People react in different ways when you tell them that you’re going to India as the perception of this country is so polarised. They assume that you’ll either find yourself or that you’ll spend the trip in abject misery. If…
How to see the Hampi ruins and the bear sanctuary on a budget
Hampi is easily one of the best places to see in South India and somewhere you’ll always remember, its a beautiful setting with UNESCO-listed ruins and its a major backpacker stronghold. It’s famous as it was the last capital of…
5 reasons why getting an ‘elephant blessing’ in India is unethical
Asian elephants have been used to give elephant blessings in temples in India since 8,000 BC as a symbol of Lord Ganesha and I had no idea how common this practice was or how poorly treated they were until I…
How to see the Ajanta Caves on a backpacker budget
I enjoyed the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves and it was one of my favourite places that I visited in South India so I’m going to tell you how to see them on a backpacker budget including transport and accomodation. We got a sleeper…
5 essential things you need to know about booking transport in India
Train travel in India is a minefield and can be stressful so I’ve put together this quick and easy guide to tell you all you need to know in the least time possible, including all the links you need to…
How to spend a perfect day in Mysore/Mysuru in South India
Mysore and its palace are a highlight for many backpackers travelling around South India on a budget and I am in complete agreement which is why I’ve written this guide to spending the perfect day in this wonderful Karnataka city….
11 easy and cheap things to do in Munnar in South India
Munnar is a great South Indian hill station to visit if you’re backpacking around Kerala, if you want to kick your boots off here then here are 11 easy and cheap things to do in and around Munnar. To get…
How to see the Ellora Caves on a backpacker budget
I absolutely loved the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves and it was one of my favourite places that I visited in South India so I’m going to tell you how to see them on a backpacker budget including transport and accomodation. We…
15 things that travellers absolutely need to know about Indian culture
If you’re travelling to India, especially if you’re a woman, then these are 15 things that you need to know about India before starting your trip. India is a big country, and the North and South are different in some…
11 fun things to do in Bangalore on a backpacker budget
Bangalore is one of South India’s most cosmopolitan cities, it’s easy to get around, has great restaurants and nightlife and has great links to other places, like Gokarna and Hampi. Here are 11 fun and cheap things to do during…
Your ultimate guide to watching a Kathakali show in Kerala
When you get to Kerala, you will see photographs of brightly coloured performers in voluptuous and ornate outfits, but where can you see it, what does it mean and what are its historical origins? Watching a traditional Kathakali show was…
What I learnt from going on a tour of Mumbai’s Dharavi slum in South India
When I read about the Dharavi Slum tour I really wanted to go, which sounds like an odd thing to do as a tourist but let me explain why I visited India’s biggest slum in Mumbai and what I learnt from…