18 reasons why teenagers will love South India
Over the last few years, India has really started to make a
name for itself as an exciting and family-friendly location for travellers
looking for something a little different from a traditional package holiday.
Voted India’s Best Family Destination in 2018, Kerala is
particularly family-friendly and ideal for teenagers due to the variety of
activities on offer. Alongside engaging in a different culture, they can
explore alternative lifestyles, see ancient monuments, discover wonderful
landscapes, go on a jeep safari and experience animals in the wild, try out new
sporting activities and taste new cuisine.
Kerala offers a great choice of contemporary hotels with
modern amenities including private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, swimming pools, games
rooms and Western food. The ideal time to visit Kerala is between September and
March, when the weather is at its best – perfect for Christmas, Easter and half
term holidays. Just be aware that travelling in monsoon between June and September
is not advisable.
Here are 18 of the best teenage travel ideas for South India
Adventure and
activities
Camp at Top Station
Take a break from technology and get back to nature with
mountain-top camping. Start the day with a sunrise walk amongst the wildlife before
a hearty breakfast above the clouds.
Cycle through Kerala
See the beautiful coast and hill stations on two wheels with
a cycling tour of Kerala or by hiring a bike for an hour or two. It’s the
perfect way to spot the hidden gems off the beaten track.
Surf’s up
South India is making waves when it comes to surfing,
whether it’s in the river mouth at Talakkolattur or Mahé, a popular surf destination
since the 70s.
Tea picking in Munnar
Have a go at picking tea and sample your brew on a tour of
Munnar’s tea plantations as you learn all about the process of making the
perfect cuppa.
Try a fun water
activity
Set in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, bamboo rafting is the
perfect family bonding exercise where you can learn new skills and catch a
glimpse of elephants, sambar and gaurs.
Trek through the
greenery
Trek through the beautiful Western Ghats, a stunning
mountain range with an abundance of local wildlife, for a small part or the
whole of your trip.
Wonderful wildlife
Meet Lakshmi the Elephant
For an elephant opportunity you’ll never forget, don’t miss
the chance to bathe, feed, and possibly get splashed by Lakshmi the elephant at
the Serenity resort.
Amazing National Parks
Get the binoculars out and you might spot elephants, Nilgiri
tahr and maybe an elusive tiger on an early morning trek or jeep safari through
a national park.
Culture and heritage
Colourful festivals
and events
Kerala offers diverse culture and celebrations, including
many local festivals and events including the Aranmula Boat Race on the River
Pamba and Swathi Sangeetholsavam Music Festival.
Go back in time
For the history- loving teenager, South India is jam-packed with ancient
monuments and temples dating back as far as the 7th centrury. Try one of the 7 UNESCO
world heritage sites on offer.
Meander along the backwaters
Travellers of any age will love hiring a fully crewed private
houseboat to weave through the Kerala backwaters and observe local village life
at a slower pace.
Visit a village tribe
Get a taste of tribal life by visiting a native South India
tribe in the Wayanad District to observe the concept of simple living – a far
cry from our modern luxuries.
Stay with a family
To really experience Indian life, you’ll receive the warmest
of welcomes by choosing accommodation with a family on a farm or homestay.
Fantastic food
Learn about Indian cookery
Keen teenage chefs will love learning to create tasty regional
Indian dishes with a culinary lesson in the local cuisine from a local chef.
Vegetarian and vegan
dishes
South India really is a vegan and vegetarian food heaven,
with a wide range of dishes made from a colourful mix of tasty vegetables,
fresh herbs and aromatic spices.
Relax and unwind
Endless beaches
Kerala has some great beaches where you can bask in the warmth
of the Indian sun, read under shady palms, or take part in motorised and non-motorised
watersports.
Wellness retreats
As the birthplace of Ayurveda, South India is home to many gorgeous spas and wellness retreats with massages, yoga, meditation and traditional treatments on offer.
Relax at the hotel
Kerala has wonderful resort hotels featuring swimming pools,
games rooms and a host of activities for the young and old – ideal for a day
off from all the excitement!
Create your own unforgettable family holiday by speaking to
the South India travel experts at Authentic India Tours, a fully ABTA-regulated tour
operator. Visit authenticindiatours.com for more information.