India Was Never Originally on My Travel List

I’ll be honest India was never originally at the top of my travel list.

It was always somewhere that fascinated me, but not somewhere I had plans to go to. However, after recently experiencing Southern India on an educational trip with Riviera Travel, my entire perspective completely changed. Now, it’s somewhere I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a true travel experience.

From the moment I arrived, Southern India completely immersed me in another world. The colours, the smells, the sounds, the organised chaos of the roads, the warmth of the people and the constant feeling that there was something new to discover around every corner made it unlike anywhere else I’ve ever visited.

And honestly, if it’s your first time visiting India, I genuinely think escorted touring is one of the best ways to experience it. Having everything organised for you allows you to fully relax and take everything in without worrying about logistics.

The Place That Completely Took My Breath Away

My absolute favourite moment of the trip was arriving in Thekkady and staying at Spice Village near the Periyar National Park.

After travelling through mountains, rice fields and local villages, we finally arrived at the resort hidden amongst fragrant spice gardens and tropical greenery. The hotel itself was designed like a traditional tribal village, with individual cottages spread throughout the grounds, and from the second we arrived it felt magical.

You could hear wildlife all around you, the air smelled of cardamom and spices, and the whole atmosphere felt so peaceful and immersive that I honestly remember thinking, “This feels like I’m in a film.”

The food there was incredible too. We watched a traditional dance performance and took part in a cooking demonstration where we learned how authentic Keralan curries are made and trust me, the aromas alone were unforgettable.

One tip I’d definitely give anyone visiting Kerala is to pack lightweight clothing and linen trousers, especially if you’re travelling inland or visiting national parks. It’s hot, humid and very tropical, so comfortable clothing and mosquito spray are absolute essentials.

Seeing a Completely Different Way of Life

One thing that really stayed with me throughout the trip was seeing everyday Indian life unfold around us.

Driving through the streets and villages was fascinating. Everywhere you looked there were tiny roadside markets, tuk tuks weaving through traffic, colourful shop fronts and locals sitting side-by-side selling fresh produce and spices. It felt vibrant, busy and completely full of life.

But what really struck me was how simple life can still be in some areas.

During an early morning birdwatching cruise through Kerala’s backwaters, we watched local families beginning their day beside the river fishing, washing clothes and living peacefully along the water. It really makes you appreciate what you have at home and gives you a completely different perspective on life.

Despite how simple things were, everyone seemed genuinely happy and welcoming.

My advice would be not to rush through Kerala. Take the time to really observe local life because that’s where so much of the magic of this destination actually is.

Culture Is Everywhere You Go

What I loved most about Southern India was how immersed you feel in the culture at all times.

You constantly see old traditions existing alongside modern life. Younger generations dressed in jeans walking alongside older locals wearing traditional clothing, colourful temples beside busy roads, and religion and culture woven naturally into everyday life.

We explored historic Kochi and wandered through the famous Jew Town, visiting the beautiful Paradesi Synagogue and learning about the once-thriving Jewish community that once lived there. Walking through the old streets lined with antique shops, cafés and spice stores felt like stepping back in time.

If you visit Kerala, definitely don’t skip the city tours. Exploring Kochi with a guide gave us such a deeper understanding of the history, culture and people behind the destination.

The Food Was an Experience in Itself

The food throughout the trip was another huge highlight.

Fresh curries, fragrant spices, beautiful vegetarian dishes and flavours unlike anything back home made every meal feel like part of the experience itself.

One of the most fascinating experiences was visiting a spice plantation in the Cardamom Hills and learning how cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, cloves and vanilla all grow together within the same ecosystem. The smells were absolutely incredible.

And yes… I definitely came home with spices packed in my suitcase!

One tip I’d always give for India is to try smaller portions of lots of different dishes instead of one large plate. It’s the best way to experience authentic Indian food while also being kinder on your stomach. And bottled water throughout the trip is definitely recommended too.

The Kerala Backwaters Were Pure Magic

No trip to Kerala would feel complete without experiencing the famous backwaters.

Cruising peacefully through the waterways aboard a traditional houseboat was one of the most relaxing and memorable parts of the entire trip. Watching local life along the rivers while surrounded by tropical scenery felt incredibly special and unlike anything else I’ve experienced before.

Even the early morning birdwatching cruise became one of my highlights because it allowed us to see local life in such an authentic and peaceful way.

If you can, I’d absolutely recommend staying overnight on a houseboat. It’s one of the most unique experiences Kerala has to offer.

Why Riviera Made the Experience So Easy

One thing I genuinely appreciated throughout the journey was how incredibly looked after we were.

From the moment we landed in India, Riviera Travel were there helping with everything airport arrivals, immigration, transfers, hotels and guiding us throughout the trip.

The guides were exceptional and unbelievably knowledgeable. Listening to them explain the culture, religion, traditions and local history throughout the journey added so much depth to the experience.

It allowed us to completely switch off, relax and fully immerse ourselves in the destination without having to worry about any of the logistics ourselves.

Personally, I think Southern India works perfectly as an escorted tour destination, especially for a first visit.

Who Would I Recommend Southern India To?

Southern India is perfect for:

• Couples
• Bucket-list travellers
• Culture lovers
• Nature and wildlife enthusiasts
• Travellers wanting a truly immersive experience

Personally, I think it suits adult travellers particularly well because some of the journeys between destinations can be longer, but every journey becomes part of the experience itself.

And if you love destinations that completely immerse you in local culture, Southern India will absolutely stay with you forever.

Final Thoughts

Southern India completely exceeded every expectation I had.

It’s vibrant, emotional, fascinating and unforgettable. It’s the kind of destination that changes your perspective, immerses you in another way of life and leaves you with memories that genuinely stay with you long after you return home.

From the spice plantations and wildlife of Thekkady to the peaceful Kerala backwaters and colourful streets of Kochi, this was a journey I’ll never forget.

And now, having experienced it for myself, it’s somewhere I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a truly unforgettable adventure.

If Southern India has ever been on your radar, Louise Seymour would love to help you experience this unforgettable destination for yourself ✈️

An exclusive Special Offer – Southern India’s Coastal Route 🌴

🇮🇳 Save 10% on 2027 & 2028 departures
🇮🇳 Book today with just a £99 deposit

What’s Included

• ✈️ Return flights from London
• 🏨 13 nights in handpicked 3–5⭐ accommodation
• 🎟️ 12 included experiences & excursions
• 🍳 Daily breakfast
• 🍛 3 lunches & 4 dinners
• 👨‍💼 Expert Tour Manager throughout
• 🧳 Checked luggage included

Tour Highlights

• 🏰 Explore Chennai’s historic Fort St George
• 🛕 Visit Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai
• 🛺 Experience a tuk tuk ride through Madurai
• 🚤 Cruise Kerala’s peaceful backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat
• 🌿 Visit Periyar National Park
• 🌶️ Tour a stunning spice plantation
• 🌊 Discover historic Cochin on the Malabar Coast
• 🏛️ Explore UNESCO World Heritage temples
• 🏡 Discover the fascinating Chettinad region

2027 Prices From Heathrow

• 20 Jan — £3,209pp
• 24 Feb — £3,249pp
• 31 Mar — £2,999pp
• 22 Sep — £3,099pp
• 20 Oct — £3,099pp
• 17 Nov — £3,099pp

2028 Prices

• 26 Jan — £3,039pp
• 23 Feb — £2,959pp
• 22 Mar — £2,759pp
• 12 Apr — £2,759pp

Subject to availability. Based on 2 adults sharing. Book by 27/05/2026.