Destinations
Destinations
India is a magnificent, magical subcontinent with lots to explore and experience. On our most recent adventure we spent a day in Delhi and then flew to Chennai (which was called Madras in the days of the British Raj) for 14 wonderful days in the Southeast. We hugged the Coronamandel Coast before heading inland to Madurai, the City of Temples, and Munnar, a small town nestled among the tea plantations of the Western Ghats mountains. We then journeyed west to the state of Kerala for an idyllic houseboat cruise along the Backwaters and concluded our trip in the fishing villages and city of Kochi on the Arabian Sea. On this page we give you the scoop on our each of destinations so you can start planning your own magical adventure. Check our Wing Vlogs in this website to experience them camera-close for yourself!
Delhi
This bustling metropolis is actually two cities, Old Delhi and New Delhi. The Old city is a labyrinth of narrow streets and shops bounded by ancient mosques, all bathed in a mythic atmosphere of sound and color. In contrast, New Delhi is wide and gracious with tree-lined streets over which preside palatial government buildings that still speak of the British Raj that constructed them. A third Delhi (part of the new city) is comprised of contemporary hotels and offices to rival those in any modern city. But don't dismiss this area out of hand—you'll find upscale hotels just 10 minutes from the state-of-the-art airport and excellent restaurants in nearby Connaught Place. And you never know what you might see—we spotted a Rajasthani trader riding one camel with another in tow sharing the road with late-model cars.
Mahabalipuram
A charming small town bordering the beach, Mahabalipuram is remarkable for its seventh century temple complex. In all, there are 14 cave temples, nine monolithic sculptures, three stone temples and two relief-sculpture rock panels. The detail is remarkable and it all feels very people-sized and friendly. When we visited, the site was peppered with adorable children, dogs and goats. What's not to love?
Auroville
Auroville is tucked off the beaten path in the Sadhana Forest. Founded in 1969 as a global ideal of a utopian community, its inauguration was attended by 5,000 people including representatives of 125 countries. Today it still attracts a sizable following. The highlight is the golden sphere housing a meditation center but there are also a restaurant, outdoor cafe, visitors center and gift shop, and a festive air pervades. You can enter the sphere only with prior permission but you can see it from a viewing platform after walking a mile through the woods (or you can hop on a shuttle bus).
Pondicherry
A decidedly French vibe permeates the historic section of Pondicherry, which was under France's rule for centuries. You'll see it in the architecture, the street signs and the all-around Gallic ambiance. There are lots of trendy restaurants and the kilometer-and-a-half long Promenade Beach adds a holiday air. (Don't expect to see throngs of the swimsuit-clad; Indians are much more circumspect.)
More Destinations Coming Soon
Including:
Kumbakonam
Chettinadu
Madurai
Munnar
Thekkady
Alleppey
Kochi