a sweaty humidity has settled right in. Not that we’re complaining … We are engaging in that most Canadian of pastimes – commenting on the weather and considering what … More Feeling the heat in Fort Cochin
Oh, I know what you’re thinking,”can’t wait to hear all about the palaces.” I promise you this post will have so much more; Mysore is our first big Indian city and there are lots of interesting things to tell you about. Such as: There is no shame in pretending you are Indian royalty. As much as … More Mysore: City of Palaces
For many visitors to India, the road from Goa to Hampi is a well-trodden path, a rite of passage for the seekers and pilgrims who flock to this “unearthly landscape that has captivated travellers for centuries.” (Lonely Planet). Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which encompasses the ruins of one of India’s largest 14th … More Following the hippie trail to Hampi
There are many ways to amuse oneself on Palolem Beach – swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and dolphin watching. The beach is lined with boats ready to take tourists out for an hour-long ride – dolphins, eagel (sic) sightings and Honeymoon Bay. All this for $10 – how could we refuse? The captain of our … More Dolphins, saris and Speedos: A typical day on Palolem Beach
Swimming in the Sea of Arabia – doesn’t that sound romantic? It is exactly that – and so much more. Palolem Beach, in south Goa, is our very soft landing. We picked Palolem Beach because Lonely Planet told us it was one of Goa’s most postcard-perfect beaches. Palolem is a small town on a wide … More Goa: the shimmering jewel of the Arabian Sea
Leaving Ourselves Behind 