Explore Kerala, Jewel of South India

A journey to South India is a blend of magnificent landscapes, multiple cultures, religious fervor, and the enchanting aroma of spices. South India offers an incredible diversity that captivates its visitors. The landscapes range from paradisiacal beaches to lush mountains. The cultural richness is also impressive. One discovers millennia-old traditions, sumptuous temples, and a spicy and flavorful cuisine. The religious fervor is felt in every corner, adding a spiritual dimension to this journey. This trip promises unforgettable discoveries and a total immersion in a fascinating region.

Goa, located in the southwest of India, is the smallest state in the country, yet one of the most famous. A former Portuguese colony, Goa is renowned for its hippie vibe and white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees. If you visit Goa in February, don't miss its lively carnival. In Kerala, a cruise on the backwaters will reveal a network of natural and artificial lagoons and canals stretching over 1500 km. These peaceful cruises allow you to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Pondicherry, a former French trading post, charms with its colonial architecture. With its churches and government square, this white city is reminiscent of French coastal towns. In Pondicherry, you can admire stunning sunsets by the sea while speaking French with the locals.

Every temple in every town or village in the South celebrates its own festivals. It is highly recommended to inquire with the locals about the location of the nearest festival, as these special moments often rank among the highlights of a trip to India. Their religious nature does not prevent these celebrations from being festive. Rejoicing is generally more on the agenda than solemnity, and curious spectators are therefore welcome! Among the main festivals is Holi, the festival of colors, which celebrates the arrival of spring. For one day in March, Indians throw colored powders in front of their houses and in the streets. Atmosphere guaranteed!

The prices for this destination are an incentive to travel. Relatively low, they are accessible even with a modest budget, provided you plan the trip well, follow some local advice, and do a bit of research. Apart from the slightly expensive visa, India remains an affordable destination. Out of the tourist season, a ticket to South India can be up to 40% cheaper. It is therefore worthwhile to look for and take advantage of favorable rates. For around €600, it is possible to find round-trip tickets Paris-Mumbai, Paris-Bangalore, or Paris-Chennai.

Offering one of the most magical visions, dances play a major role in the cultural life of the region. The Bharata-natyam and Kathakali are among the oldest in the world. In the tradition of Kathakali (Kerala), halfway between dance and mime theater, dancers perform roles drawn from Hindu mythology, particularly from the two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. One of the most interesting aspects of Kathakali is its complex makeup code, which indicates the nature and characteristics of each protagonist, particularly through the colors used. The faces of noble male characters, like virtuous kings or the divine hero Rama, feature makeup dominated by green. High-born characters with a bad ancestry, such as the demon king Ravana, sport similar green makeup but with red marks on their cheeks. Extremely angry or excessively evil characters wear makeup dominated by red and a graceful red beard. Forest dwellers, such as hunters, are represented with a primarily black makeup base. Women — portrayed by men — have bright, yellowish faces. Very different but no less captivating, Bharata-natyam (Tamil Nadu) is danced by both men and women, to the sound of tabla and sometimes other instruments. In this very ancient sacred dance, each hand position and each eye movement carries meaning.

Ayurveda, "science of life" in Sanskrit, is the specialty of Kerala and is gaining more and more followers worldwide. Many patients flock to Ayurvedic centers to benefit from its health advantages in an idyllic setting. This traditional holistic medicine aims to treat the body, mind, and spirit to restore the body's balance. It uses remedies based on plants, minerals, oils, massages, and diets adapted to each individual. An in-depth treatment, such as a detoxification cure or for more serious problems, requires at least fifteen days. However, one can enjoy its benefits through massages or treatments offered in various institutes. Specialized institutes are found throughout southern India, but it is in Kerala that the most renowned centers are located.